5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Into Drinking Bourbon and Whiskey

[@Sean-uh6te]

If I could tell my younger self, when I started my whiskey journey, I would say “don’t obsess over the high demand bottles.” Try the bottom shelf stuff. If you find one you like, there’s a good chance you’ll like the rest of the whiskeys they have to offer. To appreciate a 10, you need to plow a 3.

[@brodylockley3141]

So true

[@caseyjfromli3240]

True wisdom brother

[@applecrow8]

I'm going to use this as a pick up line, thanks!

[@iamalan4221]

6 "A man's gotta know his limitations." I had the opportunity this morning to procure a bottle of Little Book Chapter 4. No line, no waiting. Problem is that at $124 I knew my palate wasn't up to the task and it would be wasted on me. So decided to be happy with another bottle of Knob Creek 12 year, and save $60. Maybe one day, but this is not that day. 7. Make a budget and stay within that budget. You have bills to pay. Do not let your hobby become obsessive.

[@Oooooo-xi2mx]

Haha, I just saw Little Book Ch 4 for $250 at a chain liquor store. I decided to try the George Dickel 11YO for $44.

[@robertgarrison6249]

My top five: 1. High price doesn’t mean better 2. Drink what you like, how you like it! 3. Stop at EVERY liquor store you see. *even the ones attached to gas stations! You’ll find old dusty bottles of great stuff, you just have to put in the effort. 4. Sharing your whiskey with others is WAY better then hoarding it. 5. The best whiskey is the one you didn’t see coming. Blind tasting is the absolute best way to find WHAT YOU LIKE!

[@jasono.1629]

Great points Robert, especially #3 & 4.

[@williambedard4375]

Agreed

[@smashexentertainment676]

#4 depends on friends. All my friends drink anything that burns, so I'm not sharing anything more than 30 EUR with them :D Coz it would be just a waste of a good scotch.

[@kylenramon5260]

you all prolly dont care at all but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid lost my account password. I appreciate any tips you can give me

[@lochlanseth9092]

@Kylen Ramon Instablaster ;)

[@whiskycentral]

"There's too much fucking good Whiskey out their to pigeon hole yourself into only drinking one type" - truer words have never been spoken! Haha

[@EricNathanWilson]

As an American, I'll say: There's too much good American whiskey out there for me to worry about the more expensive, harder to find Scotch/Irish/Canadian/Japanese. I have over 150 Choices at my local small-town store before I consider anything foreign.

[@rob0tic931]

These "In all seriousness" videos are always a breath of fresh air. Thanks for this video.

[@nickp5511]

Thanks for more great tips!

[@shemcoward6760]

1: Find a handful of Bourbon Enthusiasts who have access to media samples and early releases whose palate aligns with yours. Like Jason, Fred Minnick, Rarebird101, Bourbon Pursuit, Breaking Bourbon. Listen to their takes on the whiskey, listen to the tasting notes they call out. You'll start to figure out which ones to pass on and which ones to track down. Avoid playing whiskey roulette. 2: Establish a ceiling for yourself. There are whiskeys you are able to get today, and they may become completely out of reach in a few years. When that whiskey goes above your ceiling, tap out. There will always be another amazing whiskey coming that doesn't break the bank. 3: Great advice from Fred Minnick. Make sure to taste a whiskey at least 3 times on separate days before making your assessment. Give your whiskey time to get some exposure to air, as it will change dramatically over time (usually for the better). I'm a big believer in getting past the neck pour before assessing whether I like or dislike something. I find that some of the higher proof whiskeys change the most with some air exposure.

[@TheWhiskeyChannel]

Watching your channel has helped me to remove a prejudice I once had against certain brands, like WT 101. Thanks in large part to you, Kira and I are now both big fans of the 101 as well as Rare Breed BP. Appreciate you, brother!

[@jdfeighner]

Nice dude!! I started drinking wt 101 when I saw it for 14.99 at my local store. Before that the last time I had it was in college at the homecoming bonfire where I proceeded to throw up a tuna fish sandwich 😂😂😂. Since i rediscovered WT, 101 and rare breed are staples. Another of Jason’s vids turned me on to russels single barrel 🔥🔥🔥 as well as John j bowman single barrel. Been crushing those since then too😋😋

[@codyburgess7034]

1910 and 1920 easily found. Always exceptional.

