After a ton of encouragement from friends, associates and the Twitter community, I am crafting content based on my personal experiences, the conversations from my whiskey club in Los Angeles, and the discussions I have from other connoisseurs. This will tentatively be titled, "Whiskey Wednesday."
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On the last #WhiskeyWednesday, I provided an informal introduction into whiskey and nine bottles to add to your bar immediately. Today, I will champion the one bottle of whiskey you need for summer domination for May 16, 2018.
*****
There's an underground spot in Los Angeles called Seventy7 Lounge that's literally tucked behind an alley and has no business being there. It's small, dark and chill. The type of place that you take someone you like that you want to impress with an experience that feels like a secret. It was there that I had Michter's US-1 Unblended American Whiskey for the third time.
Dear Summer. (Source: Pinterest)
Before I show you why Michter's Unblended is the bottle you need for your summer of whiskey excellence, let me get all of the things that people might say to try and ruin the experience of this particular US-1.
- There are some who will try and downplay this whiskey because it's not technically a 'bourbon' due to its ageing in 'bourbon-soaked' barrels as opposed to new oak. Don't worry, it's still delicious.
- This whiskey doesn't use a neutral spirit grain like corn, wheat or rye. Michter's doesn't state what grain they use, as it could be anything from millet or oat, or could be a blend. Because of that, some are frustrated that it's not traditional enough. Don't worry, it's still delicious.
- It is not a strong whiskey (41.7 ABV/83.4 proof), and some like to think that the strongest whiskey is the best. This is stupid. Don't worry, it's still delicious though.
Now that we've hater-proofed the argument, here's why you need this bottle in your arsenal at all times.
Q: You Keep Saying It's Delicious...Explain?
A: Michter's American Whiskey feels like dessert in a glass. When you nose it, you'll think your smelling a Werther's Original that's been in your grandma's purse since the Bush administration (the first one), which is awesome.
When sipped, it feels almost buttery and creamy, and yet it's light enough due to the lighter proof that you can pick up other notes. Personally, I got the taste of caramel apple pops that your auntie gives you from her glove compartment after buying it at a fundraiser back when LeBron played in Miami, which is awesome.
The finish is on the lighter side, with minimal burn. The taste can linger and is an enjoyable one, although it comes across as tart at some points, and it's my only gripe. I'm no fan of tartness. Enjoy this neat, maybe with a drop of water or a small ice cube, but nothing more. This is ready right out of the bottle.
Q: Awesome, But How Will It Help Me Dominate This Summer?
A: Great question. This whiskey in particular is one that is a problem solver of sorts. This bottle will set you back around $45 or so, but the solutions it provides will make you look like a cool person who's about that life. Here's why.
- You Will Win The House Party: Bring this bottle to the next function and share this with the homies. You don't need a mixer or ice, and this is good for the novice and the expert due to the lower proof and the complexity of flavors. By the end of the night, people will ask where you got this from.
- It's A Great Gift: With graduations, weddings, birthdays and other events happening during the summer, this is an offering that cannot fail. It's a moderate price that will make the recipient feel like you spent twice as much. Oh, and the recipient will definitely ask you where you heard about this.
- Treat Yourself: I personally plan on sipping this in the house while doing three things specifically. Grilling on the balcony, after dinner with bae, and while playing Fortnite with the homies. I compare it to watching a 30-minute comedy on Netflix (Michter's American) vs. trying to plow through an episode of Westworld on HBO (Say, a Lagavulin 16). I don't have to think if I don't want to with Michter's, I might think and reflect a bit more on the heavy (but delicious) Lagavulin.
Q: What's Not To Like About The Michter's Unblended?
A: A few things. One, I really prefer smoke in my whiskey and this lacks a ton of it. If you're a stickler for tradition in what whiskey is supposed to be, then this might not be for you. If you're not a fan of sweet, this might not be for you either.
Summertime is for exploring and adventuring, and this bottle feels like the right companion. If you're exploring and open minded, you could do far worse. It's not too expensive, it's not too overbearing, and this will lead you to try more of Michter's US-1 line. (I recommend the sour mash small batch.) Live courageously, and after conquering that next thing in your life, sip something like this to celebrate. You're welcome.
Do your thing
That’s it for this Whiskey Wednesday, thank you for reading, commenting down below and sharing the column. If you enjoyed this, consider supporting The Sports Fan Journal is on Patreon, which helps fuel the engine here at TSFJ for just $1. Cheers.
Eddie Maisonet is the founder and editor emeritus of The Sports Fan Journal. Currently, he serves as an associate editor for ESPN.com. He is an unabashed Russell Westbrook and Barry Switzer apologist, owns over 100 fitteds and snapbacks, and lives by Reggie Jackson’s famous quote, “I am the straw that stirs the drink.”
