If I could tell my younger self, when I started my whiskey journey, I would say “don’t obsess over the high demand bottles.” Try the bottom shelf stuff. If you find one you like, there’s a good chance you’ll like the rest of the whiskeys they have to offer. To appreciate a 10, you need to plow a 3.

My top five: 1. High price doesn’t mean better 2. Drink what you like, how you like it! 3. Stop at EVERY liquor store you see. *even the ones attached to gas stations! You’ll find old dusty bottles of great stuff, you just have to put in the effort. 4. Sharing your whiskey with others is WAY better then hoarding it. 5. The best whiskey is the one you didn’t see coming. Blind tasting is the absolute best way to find WHAT YOU LIKE!

6 "A man's gotta know his limitations." I had the opportunity this morning to procure a bottle of Little Book Chapter 4. No line, no waiting. Problem is that at $124 I knew my palate wasn't up to the task and it would be wasted on me. So decided to be happy with another bottle of Knob Creek 12 year, and save $60. Maybe one day, but this is not that day. 7. Make a budget and stay within that budget. You have bills to pay. Do not let your hobby become obsessive.

"There's too much fucking good Whiskey out their to pigeon hole yourself into only drinking one type" - truer words have never been spoken! Haha

1910 and 1920 easily found. Always exceptional.

My only add would be to go back to a bottle that you have not liked. Air is good sometimes. Great video otherwise!

These "In all seriousness" videos are always a breath of fresh air. Thanks for this video.

DON’T be afraid to experiment with a “not-so-good” bottle, meaning let it sit for a bit to open up or try a few drops of water or make a cocktail

I am struck by how the favorite bottle I thought was the best thing ever a few years ago is not even my top 40 now. How taste changes after time and a sh*load of experience.

One thing I wish I knew was when you see something that a lot of people say is good for a cheap price grab it because when you come back it’s probably going to be three times as much money! If you can even find it again. 🤦🏻‍♂️ and yes it’s happened to me more than once

I keep a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 on my shelves as the "barometer" for good whiskey/bourbon. You would be surprised how many expensive or more well sought after bourbons don't even clear the Wild Turkey bar. Don't sleep on readily available bourbon, these distilleries make a ton of the stuff for a reason, because its good and people like it.

1: Find a handful of Bourbon Enthusiasts who have access to media samples and early releases whose palate aligns with yours. Like Jason, Fred Minnick, Rarebird101, Bourbon Pursuit, Breaking Bourbon. Listen to their takes on the whiskey, listen to the tasting notes they call out. You'll start to figure out which ones to pass on and which ones to track down. Avoid playing whiskey roulette. 2: Establish a ceiling for yourself. There are whiskeys you are able to get today, and they may become completely out of reach in a few years. When that whiskey goes above your ceiling, tap out. There will always be another amazing whiskey coming that doesn't break the bank. 3: Great advice from Fred Minnick. Make sure to taste a whiskey at least 3 times on separate days before making your assessment. Give your whiskey time to get some exposure to air, as it will change dramatically over time (usually for the better). I'm a big believer in getting past the neck pour before assessing whether I like or dislike something. I find that some of the higher proof whiskeys change the most with some air exposure.

Years ago before I was "in the know" I brought a bottle of Weller 107 to a party. It was in the previous style bottling too. Still kick myself for that one.

Watching your channel has helped me to remove a prejudice I once had against certain brands, like WT 101. Thanks in large part to you, Kira and I are now both big fans of the 101 as well as Rare Breed BP. Appreciate you, brother!

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Into Whiskey: (1) You're gonna need MORE shelf space, A LOT MORE shelf space! (2) Do NOT buy Glyph Molecular Whiskey. (3) Bring MORE luggage with you to Scotland! You're gonna need it to bring back more bottles. (4) Go to Ireland before the COVID pandemic hits! (5) Make sure you remember where you put your pants so you can find them in the morning.

I know this is an older video, but it’s as true now as it was 3 years ago. A classic.

Awesome video Jason! I cracked up when you mentioned checking the bad parts of town. One of my honey holes is in the sketchiest of neighborhoods 😂

You forgot to mention Canadian in your world whisky list. There's some great stuff available up here once you get past the mass produced budget stuff (some of which is still decent). Forty Creek has some great stuff, Alberta premium CS just got named "best whisky in the world" (according to whisky Bible anyway), Pike Creek also won some award(s) recently.

