Home Bar Liquor List - What To Buy?

[MarkinAZ]

I think you're in good hands here Ron

[hotreds]

The number one selling blended Scotch in Scotland is The Famous Grouse. The number one selling single malt in Scotland is Glenmorangie. FWIW.

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by glassjapan

What kind of money are you looking to spend for 9 bottles? That pretty much decides what types of suggestions to give. And you might think about scratching flavored vodka, or sherry in favor of getting at least two types of tequila.

The list is not set at 9 bottles or even what I listed. Nor do I need to buy all of them at once. So I'm not limited to just one bottle of each.

Originally Posted by captain53

. . .

Keep in mind many of the best liquors are seldom heard names.

Exactly - which is one of the main purpose of this thread.

Originally Posted by MarkinCA

I think you're in good hands here Ron

I think so!

Originally Posted by hotreds

The number one selling blended Scotch in Scotland is The Famous Grouse. The number one selling single malt in Scotland is Glenmorangie. FWIW.

And my local ABC store carries both of those brands -

[yourchoice]

Originally Posted by jkim05

Ron, the thing about scotch is there are so many and every scotch drinker has his own favorites.

I couldn't agree more. If I were buying Scotch for a party where I thought non-Scotch drinkers would partake I may opt for a different choice than the Ardbeg, but the snippet of conversation below...

Originally Posted by captain53

Keep in mind many of the best liquors are seldom heard names.

Originally Posted by RGD.

Exactly - which is one of the main purpose of this thread.

...led me to believe that Ron was looking for our personal choices. The liquor store where I shop has a grouping of Scotches that are revered as "The Classic Six". Here's a link describing those six (thanks for the link kayaker!). Depending on the budget, that would be a neat way to stock the bar Scotch-wise.


Damn, now I want to go to the liquor store!

[captain53]

Originally Posted by hotreds

The number one selling blended Scotch in Scotland is The Famous Grouse. The number one selling single malt in Scotland is Glenmorangie. FWIW.

The Number One Selling Cigars in the U.S. are Swisher Sweets too.

[jkim05]

Ron, the thing about scotch is there are so many and every scotch drinker has his own favorites. If you want to pick up some, it's a good idea to get ones that will please new scotch drinkers and experienced ones. A couple recs are the Balvenie 12 and the Talisker 10, both reasonably priced and flavorful. For a scotch that might be mixed a blended Scotch such as Johnnie Walker would suffice. Let me know if you want any more specific recommendations. Most of what I'm going by is how I've stocked bars in the past both at restaurants and personally.

Are you looking for a specific stock list with recommendations? I can give you one if you'd like, I was just giving general guidelines, but I can also tell you exactly what I'd buy. I'd also say that a lot of the liquor recommendations you might get that might be sleeper hits might be a bit of an acquired taste. For instance, I love Hendrick's gin, but I've met more people who didn't like it than did. However, many people who enjoy gin enjoy Hendricks, it's the ones who don't drink gin often who really disliked it. Same with Scotch, Laphroiag is a great Scotch, imo, but the average drinker will not like it's smoky/peaty flavor profile. Let me know what you want and I can put a list together and pm you.

Whatever you do, don't buy Galliano. I don't even know if stores stock it, but I know of only two drinks that I can make off the top of my head that use it (an italian coffee recipe i know of and the harvey wallbanger) and I have never seen it ordered. I always find it hilarious to see at restaurant bars because it makes me wonder how many years it's been sitting there.

[M1903A1]

Originally Posted by jkim05

Whatever you do, don't buy Galliano. I don't even know if stores stock it, but I know of only two drinks that I can make off the top of my head that use it (an italian coffee recipe i know of and the harvey wallbanger) and I have never seen it ordered. I always find it hilarious to see at restaurant bars because it makes me wonder how many years it's been sitting there.

Is that the tall, conical bottle with the yellow stuff in it?

Keep us posted with the results, please.

[skibumdc]

Basics includes Gin and Vodkas, Kahluas, Amaretto, different Schnapps.

Basic cocktails involve gins and vodkas and then start to get crazy with flavored vodkas.

You'll go crazy collecting Scotches and Bourbons and whiskey's etc.

[skibumdc]

Well if you're looking for an ultra peaty scotch look at the Laphgraiog 15 or Ardbeg Uigeadail.

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by yourchoice

...led me to believe that Ron was looking for our personal choices.

And I am. And in doing so, with the diverse members of the Asylum, I believe I will get a great cross section of suggestions in which to choose from. It's not like I am going to run out and buy 20 some bottles this weekend - I plan on building it up over time - so I don't have any limits set at the moment.

Originally Posted by skibumdc

Well if you're looking for an ultra peaty scotch look at the Laphgraiog 15 or Ardbeg Uigeadail.

I wouldn't know an ultra peaty scotch if it slapped me in the face -


Thanks,

Ron

[jkim05]

Originally Posted by RGD.

I wouldn't know an ultra peaty scotch if it slapped me in the face -

Well...I think you would. It tastes like medicine that's been set on fire (if you're not used to it).

Anyways, if you want specific recommendations here's my list, it's got some stuff on it that's not so common in bars, but the best values for the money. This is just one man's recs so YMMV.

