How to Taste Whiskey: $12 Bottle vs $500 Bottle

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Let's discuss some professional techniques for assessing the flavor and character of your whiskey, whether it's a $12 bottle of corn whiskey or a $500 rye aged 17 years. I also discuss the proper glass to use and the science behind why it works best.
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[@CocktailChemistry]

What other tastings should I do while you listen to my inner monologue?? Glencairn glasses: amzn.to/35KpOJy WhistlePig Boss Hog whiskey: drizly.sjv.io/jNken Mellow Corn whiskey: drizly.sjv.io/5W65n Whiskey tasting guide: whiskiesoftheworld.com/whisky-education/tasting-guidelines Crew bottles: crewbottleco.com/ Coupe glasses: amzn.to/35KiWMc

[@RoketEngineer]

Tequila! Hell, there's a whole series just going through the different aspects of various liquors.

[@MrAqr2598]

@Cocktail Chemistry Hey Nick, could you please do a comparison of: White, Gold, and Dark Rum, and/or _Blanco_ , _Reposado_ , _Añejo_ , and _Extra Añejo_ Tequila?

[@amberg6453]

Definitely Tequila Rum Vodka and Gin. Also that Tequila/vodka mix... should be interesting

[@joshuawiljanen3403]

I could go for a brandy video. Unlike other liquors, I just can't get past the heat so I feel I'm doing something wrong.

[@wrennjb]

Any change of a cocktail Chemistry coupon on those crew bottles?

[@TymonScott]

"How can I write off this $500 bottle of whiskey?" --Nick, deciding to make this video, probably

[@Kaixero]

Fun fact: you're the reason I got into cocktails. If you ever read this, I mean yeah, some cringe sentimental stuff over here, but uh...I appreciate you. I think you're pretty cool.

[@berek03]

Loved the explanation of how to taste. The "what does it remind you of" was a light bulb for me. I love whiskey but I am terrible at "tasting" it. The statement completely changes my mindset. Thank you. :)

[@amberg6453]

"Pretend it's some Cranberries and let it "Linger".... 😂😂I shall take this from you and use it daily!

[@zizoumonk10]

Did you have to?

[@DaleMuellerDotCom]

I’m such a fool for you

[@ThePolarBearProductions]

Tasters: “I taste vanilla, maple, smooth feel, etc” Me: “Yep. It’s Whiskey”

[@mattijuhani85]

Same! "Yepp. That's alcohol!"

[@flamo3961]

Vanilla and bread is the only thing i can identify other than alcohol in whiskey... but I’m a beginner 😂

[@PvPDeathKnight]

Drinking Scotch: Yes, it has a very…”forest fire in July” taste to it. The finish? French kissing a used ashtray in Vegas.

[@MattWeller412]

Really digging this format. I'd love to see an "is it worth it?" comparison between some different price points of tequila.

[@nicholasjones1713]

Something that doesn't get nearly as much attention as it should is high quality, long aged, rum. Maybe you can do a tasting of those? Possibly with a rhum agricole comparison as well?

[@adamoliver2643]

Shhhh we don't want to have them bourbon prices ;)

[@grmasdfII]

I've only ever had one high quality dark rum, but it was astoundingly similar to some of the sweeter Japanese whiskies.

[@BernardBoyGenius]

Zafra rum is spectacular! Go get a bottle and thank me later 😉

[@grmasdfII]

@@BernardBoyGenius I guess I know what the wife is getting me for Christmas, thanks :>

[@RodTejada502]

Second this!

[@jarjoevis]

Whiskey tribe represent!

[@chrisherre7107]

Hey, fellow MB

[@joshrambin231]

I feel like he watched some tribe videos to prepare for this shoot

[@sirvemon]

The best whiskey I've ever had is a bottle of Suntory whiskey my brother gifted to me for helping him move. Absolutely love the stuff!

