How to Drink Bourbon:
 A Beginner’s Guide

Bourbon carries a rich history, bold flavors, and a reputation as a classic American whiskey and spirit.

For beginners, stepping into the world of bourbon can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to discover a drink with depth and variety.

This guide breaks down the top ways to drink bourbon with expert tips so you’ll be sipping in style.

Table of Contents

• What is Bourbon?
• The Best Ways to Enjoy Bourbon
• Starting Your Bourbon Journey
• Other Bourbon Drinking & Tasting Tips

What is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, primarily distilled from a mash made of at least 51% corn. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less and stored in charred new oak barrels at 125 proof or less without any additives.

While there is no minimum aging requirement, bourbon aged fewer than four years must have an age statement on its label. To be classified as "straight bourbon," it must be aged for a minimum of two years.

The Best Ways to Enjoy Bourbon

Neat

Drinking bourbon neat means enjoying it at room temperature without any added water or ice. Get your glass and grab your bourbon from the shelf and pour.

This route allows you to fully experience the spirit’s flavors, aromas, and texture as the distiller intended. When sipped neat, the drink retains its full intensity so you can fully explore its character and depth. Each flavor on the nose, palette, and finish will be easiest to distinguish when neat.

If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, this is typically the preferred way to enjoy it.

However, if you’re a beginner, you may find it a bit overwhelming, especially if it has a higher proof (above 100). If you’re starting out, we recommend going with a lower-proof bourbon (80-90 proof) to make the experience more approachable.

Taster’s Tip: Start by smelling the bourbon. Bring the glass to your nose and inhale lightly. You should be able to note the key aromas. Sip slowly and let the bourbon coat your palate, revealing its layers of flavor over time.

Check out our Top 10 Best Sipping Whiskey to Try.

On the Rocks

Looking for a more refreshing approach that’s typically a favorite among casual bourbon drinkers or newcomers?

“On the rocks” means adding ice. Drinking bourbon on the rocks is a great way to cool things down and soften the boldness of the spirit. As the ice melts, it slightly dilutes the bourbon.

This dilution softens the sharpness of the spirit, allowing certain flavors to emerge more subtly. For instance, notes of sweetness, vanilla, or fruit may become more pronounced, while the heat of the alcohol is subdued.

It’s refreshing, approachable, and still lets you enjoy the bourbon’s character.

Taster’s Tip: Ideally, use large and clear ice cubes. They melt more slowly, keeping your drink chilled without overly diluting the flavors. This works well for bourbons that have a higher proof. As the ice will balance out the boldness.

With a Splash of Water

Surprisingly enough, adding a splash of water to your bourbon is a time-tested way of revealing new flavor profiles and layers.

When water is added, it interacts with the bourbon’s compounds, releasing more aromas and flavors that may have been masked at full strength. This way of enjoying bourbon is common with higher proof bottles. It helps to reduce the heat and make the drink more approachable, without losing its character.

For beginners, this is an excellent way to ease into bourbon. A few drops of water can soften the experience while building upon the specific bottle’s notes.

For experienced drinkers, adding water can deepen the tasting experience by revealing notes that may be missed when drinking neat.

Taster’s Tip: Add water very sparingly, just a few drops at a time. Remember to taste as you go to find the perfect balance. This is a great way to test how a specific bourbon’s flavors transform.

In Cocktails

Bourbon’s versatility makes it an excellent base for cocktails, should you want to experience the rich profiles of bourbon with something more sweet or fruity.

Classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour are perfect choices, as they highlight the spirit’s unique profile while making it accessible and enjoyable.

Cocktails are a fantastic starting point with bourbon for beginners. The added ingredients balance out the bourbon’s intensity while still showing off its character.

For experienced bourbon drinkers, a cocktail offers a creative way to enjoy the spirit in new and exciting forms. The right cocktail can accentuate specific flavors, too.

Taster’s Tip: Use a mid-priced bourbon for cocktails—something with balanced flavors that can shine through without being overshadowed by the mixers. We recommend using a Bourbon with a slightly higher proof, as it holds up better when diluted with other ingredients.

Need Help in Where to Start Your Bourbon Journey?

Finding the right bourbon whiskey that perfectly suits your palate doesn’t have to be some difficult or expensive journey.

By joining The Monthly Bourbon Club from Taster's Club, this subscription service introduces you to an incredible variety of bourbons, ranging from timeless classics to rare and unique expressions.

Each month, you’ll receive a thoughtfully curated bottle, accompanied by fascinating insights into bourbon, its distillery, and production techniques.

Other Bourbon Drinking & Tasting Tips

Feeling overwhelmed with all the options? Here’s how to make the best choices as you begin your bourbon journey:

Find Good Bottle Value

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy excellent bourbon. There are plenty of great options out there that won’t break the bank. For example, our experts here at Taster’s Club regularly feature the best bourbons under $50 and best bourbons under $100. Check out these curated selections of quality bottles that balance flavor and value.

Some beginner-friendly brands that offer value include Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig, to name a couple. These bourbons offer exceptional quality and flavor profiles at reasonable price points, making them ideal for building your palate.

Taster’s Tip: If you’re experimenting and still figuring out your favorites, consider starting with 375ml bottles. Or, if you want to get value and great variety, the 3-month subscriptions for The Bourbon Club offers an amazing gifting experience.

Make Something You’ll Like

By law, Scotch must be aged for at least three years, though many of the best Scotch whiskies age for 10, 12, or even up to 25 years. During this time, the whisky absorbs flavors from the wood barrels. Distilleries often use oak barrels that were previously seasoned with bourbon, sherry, or other spirits, adding unique notes to the Scotch. Generally, the longer a Scotch ages in quality barrels, the richer, smoother, and more balanced its flavors become.

Discover Bourbon like an Expert

Bourbon is fun to explore. Start by deciding how you’d like to enjoy your first glass. Neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, and take your time discovering which types and brands you love.

Whether you’re a beginner or just buying a gift for the bourbon lover in your life, there’s something magical about the first sip of a well-made bourbon.