We asked an expert bartender to tell us the best bourbons for beginners

Ah, vodka. The coolest and steeliest of all the spirits. Somehow magically encompassing the ability to both chill and warm simultaneously, this beautiful beverage is lovely when sipped neat, or mixed with just about anything.

While the source of the name vodka is agreed upon — a diminutive of the Russian word voda, the liquor’s national origin is still under debate. Either in Poland or Russia, vodka cropped up in records as early as the 8th or 9th century. Vodka is made from fermented grains, such as corn, rice, rye, or wheat, and even fruits like grapes and sugar beets. It's potatoes, though, that started the party.

One of the best ways to nail a "best of" list is to check in with true insiders. You know, like reaching out to sommeliers about their favorite wines or asking brewers about their favorite beers. With a category as vast as bourbon, we figured we could use a little extra help and wisdom from some top bartenders.

Bourbon is America's spin on whiskey. It's often made in Kentucky but, increasingly, it being produced all over the country, from distilleries in New York to farm-like establishments in Nevada. There are many, many options, ranging in both price and quality. Pro mixers have experience with any number of brands and have settled on favorites over the years based on factors like approachability, price point, and how it functions as the base of a cocktail.

When you have a pressing drink question, always ask a good bartender. They'll offer a wisdom-soaked response and improve your cocktail game going forward. Next thing you know, you'll be mixing with a superior product, impressing yourself as well as guests the next time you're hosting.

We already reached out to some excellent resources to narrow down the best bourbons (according to bartenders). So we thought we'd do the same with some of the other major spirits. Being that it's spring, gin is front and center, the hyper-aromatic spirit that blooms from the glass just like the many plants and flowers are doing as we speak.