Every year around this time, we look back and ask ourselves what we learned about whiskey. In 2022, the big takeaway is that we should really focus on bourbon, rye, and scotch whisk(e)y that we really like. Saving $5 on a bottle on Elijah Craig Small Batch is no reason to stock up. It isn't going anywhere.
I'd made a pledge not to buy any more pedestrian whiskey until I drank all of the pedestrian whiskey I already had in the house. I'm still drinking but that pledge means I'll end the year with fewer bottles than I started for the first time ... ever. At least I think that's the case. I don't count or keep records of which bottles I'm stocking at home so I could be wrong. It is a change in philosophy for sure whatever the case.
Bourbon prices continue to rise so it seems to make more sense to refrain from buying bottles that aren't really good and direct some of that budget to the ones we really like. Booker's, Russell's Reserve, Wild Turkey, Barrell, and the like. We aren't suggesting only buying $100+ bottles but as much as we like Wild Turkey 101 and Rittenhouse, Rare Breed Bourbon and Rye are just better so why not live a little?
Dan had a tough year with his favorite store's club program that requires him to purchase the monthly pick sight unseen. So far, he's 1 for 11 with 1 pick to go. That's not a good ratio so he'll step away from that next year. He's happy to commit to spending every month as long as he can pick what he buys.
So, 2023 will be about fewer bottles that we choose based solely on the enjoyment factor. We rarely get the chance to buy unicorns but that in-between land of $50-80 feels like a better range to shoot for regularly to ensure every pour is worth the sip.
Cheers!
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