About Whiskey Watch

Our Mission at Whisky Watch

We aim to educate our audience and make the delights of whiskey accessible to everyone—regardless of budget, taste preferences, and experience.

Our Goal

To break through the unnecessary walls of whiskey and dispel the myth that it’s a drink for only a select few. No matter where you are or what type of whiskey, vodka, or tequila you prefer, you can enjoy the delights of some of the finest whiskey in the world too. You just have to know where to look. That’s where we come in! 

Our Values

Accessibility:

Whiskey tends to be a polarizing drink. People tend to either love it, hate it, or think they hate it. Whether you love it, hate it, or are just misinformed, it’s a confusing and dense beverage to understand. We want to make finding and enjoying new bottles as painless as possible for your mind and your wallet. No matter your budget, palate, or history it’s all within reach!

Discovery:

We want to take you on a journey with us. Learn and discover new whiskies, new facts, and new cocktail recipes just as our contributors are doing every day. There’s always something more to learn when it comes to whiskey.

Passion:

Everyone who writes for us has already fallen in love with whiskey and wants you to fall in love with whiskey too. We want to share our passion in each and every article on this website.

Authenticity:

Our team is dedicated to creating honest reviews and assessments of every bottle they try. You want to know what we really think of Jack Daniels? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you.

What Makes Whisky Watch Stand Out?

We know there are a lot (like a LOT) of other whiskey sites out there. While we love being able to find as much information as possible, we also understand that and over-abundance of information can also make finding answers to your questions difficult or overwhelming. We aim to ensure the information we put out is not only thorough, passionate, and informed, but easy to understand. 

Because we hate being inundated with sites that are either too vague or too specific. No one wants to be bogged down by extraneous details you never wanted (C’mon, I just want to know what to get for the family Christmas party!). And no one wants to be stuck scrolling through sites with truncated bullet points that don’t actually answer your questions. (Can I substitute bourbon for rye?)

But here at Whiskey Watch we do our best to cater to everyone. Our articles provide an in-depth look at a huge array of topics—from how to find the best whiskey glasses to buy to the difference between Makers Mark and Makers 46— but we also simplify our key points so you don’t have to read a novel every time you want a bottle to pair with your steak.

Not Just Reviews

Here at Whiskey Watch we aren’t just reviewing assorted bottles you’ve never heard of and giving you opinions you’ll forget about as soon as you get to the store.

Of course, we have reviews. Our contributors will share personal stories and taste-testings about every bottle they try. We spend the money so you don’t have to waste a dime, remember that!

But we’ll also share:

  • Tidbits on the history of the whiskey distilling process overall
  • Historical details on the distillery or whiskey in question
  • Details on the whiskey-making process
  • Appropriate food pairing suggestions
  • Different whiskey brand comparisons
  • Cocktail recipes and suggestions to make with certain whiskies 
  • Price suggestions (think: when to spend more and when to save your money)
  • Even holiday gift ideas!

We believe that the little details make understanding whiskey and enjoying your new favorite glass that much more immersive! And if you’re not here for all the nitty gritty, you’ll still be able to find the highlights in each article. 

We’re Also Learning with You

Our contributors love their whiskey, that much will become obvious to you soon. We have chosen our team very carefully. But these are people who not only know a lot about whiskey already, they never stop learning.

They don’t know every bottle, every technique, and every tip, but they’re working their way through it all. Learn with them or learn from them, but know that you’re never alone on your journey. 

Our Contributors

Our team combines knowledge and experience with passion and excitement. Each and every writer here loves whisky and they love sharing their whisky stories with you.

Thea Engst

Thea is co-author of two books, Drink Like a Bartender and Nectar of the Gods. Her first solo book, Spirits of the Tarot, is now available for pre-order from Simon and Schuster. Thea currently develops recipes for various companies and publications. 

She brings a unique viewpoint to Whiskey Watch. With her eleven years in the hospitality industry, she learned a lot and is passing that information on in a helpful and easy-to-understand way.

As a beverage consultant and recipe developer, she’s had her hand in some pretty cool things. For instance, she is a ghost recipe developer for the unofficial Disney cookbook and the upcoming Epcot edition. She enjoys creating well-balanced, well-conceived, and delicious cocktails.

What made you fall in love with whiskey?

