I’ve got a mate whos a big fan of Bourbon. He’s tried all the standard brands like Buffalo Trace, JD, Jim Beam and Wild Turkey.
I want to get him a bottle for Xmas of something he might not have tried before, something I can say was recommended by Americans as a good bourbon. Doesn’t need to be some weird flavour like Red Stag, just old fashioned American bourbon that maybe flies under the radar in other countries.
Basil Hayden, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, Angel’s Envy, Old Grandad, Bulleit are all great choices.
Basil Hayden or Woodford would definitely be my first choice though.
A +1 for Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek, especially Woodford’s nicer offerings. Those are great choices.
I’m going to disagree on the Basil Hayden and the Bulleit. I wouldn’t recommend them to a bourbon enthusiast (or to anyone really). Bulleit in particular I think doesn’t really offer a lot of the classic bourbon experience that someone who is into bourbon might get excited about. To me, it drinks quite hot and is pretty thin.
Knob creek is my go to as well
These are all my very last choices except the Woodford, knob creek rye or single barrel 120 proof.
The rest of these taste like household cleaner.
Woodford makes a Manhattan bottled that is stellar iirc though.
Huge fan of Basil Hayden