Buying And Storing Whisky

There’s more selection than ever on the whisky shelves these days, however determining which to purchase doesn’t have to be a headache. Whisky Advocate’s tips will aid you get the most effective bang for your buck.

Try Before You Buy

The most effective way to figure out what you like? Taste it! Go to a bar and pick out a whisky you haven’t tried. Many liquor stores provide free samples occasionally, and others may pour a sip from an open bottle should you categorical interest in trying it. Get acquainted with your native bars and retailers and grow to be a regular. They’ll start to recollect your preferences and might make recommendations for new manufacturers you would possibly like.

Discover A Guide

Once you don’t get the possibility to taste and judge the whisky for yourself before shelling out for a bottle, crowdsource opinions. Ask friends with trusted palates what they think and read evaluations like these found in our Buying Guide. Chances are you'll not agree with every reviewer, but once you find somebody with related tastes to yours, use these notes to guide your purchases.

Be a Confident Contrarian

Now that you just know your preference, you’ll be free from the trap of shopping for something because everybody else is drinking it. When you know your personal style, pursue and refine it. It may not be fashionable, but you’ll definitely enjoy your dram—and that’s what it’s all about.

Purchase Wisely

As you explore completely different whiskies, shop around. Most liquor stores share promotions on social media, and plenty of have loyalty programs that provide reductions or a chance to purchase limited-edition bottles. Pop into liquor stores when traveling, too—you could find totally different whiskies, and decrease prices, elsewhere.

Don’t forget that many whiskies come in several dimension bottles, and the bigger the package, the decrease the worth per ounce. Should you’re on the hunt for uncommon whiskies, auctions could also be one of the best option. Just be aware of commissions and delivery prices added to the hammer price.

Ultimately, what makes a whisky "worth it" is as much as you—a personal equation of style, price, and access.

STORING blended whisky
Each whisky lover starts out shopping for a single bottle, however many people find yourself amassing a set of bottles, many partially consumed. Take heed of the following pointers so the last drop will be as enjoyable because the first. For even more advice, check out our how-to article on storing whisky—and don’t overlook to stock those bottles as you go along.

Keep It Dark and Cool

Limit your whisky’s publicity to sunlight and fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which can damage the label and cork and, if the bottle is open, have an effect on the integrity of the spirit. The very best place to store whisky is in a dark, room-temperature cabinet or closet.

Bottles Up!

Unlike wine, whisky doesn’t age within the bottle (though oxidation can occur over time). While wine bottles are stored on their sides to keep corks from drying out, whisky should always be kept upright in order that the high-proof liquid doesn’t take on unwanted flavors from the cork. To keep the cork from drying out completely and crumbling, flip your whisky bottle on its head each four to 6 months and let the cork moisten for about ten seconds.