5 Whiskeys for Every Occasion

Welcome to another edition of Whiskey Wednesday! This week, we’re taking on the YouTube challenge of selecting bottles for every occasion. I discovered this challenge when Dara from “The Average Drinker” posted her list on her channel. If you haven’t checked out her channel yet, you can find it here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgtVIk08bUOfQCFJ7Genew

So, without further ado, let’s dive into my “5 Whiskeys for Every Occasion.”

After reading this article, please head to the comments section and share your thoughts on which whiskeys you would choose for these categories. Everyone’s taste and palate are different, so your input might help someone find the perfect bottle for a special occasion. Thanks so much!

Night Starter

Our first category is the “Night Starter” whiskey. It’s Friday night, and after a long week at work, you’re ready to unwind and kick off the weekend with a few well-deserved pours. What should you choose to awaken your palate? You want to avoid anything too high-proof that will overwhelm your senses, but you also don’t want something so mild it’s like flavored water. Instead, you’re looking for a whiskey with depth, complexity, and plenty of rich flavors.

One of my favorites to start the night off is Knob Creek 9 Year. 

Proof: 100
Age: 9 Years
Price: $45.99
Notes: Peanut brittle, oak, caramel, vanilla, and a slight spice

Current Favorite Daily Pour

Our second category is the “Current Favorite Daily Pour”. This isn’t necessarily a whiskey you enjoy every day, but one you find yourself reaching for repeatedly. It’s a go-to choice that resonates with you at the moment, though your preferences might change over time.

Currently a whiskey that has my attention is Jump Masters Reserve – American Single Malt Whiskey from Drop Zone Distilling. This is a local distillery based out of Tennessee and will soon have their whiskey for sale on their web site. 

Proof: 101
Age: 9 to 13 Months in 15 gal barrels
Price: $51.99
Notes: Dark fruit, cherries, caramel, vanilla, and dark chocolate

Hipster Bottle

The next category is the “Hipster Bottle”. This is a bottle or brand that I was enjoying and talking about before it became popular or before people knew much about it. 

For me that bottle is Broken Barrell Heresy Kentucky Stright Rye Whiskey. I found this bottle at a local liquor store over a year ago and it has become of my favorite pours. 

Proof: 105
Age: 2 Years
Price: $39.99
Notes: Rye spice, citrus, vanilla, oak, light chocolate and dark fruit.

Small Circle Whiskey

Next, we have the “Small Circle Whiskey.” This is a special bottle meant to be shared with your closest friends. It could be an expensive or hard-to-find bottle, or one that holds sentimental value for you and your friends.

For me, that bottle is Booker’s. A few years ago, a close friend brought a bottle of Booker’s to a gathering of our cigar club. He knew I had always wanted to try it and had been searching for one for years. Since then, it has become a tradition for us when we get together.

Booker’s Bourbon 2024-01 “Springfield Batch”
Proof: 124.5
Age: 7 Years, 7 Months, 8 Days
Price: $90.00
Notes: Baking spices, cinnamon, brown sugar and caramel

Bottle Share Bottle

Lastly, we have the “Bottle Share” selection. This is the bottle you bring to an event or gathering, one that you want others to try and enjoy. It could be something familiar yet hard to find, or a bottle that many haven’t had the chance to experience.

My go-to Bottle Share choice is anything from Thirteenth Colony. Although this company has been around for a few years, its brand has recently gained traction, sparking significant interest in their expressions.

Thirteenth Colony Southern Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 95
Age: 4 to 6 years
Price: $42.99
Notes: Sweet corn, slightly nutty, vanilla, brown sugar, and caramel

LETS START A CONVERSATION!!!

What do you think? What bottles would you put in these categories? Post them in the comment section below. You know I love conversation and will reply to you. As always, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Until the next Whiskey Wednesday, if you’re going to enjoy a little smoke & oak just remember, “Life’s too short, enjoy the good stuff…” and do it responsibly!