Thread: Whats a good bourbon or scotch?

So I like my alcohols. Mostly beer and rum (not the girly kind but the real stuff) and gin. However the whiskey family is not a group that I have really gotten into too much. I have of course had the Jack and coke and or Jim and coke. But never really drank them straight. I was wondering what would be a good bourbon or scotch to start out with as a beginner that doesn't really know the nuances of these liquors yet.

Really they are two very different animals, but a good entry to either might be Maker's Mark Bourbon, and Johnny Walker Black for scotch. Both are very good, easy-drinking options that also aren't too expensive. If you develop a taste for high-end, small batch bourbon or single malt scotch, you'll spend a lot more money (but I'll usually splurge on something nice near the holidays-see the Scotch Of The Day thread for ideas).

Knob Creek

I find Four Roses small batch bourbon to be very smooth and drinkable.
Buffalo Trace I quite liked as well
Just my .02
Mike

So far my favorites are Elmer T Lee, Blanton, Elijah Craig, Pappy van Winkle, (if you're fortunate to find a bottle) and Buffalo Trace. These are all bourbons and I have to admit most were recommended to me by our very own Lynn.

I've heard good things about Pappy VanWinkel and Elijah Craig ... must try
The jury is still out of Angel's Envy. I've only had one glass so far but i liked it. I need more testing
Mike

Makers Mark and Knob Creek are my go to bourbons. Prefer it neat myself, but to each their own.

+1 knob creek

Makers mark or Woodford reserve for bourbon and best bang for the buck Macallan 12. The 18 is the bomb but that's $160 or so. Glenfiddich 12 or 15. There are lots of others. As far as hangovers go, YMMV!

For Bourbon I'd recommend Woodford Reserve (my fav) and for Scotch a good entry level would be The Glenlivet or Highland Park.

BTW, whatever you do, STAY OUT of the Scotch/Whiskey of the Day thread! You'll go broke trying to keep up with all our suggestions