First, a Quick Truth
Most people don’t dislike whiskey.
They dislike a style of whiskey.
Once you know your lane, ordering gets easier.
And a lot more fun.
Use this as a shortcut.
If You Like Smooth, Easy, and Familiar
You want round flavors.
No sharp edges. No smoke. No surprises.
This is usually bourbon or wheated bourbon.
What you’ll notice:
• Soft sweetness
• Vanilla and caramel
• Easy finish
Good places to start:
- Maker’s Mark – classic wheated softness
- Buffalo Trace – balanced, crowd-friendly
- Larceny – gentle, less spice
At Pink Ivy, this is where a lot of “I don’t usually drink whiskey” guests land — and stay.
If You Like Spice and Structure
You want grip.
You want the whiskey to remind you it’s there.
This is rye whiskey territory.
What you’ll notice:
• Pepper and baking spice
• Drier finish
• More backbone
Try these:
- Rittenhouse – classic, reliable rye
- High West – layered and approachable
- WhistlePig – bigger, bolder rye
These are great if you like Manhattans or Old Fashioneds that feel focused, not sweet.
If You Like Soft but Not Sweet
You want smooth without sugar.
Calm, clean, and subtle.
This is where wheat-forward or lighter American whiskeys shine.
What you’ll notice:
• Gentle texture
• Less bite
• Quiet finish
Worth trying:
This is a great step for guests moving off vodka or lighter cocktails.
If You Like Savory, Dry, or Earthy
You probably enjoy wine.
Or black coffee.
Or both.
This is Scotch (especially non-smoky styles).
What you’ll notice:
• Malt and grain
• Nutty or bready notes
• Drier overall feel
Good entry points:
- Glenlivet – clean and approachable
- Balvenie – soft oak, gentle depth
- Compass Box – modern, blended with intention
These tend to win over people who say they “don’t like scotch” — because they don’t mean this kind.
If You Like Smoke (Or Think You Do)
Let’s be honest.
This is a strong personality choice.
Smoky Scotch is bold, intense, and not subtle.
When you love it, you love it.
What you’ll notice:
• Smoke, peat, iodine
• Long, powerful finish
• No middle ground
Start carefully with:
At Pink Ivy, this is usually a conversation first — then a pour.
If You Like Trying Something Different
You’re bored of the basics.
You want something interesting, not extreme.
This is where unique barrels, blends, or modern producers shine.
Fun, less-expected picks:
- Westward – malt-driven, almost beer-adjacent
- Starward – wine barrel influence, bright and different
- Redbreast – rich, balanced, quietly complex
These are great for guests who already know what they like — and want one step sideways.
How I Help Guests Choose at the Bar
I don’t ask, “Do you like whiskey?”
I ask, “Do you like sweet, spicy, or savory?”
That question works almost every time.
Once people stop guessing and start choosing by style,
whiskey stops being intimidating and starts being fun.
The Simple Takeaway
There’s no “best” whiskey.
There’s just the right style for you.
Figure out what you like — smooth, spicy, savory, smoky, or curious —
and let that guide the bottle.
That’s how confident ordering starts.
Want to Dive Deeper? I highly recommend The World Atlas of Whisky
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