In some whiskey circles, the word “smooth” is considered to be a bad term to describe bourbon. That’s because it’s thought to be a little too vague and doesn’t really describe the spirit at all. Obviously, its simplicity doesn’t do the whiskey style justice.
But if you ask me, there’s no better, simpler way to describe America’s “native spirit” if you’re a beginner. There are a variety of reasons why bourbon is referred to as “smooth,” and I’m not here to shame drinkers if they want to use the phrase. Especially novice drinkers who are just learning the terminology. That said, if you’re new to whiskey, there are countless smooth, gateway bourbons perfectly crafted to get you started on your corn-based journey.
Why is bourbon smooth?
If you’re offended by the term, I apologize, as I’m going to keep using it as this is a story directed at whiskey beginners and I wouldn’t want to make them feel like they can’t use the term to describe their new favorite whiskey. Clearly, as their palate, vocabulary, and ability to use descriptive terms increase, they’ll find better ways to say “smooth”. But everyone needs to start somewhere.
I started writing about alcohol over two decades ago, and I didn’t start with an advanced whiskey vocabulary and the ability to pick out nuanced aromas and flavors. For a long time, many whiskeys I enjoyed were “smooth” and “mellow”.
But why exactly do many novices refer to bourbon as “smooth” above all other terms? There are a variety of reasons for this. First, its high corn content and maturation in charred American oak barrels make it sweeter and easier to drink than many of its whisk(e)y counterparts. This is especially true if it’s lower in alcohol, matured for 10 years or more to add flavors like caramel, vanilla, and more, and has wheat as its secondary grain to add even more softness.
How I pick the smoothest bourbons
When I look for smooth bourbons for beginners, I consider a variety of factors. First, it must be soft, sweet, and approachable for new drinkers with no harsh aromas or flavors. It can have a little spice to add balance, but it will likely lean into sweet corn, vanilla, caramel, and charred oak in aroma and flavor. Overall, it must be balanced, flavorful, reasonably priced, and the type of bourbon that new drinkers will continue to purchase even as their palates evolve.
The smoothest bourbons for new whiskey drinkers
Now that you have a little background on the term “smooth”, why it’s divisive, and why it’s still acceptable for novices, it’s time to find some bourbons that fit this criterion. These gateway, value bourbons are the perfect choice for bourbon beginners. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Maker’s Mark
If you’re only going to try one “smooth bourbon from this list, make it Maker’s Mark. It all starts with a mash bill of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. It’s matured between 6 and 8 years in new, charred American oak barrels. This creates a mellow, soft whiskey that opens with notes of butterscotch candy, toasted vanilla beans, caramel apples, and oaky wood. The palate is centered on notes of caramelized sugar, dried cherries, vanilla cream, and charred wood. The finish is long, warm, and mellow, ending with sweet caramel and gentle spices. This value bottle is perfect for sipping or mixing.
Larceny Small Batch
Larceny Small Batch deserves a permanent spot on your home bar. This wheated bourbon begins with a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% red winter wheat, and 12% malted barley. While it carries no age statement, it’s believed to be matured between 6 and 12 years. The result is a balanced, soft, approachable 92-proof whiskey that starts with aromas of sticky toffee pudding, toasted vanilla beans, and orchard fruits. The palate is centered on notes of sweet corn, honey, candied nuts, butterscotch, and gentle cinnamon candy. The finish is lingering, long, and warm, ending with a balance of caramelized sugar and oak. This is guaranteed to be your new end-of-evening sipper.
Knob Creek 9 Year
While great for beginners, you’re going to continue drinking Knob Creek 9 Year for years. This 100-proof whiskey begins with a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. Matured for 9 years, it doesn’t have the softness of a bourbon featuring winter wheat, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s one of the most nuanced, mellow bourbons on the market. The nose is a mix of vanilla beans, candied pecans, toffee, and light baking spices. Sipping it reveals notes of vanilla beans, caramelized sugar, dried fruits, and oak. The finish is warm and dry, ending with a mix of baking spices, caramel, and oak. Drink this whiskey neat, on the rocks, or with a splash or two of water to open up the aromas and flavors.
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve’s classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon begins with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. It’s matured for between 6 and 7 years in charred American oak barrels. Known for its velvety smooth mouthfeel, it begins with a nose of toasted vanilla beans, chocolate fudge, candied orange peels, raisins, and oak. The palate is centered on notes of butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon candy, sticky toffee pudding, and charred wood. The finish is long and warm, ending with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Sip this one neat or on the rocks as you sit around a summery campfire.
Buffalo Trace
While the mash bill is kept secret, it’s believed that the classic Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon includes corn, rye, malted barley, proprietary yeast, and limestone-filtered water. It has no age statement but is believed to have matured for 8 to 10 years in charred American oak barrels. This creates a mellow, flavorful whiskey that opens with notes of caramel corn, sweet honey, dried fruit, cinnamon, orange peel, and charred oak. The palate features flavors like sticky toffee pudding, toasted vanilla beans, orchard fruits, cocoa powder, and gentle baking spices. It all ends with a lingering, warm, sweet, and spicy finish that leaves you craving more. Drink it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into your favorite cocktail.
