Why You Should Always Taste Whiskey Before Judging It

In today’s whiskey world, opinions are everywhere. Reviews flood YouTube, social media, and blogs, telling you what to think before a bottle is even opened. It’s easy to let someone else’s opinions influence your own—but how often do these opinions come from personal experience?

Take George Dickel, for example. Some drinkers dismiss it outright, without even tasting, because of the so-called “Flintstone vitamin” note. A few reviewers picked up on this flavor years ago, and now, that reputation follows the brand everywhere. The same thing happens with specific whiskey batches—like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923—where one glowing review sends collectors scrambling, while newer releases sit ignored just because they haven’t generated the same buzz.

This can impact everyone, but especially newcomers to the whiskey world. Many beginners assume Buffalo Trace is the pinnacle of bourbon simply because it’s the name they hear most. But in reality, there’s an entire world of fantastic whiskeys beyond the bottles that get the most hype. The only way to know what you actually enjoy is to explore different styles and brands for yourself. Maybe you’ll love a high-rye bourbon. Maybe a smoky American single malt will surprise you. You won’t know until you take that first sip.

Not ready to commit to a full bottle? Start small. Order a pour at a bar. Attend a whiskey tasting. Split a bottle with friends. Tasting events are a great way to experience a variety of brands without the investment. With craft distilleries trying to differentiate their products and be unique, there’s more variety than ever. Some of the best bottles on the shelf might be the ones you’ve never heard of.

At the end of the day, whiskey is subjective. Find voices you trust, but don’t let them dictate what you like. Just because someone says a whiskey isn’t good doesn’t mean you’ll agree, if you try it!