[@DeckDogs4Life]

Most interesting bottle I've tried is probably the Lagavulin Nick Offerman 11 Year scotch. I was a huge fan of that, I'd love to get another bottle but the price isn't exactly cheap. I did also try the Yamazaki 12 year Japanese whiskey, which was expensive and also very good and interesting. I'd say around the $80-100 per bottle point is where your return on investment kind of peaks in my experience.

[@MrTonyfield]

I'm glad you gave props to the mellow corn at the end. It really is a steal for the price. I bought it once as a gag because the bottle and label looks like something I'd get in the clearance aisle of the dollar store. Much to my surprise, I've been a fan ever since.

[@MrPokemonisawesome]

The power of suggestion is an amazing thing Nick ''we are going to try these two in a Manhattan'' *pauses video and makes one* mm Manhattan

[@tzor]

I remember many years ago belonging to a mail order whiskey tasting club. I always love the "what does it remind you of" because most of the options they gave I have never personally experienced. P.S. traditionally there is an in between step which calls for tasting the whiskey with a "drop" of water added to it. There can be a vast difference in the flavor profile that is created by simply adding a drop of water to the dram. (Of course I think you should try it neat first and then add the drop.)

[@Babbngt0n]

Love these type of series! You should do mezcal next. I feel like it's a misunderstood alcohol.

[@kmlkmljkl]

why am i watching this. i dont even drink

[@YungMomJeans]

Passion is fun to listen to, doesn't really matter in what. Same reason we listen to folks talk about things we'll never do.

[@WhiskeySugarBitters]

@@YungMomJeans But he actually doesn't strike me as passionate, more as a comedian just doing this for fun. The jokes and his facial expressions are a little facetious if you aks me 😅 Which is cool too!

[@ctrlaltdelicate]

great content bro

[@simpleman806]

I have a bottle of Jack Daniels single barrel, barrel proof. Cost about $63. The bottle I got came in at 129 proof. I didn't care for it straight, but have a Jack and Coke with it and it's delicious

[@musicfreak1138]

Been drinking Whiskey as my favorite libation ever since I was legal to do so. Thank you for making this video, maybe now my friends can finally understand and appreciate whiskey now

[@ryanlittle2169]

As much as I love Whiskey, I am more of a bourbon fan. I’d love to see your take on Bourbon tastings. My top three go to’s are 1792 (Small Batch), Angel’s Envy, and Old Forester 1920 Prohibition. Big fan of the channel, you are actually the very first comment I have ever posted on KZbin. Looking forward to more great things!

[@DirtyChaz]

This is such a great channel and for the people who are give you crap for using high end whiskey for cocktails can drink ever clear instead. Thanks for providing a great channel about cocktails.

[@toekneeevans]

"a hint of eraser" 👀

[@eldoradorail8891]

Rich mommy favours

[@BugMagnet]

That is a really nice comparison. It would be really interesting to se a small series of these for different spirits. Like 20, 50, 100 bucks for rum, vodka, and all the other tasty things.

[@CasshernSinz1613]

Personally I go for Japanese whiskey because they put in very unique blends to distinguish themselves. They are by default pretty pricey but absolutely worth it, imo. Hibiki being one of the best. If you are a whiskey snob (such as myself) you'll really enjoy sipping that with a cigar, preferably a Maduro.

[@CaesarSaladin7]

50-year-old bottle of Crown Royale a friend found in his grandfather's basement and gave me as a wedding gift.

[@philiplomedico563]

Whisky doesn’t age in the bottle like wine. So you have a bottle of Crown that happens to be 50 years old unfortunately

[@toddgorny1148]

Recently went to the liquor store to pick up some "ango" so I can spout pretentious fuckwittery at my friends while I make old fashioned's. Keep it up and thank you for the inspiration to up my cocktail game

[@startrekrecruit]

I feel like I'd like to see a comparison between two whiskeys with a similar mash, personally. I feel like rye and corn will give you completely different effects and it would be interesting to see what price ends of similar mash whiskeys would give you by themselves and in a cocktail.

