Dad passed away last November. My brothers and I decided to delay the celebration of his life until safe travel to Wisconsin for family, friends and well-wishers could be assured. The three of us chose to mark his passing on Saturday, 24-July-2021.
THE GATHERING
After the service, the brothers and I invited the throng to the family cottage on the lake built by my grandfather back in the early 1940s. There we had spent the summers of our youth and knew Dad would be near.
As our guests arrived, my brothers and I worked our way through the gathering crowd. We visited, recounted memories and told stories of our father, enjoyed adult beverages, and thanked those had who stopped by. Old friendships were rekindled and the forging of new ones began.
Later in the day, after our meal of pulled pork and chicken, smoked beans, assorted tubs of salad and fruit, chips and various trays of cheese and crackers, some of us migrated inside the cabin. And as we may never pass this way again, all were invited to experience a few pours from the whiskies we’d assembled. There was quite a line up from which to sample …
THE WHISKEY COLLECTION
Hannah and I had brought bottles of Booker’s 2021-02 (Tagalong Batch), Larceny Barrel Proof B521, and a Cask Strength Smooth Ambler Old Scout from a barrel our local Facebook group had secured. (Thank you Boise Whiskey Enthusiasts!) And on the ninety minute journey from the airport to the cabin, a pit stop at 45th Parallel Distillery yielded a bottle of 6-year Bottled-in-Bond New Richmond Rye and another of 5-year Cask Strength Border Straight Bourbon.
To help round out our whiskey bar, a cousin contributed an Elijah Craig Small Batch and the husband of another came bearing Belle Meade Reserve. A partial Larceny Straight Bourbon from a past gathering was found and a brother brought bottles of Cask Strength J Henry Patton Road Reserve from the bottler’s tasting room. The other said a friend would be bringing something special in a short while. We were pretty much set.
ASSEMBLY AND PREPARATION
None of us had ever enjoyed a lineup like this before and we were in for an eye-opening adventure. There were all levels of whiskey familiarity in the group; young nieces and nephews, cousins and old family friends alike. Many were novices, though several had toured Kentucky Distilleries.
For me and for the first time in many years, new bottles of whiskey would be opened for pure enjoyment, with no intent of review. Yet I felt a certain amount responsibility (possibly mis-guided) to share the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years. After all, shouldn’t we be ambassadors for our beloved nectar?
All manner of drinking vessels were dispersed; assorted small juice glasses, rocks glasses, and Glencairns. I (with help from Hannah and our donators) explained whiskey was meant to be sipped and enjoyed (not taken in shots, as we did in our youth). We discussed cooperage, flavors, profiles, and the origins of each offering. The documentary “Neat – The Story of Bourbon” was referenced on several occasions.
POURS, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
We encouraged those who wished, to select a bottle and pour themselves a sample. A few abstained, but most picked from the array before them and when the whiskey began to flow, toasts to Dad were offered. And while Dad preferred Brandy (there was some of that too), I’m sure he would have humbly accepted. As new people trickled in, lessons were repeated and questions answered:
▪︎Early on came, “What is the difference between Whisky and Whiskey?” ~ We discussed labeling and tradition with Scotch, Irish, Canadian and American whiskies. ~ Then came, “Why does Maker’s Mark proclaim their products as Whisky rather than Whiskey?” ▪︎Our selections were primarily Bourbon, so someone posed, “How does Bourbon differ from Scotch?” ~ I’ve not yet dabbled in Scotch, so those with the knowledge explained Scotch regions and the subtleties of each. ▪︎Somebody asked, “What is a Mash bill?” ~ Hannah and I delved into the typical mix of grains used to make bourbon giving a brief overview of the process. ▪︎When bills with rye and wheat were mentioned, someone asked, “What difference does it make?” ~ As there was a variety of both options, small pours of each were offered up as tastings for the inquisitive. ▪︎A couple of people had samples from Larceny bottles. ~ This made for a perfect segue to discuss barrel proof options versus standard fair. (And we had many high proof bottles.)
Our Q&A session continued as people came and went. Glasses emptied and new drams were poured. Occasionally two-fisted drinkers were in the mix as differences were compared.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
About an hour in, my brother’s friend came in bearing a bottle of 10-year Old Rip VanWinkle. We discussed bourbon lore, its lineage and place in the Pappy lineup. Soon the gift was uncorked and my brothers and I toasted Dad again. Someone suggested we return the stopper to save the bottle for another time. I declined, noting this moment and gathering would never happen again and assured anyone who wanted a pour would receive one. The bottle was passed. Surprisingly, it came back to me and I was able to make a second pour (what a nice bourbon).
GIVING BACK
By the end of Dad’s celebration, I felt contentment and peace settling over me. In several previous hours, whiskey had been responsibly shared and enjoyed. I had sipped more than a half dozen new offerings with friends and family, and now have memories from which to draw in future tastings.
As whiskey enthusiasts, we have a responsibly to impart our knowledge to others. And share we should. So buy new bottles. Bring out your “dusties”. Enjoy with family and friends. And as Seals and Crofts wrote, “We May Never Pass This Way Again“.
Love you Dad.