[@WaltersDad3921]

My only add would be to go back to a bottle that you have not liked. Air is good sometimes. Great video otherwise!

[@aragathor]

Amen to that. I once bought a 4 Roses SiB that at first tasted like mold and dust. l let it breathe and it became one of my favorite bottles, since it developed a nice and complex aroma without a hint of mold.

[@erllar2980]

This is super important!

[@melsilva9158]

Second this. I've gone back to whisky that I thought was total garbage when I started this adventure (Jim Beam and Wild Turkey, I'm talking about you) and found them more complex and enjoyable now that my palate has changed.

[@PyroDaChemist]

@@aragathor it's funny you said that about 4 Roses, I had a small batch select and this funky metallic taste killed me with a fresh pour, but after going back after some time, definitely enjoyable to the palette

[@javidigital]

100% Agreed! I wasn’t ready for 130 proof with my young palette. Went back to it a few months later and wow. Loved it. Picked up a Stagg Jr and absolutely enjoyed that bottle.

[@logankaptis884]

DON’T be afraid to experiment with a “not-so-good” bottle, meaning let it sit for a bit to open up or try a few drops of water or make a cocktail

[@guiness1100]

I keep a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 on my shelves as the "barometer" for good whiskey/bourbon. You would be surprised how many expensive or more well sought after bourbons don't even clear the Wild Turkey bar. Don't sleep on readily available bourbon, these distilleries make a ton of the stuff for a reason, because its good and people like it.

[@paullee2177]

Just came across this two year old video. Great advice. I started a year ago as just a bourbon guy. I now have added Irish and rye whiskies to my shelf.

[@brianstahl7748]

Years ago before I was "in the know" I brought a bottle of Weller 107 to a party. It was in the previous style bottling too. Still kick myself for that one.

[@stanbrown915]

I started with the kickin chicken (Wild Turkey) at a WAY to young age, it's just got a flavor at the finish that I truly love. I set a price top out at 70 bucks so I have a massive amount of Whiskey and Bourbons to try.

[@nickp5511]

Love all the different types too! Redbreast 12! Alberlour 12 yr! Agree!!

[@scottwilliams5388]

Couldn't agree more! Rocked this one out of the park! Oh, and I would add try sipping rums too. Rum and whiskey are very similar and yet different, so bring this into your bar to increase your palate! Cheers! And run for the whiskey, try all the whiskey!!!

[@billyboy9810]

Joining my local whisky club was one of the best things I ever did. I've made good friends and I also have access to unbiased opinions from people who have been drinking for 30 plus years. They were in Baghdad when I was in my dad's bag! Great honesty Jason. There's good bourbon, Irish, Scotch and world whisky. Loved the show.

[@michaeloporto5202]

This is all so helpful. As a newer drinker I’ll say knowing price points is so damn important. I can’t believe how polluted the market is with people and stores trying to flip bottles.

[@JimmyLeg]

Good job emphasizing that whisky is a broad range and should be explored. Well done.

[@MichaelMorrison75]

The main thing I wish I knew a few years ago is how much more flavor there is in higher proof cask/barrel strength. Now it’s all I crave !!

[@chris.whiskeysmokexplorer1919]

One thing I wish I knew was when you see something that a lot of people say is good for a cheap price grab it because when you come back it’s probably going to be three times as much money! If you can even find it again. 🤦🏻‍♂️ and yes it’s happened to me more than once

[@steveno7058]

These unfiltered and uncut videos are the best! Awesome job!

[@johnaronson5974]

On the money sir. I started my whiskey journey with scotch, scotch, scotch ( Anchor Man ) Today I mostly drink Bourbon, but now when I do pour an occasional scotch, it tastes so good.

[@michaelmendoza8905]

Great video friend - thank you for helping to expand my education of my new passion! MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!!!

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Into Whiskey: (1) You're gonna need MORE shelf space, A LOT MORE shelf space! (2) Do NOT buy Glyph Molecular Whiskey. (3) Bring MORE luggage with you to Scotland! You're gonna need it to bring back more bottles. (4) Go to Ireland before the COVID pandemic hits! (5) Make sure you remember where you put your pants so you can find them in the morning.

