No, this isn’t a joke. I’m 56 years old and for most of my life, all I’ve drunk is beer. I’ve flirted with more “sophisticated” (i.e., expensive) beers, but essentially I’m tired of beer. I’ve tried getting into wine, but that just doesn’t do anything for me, and the whole wine buff scene irritates me. So, now I’m wondering if I should give some serious, grown-up booze a try.
What’s a good place to start? I have a friend who raves about Maker’s Mark, but I am hesitant to spend about $30 on a bottle of bourbon when I’m not even sure I can learn to like bourbon. And if I buy some whiskey or bourbon, how should I drink it? Over ice? Mixed with water?
Oh, and before anybody suggests mixing vodka with 7-up or Captain Morgan with Dr. Pepper, that isn’t what I meant by “grown-up booze.”
Buy a 15 dollar bottle of something and experiment. I think the traditional fancy pants method is neat with a drop of water but if the point is to branch into something new that you genuinely enjoy, try all the different variations.
Maybe you can try going to a couple nice bars that specialize in cocktails and just try a few different things to see what flips your cookie. Start with the classic cocktails (martini, Manhattan, old fashioned, mint julep, daiquiri, etc)and move on from there.
You’ll pay more for nice cocktails with good ingredients made by someone who knows what they are doing, but once you figure out what you like, it isn’t rocket science to learn how to make them yourself. (Though I don’t drink as many mint juleps as I would prefer, because it’s a pain to have fresh mint on hand).
Bevmo seems to have 1/2 bottles (375ml) Makers Mark for $14 according to their website. I personally don’t mess with adding water unless the whisky is more than 100 proof. But a lot of people like bourbon over ice with a splash of soda water.
Surely, the only correct answer to this is “Drink what you like”. If you don’t like beer any more, don’t drink beer. If you like Dr Pepper (with or without the Captain Morgan), drink that. If you happen to not like any alcoholic beverage, well, there’s no law that says you must drink alcohol.
Little airline sized bottles, while not cost effective, are a good way to try different beverages before plunking down coin for a full bottle. Ask the liquor store owner for recommendations.
This. Most bourbon lovers would probably agree that brands like Makers Mark are better than say, Jim Beam, but this is due to subtle nuances that may not be evident until you become accustomed the initial sensation of drinking nearly any type of hard alcohol that will overwhelm a novice’s senses of taste and smell. Also, adding ice and/or water at first will definitely help accustom you to the taste, however don’t let anyone convince you that adding either of these is only for newbies and lightweights, even if you become a bourbon/whisky aficionado it should still be considered a matter of preference, as the effect they have of “taking the edge off” will reveal new subtleties and flavors to any palate. Most of all, have fun!!
I went to a place that specialized in good scotch. I got a jigger of something delicious with a few drops of water for $7. Might want to give something like that a try. That way you’re not spending too much if you don’t like it, and if you do, you have something really good to measure other whiskeys up to.
Maker’s Mark isn’t fine aged single-barrel scotch, but it’s pretty tasty when you’re in the mood for it.
Your use of the phrase “learn to like” is a little confusing. What is your current situation: Do you not like it, or do you not know whether you like it or not? In other words, are you trying to overcome a dislike, or do you simply not know what sorts of liquor you would like?
I think that a clearer view of your starting point might yield more fruitful advice.
Black Russian
Bloody Mary
Bourbon & Water
Daiquiri
Gin & Tonic
Martini
Manhattan
Margarita
Old Fashioned
Rum & Coke
Rusty Nail
Scotch & Soda
Screwdriver
Whiskey Sour
I also recommend doing that. You’ll find most major brands of booze sold in this size including Maker’s Mark. Where I live, they generally run between $1.50 and $6 a bottle depending upon the brand. An airline bottle of Maker’s Mark costs about $3.50.
I’ve tried hard liquor, like bourbon and whiskey, a few times in my life. Did I instantly take a liking to it? No. However, people’s tastes change as they get older, and I’ve noticed that a lot of people DO like it, so I’d like to give it another try. My experience with it is too limited for me to categorically say that I don’t like it.
I’m asking for advice here because I’d like a good starting point and don’t want to make some dumb newbie mistake. If someone was interested in giving beer a try, I wouldn’t recommend that they start with Pabst or Guinness.
My home bar has a variety of liquor, some cheap, some rather expensive. My favorites are included of course, but so are some “popular brands” (like Jack Daniels, for instance) and even some rather odd items (e.g., Blavod black vodka). When friends visit, I can usually provide something in their comfort range. Am I unusual?
If not, perhaps you too have a friend or acquaintance who stocks more than his own personal favorite. Visit and try one or two upon an evening. If none meet your satisfaction, try another or two on the next occasion. If you’re worried about tit for tat social graces, just give him a bottle of anything random, to add to the eclectic collection “for friends”.
Hell, if you’re in my area, you can stop in and try my booze.
Exactly what I was going to suggest. Go to a friend with a well-stocked bar. Or even a not-so-well stocked bar. Explain to him your predicament. If he is anything like me, he would be more than happy to help you in your journey.
