How to Tell Good Whiskey From Bad Whiskey Before Buying It
Good whiskey! The kind that makes you slow down for a second and actually notice what’s happening in the glass. It might seem like something only seasoned drinkers can spot, but what makes a good whiskey is usually easier to figure out than it sounds. Most times, you can get a feel for quality long before you even pour a sip.
Sure, taste is subjective. What excites your best friend might feel bleh for you. That said, there are a few clear signs that separate a well-crafted whiskey from one that just looks the part.
In this guide, we cover simple ways to tell good whiskey from bad before you hand over your cash. This way, you’re sure to get the most out of the experience even before you take the first sip.
Why Picking the Right Whiskey Matters
Beyond merely grabbing a drink, buying whiskey is very much about the experience. Picking the right bottle, like the finest bourbon, can turn just another Tuesday evening into something memorable. Grab the wrong one, and all you get is a harsh, one-note burn that’s more disappointing than anything else.
Here’s something to keep in mind when buying whiskey: price doesn’t always mean quality. Some pricey bottles end up being a letdown, while some modestly priced ones can surprise you with real depth and character.
That’s why it helps to know what to look for before you buy. That way, you don’t end up with a dud when you finally pour a glass.
What a Bottle Tells You Before You Buy
Before you grab a bottle, take a good look at it. Good whiskey has a way of bragging (even if it’s just a little) through its label and packaging. And if the bottle you’re looking at can’t make a decent first impression, chances are it won’t wow you in the glass either.
Check the Distillery and Brand
Start with the basics: check the distillery or brand. Trusted names usually give you a clear idea of where and how the whiskey was made, and sometimes even how long it spent in the barrel. For example, a bottle of rye from a reputable producer is more likely to deliver the spice and depth you’re looking for.
Proof and ABV
Proof and ABV give you a quick read on how punchy or gentle a whiskey will feel. While 100 proof (50% ABV) usually means more heat and intensity, a lower proof tends to come off softer and more graceful. Pick what you prefer, bold or easygoing.
Bottle Appearance
Now, take a closer look at the bottle itself. Clear glass shows the whiskey’s true color, which can hint at the cask type and how it was aged. A well-colored pour often signals care and attention, while something murky or suspiciously dark can be a red flag.
Closures
You also want to pay attention to the closures. Corks usually suggest a traditional touch, but screw caps aren’t automatically bad. In fact, some excellent Japanese whiskey bottles use them without compromising quality.
Other Details
Finally, watch out for the little details like the quality of the label print or embossing. These can give you a sense of how much care went into the bottle. While premium packaging doesn’t guarantee a perfect whiskey, if the label design feels cheap and thrown together, it might mean corners were cut elsewhere.
Things to Look For When Picking Whiskey
How Long It Aged
Age can tell you a lot about a whiskey, but it’s not the whole story. The longer whiskey sits in the barrel, the more flavors it picks up from the wood. Older bottles usually have more depth and complexity, and yes, they often cost a bit more, too.
That said, older isn’t automatically better, especially for newcomers. Spend too much time in the barrel, and whiskey can pick up heavy oak or intense flavors that might overwhelm a beginner’s palate. If you’re just starting out, try younger or moderately-aged bottles first. You’ll get plenty of flavor without it feeling like a wood punch to the face.
What Grains It’s Made From
Whiskey is basically grains in a bottle, and they can influence the flavor more than you might think. A corn-heavy whiskey usually comes out sweeter and smoother, and it’s easy to sip even if you’re just getting started. Rye gives a spicier kick, so it’s a bit more assertive. Barley, especially malted barley, can bring a toasty flavor, and wheat usually makes things smoother and creamier.
Just a quick peek at the label can give you a clue about what kind of whiskey you’re picking up. But there’s no need to memorize mash bills; you only need to figure out if it’s going to be sweet and friendly or spicy and bold.
What Kind of Barrel It Spent Time In
The type of wood the whiskey hung out in gives you a pretty good idea of what you’re getting before you even try it. That’s because the barrel has a big say in how the whiskey turns out.
Bourbon barrels usually give it that sweet caramel and vanilla flavor, while sherry or wine casks can add fruit or nutty notes. Some barrels are charred inside, so you get a bit of that smoky feel too.
If you see something like “cask finish” or “sherry butt” on the label, it means the whiskey spent some extra time in a second barrel for more depth.
Before You Grab Your Next Bottle
At the end of the day, figuring out what makes a good whiskey comes down to knowing a few things to look for and trusting your own taste. If you want to explore bottles that actually deliver, check out The Barrel Tap’s whiskey collections and find something that feels right for your shelf.
