As summer ends and leaves begin to change, dark spirits are back on Team VinePair’s bar. And with Bourbon Month in full swing, fall whiskeys are at the forefront of our minds. Whiskey’s spicy, caramelly notes complement our favorite autumn flavors and make it the ideal spirit for warming us on chilly nights.
Whiskey is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed myriad ways. Some like it neat; others with an oversized ice cube; or some in a classic cocktail, their way (on this subject, Team VinePair, like a good Manhattan, is elegantly mixed). Keep reading to see how our staff members prefer to drink their whiskey.
“If we are talking bourbon, straight with a splash of water or with one to two small rocks. Once in a while, I also enjoy a bourbon Boulevardier.” — Adam Teeter, CEO & co-founder
“Double, on the rocks.” — Josh Malin, president & co-founder
“If I’m drinking whiskey, it’s typically neat, in a snifter. If the occasion calls for a cocktail, my go-to is an Old Fashioned: bourbon, twist of orange peel, no cherry.” — Cat Wolinski, associate editor
“My favorite way is in a Manhattan with extra Luxardo cherries.” — Julia Coney, contributing editor
“On cold fall and winter days, I love drinking whiskey-spiked hot apple cider. Bonus points if it’s paired with apple pie.” — Katie Brown, editorial associate
“I typically enjoy my whiskey neat, occasionally with a few drops of water added halfway through to see how the experience in the glass (Glencairn, please) evolves. But I’m all for whiskey cocktails, too. Mine’s a Gold Rush.” — Tim McKirdy, staff writer
“No cocktail showcases a great whiskey quite like a Manhattan.” — Zach Geballe, podcast host & contributor
“As soon as the weather cools off, I start my whiskey cocktail tour. In early fall, it’s a bourbon Boulevardier or an Old Fashioned, moving into Manhattans (2:1 ratio) during the holidays. If I’m not in the mood for cocktail-level sweetness, I’ll do bourbon with a big ice cube. My go-tos are Booker’s, Elijah Craig, and Russell’s Reserve.” — Erica Duecy, editor in chief & chief content officer
“I like my whiskey straight up, maybe with a splash of water.” — Keith Beavers, tastings director
“My whiskey preference is bourbon, and with one rock — and a side of dark lager. I also enjoy a bourbon Old Fashioned.” — Jason Russell, senior director of brand partnerships
“I don’t really drink whiskey, but I also love an Irish Coffee in the colder months.” — Liz Cronin, VP of brand partnerships & sales
“If I’m drinking whiskey in a cocktail, it will always be a Manhattan with an extra cherry, and an apology to the bartender. Otherwise, in a double rocks glass with a very large ice cube.” — Jeff Licciardello, director of marketing
“I’m not a huge whiskey girl, so I like it in cocktails, especially winter- and fall-focused ones with lots of spices.” — Danielle Grinberg, art director
“I like my whiskey neat, or in a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned.” — Jenny Riddell, director of brand partnerships & events
“I’m not much of a whiskey drinker but in the rare chance I actually do, I like it on the rocks.” — Gerry Selian, design intern
“While I love a classic Manhattan, if I’m drinking whiskey in a cocktail my usual go-to is a Boulevardier.” — Courtney Roberson, editorial intern