[@scottmagruder6907]

You Da Man. So True Jason. Doing anything less than this top 5 is only selling yourself and experiences short.

[@dougpetty3417]

Great Video Jason. I started down the Scotch rabbit hole then tried Irish whiskey. Then Japanese whiskey blew my doors off. I finally circled back to bourbon and American whiskey. Totally agree with the Belle Meade, Knob Creek, Wild Turkey Rare breed, and Jack Barrel proof. The more I try the more I become a global consumer of whiskey. I still do learn towards RedBreast 21 (my weakness).

[@Crowsfeast]

You forgot to mention Canadian in your world whisky list. There's some great stuff available up here once you get past the mass produced budget stuff (some of which is still decent). Forty Creek has some great stuff, Alberta premium CS just got named "best whisky in the world" (according to whisky Bible anyway), Pike Creek also won some award(s) recently.

[@theukyankee]

I'm reasonably new into my whiskey journey - one thing that's really been great has to join a bourbon "club". People come together and share their favourite bourbons and whisky, share samples, and we do it at a whisky bar so we can also try stuff out. It's been nice to figure out what I like and don't like. I also check out auctions because living in London you don't see a lot of the bourbons that seem "normal" in the States, but I look at what people are paying for that and then set a budget that isn't too far off from it (in pounds, of course). I lose out on a bunch of stuff but I also get some interesting items too.

[@100puremustard5]

Great video and Top 5. Agree 100%. I was just a Scotch drinker first. And not even peated scotch which is my favorite style now! I've just got into bourbon last year. For my own experience I would add "Be Decisive" when you find a bottle you're clearly interested in. I missed out on an Old Carter batch 3 $150, an Ardbeg Supernova $175, and others I wish I had not put down and left the store to "think about it... do I need it." If it's not going to Break the Bank or Piss Off the Wife then buy it right then and there! Don't hesitate... You probably won't get another chance.

[@robertslocum2555]

I live by #6! Found dusty old E.C. old 12 year label small batch in a family owned store on less desirable side of town. Super cool friendly and informative.

[@javirios9234]

Awesome Jason! I drink whiskey from all around the world. It makes it so much funner and your bar is always filled with different options for different occasions and moods. Cheers!

[@jg5555]

Thanks Jason, really enjoyed this, best whiskey-tube video I've seen in a while. I bought a 1.75L bottle of Bushmill's Irish the other day just because it makes me so nostalgic for my early days of whiskey drinking. Also, I can't believe how much I'm enjoying the last of my bottle of Eagle Rare, bought at Safeway about a year ago. Simple whiskey pleasures!

[@romanopeterj]

I’m new bourbon drinker and so far really enjoy Buffalo Trace and Larceny so I’m a wheated drinker but compiling a list of things to try. Thank you for the fantastic content!

[@terrykost4677]

I am struck by how the favorite bottle I thought was the best thing ever a few years ago is not even my top 40 now. How taste changes after time and a sh*load of experience.

[@domingocorona7028]

Spot on. Elijah Craig store picks are some of my favorites over chased bourbons. And yes to all whisky. Variety is the spice.

[@rugbyfan113]

It never occurred to me to go to stores in not so great areas. Another fantastic vid, cheers!

[@steveno7058]

Awesome video! So true about #5. And I’d even expand it to other spirits like Mezcal, Tequila, Armagnac, Cognac, Gin, etc. This way you are never lacking in available and fairly priced bottles.

[@asko2677]

Current rotation: KC maple, EW BiB, WT original, EW SiB vintage, RR 10yrs, Four roses SiB, 1792 SiB, ECBP B520, and Larceny SB! Also, Aberfeldy 16yr single malt and Deveron 12yrs single malt on the shelf!

[@WhiskeyTornado]

Awesome video Jason! I cracked up when you mentioned checking the bad parts of town. One of my honey holes is in the sketchiest of neighborhoods 😂

[@prestonorrick3498]

Not when you live an ABC-controlled state.

