What do I think? I think there's bacon in that glass and is fantastic.

Reply

well, i think if she's PAYING for it, she can do what she likes w/ whatever class of bourbon she prefers. since she was a guest, she should've been more respectful, though i also fully recognize that she prob didn't realize that it would be taken poorly. i mean, this is the equivalent of making sangria out of opus one: if it's your $150, do what you like, but i'd cut-a-bitch for using my expensive shiz that way, LOL.

Reply

Since she was a guest in his home, the Southern "gentleman" should have swallowed his rage and simply served her with a smile. It violates all laws of hospitality to insult a guest like that. He put the good bourbons out for his guests, and that gives them leeway to drink it as they like.

Reply

I tend to designate some of my booze as sippin' whiskey, and keep the rest as well to be used as needed. The extra-special bottles (Red Hook Rye & the Pappy Van Winkle, say) get tucked away during parties (and busted out for guests who know us well enough to ask for 'em), but I'd never EVER allow a guest in my home to feel as if they'd made a culinary mistake. If it's out, it's fair game, and who am I to quash someone else's pleasure?

Reply

I think that with the cost of a good Pappy Van Winkle (you said Woodford but I'm using my bar as an example), if I saw someone mixing it with ginger, I may casually replace it with a bottle of Makers. This is not a slur against Makers mind you - but a cheaper alternative leaving me to enjoy the higher end straight.

Reply

if i was in the business of selling whiskey, id totally agree. but im in the business of drinking whiskey and think it is downright insulting. bacon however, thats a good move right there.

Reply

I can understand feeling secretly scornful of someone using your favorite top shelf beverage as a mix drink...but if you are offering it as a refreshment to your guests, what difference is it to you if they sip an ounce or 2 straight/over ice versus with gingerale etc? If you don't want to share or run out, hide the bottle. Otherwise be a gracious host and bite your tongue.

Reply

I always hide the good stuff, be it bourbon, scotch, vodka, gin, or anything else. The mediocre stuff goes out for mixed drinks, and my friends know I have better in a cabinet. I'm happy to share it on request, but leaving it out is a quick way to tears when your friend has a pint glass full of scotch.

Besides, if they want something with ginger ale, pull out some rye whiskey.

Reply

Darn you, Astin - I'm suddenly hankering hard for a Wild Turkey Rye & ginger, and there are still a few work hours left to go.

Reply

The host shouldn't have left his good stuff out on a table with mixers.
When you host a mingling party like this, you generally know everyone who's going to be there and you can point the refined palate sippers to a cabinet in another room for the good stuff. Or, you can keep long tablecloths on the alcohol table and put it under there.

That said, you also have to realize just how dumb "average" is. Average people don't really care about the difference in Ten High, Maker's Mark or Woodford WHEN IT'S FREE. The ignorant guests were at least partially at fault for squandering high-dollar liquor.

Moral of the Story: Don't set expensive liquor out unless you want it drank!

Reply

I was fortunate enough to talk my way into co-authoring/being a research assistant for a whisk(e)y book almost 2 years ago, and I have to say I agree with the master distiller. I

I think much of the snobbery around whiskey has been translated from single malt Scotch whisky traditions. But as the distiller pointed out, it's what tastes right. The sweeter flavors of bourbon (younger casks, made from sour mash) and rye whisky lend themselves to drinking with colas and ginger ales more readily. I think a bartender would rightfully stand aghast when someone mistakenly thinks they're ordering the "good stuff" in asking for a glass of Ardbeg single malt with cola, the result is a horrible tasting mess to me. On the other hand, single malts taste strangely fantastic with other mixers such as green tea.

Sharing a drink with friends is meant to be about spreading enjoyment, if you're begrudgingly departing with the odd glass I think you've missed the point.

Reply

An easy way to send me into a seething, post-party rant: Use my good booze as run-of-the-mill mixers, or bring a ton of crappy beer like Coors, not drink it, and then wipe out my good stuff.

I can see adding one mixer to the equation, esp if you like the flavor but are a lightweight. However..

1- Price should come into account. I think my Zacapa would make a sinful rum and coke, but it's a bit pricier and hard to find, so I just sip it. Same goes for other pricey and delicious booze.
2- Don't put someone else's great booze into your drunken concoction. It's just not cool to pick the Belvedere over the Polar Ice or Smirnoff when you're throwing random booze in a glass.

Reply

Will, thank you. I thought it was bacon as well.

Reply

Don't use the bad ginger ale -- go to Blenheim's (also Southern) just for the kick!

Reply

I agree with the majority on this one. If it's a mixing party put out the regular, but let those who appreciate what you like know where to look for the good stuff. There is one key piece of the puzzle that is missing. Was the wide-eyed belle from Jersey hot?

Reply

Just keep some cheap stuff on hand for those who want to mix and save the good stuff for those who want to drink.

You can't force your guests to have good taste.

Reply