Walk into your local liquor store looking for something new.  Ask the sales person what’s good and often you are asked what you have liked in the past.   Fair question for sure, but I am proposing that the next time you are in the store, make your choice less on taste and instead on what the occasion is.

What do I bring to the tailgate?  Beer of course.  Ok, ok, what else do you bring?  Flavored whiskey - cinnamon, honey, apple, maple or whatever fruit salad ingredient is of the moment – there is a right time for everything.  They are not all bad.  But what do you bring if you want well-made whisky that will please a crowd.  Avoid the bottom shelf and be the guy or gal that brought the whisky that everybody asks “what is this”? and “where can I get it”?.  

Remember, these are not meant for contemplation; they are supposed to provide easy drinking ,  instant gratification and taste great consumed out of a 16oz red plastic cup, not filled to the top of course.  Leave the mixers at home, less to pack.

There are a lot of recognizable brands in each category, but maybe you will find something a little different and worth trying for the first time.

Something as all-American as tailgating requires that we start with Bourbon:

Bourbon/American Whiskey – this is an American past time after all, it only is fitting that is first on the list.
Try High West Son of Bourye, Hillrock Rye, Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old (just kidding), Four Roses Small Batch, Evan Williams Single Barrel (any year)

Canadian Whisky – Known for a gentler flavor profile and a bit of sweetness, these can be ideal.  There are definitely more than a few Canadian whiskies that are just for mixing and have earned the disparaging name “Brown Vodka”, but there is also a wide variety of options that are readily available and prices can be relatively reasonable. We like Forty Creek Copper Pot and the Double Barrel Reserve, Pendleton 1910 & Crown Royal XO

Irish Whiskey – Also with a “friendly” flavor profile (how many times can you describe something as smooth ) most shelves have a good variety to choose from.

Japan – Limited availability and high prices, I am reluctant to put these on the list, but some are definitely worthy of the occasion if you can find them.

Scotland – Sorry Scotland, you are not the first place that comes to mind, but there are a few that could work well.  Try Edradour 10, Auchentoshan 12.

Stay tuned for our next article on
what else to bring to your next Tailgate.