[@smashexentertainment676]

I pretty much knew everything I needed to know when I started my journey. I knew there will be a lot of stuff to discover and so far my list contains 170 bottles with prices and store where to get them. I knew that easy accessible stuff in Japan or US will be next to impossible to find here in Scandinavia, so I got my peace with it. I knew exactly which stores to hit for the best price and availability. Knew it's gonna be tough to bring anything from overseas. And that's about it. The rest is the part of a journey.

[@GraceFamily1995]

This is the best advice I have received about whiskey. In addition to bourbon, I have found Scotch and Irish whiskeys that I love. Redbreast 12 yr is absolutely delicious and I took the chance because of this video. Again, this is great advice.

[@juliodimaggio]

I was really disappointed this year. I really wanted EH Taylor Barrel Proof, but I couldn't find one for less than 500. I'm glad I found Elijah Craig Barrel proof for retail.

[@kitcarson7447]

Are you by chance, related to the great baseball player, Joe DiMaggio?

[@zman7953]

I Knew Nothing At First....Keep Watching Videos And Livestreams Like You Have Done and It Opens Up a Whole New World Of Tastes and Info.....Great Video Jason C.......Cheers....

[@JBond-fm1wb]

To “know my lane”. Know that my budget, family life, work schedule, and other things just don’t allow me to find the stuff that flys off the shelf. Not to get too disappointed when you miss out on all the allocated bottles.

[@wowTasteThis]

I've heard a lot of the ultra aged stuff gets that way because it just never gets good. They keep tasting the barrel and putting it to the side or not blending it. Eventually they have a 20+ year old subpart barrel to sell at a premium.

[@WhiskeyQuests]

One of my best decisions when getting into tasting was not sticking to just one style. The flavors are endless. Cheers Jason excellent video 👍🥃

[@dapacreative]

I'm in a few local groups and find so many people disregard #4. They hear Buffalo Trace and that's all they want even though they've never had anything else from the other great distilleries.

[@007JRP1]

I know this is an older video, but it’s as true now as it was 3 years ago. A classic.

[@johnquigley5355]

This is the best video of " How to enjoy drinking Whiskey I ever heard . Thank You Mash and Drum from a whiskey Scotch , Bourbon , Gin , and Wine Drinker . The best of taste awaits us who enjoy z drink . thank you again. this is the BEST VIDEI

[@roc20621]

For real great work, appreciate the honesty and straight forward approach to the channel 👍🥃 Keep it up man

[@MichaelJ-fn5pl]

I personally did not mind figuring out these things on my own as it was all about the whiskey journey good or bad its been a fantastic experience. Cheers !

[@tribechr]

You hit the nail on the head 👍👍

[@williambedard4375]

Whistle pig has been my only regret lol

[@tundra2008able]

Great advice Sir!! Will definitely consider and apply that advice to my recent bourbon whiskey journey! Keep those vids coming!

[@timvargo2934]

Loved the video Jason, you are an honest and respected reviewer.... I will refer to your reviews and consider your take on bottles I am considering. Your channel is top notch. Thanks..........

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Tim. That means alot to me

[@northernninety7]

I've done some venturing into other whiskys but bourbon will always be my favorite.

[@Jordan-su5up]

One thing I wish I knew starting out: sourced does not equal bad. I’ve disregarded some pretty good whiskey’s just because they’re sourced

[@TheMashandDrum]

thats a good callout

[@kirbyculp3449]

IMO, Redemption brand is a good example.

[@LJfootball14]

Very similarly just was a Bourbon drinker at first an only wanted BT type HTF products. Now I like most all whiskey’s and discovered some states outside of Kentucky make great Bourbon like Texas.

[@BSims-MD410]

Good thoughtful info Jason C 1. I wish i knew people like you with good insight before I started on my bourbon quest. 2. I wish i didn't listen to the bourbon chasers in the beginning. 3. Price doesn't dictate the quality. 4. Learning the history of this good brown juice and how it has lasted decades. 5. Like what you like and don't worry what others think...cheers.

[@benbernthal4659]

The people that disliked this video only drink Blanton’s from a thrown of “horsies”!

[@johnbelushi8719]

So genuine, gentlemanly and generous. Continuous success Jason C!

[@jcat5150]

Thanks for keeping it real, Jason. This is about my 10th of your videos and my favorite so far. Really enjoying the help your channel and a couple others are providing as I try to broaden my whiskey horizons without getting too wrapped up in hype!

