Building a Bourbon Collection: 10 Must-Have Bottles and Innovative Blends to Start with.

Whether you're a bourbon beginner or a seasoned sipper, curating the right bottles at the start of your collection sets the tone for an enjoyable, educational journey. This guide covers two essential categories: classic bourbons to build your foundation and innovative blending house selections that represent the future of American whiskey.

Part 1: 10 Classic Bourbons to Start Your Collection

1. Buffalo Trace

A balanced bourbon with notes of vanilla, caramel, and light spice. Ideal for beginners and collectors alike.

Image: Buffalo Trace Bottle

2. Maker's Mark

A smooth, sweet wheated bourbon known for its iconic red wax seal.

Image: Maker’s Mark Bottle

3. Wild Turkey 101

High-proof and bold with strong spice and toffee notes.

Image: Wild Turkey 101

4. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond

100-proof, quality-focused bourbon offering classic flavors at a great value.

Image: Evan Williams BIB

5. Four Roses Small Batch

A complex blend featuring red fruit and baking spice.

Image: Four Roses Small Batch

6. Elijah Craig Small Batch

Balanced flavors of oak, caramel, and spice.

Image: Elijah Craig

7. Old Forester 100 Proof

Rich and assertive, great for sipping or cocktails.

Image: Old Forester 100

8. Knob Creek 9 Year

Aged longer, delivering full-bodied depth and boldness.

Image: Knob Creek 9

9. Woodford Reserve

Smooth and balanced — a premium gateway bourbon.

Image: Woodford Reserve

10. W.L. Weller Antique 107

A higher-proof wheated bourbon with bold cherry and spice, linked to the Pappy Van Winkle lineage.

Image: Weller Antique 107

Part 2: 5 Innovative Blending House Bourbons for a Modern Collection

1. Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series

Showcases expert blending of aged bourbon from various states with rich oak, spice, and fruit complexity.

Image: Bardstown Discovery

2. Barrell Bourbon Batch 032

A high-proof blend with flavors of banana bread, cinnamon, and coconut.

Image: Barrell 032

3. Nashville Barrel Company Cask Proof Bourbon

MGP-sourced, single barrel expressions offering bold spice and fruit-forward notes.

Image: NBC Bourbon

4. Good Times Bourbon – Toasted Coconut Rum Barrel Finish

Finished in rum barrels, this bourbon brings tropical and dessert-like flavors.

Image: Good Times Coconut

5. Angel's Envy Rye – Ice Cider Cask Finish

A limited release with sweet apple and spice from ice cider cask finishing.

Image: Angel’s Envy Ice Cider

Your bourbon collection should be as dynamic as your tastes. These foundational and forward-thinking selections will help you explore the full spectrum of American whiskey. From time-tested classics to creative blends, you’ll be better prepared to develop your palate and impress your guests. Cheers to the journey!