For real great work, appreciate the honesty and straight forward approach to the channel 👍🥃 Keep it up man

Good job emphasizing that whisky is a broad range and should be explored. Well done.

I started with the kickin chicken (Wild Turkey) at a WAY to young age, it's just got a flavor at the finish that I truly love. I set a price top out at 70 bucks so I have a massive amount of Whiskey and Bourbons to try.

Absolutely amazing video and even better advice. I wish I did these things when I first started. That intro was incredible buddy. Cheers!!!

Just came across this two year old video. Great advice. I started a year ago as just a bourbon guy. I now have added Irish and rye whiskies to my shelf.

The main thing I wish I knew a few years ago is how much more flavor there is in higher proof cask/barrel strength. Now it’s all I crave !!

Dude, absolutely love your honesty man! Thank you for always posting good content

So genuine, gentlemanly and generous. Continuous success Jason C!

These unfiltered and uncut videos are the best! Awesome job!

It never occurred to me to go to stores in not so great areas. Another fantastic vid, cheers!

This is such great advise. Thank you for putting this out Jason C. As always you provide great content and sharing your knowledge has been so helpful for me thank you!!

Hey Jason, thanks for taking out much of the guess work in what to look for! I didn't realize how much my tastes buds would be saturated in finding my sweet spot, and trying other choices otherwise commonly known in my circle! Thanks, your videos are very much appreciated!

Great points; especially on trying different whiskeys. Cheers!

Always great insight! I've said it before, Mash & Drum has saved me time and money! Thanks

Couldn't agree more! Rocked this one out of the park! Oh, and I would add try sipping rums too. Rum and whiskey are very similar and yet different, so bring this into your bar to increase your palate! Cheers! And run for the whiskey, try all the whiskey!!!

Great video! I’ve gone through roughly 40 bottles of bourbon at prices upwards of $100 each and only to find that my favorites are old forester rye, old forester 100, wild turkey 101, Evan Williams single barrel, knob creek 9 year, and Elijah Craig small batch which can each be had at less than $30 per 750ml bottle. The more expensive bottles are sometimes better (wild turkey rare breed, four roses small batch select, knob creek 12 year, Elijah Craig barrel proof) but most of the time I don’t find the price tag is worth it. And If you buy one of the $20 to $30 bottles and don’t like it, you can always pour it in a mixed drink or coke and not feel bad about it.

Thanks for keeping it real, Jason. This is about my 10th of your videos and my favorite so far. Really enjoying the help your channel and a couple others are providing as I try to broaden my whiskey horizons without getting too wrapped up in hype!

Great topic. I’ve had to learn many of the findings you discussed on my own and while that is part of the fun, I can attest to the wisdom of your guidance and recommend MnD content to both new and seasoned enthusiasts. Keep up the good work.

I definitely agree with all of these. Especially the second one. My first ever whiskey purchase was American Barrel bourbon based only on the bottle design and it was so bad I couldn't finish the bottle. I definitely learned a lesson!

I'm so happy I to have found your channel. I've recently gotten into whiskey out side of a mixed drink and I am really enjoying it. I've really taken to heart the idea of trying different distilleries offerings at different price points and working my way through their offerings. Thanks for your hard work in putting valuable content out that really educates your viewers.

Great video, Jason! Love all the tips. Very helpful and will save bourbon fans money and find great new bottles that aren’t yet hyped. Cheers buddy!

Awesome Jason! I drink whiskey from all around the world. It makes it so much funner and your bar is always filled with different options for different occasions and moods. Cheers!

Perfectly expressed viewpoint on trying all types and avoiding the snobs. Masterfully said, my friend.

This is great advice certainly. You cannot go wrong with any of it. Cheers

The people that disliked this video only drink Blanton’s from a thrown of “horsies”!

This is all so helpful. As a newer drinker I’ll say knowing price points is so damn important. I can’t believe how polluted the market is with people and stores trying to flip bottles.

❤️#5. Learned it myself. Thanks Jason! An honest & well done list.

Joining my local whisky club was one of the best things I ever did. I've made good friends and I also have access to unbiased opinions from people who have been drinking for 30 plus years. They were in Baghdad when I was in my dad's bag! Great honesty Jason. There's good bourbon, Irish, Scotch and world whisky. Loved the show.

Thanks Jason. As always, best advice on the internet. Really enjoy your channel.