[@dylanstraub9612]

I love the Old Forrester 86 proof. OGD114 is a gem.

[@reedr7142]

Great video. I’ve been venturing to other stores, but I never thought of the ones in alternative neighborhoods.

[@paulring4267]

You’ve done an excellent job on this video. Thank you ☺️

[@Gigm84]

My Top 5 1. Relationships Matter. Wether it be with your local liquor store or friends in other areas, each has access to great products or values. I’ve been able to secure some treasured bottles albeit at higher than retail...SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than the absurd secondary market. 2. Listen to others ....I’ve discovered so many great bottles by listening to friends and watching the numerous bourbon channels. 3. Enjoy the Treasure Hunt.....when traveling I’ve stopped in many a small town and found some great deals and more importantly made some great contacts. Being genuine and polite and then asking the owner any of their recommendations will not only open doors but also they are more inclined to sell a rare bottle to someone who shows respect to them and their business. 4. Whiskey is to be shared...not just stored on a shelf. Enjoy those rare bottles with old and new friendships. The memories make it so worth it. 5. My taste profile continues to evolve and I’ve found myself enjoying something that a couple of years ago I wouldn’t give the time of day.

[@Dobbsauthor]

You are now my whisky/whiskey guru - another great video, my man

[@stevenprobst4917]

I'm so happy I to have found your channel. I've recently gotten into whiskey out side of a mixed drink and I am really enjoying it. I've really taken to heart the idea of trying different distilleries offerings at different price points and working my way through their offerings. Thanks for your hard work in putting valuable content out that really educates your viewers.

[@stockicide]

Rather than shopping early, I've sometimes had luck shopping at a store late at night, about an hour or two before closing. Especially if it's raining and there aren't a lot of other customers, the employees might restock shelves since it's slow. Doesn't work with the really in-demand stuff, but I've gotten some Eagle Rare and recently a Basil Hayden Toasted by shopping when reasonable people are at home preparing to go to bed.

[@shawnrivera3071]

Again live the honesty. Great story was in a not so great area of a city won’t say which but you get the picture. Found 3 bottles of Henry McKenna for wait for it 23 bucks. All the bottles where covered in dust they been there awhile. Grabbed all of them. Now I’m not a fan of it it’s ok but I know what they where going for. Keep 2 sold the other one payed for the whole bunch. 😃.

[@beaunaro]

Thanks Jason. As always, best advice on the internet. Really enjoy your channel.

[@geraldhettel3824]

Great advice, thanks Jason.

[@sregusa]

1) Same thing as in wine, beer, anything really... If you like it, it’s good and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. We all have different palettes and even what Jason C. likes might taste not as delightful to some; 2) totally agree on the “variety is the spice of life!” My wife got me a scotch advent calendar and it reminded me of how good other places in the world make this stuff (and I’m an admitted Japanese whisky junkie...); 3) don’t be afraid to splash some water in the high octane juice - on the higher proof offerings, it is amazing what a few drops of (room temp) water can do in terms of simultaneously softening and opening up the honey!; 4) when you see a known commodity, don’t pass it up - Yamazaki, Nikka, Hibiki, impossible finds so when I ran across a 12-yr Yamazaki at a local store (not marked up) I swooped it up. Worst case I can sell it on the secondary market and recover my cost; 5) This is similar to “know your liquor store” but I swung into a store looking for a Blanton’s and the clerk asked if I’d hear of George Stagg Jr. and I was like “what’s that?” I ended up walking out with a bottle of one the best damn whiskeys I have ever tasted and 2 weeks later other liquor stores laugh in my face if I ask them if they have anything hidden in the back room (and to Jason’s point, there IS unlisted stuff in the back room that they will offer if they know you).

[@nbor101]

I wish someone would've told me not to go all out on buying bottles in rapid succession. It's now super difficult to pick out what I want to pour with all these delicious options available.

[@johnknapke828]

Awesome perspective...I really appreciate your videos!

[@pokerpokerfla]

This video needs to be a mandatory watch for all whiskey noobs, fans, and snobs. Big thumb up.

