Just follow this guide and youll be fine.
Some of this can be deduced from their usual drink order at the bar.
Whiskey
Taste in whiskey is complex.
A great example is theBalvenie Doublewood, which is a smooth Scotch thats aged in bourbon barrels.
One overall note is toignore age statements on bottles.
What might sound impressive on a bottle of Scotch doesnt mean much for rum.
For an English rum, tryDoorlysout of Barbados.
For example,Barcadi Reserva 8 Yearis a dark rum that a lot of bartenders use in specific recipes.
Going in blind:Rum is already a pretty versatile liquor, so its hard to go wrong.
These rums can be enjoyed on their own but also mix well.
An excellent choice isReyka, an Icelandic vodka thats pretty affordable.
Its versatile and a little unusual, making it the perfect blind gift.
If you stagger up to the bar and demand tequila shots without specifying, youll likely get a mixto.
Dont gift mixtos to anyonelook for 100% agave on the label.
Cocktails:Tequila has a very wide range of flavor profiles.
For other cocktails, an anejo tequila like Patron Roca is an excellent choice.
Each of these gins has a different basic flavor, and thus are good for different things.
Sipping:Yes, people do sip gin.
Cocktails:A little specific information will help you tremendously here.
A London Dry likeBeefeateris just the ticket.
Something fruit-forward like aNegroni?
Just have an Uber on call if you do.
For Cognac lovers,Hennessy XOis always a terrific choice.
If they prefer Armagnac,Jolliteis an excellent choice.
For Spanish Brandy lovers,Cardenal Mendozais a great choice.
Going in blind:Have no idea?
Go for a classic Henessy, but skip the XO and get a VS instead.
That bottle will be perfect for mixing but still be a lovely brandy to enjoy on its own.
