Explore the world of underrated whiskeys with expert recommendations from 17 bartenders across the US. From Japanese blends to American single malts, find your new favorite pour.
The World of Whiskey: A Treasure Trove of Hidden Gems
Whiskey's enduring popularity can be attributed to its incredible diversity. With numerous styles, flavors, and production methods, there's always a new whiskey to discover. However, with so many options available, some exceptional whiskeys often fly under the radar. To uncover these hidden gems, we spoke with 17 bartenders from across the US, who shared their favorite underrated whiskeys.
A World of Flavors: Expert Recommendations
From Japanese blends to American single malts, our expert panel revealed a wide range of underrated whiskeys that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
- Nikka Coffey Malt: Ahu Hettema, owner of Istanbul Hawai'i, praises this Japanese whiskey for its "beautiful softness and depth" and ability to "reward attention rather than demanding it."
- Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey: Christopher Martinez, general manager of Bondi Sushi, recommends this whiskey for its unique flavor profile, which combines grain and malt whiskey aged in bourbon barrels and finished in Central American rum casks.
- Garrison Brothers Single Barrel: Dylan McCoy, assistant director of food and beverage at JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, highlights the bold, uncompromising flavor of this Texas bourbon, which "drinks far above its mainstream reputation."
More Underrated Whiskeys to Explore
Other notable mentions include:
- Akashi Shuzo White Oak Blend
- Good Trouble Bourbon
- Tullibardine 500 Sherry Finish Scotch Whisky
- Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky
- Ohishi Japanese Whisky
- Old Forester 1920
- Hirsch Bourbon
- McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Whiskey
- Willett Family Estate 4 Year Rye
- Nikka From the Barrel
- Old Grand-Dad Bourbon
- Abasolo
- Middle West Spirits Pumpernickel Rye
- Old Monongahela Rye
- A. Overholt Straight Rye
- Liberty Pole Spirits Rye
- Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye
What This Means for Bartenders
As a bartender, being knowledgeable about underrated whiskeys can help you stand out from the competition and provide unique experiences for your customers. Here are some actionable insights:
- Experiment with new flavors: Don't be afraid to try new and unusual whiskeys to expand your knowledge and offer customers something different.
- Pair whiskey with food: Many of the recommended whiskeys pair exceptionally well with food. Consider offering whiskey pairing menus or flights to enhance the customer experience.
- Educate your customers: Share your knowledge of underrated whiskeys with customers and help them discover new favorites.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Follow industry leaders, attend workshops, and read publications like ours to stay informed about the latest developments in the world of whiskey.
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About this article: This bartender-focused analysis was curated from industry news sources by ABC Bartending College using AI assistance. We synthesize and translate hospitality industry reporting for bartenders and aspiring professionals. See sources below for original reporting.
Original Reporting
This article is based on reporting from the following source:
