I began with bourbon about 6 years ago. Prior to that it had been beer, but that has its pitfalls with bloating, belching and trips down the hall. Rum and tequila had there times but all that sugar mixer didn't sit well either. It all started with the move to Louisville and I picked up a bottle of Makers which I drank with ginger ale.
These days I mostly enjoy with a cube or two in a rocks glass. I am not especially picky when it comes to bourbon, but I do like what I like. Although I can tell the differences between cheap and expensive bourbon, I often don't think the difference is worth paying for. Here's a run down of my opinions on different distillers:
Heaven Hill: There basic stuff is among my favorite, such as Heaven Hill BIB, Evan Williams BIB and Fighting Cock are all real nice on ice. Larceny from HH is pretty good compared to similar products from Makers. Larceny is also an adequate substitute for the now hard-to-get Weller's. Elijah Craig was good when it could be had a lower price, at current prices, I'll pass. Obviously I can't be an enthusiast if I love cheap offerings from Heaven Hill, the low brow distiller.
Wild Turkey: The 101 is my favorite from here, $40/1.75l makes it a good value. I have been underwhelmed by the Rare Breed and the Russell Reserve, although that's an old opinion that deserves revisiting. WT101 is widely maligned so love of this stuff means I can't be an enthusiast.
Beam: I like the small batch offering with the exception of Basil Hayden. There Old Granddad line is great and priced right. Beam has a lot of new Beam branded products I have tried and probably won't, who knows?, they might be great. There white label, flavored bourbons, and Devils cut are all duds.
Four Roses: Everything these guys makes is great.
Brown and Forman: Good bourbon but generally pricey for what you get, not just my opinion, it's theirs. They tell their investors that they want to command a price premium in all their products. One reason I may not be a true enthusiast is because my favorite BF product is Jack Daniel. Jack has a unique profile that I think is worth paying extra for.
Barton: Good stuff can be had but only when its on sale, don't go out of my to find this stuff. 1792 is a sharp looking bottle, but the dram can be great or not so great.
Buffalo Trace: Many enthusiast and opinion writers place BT as a cut above, and my experience is otherwise. I find their standard offerings too dry to drink neat, and are only suitable for a quality cocktail. With such an opinion, I'm clearing not an enthusiast/
Makers Mark: Decent wheater line, I don't buy it other than as a bar pour if it's the best choice.
MGP: Nice rye if you can get it for a good price. I like the Dickel brand rye they help make. Too many schemers use MGP and jack up the price with a fancy bottle and BS story, and I will not play that game.