[@CoachJohnMcGuirk1]

The most interesting bottle in my collection is my infinity bottle. I’ve been cultivating it for over a year, it is essentially a 1 liter bottle that I sacrifice the last few ounces of every bottle of whiskey I buy to top it up. It is primarily bourbon, secondary Irish, with some other outliers added. The taste changes over time and it’s always a nice treat when I need to clear out some room in it

[@Chakram82]

"Don't cringe" haha I was cringing the moment you mentioned putting the Boss Hog in anything other than a Glencairn. 🤣 I do wish more people understood that an age statement is just that, an age statement. I have had some 20 year whiskies that leave me wishing I had Evan Williams in my glass. I'm a big fan of the Whistle Pig 12 Year Old World Cask finish. Another great video. Thank you!

[@Tetramor4]

The Boss Hog: vanila, raisins, oak, blueberries. Ardbeg, Lagavulin or Laphroaig: seagull armpit, salty stones, walrus kisses, used bandages, sex with a mermaid inside of an oil tank. Gosh, i love Isla whiskey.😁

[@Jumper1155]

Just ordered a bottle of Ardbeg an Oa and I'm really looking forward to tasting it. Islay's are my favourites.

[@zachpayne27]

People really need to start doing tastings like this..that voiceover tho...so funny when u think about it being your thoughts and ur speaking to urself the whole time...i was lmao...subscribing..no doubt..thanks man

[@kbrock9146]

You deserve 1 million subscribers, for sure. Love your stuff.

[@Christopher_Wheeler]

The most interesting bottle I have is a $6 bottle of Black Velvet...

[@JesterThinking]

Great episode, and I think it's great you're not being too precious with the nice spirit - they're meant to be enjoyed, however you enjoy them best! I'd love to see a mezcal breakdown and tasting, with some guidance on how to incorporate it into cocktails; I've just started to explore the spirit, and there are some great resources out there, but it can take a deep dive to really find them and start putting the picture together.

[@BlightningBrightling]

5:59 Looks like you got the ol' Babish "Fork Shake" going on. Must be a pretty good steak.

[@azraelsblade]

“Let’s use this $500 whiskey to make a Manhattan...” you’re killing me, Smalls...

[@TheMintaur]

I'm from Scotland so I mainly drink Scotch. Have a delicious bottle of Dalwhinnie... my current favourite!

[@SuperNovaJinckUFO]

I love how you can see how much more enjoyment he's getting out of the Rye XD

[@0Etcetera0]

Super stoked for more of the videos!

[@johannilsson7292]

Great vid! I've got an idea you could try. I'm from Sweden, and here we have what's called Kaffekask. That's simply explained coffee and vodka (often swedish moonshine made from white sugar and yeast) It's kind of a "folkish" drink, not drunk as much today as before, but I can't say when or where it originated. The mixing parts ratio differ from who you ask, but me and many swedes think that about 30 % vodka and 70 % coffee is about perfect. It makes for a extra warming coffee with a "spicy" aroma The one important thing you'll have to think about in this Kaffekask, is the coffee itself. We swedes like our coffee strong. 600 ml of water, to about 60 ml of grounded coffee ratio. The coffee we use is dark/"mid dark" roasted Arabica coffee beans. Google the brand Gevalia or Löfbergs Lila. I hope you'll like my proposal and that it'll make it into one of your videos!

[@windowsforvista]

Definitely enjoyed that format! I'd love to know how you taste and evaluate the random things from the liqueur section of every cocktail store, and how you decide what kinds of drinks you can make with them!

[@thistleclockworks1292]

Well, done, sir. I enjoy this format. I'll look in your library for a blended versus single malt whiskey edition. Also, thanks for pointing out the inexpensive $12 Mellow Corn. Not everything in the larder needs to have a $$$ price tag or age statement. Also, hell yes, if you're making a cocktail for family, friends and good company, break out that top shelf statement bottle and mix it like you (and they) mean it. Finally, if it's opened, it's oxidizing, so use it.

