2008-Feb-14 - Building a Whiskey Library

     If you're like me, you've been thinking that you'd like to improve the whiskey section of your home bar. 

     Sure, I have the standards; Jack Daniels, Makers Mark, Jameson.  You probably have some combination that is similar, maybe some Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, maybe even a Bushmills. 

     These are good standards to have at the home bar.  They mostly mix well, they could be served neat, or on rocks.  Pretty much anyone that's had whiskey has probably had at least one of those, or maybe even asked for one of those by name. 

     You like those brands, yet you'd like to build up your library, not just to impress your friends with, but to enjoy yourself.  Having a good library available will help you share your knowledge and love of whiskey with any guests you might have.  Don't worry, visitors won't take you for a drunk, they'll see that you're a person that enjoys variety, and a lover of fine things.  They shall also appreciate you sharing things that they themselves might never find, or try in a bar.

     So, without further ado, what shall we round out the library with?  Keep a few good mixing whiskey's such as Jim, Jack, Jameson, Bushmills, Wild Turkey, Makers, etc..  It's not necessary to have them all of course, just have one bourbon, one Irish, and maybe a Tennessee. 

     I'll build out my library and list it for you at the bottom, keeping in mind that I'm not looking to break your bank.  You won't find Johnny Walker Blue Label here, if you wish to go with elite brands, that is of course your choice.  I'm building a library that has good quality, a wide variety of tastes, for a cost less than $50 per bottle.  Many will be in the $30 range. 

     We'll start with Bourbon.  Buffalo Trace makes an excellent bourbon.  It has only recently become available here in California, and let me just tell you, it's superb.  It's spicy.  It's hot.  It's quickly become a favourite here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it is the drink of choice for many local bartenders. 

     They also make a single barrel offering called Eagle Rare.  They have a 10 year version, and a 17.  I prefer the 10, so that's also to be included.  It's sweet, has a vanilla scent, and is a perfect sipping bourbon.  This one will impress anyone, even an experienced whiskey drinker.  They won't believe the price either- $35.

     Next up is the Wild Turkey made Russells Reserve.  This is another great bourbon that will surprise.  It's got a vanilla hint, and it's bottled at 100 proof.  This is not for the light of heart.  It'll go to work on you quickly.  A small batch offering that is best consumed with a rock or two.

     The last of the classy bourbons (read: served neat or on the rocks) is Rock Hill Farms.  This exquisite boubon is also at 100 proof, and tastes delicious and also can be had for less than $40. 

     That rounds out our bourbon, now I'd like to add a Rye whiskey.  There are many fine ryes out there currently, and more on the way, but for my $20 I'd snatch up a bottle of the Rittenhouse 100proof.  It's a bottling that is less than a year old, and boy is it hot.  This is a dirty whiskey, and it's something I'd imagine could be served at Rick's Cafe Americain.  It's 100proof gives it more than enough ammunition to knock you over if you aren't cautious.  It can be mixed, but a word of caution, it has a very powerful flavour that must be countered by trial and error. 

     Scotch is a tough choice.  There are many quality Scotch Whiskey's on the market right now, and it seems everyone has their favourite.  Since you cannot possibly have them all, and you only have room for one right now, I'd select the Dalmore Single Malt.  It's a good solid Scotch, that will offend no fan of the highlands.  It is not a blend, so you still have something unique to serve, and will cost you much less than Johnny Walker Black blended Scotch.  The Dalmore can be had at places like Trader Joes for around $26. 

So here's the library:

Jack Daniels Single Barrel

Jameson

Makers Mark

Buffalo Trace

Russells Reserve Small Batch

Eagle Rare 10yr Single Barrel

Rock Hill Farms

Dalmore Single Malt Scotch

Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof

     Please make no mistake, of course there are higher end selections, but this is meant as a starter set that will bring joy to you and your guests.  It won't break your bank, and it won't break your bank keeping it stocked.  These are all excellent selections that taste like they should be in a higher price range.  You can offer a great variety to any guest, and they will feel that you are quite possibly the best host ever.  

     This library will bring you years of enjoyment, and will allow you a solid foundation to build upon.  Once your guests know that you're a serious whiskey drinker, they'll likely know exactly what to get you for holidays, and you just might find that bottle of Blue Label under the tree.  

Until next time, remember, ask for a glass!