Buying whiskey can seem like an uphill task for someone that has never bought such a product before. This is because the whiskey market is flooded by many brands. Besides that, there are sales people out there who are not willing to let you buy what you think is right for your taste. Such sales guys can be avoided by shopping online due to the fact that it’s more convenient than loitering between shops. But the major hurdle lies in knowing how to select the best whiskey in the market. Below is a checklist that can guide you when shopping for this awesome drink.
1. Check Online Reviews
If you are buying whiskey for the first time, it’s recommended you scroll through online reviews. In fact, such reviews are more reliable than asking for recommendations from friends. This is because the reviews contain opinions of experienced alcoholics that really know what to look for in an alcoholic drink. However, you should only trust reviews from an authoritative website such as WhiskeyBon. Such a review site can rarely mislead you due to the fact that they have a large following on the internet. After all, you need to get counsel from a site that doesn’t have any vested interests in particular brands.
2. Select by Origin
Whiskeys are classified according to their origin. There are those that are brewed in Japan, Turkey, Scotland, Irish, Canada and other countries. But Scottish whisky is the most popular spirit. In fact, it’s stocked by most bars all over the world in large quantities. The difference in origin means that the flavors are not the same. For instance, most of the brands that are made in America are known to be rich in cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. Single Malt or Blend
When looking for whiskey to buy, you should first decide whether you want single malt or blended variety. This criteria is simple to break down. For a start, single malt refers to a brand that’s pure because it has not been mixed with other stuff. Brands that fall into this category come with a premium price. On the other hand, a blend contains several varieties of whiskeys. And maybe that’s why they are affordable. A good example of such a brand is Johnnie Walker. All in all, you should try one variety at a time.
4. Set a Budget
It’s important to have a budget before you start searching for whiskey to buy. A budget will prevent you from buying a spirit that’s beyond your means. Remember, you need to save money for other bills. When shopping for whiskey, you can either buy a cheap or a premium brand. It’s your pocket that will determine what you will order for. Regardless of your budget, your aim remains the same; to get high. All that matters is alcohol percentage and flavour.
5. Popular Brands
If you are just getting your feet wet in the world of whisky, it’s recommended you stick to popular brands. This is because you can’t get a nasty experience from renowned brands. This is due to the fact that such brands have already made a name for themselves and they can never compromise on quality for fear of losing their market share. Upcoming brands tend to be cheaper than popular brands because they are not yet established in the marketplace.