[@anicientbolt]

Currently have a independent bottling of Deanston, 11year old single sherry cask, bottled at 66.6%.

[@eliharris212]

This whole video is like that scene from Ratatouille

[@alazar7685]

just found your channel and i',m BINGING!!! i love it

[@scottmorrison6027]

I clicked because of the title, but I stayed for the Take Five. Excellent content, as always.

[@TrustyLicious]

Very educational! Now I know what to do when I am offered whiskey. I usually say sure to one glass as to not be rude. But I really didn’t know what I was doing. I would mimic those around me while I pretended to “enjoy” the beverage.

[@KnnyAllen]

I love your videos. Currently, my top shelf is a Boundary Oak Distillery's Lincoln bottle.

[@TibbyProductions]

"pull it away and then just kinda think about it" made me laugh so hard for some reason lol

[@removelimitbreak7524]

Would love to see your opinions on all the various types of whisk(e)ys out there. Starting with bourbon. And ending with some islay scotch with whatever you so choose in between. I highly recommend Laphroaig lore.

[@themanwithsauce]

Tipping my hat to the "store picks" at decent liquor stores. If you're new to high end spirits, these tend to be safe bets as you can often ask someone there who *literally* tried that exact barrel and can tell you what to expect. My favorite place to shop has a very passionate owner who is always pushing his store picks and damn, he's yet to be wrong! I think my favorite was his pick for a barrel of Knappogue Castle 12 year aged Irish Whisky. Absolutely hit it out of the part with an introduction of, and I have never used this for a liquor before, but it hits like a slice of warm, fresh, chocolate cake. I don't yet have the most elaborate palette but I went back a few days later and bought half a dozen bottles to keep in my storeroom and give a few away as gifts this year. And for those unaware - often, after being barrel aged, these abrrels are all dumped back into a large vat to be evened out so the product is consistent from bottle to bottle. But before that happens, these distillers often allow a few barrels to be bottled on their own as an individual run where maybe that batch has more of one flavor than another. Liquor stores can get some samples from these barrels, try them, and then commit to buying the whole bottling run of that single barrel and so it becomes a "Store pick" as those bottles were only delivered to that one store. Again, highly recommended way to get into higher end spirits.

[@jasonhall10]

My favorite whiskey in my bar is “Mama Tried” from Montgomery Distillery in Missoula, Montana.

[@nathana3170]

I like my whisky with a single piece of ice. Eagle Rare or Buffalo Trace are great all-around approachable whiskeys at a price that won’t break the bank. The expensive stuff is not priced on flavor quality, but on rarity. No need to spend that much to find great whiskey, only if you want to have rare whiskey.

[@ScottKorin]

People spend their money in different ways, and I like whiskey, but I can't fathom buying a $500 bottle of whiskey.

[@CrispyGFX]

Same. I've had some really terrible tasting, expensive whiskey, and some exceptionally delicious and interesting bottom shelf garbage. Honestly, with taste, it's 100% objective. Depends on what you like/expect out of a bottle.

[@MulchMan88]

Especially if you're spending $500 on Boss Hog...

[@MrTheSmoon]

@@CrispyGFX i assume you meant subjective

[@robinsharkey6658]

I have spent tens of thousands. Scotch rules!

[@bravofoxable]

Yeah... Mix a couple of "cheap" whiskeys in same bottle, like your own "infinity barrel", you'll be surprised by the results, enough to baffle even the most esteemed "tasters"... It works for me

[@TirelessGod]

Mellow Corn is love. Mellow Corn is life

[@Dave-gk4sd]

Truth

[@DelishushSchrambleSchmeg]

I work at a liquor store and probably the nicest/unique-est Whisky is the Muckety Muck 24yr Orphan Barrel, would certainly love to see what you do with that !