One of my best decisions when getting into tasting was not sticking to just one style. The flavors are endless. Cheers Jason excellent video 👍🥃

One thing I wish I knew starting out: sourced does not equal bad. I’ve disregarded some pretty good whiskey’s just because they’re sourced

Another awesome video, Jason! I've come across some really cool people in bourbon groups, and also a few a-holes. I agree with you on visiting liquor stores in a bad part of town, that has worked for me, and knowing store owners has gotten me a few good bottles too. One thing I would add is to just have fun with it and not get too caught up in it where you have FOMO all the time.

I personally did not mind figuring out these things on my own as it was all about the whiskey journey good or bad its been a fantastic experience. Cheers !

Great list Jason, and great insight and info! Rule 5 forever! Keep on exploring. Cheers buddy.

Great video friend - thank you for helping to expand my education of my new passion! MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!!!

Great advice Sir!! Will definitely consider and apply that advice to my recent bourbon whiskey journey! Keep those vids coming!

Thanks Jason, going thru your back catalog of vids and found this gem. I am only a couple of years in my whiskey journey and have found your reviews, insights, interviews, and commentary to be fun, interesting, and educational! Also, thanks for sticking to the subject and not filling the vids with some kind of shtick.

I Knew Nothing At First....Keep Watching Videos And Livestreams Like You Have Done and It Opens Up a Whole New World Of Tastes and Info.....Great Video Jason C.......Cheers....

I'm reasonably new into my whiskey journey - one thing that's really been great has to join a bourbon "club". People come together and share their favourite bourbons and whisky, share samples, and we do it at a whisky bar so we can also try stuff out. It's been nice to figure out what I like and don't like. I also check out auctions because living in London you don't see a lot of the bourbons that seem "normal" in the States, but I look at what people are paying for that and then set a budget that isn't too far off from it (in pounds, of course). I lose out on a bunch of stuff but I also get some interesting items too.

True true true the last point really hit me jason , no need to stick with just one kind of whisky , there are tons of whisky from different corner of world , enjoying different kind of whisky and explore more , cheers !

Man, this was a very useful video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and some revisions you've had to your thoughts about whiskey over the years. Agree about the pigeon holing yourself being a mistake, I started the year on an Irish whiskey kick (as you said there some amazing ones out there, you named Teeling, Redbreast and Knappogue Castle all of which I think are great), have been on a bourbon kick (couldn't agree more, Four roses, Elijah Craig, Old Forester are great) and will even be trying some Scotch on my whiskey journey after giving up on it 20 years ago. I think I'll appreciate it better now, we shall see. Life is too short, why not try them all and stick with what you like? Plan on getting into some Japanese whiskies later in the year. Again, thanks for your very sage wisdom on this video, cheers!

Thanks Jason, really enjoyed this, best whiskey-tube video I've seen in a while. I bought a 1.75L bottle of Bushmill's Irish the other day just because it makes me so nostalgic for my early days of whiskey drinking. Also, I can't believe how much I'm enjoying the last of my bottle of Eagle Rare, bought at Safeway about a year ago. Simple whiskey pleasures!

Damnit man! Hitting the nail on the head with this one Jason! Appreciate your content and the no bullshit approach you have! 🥃

I pretty much knew everything I needed to know when I started my journey. I knew there will be a lot of stuff to discover and so far my list contains 170 bottles with prices and store where to get them. I knew that easy accessible stuff in Japan or US will be next to impossible to find here in Scandinavia, so I got my peace with it. I knew exactly which stores to hit for the best price and availability. Knew it's gonna be tough to bring anything from overseas. And that's about it. The rest is the part of a journey.

Great video, man. I think #4 is probably the most important one to me, personally. As fun as whiskey hunting can be, I find it to be almost equally as frustrating, especially when you're just starting out and don't have those relationships with liquor store owners, FB groups, etc. I almost have more fun just picking something new out on the shelf that I've never had before. Combined with your #5, it's almost impossible to try everything out there to the point where all you have left is allocated stuff. Cheers, Jason!

I’m new bourbon drinker and so far really enjoy Buffalo Trace and Larceny so I’m a wheated drinker but compiling a list of things to try. Thank you for the fantastic content!

I've done some venturing into other whiskys but bourbon will always be my favorite.

You are now my whisky/whiskey guru - another great video, my man

Great tips, bro! I agree wholeheartedly.

I was really disappointed this year. I really wanted EH Taylor Barrel Proof, but I couldn't find one for less than 500. I'm glad I found Elijah Craig Barrel proof for retail.

