How to drink bourbon as a beginner

rocks. Makers is very sweet, good for a beginner.

Love this question. You admitted to not being that into bourbon so I'm going to go ahead and suggest maker's and ginger ale. In my mind this is "how to drink bourbon as a beginner." I know plenty of people that have been drinking this for years.

Basil Hayden's imo is the best gateway bourbon as it has less of that 'medicine' taste too it. On the rocks, let the ice melt a little bit to dilute it before drinking. This is how I started with bourbon, now I love it, couldn't stand bourbon when I was first introduced to it.

Probably rocks or with a bit of water.

Conne's favorite recipe:

Step 1 - pour 1.5 oz of bourbon in a glass
Step 2 - add 5 more oz of bourbon to the same glass
Step 3 - drink
Repeat as necessary.

But seriously, try taking very small sips of it by itself or on the rocks.

On the rocks is good. The ice will melt and water it down, bringing out the taste/smell nuances.

I often recommend Evan Williams as a starter bourbon. It's a prototypical bourbon, not surprising, since they're the first distillery that made the stuff. And it does well in blind tests against stuff twice the price. Then pour, and sip. Rocks if you haven't done any straight liquor before, or perhaps as a cocktail like an old fashioned or a manhattan. Eventually, you'll want to move to the nice snifters and drink it warmed in the palm of your hand, straight. Or at least, you'll be able to do that.

I ve been trying to get into scotch/whiskey/bourbon myself. Here is how i've been doing it. 1. get a whiskey glass full of ice 2. add 1 - 2 fingers of bourbon/scotch/whiskey 3. once 1 - 2 fingers is becomes tolerable and enjoyable either begin with an extra finger of alcohol or less ice hope that makes sense and works, ideas is to eventually drink it straight or with a few small pieces of ice Enjoy! PS: good scotch, not too expensive (about $25) = Glenlevitt 12

While not exactly what you asked for, I'd strongly also recommend trying out the Old-fashioned cocktail (for which Makers works very well). http://www.esquire.com/features/drin...?click=main_sr I used to drink only scotch, but the Old-fashioned got me interested in bourbon. Nowadays I enjoy bourbon straight most of the time, but when I get a cocktail, it's still more often than not the Old-Fashioned.

Fixed that for you.

These are great questions...."how do I drink booze???"

Helicopter parenting FTW.

have used http://www.amazon.com/Rocks-Whiskey-...pr_product_top to help me get used to drinking bourbon or scotch straight...wife bought these for me a while back ...They don't make the drink ice cold, they just chill it slightly. Also remove some of the overpowering aroma and make it smoother going down. I"m not sure if there is a less expensive option or what, but like I say these were a gift and do the job. They don't flavor the liquor at all though which is nice

Either in a shaker, or on the rocks (simpler).

A couple of dashes of bitters

1 Pony sweet vermouth

1 Jigger + 1 Pony Makers Mark

Stir (even if you're using a shaker, STIR until ice cold) and strain into a martini glass , or enjoy on the rocks. I personally avoid the super-sweet cherry as garnish in favor of a frozen blackberry or two. It helps to keep the cocktail cold, and tastes great when you've finished the drink.

This is a Manhattan, FYI.