[@christopherpaik]

Please do more videos of cocktail comparisons using high-end spirits! It's one of those taboos by snobs you're taught when you start drinking nicer bottles so I find it fascinating to see what the verdict is on the use of high quality base ingredients.

[@robbnagle]

Loved the video, but of all the bottles to compare for an expensive example, you chose Whistlepig? This would have been a great video if you compared the $15 to something more established and with a consistent track record. Personally I heve never had a good bottle from Whistlepig so would never spend $500 from a newer blender label like them that has let me down at much lower price ranges.

[@lordsirio5517]

Hey, without the shadow of a doubt, I'd go with Nikka From the Barrel... 100 whiskies in a cube of glass, 103 proof, it's gonna run you 50 bucks for an incredibly assembled blend... Definitely worth a try... Plus, the fruitiness of the mouth and the peppery finish makes it an excellent cocktail contender

[@Deefry]

Would love to see something similar done with brandy - I have a hard time differentiating regular brandy from Cognac but the Armagnac I've tried was so much mellower.

[@adamoliver2643]

As far as skills go, spirits tasting is spirits tasting. You need to develop your palette for brandy. Get a couple glencairns out and do some A/B tastings, thats probably the best way to improve it.

[@etherdark]

The Tribe welcomes you. Cheers MB!

[@fdmmoens]

We need a collab with Rex and Daniel from the tribe :D Currently I think my Nikka Coffey Malt takes the high seat

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

@4:44 "Okay, let's pretend it's some CRANBERRIES and let it LINGER.." That's what a ZOMBIE might say WHEN YOU'RE GONE after it BURY THE HATCHET

[@jordanoddi7123]

Would love to see an Orange Liqueur taste test/comparison!

[@joemccall8991]

Getting the day off to a good start, what whiskey can I taste test this morning?

[@nickentros]

Whisky: the breakfast of champions

[@BrandonsYouTube]

Monkey shoulder. I think it's my favorite.

[@blakemilitti8908]

McCormick, all purpose whiskey

[@MagicToaster_1fan]

Can never go wrong with Elijah Craig

[@hardstyle3196]

@@nickentros i thought that was p&$$¥

[@themodernspeakeasy8215]

I really enjoyed this video. I have a bottle of Highland Park Odin. I wonder what cocktails would compliment that well. Thoughts? I will do I video about it.

[@TheLuckyOne389]

ledaig 10yo is one of my favourites out of my collection

[@joncobb9894]

I can't wait till I'm 21

[@okoustrup]

The Scotch add 2-5 drops of water into the whisky to 'open' it - I have tried it with different whiskys - it actually functions. Still I best like Laphrough whisky

[@WaechterDerNacht]

Nice video! I only own one bottle of Aberlour 16yrs at the moment. How bout tasting some grappa? Love a good grappa after a nice dinner.

[@lvcsslacker]

also of note, a lot of whiskey drinkers find there's a point of diminishing returns on price vs. experience. where it is for you, that's what you gotta learn.

[@dan55469]

Currently, my most interesting bottle is a Hillrock aged in Sauternes casks

[@WhiskeySugarBitters]

I've had that once..It is delicious!

[@23Serkan]

VII edition of Boss Hog an amazing whiskey I tried 2 weeks ago and I sell that $120 for 2oz people loves it so far!

[@ShaneCopelin]

Great video that brings up some good points. And one of the points was that you were looking for a write off on some Boss Hog. I love it. :)

[@fapynn]

Great video! ‘Would love to see tastings on any other spirits, but gin, vodka, and tequila would be top of my list to see. I imagine the techniques are similar to this, but it would be great to hear about specifics from a professional.

[@MikePulcinellaVideo]

Very much enjoyed this.

