Taster’s Tips

Whiskey, the water of life, the amber-colored spirit reminding us that life is worth living. We’ve learned about how to drink it, but what about choosing the correct vessel for tasting this life-giving spirit? We’re going to review the best whiskey glasses, distinguishing features of each, and which glasses to buy for the best tasting experience (and perhaps we’ll sing the famous Morgan Wallen song in the process).

It’s the end of the day and you’re exhausted. You want to lay back in your La-Z Boy chair (do those still exist?), put your feet up, watch another episode of “Better Call Saul” (season six premiers in 2022, by the way), and unwind with a relaxing glass of whiskey. But which whiskey? Should you go for a single malt or a rye? Bourbon or cask strength? We put together this list of whiskey ratings to help you choose the best whiskey to end your busy day.

Some people say you become an adult when you turn 18. Others say it isn’t until you land your first real job. But for us, we think the real marker you’ve made it is when you move on from pooling your cash with your roommates to buy a handle of vodka, and get serious about starting your very own home bar.

In September, our Bourbon of the Month Club Members received a bottle of Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon. Besides producing some really tasty stuff, their distillery has racked up a lot of “cool points” from the Taster’s Club Team.

Everybody is talking about millenials these days. You may also know them by ”Generation Y” or even (my pesonal favorite) “Digial Natives”. Whatever your favorite term, we’re talking about the people between the ages of 21 to 34, riding the tailwind of Generation X.

Before the Holidays there was an apparent inside heist that took one of Kentucky’s prized possessions out of commission, which left many Christmas stockings empty. There was no Pappy Van Winkle to be found anywhere and it still seems to be the case. With over 195 bottles missing of both the 20 year Pappy and 27 bottles of the 13 year Pappy and no leads, the case seems to be puzzling the detectives. Even with a hefty reward for any information regarding their whereabouts, there are still no answers to be found.

Waltz into any cocktail bar in 1980, and there’s a good chance that more than half the patrons would be drinking a vodka cocktail. Clean, crisp, and quenching, vodka’s low-key flavor profile and supreme mixability made it the darling of the ‘80s and ‘90s cocktail scene. But times have changed. These days, spirits like whiskey and tequila are mixologists’ tipples of choice, and vodka might be the most misunderstood spirit in the whole liquor cabinet.

When there is such a demand for whiskey, it only makes sense that distilleries release new products and even more boutique distilleries start popping up. Though most smaller brands are owned by larger brands (see our post about this here smaller, boutique distilleries are beginning to make their own space in the market. We’ve put together a few that you may want to try.

One independent producer we’re excited to partner with, GEM&BOLT, is making a truly delicious and distinctive product. GEM&BOLT Mezcal is a traditional espadín mezcal distilled with damiana, an herb indigenous to Central America that is said to promote stamina, wellness, and even have aphrodisiac qualities. But GEM&BOLT isn’t just about the spirits. They’re also giving back to their communities through a unique combination of artistic expression, an emphasis on wellness, and charitable giving.

Aside from its undeniable beauty, the first thing you notice after stepping onto the grounds of Hillrock Estate Distillery is the sweet, scotchy smell. A distinct smokiness hangs in the air, begging you to try whiskey giant Dave Pickerell’s latest craft spirits. Like the very best couture, Hillrock whiskey is painstakingly difficult to make and impossible to replicate. And, as is the case with a hand-tailored getup, Hillrock whiskeys have the remarkable ability to be both highly specific and agreeable to anyone.

Many home bartending articles say “you don’t need every type of alcohol in your home bar – just a few for your signature cocktails.” Maybe that’s true for college students and cocktail hobbyists, but some of us hold ourselves to a more comprehensive standard. When you take pride in mixing the perfect drink for *anyone* who walks in the door, when you associate great hosting with a painstakingly perfected Sidecar – you need a fully stocked bar.

Frankly, we’ve heard enough about wine and food pairings. Everyone and their uncle know the general rules of pairing wines with foods. Let us tell you, folks, there’s some other tasty drinks out there that pair well with food. May we suggest… whiskey?