Great video. I’ve been venturing to other stores, but I never thought of the ones in alternative neighborhoods.

Excellent points and advice, following these ideas will certainly make a more successful journey.

Awesome video! So true about #5. And I’d even expand it to other spirits like Mezcal, Tequila, Armagnac, Cognac, Gin, etc. This way you are never lacking in available and fairly priced bottles.

You Da Man. So True Jason. Doing anything less than this top 5 is only selling yourself and experiences short.

I wish someone would've told me not to go all out on buying bottles in rapid succession. It's now super difficult to pick out what I want to pour with all these delicious options available.

Love all of these especially your last one. Thx!

Everyone needs to see this video. Effing awesome. Cheers buddy! 🥃

Love all the different types too! Redbreast 12! Alberlour 12 yr! Agree!!

Thank you for your 20/20 hind site knowledge of whisky experience. I'm in my fifties and about 3-4 years into the bourbon experience. I'm going to change it up a bit to more regular whiskies and rye.

Great Video Jason. I started down the Scotch rabbit hole then tried Irish whiskey. Then Japanese whiskey blew my doors off. I finally circled back to bourbon and American whiskey. Totally agree with the Belle Meade, Knob Creek, Wild Turkey Rare breed, and Jack Barrel proof. The more I try the more I become a global consumer of whiskey. I still do learn towards RedBreast 21 (my weakness).

Again live the honesty. Great story was in a not so great area of a city won’t say which but you get the picture. Found 3 bottles of Henry McKenna for wait for it 23 bucks. All the bottles where covered in dust they been there awhile. Grabbed all of them. Now I’m not a fan of it it’s ok but I know what they where going for. Keep 2 sold the other one payed for the whole bunch. 😃.

This might be your best video. Great advice.

Awesome advice Jay!!! It's so many good whiskeys out there!

This is the best advice I have received about whiskey. In addition to bourbon, I have found Scotch and Irish whiskeys that I love. Redbreast 12 yr is absolutely delicious and I took the chance because of this video. Again, this is great advice.

This was a great video!! Some of your rant on #5 reminded me of a “tater’ when I had to look it up!! LOL Watching your videos has definitely expanded my taste and search for common shelf whiskeys and I thank you for it even though my wallet does not agree!!

Good stuff! Whiskey is a world wide phenomenon. Taste, learn and appreciate.

To “know my lane”. Know that my budget, family life, work schedule, and other things just don’t allow me to find the stuff that flys off the shelf. Not to get too disappointed when you miss out on all the allocated bottles.

Excellent video! Completely on point across the board.

Thanks Jason!!

I'm in a few local groups and find so many people disregard #4. They hear Buffalo Trace and that's all they want even though they've never had anything else from the other great distilleries.

Awesome perspective...I really appreciate your videos!

You’ve done an excellent job on this video. Thank you ☺️

A few week ago here in Alaska Brown Jug had a Wiskey week and they had great releases and i got my hands on 1 EH Tailor Single barrel for retail price sooo happy for that. I had to wait 4hrs for the store to open cuz there were people camping from the night before

Great video! And agreed on drinking what you like and how you like it regardless of what some self-anointed “expert” who only recommends (or even knows) Basil Hayden’s and Blanton’s says. I would have never thought of something like Rare Breed years ago, and now it’s one of my absolute favorite whiskeys.

Loved the video Jason, you are an honest and respected reviewer.... I will refer to your reviews and consider your take on bottles I am considering. Your channel is top notch. Thanks..........

Agree with all of this, especially the first one. Only thing, I am the friend that everyone uses to try stuff before they buy haha cheers.

On the money sir. I started my whiskey journey with scotch, scotch, scotch ( Anchor Man ) Today I mostly drink Bourbon, but now when I do pour an occasional scotch, it tastes so good.

This is the best video of " How to enjoy drinking Whiskey I ever heard . Thank You Mash and Drum from a whiskey Scotch , Bourbon , Gin , and Wine Drinker . The best of taste awaits us who enjoy z drink . thank you again. this is the BEST VIDEI

I live by #6! Found dusty old E.C. old 12 year label small batch in a family owned store on less desirable side of town. Super cool friendly and informative.

I learned alot from this video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

Great advice, thanks Jason.

Best reviewer! Stay solo. The other reviewers have two or three different people reviewing and there’s too much pointless banter b/w them. You get to the point right away. Love that. 👍