[@Alpenmagier]

whats ur fav whiskey ? mine is red breast 15 years irish single pot

[@hassenfepher]

Make a batch if allspice dram for the holidays. You will forever use dram to mean an 1/8th ounce. That stuff is strong AF

[@Vikingwerk]

I was gifted a bottle of Floki, Icelandic young malt sheep dung smoked reserve. I've yet to get brave enough to try it. Easily the most unusual thing in my collection.

[@comradesomo]

$500? I'll take 40 bottles of Mellow Corn!

[@pepsiman9882]

Make that 41

[@AlphaOneActual]

My most interesting bottle of whisky would either be my Bruichladdich Black Art 07.1 or my Balcones Texas Single Malt Single Barrel maturated full term in an ex-Oloroso Sherry cask for 44 months.

[@SanTM]

Hmm. Great video. Martin Cate has a similar method of judging rum

[@MrEastbaymellow]

Excellent video! Thank you sir.

[@SadCrabMan23]

I’ve become annoyed with the whiskey market and how it’s become a mad house to find rare bottles. There are some great bourbons and ryes sitting on most shelves. For my collection, I’d say my Michters 10 Rye is impeccable along with my Yamazaki 18.

[@CocktailChemistry]

Michters rye might be my favorite

[@robinsharkey6658]

@@CocktailChemistry THH, Rare Breed Rye, Alberta Premium Cask Strength.

[@onggia850]

Can not forget Elijah Craig Barrell Proof and Old Forrester 1920 both usually found at MSRP.

[@funktifyknow]

I'd like to see you try Aberlour A'bundah. It one of my favorite Scotches

[@thrgardinad]

Whiskey Tribe

[@Bmk0017]

The best whiskey is the one you enjoy, drank the way you most enjoy. I have friends who really enjoy Evan Williams on the rocks, and I also know someone who drinks highland park 12 with ginger ale

[@ursamines7643]

0:32 He whiskeys with Magnificence

[@invisi-bullexploration2374]

I will say that Old Grandad bonded is relatively cheap and can handily hold its own.

[@Pkeane04]

I had a fleeting thought that I wanted to fight you when you made a cocktail with the boss hog.

[@artirony410]

I think doing this with something like El Dorado's lineup of the 3, 5, 8, 12, and 15 year rums would be cool to see

[@harrisonlee9585]

A Manhattan made with corn whiskey is called a Lexington, Kentucky.

[@ogsvx]

If you like challenging your palate, and you appreciate a fine single-malt, try to get your hands on a Macallan 25 years old. But not the newer Sherry Oak filling, mind you!

[@Magius61]

Dated yourself with that cranberry joke 😂

[@zore5220]

Talisker is my fav

[@keithdye80]

And a hint of eraser😂😂

[@orana03]

I had a look. Why is mellow corn whisky so much more expensive in the UK I've seen it online for between 27 and 33 pounds. Like for that price I'm getting a bottle of glenfiddich 12

[@Supermunch2000]

Octomore 8.3 is my best bottle

[@nickentros]

Octomores are simply amazing. I’ve had two bottles of 6.1, one 8.2 and I just got a 10.2 in, can’t wait to open that one

[@hunterbeck8268]

Do something with Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask, I swear it’s the missing link between bourbon and scotch, so I bet it’d make some interesting cocktails

[@v12shane]

I want to try mellow corn so badly. I don't believe it's available conventionally where I live

[@thenaturalway2399]

The most interesting bottle of booze I have is a €300 bottle of cognac: Hennessy XO. I actually brought one tax free on my way to my family in law in Indonesia and they slaughtered it (and my gut) within 30 minutes by doing shots with this exclusive bottle. I could not get over it. I had to get another one on my trip back home to pay it respect. This bottle I cherish for years already... enjoying it every time that I feel I somehow deserved to spoil myself. I would never consider using it for a mix or cocktail, there are plenty of decent bottles to do that with... next to some "failed" purchases for drinking pure that do very well in these uses