Cigar Weekly

samiam2 · 03-26-2008, 07:22 AM

Whiskey reading:

The Sweet Spot: $30 Hooch
By David Wondrich

After extensive polling and market research, or at least lengthy editorial discussion over drinks, we here at the Esquire Institute for Advanced Research in Mixology have come to believe that the male brain divides the world of whiskey into three main categories, based not on incidentals such as origin or style, but on price.

Anything under $30 (or a couple of bucks less, outside major urban areas) seems cheap and is thus in some way suspect. Anything over about $35 goes into the "let me think about it" section, for special occasions. That bit in between seems to be the sweet spot, where the whiskey is perceived as both potentially good and immediately purchasable.

The whole scheme is irrational, of course. There are loads of great whiskeys under $30, and not a few over it that kinda suck. Still, there’s little point in fighting our psychological hang-ups. If, therefore, you’re going to spend between $29.99 and $34.99* on a nice bottle of whiskey, here are five that we buy.

Woodford Reserve ($31.99): Since $30 is at the high end of the price range for American whiskeys, bargains are to be had. The Woodford is a huge, sweet pussycat of a whiskey — all creamed corn and vanilla pudding, but with alcohol.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 ($29.99): Ten years slumbering in the wood leaves this one fragrant of old leather and tasting of dark-chocolate-covered cherries, with a looooong finish.

Bushmills Black Bush ($33.99): Biscuity, slightly musky aromas, and a full-bodied graininess on the palate, with just a bit of nip to show you that it’s serious.

Chivas Regal 12 ($29.99): With demand up and the dollar passed out in the gutter, you can basically forget single-malt Scotches for $30. That leaves the blends, and since they include this velvety smooth old warhorse, that’s not a hardship.

Suntory Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky ($34.99): Not all single malts are from Scotland. Japan’s been making them for 70 years and knows how. The native oak barrels it’s partly aged in impart hints of incense to a clean, rich, and barley-sweet base spirit.

*Prices based on major New York City retailer. Prices elsewhere may vary, and for the better.

03-26-2008, 07:22 AM	#1
samiam2 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lebanon, TN Posts: 3,799	$30 Whiskey Whiskey reading: The Sweet Spot: $30 Hooch By David Wondrich After extensive polling and market research, or at least lengthy editorial discussion over drinks, we here at the Esquire Institute for Advanced Research in Mixology have come to believe that the male brain divides the world of whiskey into three main categories, based not on incidentals such as origin or style, but on price. Anything under $30 (or a couple of bucks less, outside major urban areas) seems cheap and is thus in some way suspect. Anything over about $35 goes into the "let me think about it" section, for special occasions. That bit in between seems to be the sweet spot, where the whiskey is perceived as both potentially good and immediately purchasable. The whole scheme is irrational, of course. There are loads of great whiskeys under $30, and not a few over it that kinda suck. Still, there’s little point in fighting our psychological hang-ups. If, therefore, you’re going to spend between $29.99 and $34.99* on a nice bottle of whiskey, here are five that we buy. Woodford Reserve ($31.99): Since $30 is at the high end of the price range for American whiskeys, bargains are to be had. The Woodford is a huge, sweet pussycat of a whiskey — all creamed corn and vanilla pudding, but with alcohol. Old Rip Van Winkle 10 ($29.99): Ten years slumbering in the wood leaves this one fragrant of old leather and tasting of dark-chocolate-covered cherries, with a looooong finish. Bushmills Black Bush ($33.99): Biscuity, slightly musky aromas, and a full-bodied graininess on the palate, with just a bit of nip to show you that it’s serious. Chivas Regal 12 ($29.99): With demand up and the dollar passed out in the gutter, you can basically forget single-malt Scotches for $30. That leaves the blends, and since they include this velvety smooth old warhorse, that’s not a hardship. Suntory Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky ($34.99): Not all single malts are from Scotland. Japan’s been making them for 70 years and knows how. The native oak barrels it’s partly aged in impart hints of incense to a clean, rich, and barley-sweet base spirit. *Prices based on major New York City retailer. Prices elsewhere may vary, and for the better. __________________ "I believe that forgiving them is God's function. Our job is simply to arrange the meeting." General Norman Schwartzkopf