Navigating The World of Whiskey A Four-Part Blog With Advice For The New Whisk(e)y Enthusiast

Part I

26 April 24

Mid shelf vs top shelf?  I’m certainly no whiskey expert (or an expert on many other things that I have strongly-held beliefs on).  For someone new to the world, going out and buying an expensive single malt seems like a waste.  Is it good?  How do you know?!  You have nothing to compare it to.  Don’t waste your money. 

I don’t drink top shelf whiskey on a regular basis.  While I could probably afford it, I think I’d become immune to the deliciousness.  Drawing inspiration from the wine world’s concept of “table wine,” the whiskey landscape has its own equivalent – “table whiskies.” These are the mid-shelf brands that may not boast the same prestige as their pricier counterparts but are reliable, enjoyable, and perfectly suited for everyday consumption. 

Brands like Beam or Daniel’s, Johnny Walker Red, and Jameson’s often find their way into our cabinets, offering a satisfactory sipping experience without breaking the bank.  Mid-shelf whiskies are the workhorses of our bars. They’re the reliable companions for casual evenings, and mixers for cocktails. We save the good stuff for when we have a special day.  

Jack Daniel’s, Johnny Red, and Jameson’s are my everyday, table whiskies.  They’re good – good enough.  When I crack open a bottle of Talsiker, wow!, I really see the difference and appreciate it more.  What are your ‘table whiskies’?