How to Actually Enjoy Whisk(e)y
Ever thought about trying whiskey but don’t know where to start?
Do you stare at the shelves behind the bar and wondered what the heck to order?
Bourbon? Scotch? Rye? What’s the freaking difference?
You’re about to get the
Ultimate Whiskey Cheat Sheet.
I’m not going to assume you’re male or female.
All I’m going to assume is that you’re just like one of the thousands of guests I’ve helped over the years.
This article will teach you how to seek out the perfect whiskey for you…and not break the bank.
Maybe you’re not as informed on the brown water as your other friends. Or the bartender. Or maybe anyone. You’re a total newb and you need some pointers.
And that’s 100% fine. We’re talking about whiskey, not nuclear chemistry. So relax. Take a breath.
I feel you—after all, I was once in your shoes. After reading this post, you’ll be granted the rank of Whiskey Enthusiast. Own it!
Assuming all this pandemic craziness calms down and you can enjoy your local spot once again, these are the steps you’ll take to dominate the next bar scenario you face. Or, just take this information and apply it to your next trip to the liquor store. Good luck!
1. Get the lay of the land
Are you in a sports pub or upscale restaurant? What you order will depend on the bar’s selection. It’s pretty logical—lower-key establishments will typically have lower-cost offerings and vice versa. This is important to establish how much you want to spend.
2. Evaluate your mood.
Get ready—this is the most important step. If you’re a whiskey newb, you may want to ease into this with a cocktail. I always recommend two classic cocktails for those who are dipping a toe into whiskey—the Whiskey Sour and the Old Fashioned.
Maybe you’re looking for something more straightforward. In that case, try your whiskey neat or on the rocks. That way you can enjoy the whiskey exactly as it comes.
Decision time: what whiskey drink are you feeling?
Click on the images below to learn more about each style of drink and how it’s made.
3. Style Assessment
Now that you know how you want to drink, let’s find out what you’ll put in it. Rather than give you a boring dissertation on whiskey styles, I’ve made a quick list so you can decide which sounds best to you.
Find your favorite whiskey below:
There are more categories, but these will get you started.
Would you like to hear about lesser-known types of whiskey? Let me know!
4. Price Check
All bars will have a relatively inexpensive whiskey at hand.
There is an accepted practice of using the cheapest whiskey as the house whiskey, meaning it will usually be the least ideal for sipping but can make its way into any whiskey cocktail if you don’t clearly specify otherwise.
Want to see more options? Ask for the spirits list, a guide of the different types of spirits available. You’ll see a list of offerings and prices.
How much should you pay?
Cocktails: You shouldn’t have to spend more than $10-$14 on whiskey that will be either mixed or added to a cocktail. Nuances from more expensive whiskey will be lost or drowned out by other flavors added to the drink.
Sipping: This is where things get a little more complicated. If you want to truly enjoy a quality, entry-level whiskey in its natural state, expect to spend between $14-$20 per pour. In nicer establishments, prices will certainly go up from there, but also expect staff to be willing to stop and explain more about the available selection and the special qualities of each.
Feeling adventurous? There are usually what I call sleeper picks on the menu. These are usually favorites with the staff or special locally-made offerings that provide great value.
Value and unique are my favorite key words when ordering whiskey. Say: “I’m looking for something unique that offers great value…” to the bartender or server and they’ll know you’re expecting to be offered options above and beyond the typical brands.
5. Enjoy!
Your drink is in front of you and life is good. Cheers to you for being a total Whiskey Whiz. You rock.
P.S. Just a little helpful hint—some whiskies are high proof. More on this coming up, but it means that each drink with have a higher alcohol percentage and affect your body more quickly. Keep this in mind while sipping your distilled grain of choice, and perhaps use it as an excuse to chat up new friends. Cheers!
