Everyone has different tastes, experiences, and preferences when it comes to food and drink; whiskey is no different. I would dare say that it can be more complex deciphering the nuances of the aroma, mouth feel, but most of all flavor and finish. One might like the floral notes, while another likes a sweeter taste, or the bite of a good rye. You may prefer scotch, Japanese whiskey, Irish whiskey, Bourbon, or Tennessee whiskey, but they are all whiskey. This is where the enjoyment of whiskey can take on a life of its own with both objective and subjective experiences, but for me and my experiences, the overarching theme for those that partake… is friendship and community.

My journey started several years ago with a much sweeter palate when my “daily” drinker consisted of Basil Hayden Dark Rye. The muted alcohol with a heavy fruit flavor seemed to be exactly what I wanted – and the price point was right as well. As my palate developed over the years, I find it far too sweet and not consistent with what I like today. About the only thing I use it for now (when I am in the mood) is to infuse it with coffee beans and use it in a Manhattan. 

So why mention any of this? Because palates and preferences will change and as they change, the sheer amount of whiskey available can be overwhelming for both the beginner and the experienced (which I don’t claim to be). This is especially so when you buy that rare bottle at a premium price. You are so excited to open it up with high expectations only to get that aroma that smells like whiskey, but something just doesn’t make your mouth water the way it should. You go to take your first sip expecting to have it blow your hair back and BAM, you get an intense heat, or lack thereof, with a blast of bitterness, earthiness, or an overpowering floral note that seems to have you craving a wet paper towel to scrape your tongue off with. I jest, but the mindful response of what just occurred with the sudden realization that you seemingly just highly overpaid for this forsaken liquid seems to have you rethinking your next buy. As you wrestle with what just happened, the disappointment as well as the buyer’s remorse kicks in. This is where our flavor profiles come in, and the attempt to help those with similar tastes have a potentially better buying experience by following someone that has similar tastes. So… here is my flavor profile, my current Daily Sippers rotation as well as a list of those that I highly enjoy in my Notables section.

To give you a little context with my lists, I like a wide variety of different whiskey ranging from sweet bourbon to full bodied Tennessee whiskey, to spicy rye, and Irish. I enjoy higher proof as a rule – 100+, but that does not mean I won’t sit down and sip a smooth lower proof like Old Forester 86. I do steer away from floral notes in flavor as I don’t find it enjoyable. 

I tend to care less for scotch due to the peaty flavor versus the smokiness. Canadian whiskey and most Irish tend to drink / taste younger and lack the depth I enjoy. However, there are a few Irish whiskies that break the mold and are highly enjoyable.

Old Forester Signature (100 proof)
Early Times Bottled in Bond (BIB)
Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey
Old Elk Wheated Bourbon
Penelope Toasted
Pinhook Bourbon 7 year
Sagamore Spirit Rye – Double Oak
Sagamore Spirit Rye – Cask Strength
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof – Bourbon
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof – Rye

Angel’s Envy Rye 
Blue Note – Uncut / Unfiltered Single Barrrel 
Cardinal Sin Envy Rye 
High N’ Wicked – Aeneas Coffeey Irish Whiskey 
High N’ Wicked – The Judge 
Jefferson  Ocean – Special Wheated Voyage 19 
Jefferson Ocean – Rye Voyage 26 
Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend 
Knobel Tennessee Whiskey 
Larceny Barrel Proof 
LAWS Rye CASK 
Lucky Seven – Holiday Toast 
Old Elk – 

• • Wheated Bourbon
  • Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Rye
  • Double Wheat
  • Infinity Blend
  • Cigar CutOld Forester – Anything but the Statesman and 1870

Penelope –

• • Toasted
  • Architect

Pinhook – Vertical Series

• • Bourbon War – 7 year
  • Tiz Rye Time – 7 year

Remus Repeal Reserve Batch 6 
Widow Jane Decadence  
Widow Jane Oak & Apple Wood Aged