[@shj2000]

Good stuff! Whiskey is a world wide phenomenon. Taste, learn and appreciate.

[@buddymc]

Excellent points and advice, following these ideas will certainly make a more successful journey.

[@WhiskeyCrusaders]

This is great advice certainly. You cannot go wrong with any of it. Cheers

[@bradhester9923]

This might be your best video. Great advice.

[@USNUSA]

In my opinion there are many great bourbons for under $125. I will never pay more than $125, With WT101 and Rare Breed available for $30 and $55 I don’t need expensive bottles. A new favorite is Redwood Empire Pipe Dream for around $40. Keep up the good work.

[@mikec5018]

Still looking for a Weller 12. But that said I would like to see your other 25 list Jason.

[@NeilUpfold]

I'm mostly a Scotch drinker, but I do like Evan Williams Single Barrel.

[@aragathor]

#3 hits hard when you're in Europe. Can't find many things here, even those normally available in the states. And what's available has a markup because of import taxes. But I can't complain. Thanks to EU laws we can buy online, so getting that bottle from amazon is possible.

[@barrydunham896]

Don't forget about Canadian 🇨🇦🇨🇦 whisky and i don't mean Crown Royal. I know our bottom shelf stuf isn't anything special but if you can find some of the rearer offerings. (We don't let them out of the country much) try them JP wisers if it's in a square short bottle will be good. Lot 40 rye and some of the newer craft distilleries are producing great whisky.

[@brentanderson7968]

Thank you for your 20/20 hind site knowledge of whisky experience. I'm in my fifties and about 3-4 years into the bourbon experience. I'm going to change it up a bit to more regular whiskies and rye.

[@mikel5801]

I started with drinking only Jim Beam. Then one day marketing worked and I saw a bottle with an Eagle on it looked sort of fancy and I went online and discovered Buffalo Trace. Then just like him I bought as much BT as possible. Now MOST times I walk into a liquor store I look for something I have not had yet. Some are not my flavor profile like Glenmorangie scotch but others like Old Forester I love only because I said why not buy it.

[@Richie.Z]

Great video, Jason! Love all the tips. Very helpful and will save bourbon fans money and find great new bottles that aren’t yet hyped. Cheers buddy!

[@CALTECH007]

Good advice as always. Biggest mistake I made is buying what all the Bourbon reviewers say is the best and in most cases I don't like it at all (OF 120 for example). What I really like the best is Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare and Elijah Craig. If I could find others like those three I would be a happy camper.

[@patressakearns4290]

Great video. Thanks, Jason.

[@GamerNxUSN]

Like that you mentioned indian, Amrut Fusion is some of the best I have ever had.

[@garyrogers1892]

Great video. It got me thinking about my own journey more than any other video I have seen. It also prompted me to post a comment. 1. Look at the bottom shelf. There are some great values down there. 2. Start an infinity bottle. It's fun to taste the results of your own blending. 3. Circle back to bottles you didn't care for early on. My tastes have changed since I started my whiskey journey and I would hate to be missing out on a good bottle now, based on the opinion of my immature palate. 4. If at all possible, go to a whiskey tasting event. You might have the opportunity to taste things that are not available to purchase or that you would not normally consider. 5. Include your significant other. Hopefully, they will better understand why you are bringing home another bottle when you already have a shelf (or more) full.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Really great list there. Going back to bottles was certainly on my list as well. Cheers.

[@blainewilson-fb2ch]

Great video. To the point, to teach us 80 year olds new info on Whiskey!

[@knsbbq1951]

Not sure what video it was but thank you so much for pointing me back to Wild Turkey 101, my bar will not be without a bottle..

[@jfqp21]

Amazing channel. Thank you for all the information appreciate it

[@carlmease7238]

I live in a sketchy part of town and our local liquor store has the best prices on whiskeys I like. I’ve not found any gems there yet but my fingers are crossed

[@michaelwride7842]

I learned alot from this video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@Skeptic-df9ex]

Best reviewer! Stay solo. The other reviewers have two or three different people reviewing and there’s too much pointless banter b/w them. You get to the point right away. Love that. 👍

[@kennethconnor6957]

Thanks Jason!!

[@timgargis7565]

Great points; especially on trying different whiskeys. Cheers!