I started enjoying this cocktail called a Kentucky Buck, which is lemon, sugar, Angostura bitters, and ginger beer. I liked it so much but I never thought I liked whiskey. When I told my coworker that, he poured me a little Buffalo Trace and said maybe I just hadn’t tried the right whiskey yet. He was right. 

Why are you writing for Whiskey Watch? 

I’m writing for Whiskey Watch because I’m a lover of whiskey. I love drinking it, mixing with it, and learning more about it. 

Do you have a favorite whiskey, distillery, or style of whiskey? Is there one you really don’t care for? 

My favorite bourbon is Blanton’s Single Barrel. I love a lot of the whiskies that come from the Buffalo Trace family (which is huge) including Buffalo Trace itself. 

Do you have a favorite memory of drinking whiskey? 

One night in quarantine, my roommates and I drank a lot — like a lot— of bourbon. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard since. 

What is your favorite whiskey cocktail? 

I love a good Manhattan.

What advice do you have for people trying to get into whiskey for the first time?

Never hesitate to ask a bartender for their advice.

Lauren Vigdor

Thea is co-author of two books, Drink Like a Bartender and Nectar of the Gods. Her first solo book, Spirits of the Tarot, is now available for pre-order from Simon and Schuster. Thea currently develops recipes for various companies and publications. 

She brings a unique viewpoint to Whiskey Watch. With her eleven years in the hospitality industry, she learned a lot and is passing that information on in a helpful and easy-to-understand way.

As a beverage consultant and recipe developer, she’s had her hand in some pretty cool things. For instance, she is a ghost recipe developer for the unofficial Disney cookbook and the upcoming Epcot edition. She enjoys creating well-balanced, well-conceived, and delicious cocktails.

What made you fall in love with whiskey?

I started enjoying this cocktail called a Kentucky Buck, which is lemon, sugar, Angostura bitters, and ginger beer. I liked it so much but I never thought I liked whiskey. When I told my coworker that, he poured me a little Buffalo Trace and said maybe I just hadn’t tried the right whiskey yet. He was right. 

Why are you writing for Whiskey Watch? 

I’m writing for Whiskey Watch because I’m a lover of whiskey. I love drinking it, mixing with it, and learning more about it. 

Do you have a favorite whiskey, distillery, or style of whiskey? Is there one you really don’t care for? 

My favorite bourbon is Blanton’s Single Barrel. I love a lot of the whiskies that come from the Buffalo Trace family (which is huge) including Buffalo Trace itself. 

Do you have a favorite memory of drinking whiskey? 

One night in quarantine, my roommates and I drank a lot — like a lot— of bourbon. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard since. 

What is your favorite whiskey cocktail? 

I love a good Manhattan.

What advice do you have for people trying to get into whiskey for the first time?

Never hesitate to ask a bartender for their advice.

Gavin Eales

Gavin Eales is a whisky lover. He enjoys both the taste and the science behind it. He doesn’t let price get in the way of his favorite drinks and wants to share all his tips with the readers on Whiskey Watch.

Why are you writing for Whiskey Watch?

I love everything about whiskey, the way it looks, the way it smells, and the way it tastes. Additionally, I enjoy the science behind the distillation process. Knowing how a whiskey is crafted brings about a new level of respect and appreciation when having a couple with your mates after a long day.

What made you fall in love with whiskey?

My Grandfather and his admiration for quality whiskey made me fall in love. He would get so excited as I handed it to him, and lick his lips when he is was done. I could sense and feel how much he loved a wee dram.

Do you have a favorite whiskey, distillery, or style of whiskey? Is there one you really don’t care for?

I enjoy drinking Irish Whiskey and my favorite whiskey is Jameson’s Special Reserve. Bourbon-style whiskey is my least favorite, although I do enjoy a couple on the rocks every now and then.

Do you have a favorite memory of drinking whiskey?

Drinking  a few Irish Whiskeys with friends in Iceland during a Winter snow storm- it was freezing, but the scenery was gorgeous and the whiskey out of this world.

What is your favorite whiskey cocktail? 

Whiskey Egg Nog – I love Whiskey Egg Nog

What advice do you have for people trying to get into whiskey for the first time?

Sample as many different whiskeys as possible, and don’t be afraid to try something you have not heard of. Just because a distillery is not spending millions on marketing and advertising does not make it a terrible whiskey. This practice might reveal a hidden gem in the most unlikely of places.