Bourbon For Beginners

Whether you’re brand new to the Bourbon experience or you just want to get back to the basics, there’s a bottle with your name on it at Colonial. Here are my picks in the value, choice and splurge categories.

Old Grand Dad

Inspired by the original recipe of Basil Hayden Sr., this bourbon uses a higher rye content to give a spicy clove and cinnamon mix complimenting the light sweet vanilla notes.

Old Forester 100 Proof

Spicy and robust, Old Forester’s 100 proof Bourbon is wonderful sipped neat or in an Old Fashioned. It’s a bartender’s favorite for good reason.

Woodford Reserve

Here’s one you may already have tried; although it’s only been around since the mid-90s, Woodford Reserve has become very popular. Floral, fruity and sweet.

Knob Creek 9 Year Old

Aged 9 years, this expression of Knob Creek is 100 proof but doesn’t sip like it! Vanilla and caramel notes carry to a satisfying finish, just right for full flavor fans.

Four Roses Small Batch Select

Four Roses makes some of the top Bourbons in their class. The Small Batch Select features fruit and vanilla flavors with a finish of spearmint and cinnamon.

Noah's Mill

Made by the Willett Distillery, Noah's Mill is a relative necomer to Arkansas. This bourbon is awash in flavors of walnut, spice, and burnt caramel.

These Bourbons each have unique qualities that make great starting points for beginners. Our shelves are full of fascinating expressions of the distiller’s craft. Come in and look for any of our Celebration Specialists to help kick start your Bourbon journey.