I just searched and the last bourbon / whiskey thread was years ago.
I have always liked whiskey but really did not grow to appreciate it.
I would say 3-4 years ago, I started grabbing nicer bottles at Total Wine and trying them.
I found Scotch to be too smokey for my taste, so I stuck to bourbon and Whiskey and set out to learn about them and find different varieties.
Then I found Flaviar. It is an online all things booze club with a lot of articles and my favorite, sample packs. You can get 3 shots of 3 different kinds of (insert booze here) and see what you like. No need to invest in a bottle when you can do this and see if it works for you.
Recently in the name of research in anticipation of a trip to Ireland I got this one.
I have been all over the place purchase wise, I was on a craft Bourbon kick. Koval, Mitchers were tried.
I have to say, the Journeyman Corsets, Whips and Whiskey is one of the most memorable and I cannot find any more. The FEW was good too, I was indifferent with the Templeton, it was OK.
Then I stumbled upon something special, spendy though. Bushmills 21 yo. Just wow...
Also out of frustration of not finding Corsets whips, I bought Journeymans Fetherbone, not quite as good but enjoyable.
The fighting Irish led me also to Powers John Lane Reserve. I loved that one and Powers was my go to while in Ireland.
I have to say the Flaviar membership has been expensive for me. LOL!! But enjoyable. My craft beer habit has slowed to nothing, my beer belly is gone. Win! I am enjoying this new found hobby albeit not the healthiest.
Also I toured the Bushmills Distillery in Ireland, it was a really good tour, very educational. They swear you will never get a hangover from their Whiskey due to their process, I think they are joking, although I have never felt bad after drinking their stuff.
I was able to buy a 12 yo from them at the distillery that is only sold there. So that was cool too.
I picked up some bottles in Ireland, more on that later.