I walked into my local liquor store yesterday and I was greeted with 3 new bottles of bourbon that I haven’t had a chance to buy yet: Sazerac Rye, Heaven Hill (Bottled in Bond), and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel.

A typical bourbon lover would have gone a little giddy seeing some of these bottles sitting on the shelf.

I was a little excited, but I was just buying a bottle for a gift and I had to get to my dinner plans.

So I ended up picking based upon a weird factor:

I picked the bottle that tasted the best to me when I did a blind taste test.

I have never consumed Sazerac Rye, so that was a pass (and I’m just not a rye guy). I have had Heaven Hill and Elijah Craig before, so I needed way to decide.

I had received a sample of the Heaven Hill BIB and I really enjoyed it, so I decided to grab that bottle.

It made me think a bit. Maybe there was something to this crazy madness. Maybe people should be spending more money on tasting bourbons before actually buying a bottle.

Why You Should Try A Bourbon At A Restaurant Or Bar First

Trying bourbon at a restaurant or bar before purchasing a bottle can be beneficial for several reasons:

1. Exploration of flavors: Bourbon comes in various styles and flavor profiles, influenced by factors like the mash bill, aging process, and barrel type. Tasting different bourbons at a bar or restaurant allows you to explore a range of flavors and determine what appeals to your palate. It helps you understand your preferences, such as whether you enjoy sweeter, spicier, or more robust bourbons.
2. Cost-effective sampling: Bourbon can be quite expensive, especially for high-quality or rare bottles. By trying different bourbons at a bar or restaurant, you can sample a variety without committing to an entire bottle. This way, you can avoid potential disappointment if a particular bourbon doesn’t align with your taste preferences.
3. Expert recommendations: Bartenders and staff at reputable bars or restaurants often possess extensive knowledge about bourbon. They can provide guidance, suggest specific brands or expressions based on your preferences, and offer insights into the characteristics of different bourbons. Their expertise can enhance your bourbon-drinking experience and help you make informed purchasing decisions.
4. Comparing and contrasting: Tasting bourbons side by side allows you to compare and contrast their flavors, aromas, and overall quality. At a bar or restaurant, you may have the opportunity to try different bourbons simultaneously or in quick succession. This comparative approach helps you develop a better understanding of the nuances and complexities within the bourbon category.
5. Social experience: Enjoying bourbon at a restaurant or bar provides a social setting where you can discuss and share your impressions with friends or fellow bourbon enthusiasts. It can be an enjoyable and interactive experience to exchange opinions, try recommendations from others, and broaden your knowledge of bourbon through conversations.
6. Discovering new releases: Bars and restaurants often have access to limited-edition or special release bourbons that may not be readily available in stores. By trying these unique offerings, you can stay up to date with the latest releases and discover hidden gems that you might not have encountered otherwise.

Conclusion

Overall, sampling bourbon at a restaurant or bar before purchasing a bottle can be a wise approach to refine your preferences, save money, gain insights from experts, and have an enjoyable and educational experience.

Some people want to dive into a bottle with little to no hesitation, but I think the smarter people take an educated gamble and try a sample before purchasing. If you can find a liquor store that has a tasting booth, I highly recommend making that your go-to liquor store!

Cheers!