Rail-stuff you mix with (it's not like you have people over every night so no need to really get anything too cheap here, but there's also no need to get anything really good that won't be appreciated in a mixed bev.)
Vodka- This is one I'm not sure of because vodka tends to be mixed with ingredients that grossly out flavor the vodka so it's really not as important, imo, what vodka you use unless your making martinis or something. Don't get anything in a plastic bottle, but unless you plan on entertaining serious vodka drinkers, my recommendation is Stoli. Middle of the road, easily obtainable, no objectionable flavours and good enough for a martini.
Gin- Tanqueray. Some people may disagree, but I find this one to not overly herbaceous so it's rather approachable. Drinkable in a Gin and Tonic and in Gin Martinis. Hendrick's is also a great one, but that's kind of a second level purchase, it's a less mainstream and also less approachable.
Rum- You said you've got this covered and you probably know more about it than me. As for recipes, you'll need a decent lower end clear rum and a decent lower end dark rum, what you choose is up to you, but that will give you flexibility. No reason to waste HC Barrel Proof in a mixed drink where you can't really taste the rum.
Tequila-This one I also don't have much experience with. I'm sure someone else here can expound on some good sleeper value hits, but in my experience I can say most tequila based drinks are palatable with Sauza or Cuervo. Once again, with sipping tequila you're getting into the next level of purchases.
Whiskey-Jack Daniels is standard in bars as is Jim Beam. However, seeing that Evan Williams Single Barrel is 17.99 at the liquor store right now near my house, I'd just get that or something comparable. Get a bourbon type whiskey here as that's what most recipes will call for and it will fit the bill for most general whiskey based drinks.
Scotch- This I know a little bit about, at least I think so. Get a blended scotch for mixed drinks, single malt for sipping. Best values out there: White Horse and Old Pulteney. I was fooled once in a blind Scotch tasting by White Horse and I think it's better than almost any other blended scotch, with only a few super high end exceptions, and it's like 10 bucks a bottle. Old Pulteney is a great bottle for the price and delivers a surprisingly nice Scotch profile. Other great scotches to buy at first include Balvenie (it's honey sweetness pleases most scotch drinkers) and Talisker (an Islay that's not as peaty as some).

If I think of any others as I go through the day, I'll post those up too.

[Volt]

Originally Posted by jkim05

Well...I think you would. It tastes like medicine that's been set on fire (if you're not used to it).

.....

Whiskey-Jack Daniels is standard in bars as is Jim Beam. However, seeing that Evan Williams Single Barrel is 17.99 at the liquor store right now near my house, I'd just get that or something comparable. Get a bourbon type whiskey here as that's what most recipes will call for and it will fit the bill for most general whiskey based drinks.
....
If I think of any others as I go through the day, I'll post those up too.

Wow! That is an outstanding price. Here is has been climbing through the roof the past 3 years. Running $23 - $25 a bottle. As many have noted, lot's of personal taste can lead you to so seldom tried liquor, but the EVSB has been liked by almost anyone I have servered it to. Much less bite than most bourbons.

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by jkim05

Well...I think you would. It tastes like medicine that's been set on fire (if you're not used to it).

Hmmm - must be what I tried back 1978 - which explains why I'm a Rum drinker today -

Originally Posted by jkim05

Anyways, if you want specific recommendations here's my list, it's got some stuff on it that's not so common in bars, but the best values for the money. This is just one man's recs so YMMV.. . . .

If I think of any others as I go through the day, I'll post those up too.

Your input has been excellent! Thanks!

Originally Posted by Volt

Wow! That is an outstanding price. Here is has been climbing through the roof the past 3 years. Running $23 - $25 a bottle. As many have noted, lot's of personal taste can lead you to so seldom tried liquor, but the EVSB has been liked by almost anyone I have servered it to. Much less bite than most bourbons.

Got that one covered already -


Ron

[Mark C]

What kind of people are you looking to serve? Younger, older, male, female.. etc.

I tried to put together a well-stocked bar awhile back. I drink rum almost exclusively, but I wanted to serve my friends well. I quickly found out that 99% of the people who came to the house drank either fruity mixed drinks, beer, or wine. My Dad is the only Scotch drinker I know, a few people will drink rum, bourbon or whiskey straight, only an occasional gin and tonic, and tequila was only necessary for margaritas. But vodka is crucial, all the popular mixed drinks seemed to be vodka recipes, the more 'flavor-less' the better. Also high on the list, especially for the women, is coconut rum.

That meant mixers were pretty important, at least for my party crowd. Amaretto, triple sec, blue and orange curacao, peach schnapps, banana liquer, irish creme, chocolate liquer (Godiva is great), blackberry brandy are all well used in my house. I also try to keep lime juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and cranberry juice in the house. Club soda in the summer time for mojitos (along with fresh mint growing in the backyard), tonic in the winter for gin and tonics. I don't mess with garnishes or fancy glassware, too much trouble, not enough appreciation, at least in my crowd.

I'd suggest take a close look at who you'll end up serving, and try to adjust for their tastes. No sense in stocking single malt scotches if they're just going to sit on a shelf for 3 yrs. If they really do have such a broad and varied taste to cover all the liquors, then I'm envious of your friends!

[mosesbotbol]

I am sucker for Campari, so I would add that. Campari and orange before dinner is a classy and sublime way to start a meal.