Bitters + Bottles vs Taster's Club

Continued from above...

Whiskey originated over 1,000 years ago when the practice of distillation made its way to Scotland and Ireland. Since grapes were scarce at Scottish and Irish monasteries, they decided to ferment grains. The first written record of "whisky” appeared in 1405 in the Irish Annals of Clonmacnoise. You might note the difference in spelling. This is due to the origins (not just an old-timey language quirk), and for modern whiskey, you can still tell where your drink is from by how they spell the word. If you see "whiskey" with an "E," it likely comes from the U.S., while "whisky" without the "E" is typically from Scotland, Canada, or Japan.

Well-known names like Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, and Maker's Mark have built strong reputations for their quality and consistency. But beyond these big names, smaller craft distilleries are also gaining recognition for exceptional whiskey.

If you're worried you might never be able to find them all, don't be! This is the perfect reason to join a whiskey club. This way, you'll have the opportunity to try some of the best whiskeys out there and some unique options you might not find in your local stores. From curated shipments to pick-your-own boxes, there are plenty of ways to try and enjoy whiskey through a new whiskey club.

Whether you prefer your whiskey on the rocks, in a cocktail, or neat, you can definitely find some delicious options at a whiskey club. But given the variety of whiskeys and the range of impressive whiskey clubs out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few factors to consider that might help you pick:

• Price. The memberships for whiskey clubs are often monthly, quarterly, or yearly. So keep an eye on the cost over time to make sure the value matches what you'll get in each shipment.
• On the shelf. Many whiskey clubs offer bottles for purchase outside of the club memberships. If you're looking for a place to buy a full bottle, check out what each club has on the shelf to see if you like their extras.
• Sample sizes. Some whiskey clubs ship you sample sizes each month to try multiple whiskeys at a time and others send you a full bottle in every box. Knowing how much whiskey you want can help you choose the best whiskey club for you.
• Feedback. What are other whiskey fans saying about your chosen club? Check out third-party reviews for your favorite picks to make sure that the quality is what you deserve.

To help you find the right club to join, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the most popular subscriptions for whiskey out there today. This way you can trust that your next glass of whiskey is on the way, and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your well-deserved nightcaps in peace!