3 Tips for Smarter and Easier Whisky Shopping

Sunday, 21 September 2025 at 15:00

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Many whisky enthusiasts have undoubtedly experienced this before: a trip to the liquor stores to pick up a bottle or two, only to spend ages in front of a wall of various bottles. What's going to tantalize the taste buds and what will make them cringe? We're offering tips for making the process of buying whisky a little easier and smarter.

FAQ

How do I shop smarter for whisky?
Well, it predominantly applies to knowledge. For instance, knowing what you like, where it's available, and what exactly is up for grabs.
Can I sample whisky before I buy?
Yes, indeed, this is possible in a number of ways.
How do I broaden my whisky horizons?
Engage with liquor store operators and fellow whisky enthusiasts. They often have excellent recommendations for you. Also, keep an eye on the whisky news.

Buying whisky might seem as simple as walking in the park. You walk into a liquor store, grab a bottle, pay at the counter, and off you are to your dwelling place. But standing in front of a shelf brimming with a hundred bottles can sometimes feel like a challenge. With these tips, you'll be shopping smarter for whisky.

Know Yourself

The first tip is to take a good look at yourself. Know what you find pleasing to the taste buds. Maybe you’re into sweet whisky, you prefer a spicy single malt, or your preference lies in smoky whisky.

What's in your liquor cabinet and what among it do you truly find most appealing and unique? Which bottle has resonated with you recently? What was the tasting notes and the type of barrels used?

Armed with this information, you can hunt for a whisky that you're likely to appreciate. Be aware though, with this tip, you’re mostly sticking to what you know, playing it safe. With this approach, you’re not venturing into unexplored territories.

Know Your Liquor Store

The next step is to become familiar with your liquor store. If you frequent the store, you'll undeniably have struck up conversations with the staff on more than one occasion.

The beauty here is that while you get to know the staff and what you can expect from the liquor store, they, in turn, get to know you and specifically, your taste preferences. With this insight, they can guide you efficiently.

Trust us: liquor store staff generally love doing this for their frequent customers. Plus, they sometimes clue you in on unique gems that just might stretch the boundaries of your taste preference. By doing so, you learn to appreciate whisky you hadn't sampled before.

Sample Before Buying

Another golden tip: sample before you buy. Of course, there are numerous ways to go about it. You could walk into a whisky bar and order an unknown dram, a measure of whisky. That way, you’ll discover new styles, brands and experience something different.

Some folks might not know this, but you can also sample whisky at many liquor stores. Sometimes, you're able to purchase a small sample, at other times, they'll pour you a small amount to taste. Simply ask them.

Also, consider visiting a tasting event or a whisky festival. Often, you can try some real treasures and connect with other whisky lovers. It's a fun outing and a step towards discovering new whiskies that suit your taste.

Know What's Available

The final tip we give you is to 'know what's out there'. It particularly applies to shopping smarter for whisky. If you know what's on sale, you'll spend less time dithering in front of the shelf at the liquor store. Although such dithering is not annoying per se, being well-informed makes the process smoother.

An effective way to keep track of everything new on the market is via newsletters from distilleries, liquor stores, or Whisky Monkeys. Through our website and our various platforms, like the Whisky Weekend Show, we, with all our love for whisky, keep you posted on the latest whisky news.

Now that you have these tips, we're curious about the next bottle you'll be bringing home. Do let us know in the comments section below.