We May Never Pass This Way Again written July 2021 by Brian Dawson, Editor, Whiskey for the Ages
This article was prompted by an email we received from one of our readers. Included in the query, our reader raised the issue of State Controlled vs State Licensed Liquor Stores …
“Great stuff but considerably more expensive than if you could purchase from Total Wine and Liquor. Why do we still have state controlled liquor stores in Idaho? What about free markets? Time for a change, make them compete on the open market.”
“Thank you for reading the review and for your comment.
While I am neither for or against state controlled liquor stores, I’m not sure I follow your comment regarding the Elijah Craig Small Batch Private Barrel – Idaho State Liquor Division Batch 1 – 2019 product. I paid $29.95 for the bottle (a “Store Pick”) which is the same I would pay for an off the shelf Elijah Craig 94 Proof bottle (which happens to be on sale for $27.95 now through EO April). Are you able to purchase Elijah Craig Store Picks for less?
As for open markets, that is a GREAT idea for an article. Thank you. Please consider subscribing to our site so you can be notified when we post about this topic.
Cheers!”
– Brian Dawson, Whiskey for the Ages Editor
GENESIS
Shortly after replying, I began researching Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to learn how it fits into the marketplace. I live in Idaho, an ABC state, and arranged to meet with principles of the Idaho State Liquor Division. Our dialog was most enlightening and I learned much from the ISLD team. I came away with a new view of State Controlled vs State Licensed Liquor Stores. While I generally don’t think government should meddle in its citizen’s affairs, there may be an exception in this case. Read on to discover a little of what I learned.
REPEAL OF THE 21st AMENDMENT
On Tuesday, 05-December-1933, at 1732 EST, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the amendment to end prohibition. The vote met the three-quarter state’s majority needed to pass the legislation. Within minutes of ratification, legal liquor began to flow.
History records there were no more acts of liquor driven debauchery than in the weeks, months and years prior to the end of the grand experiment. In fact, author Daniel Okrent notes in his book ‘Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition‘ the 21st Amendment actually “made it harder, not easier, to get a drink”.
Legislation of drink added closing hours, age restrictions, Sunday service regulations and much more. While Mississippi was last to repeal its prohibition laws in 1966, Alcohol Control had begun. Regardless of what one might believe, governments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all US districts including Guam and Puerto Rico control liquor sales.
FOLLOW THE MONEY
The end of Prohibition gave the federal government a financial windfall. The bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) collected more than $258 million in alcohol taxes in 1934. The money generated accounted for almost nine percent of the US tax revenue! States wanted their share.
In the weeks and months following repeal, 18 states mandated greater control over the sale and distribution of alcohol. The remainder (largely driven by retail entities, influential people and private interest groups) chose to allow licensed individuals and businesses the ability to sell alcohol to the state’s citizens. State Controlled vs State Licensed Liquor Stores was born. This separation remained largely unchanged until 2011. Late that year, Washington state citizens voted to allow the selling of spirits by licensed retailers (more on this later).
THREE TIERED SYSTEM
Together, the states developed a structure of checks and balances to provide safe alcohol to consumers while ensuring simple tax collection. This became known as the three-tier system1:
▪Manufacturers provide distilled spirits to wholesalers ▪Wholesalers distribute the products to retailers ▪Retailers sell to the consumers
By employing this model, most states set involvement restrictions. Manufacturers cannot be wholesalers. Wholesalers cannot sell to the public. Each tier has their own licensing requirements and follow their own set of regulations.
▪Participants in each tier are responsible for ensuring that the laws and regulations set by the government are executed1 ▪Tens of billions of tax dollars are collected sent to federal, state, and local governments by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in the alcohol industry1 ▪Large corporate distillers as well as craft distillers and brewers are given equal opportunity to reach consumers1
STATELICENCED LIQUOR STORES
RELATIONSHIPS AND BUYING POWER
All states have liquor control, yet not all ABC programs are equal. States which have adopted the licensing model allow licensed retailers to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits from their outlets. Product availability varies and is largely dependent on previous purchases and the relationships businesses and shop owners make with distributors and brokers. Smaller retailers may not have established relationships and/or the buying power to secure rare and/or allocated product.
Wholesale pricing can also vary as big box retailers (BevMo, Binney’s, Liquor Barn, Total Wine and Liquor, Kroger, Costco, etc.) may get preferential rates based on historic purchasing. Most have better selection because they simply buy more. Retail pricing comes down to High School Economics 101: Supply and Demand.
STATE LIQUOR STORE RESPONSIBILITIES, SALES AND PROFITS
Licensed wholesalers and retailers are not exempt from federal income tax. States still regulate and monitor sales and tax collection activities. But when one digs deeper, there are other important financial factors to consider.
License states require credentialed wholesalers and retailers to impose and collect additional taxes on beer, wine and distilled spirit sales. Liquor taxes add revenue to the state’s coffers for use in liquor education, law enforcement in the court system, and of course, the state’s general fund. But taxes add to the cost of goods being sold. Some licenced states impose a 20% or more tax 6-packs, bottles, and/or cases of packaged goods.
And because they can, many retailers set their own retail pricing based on supply and demand. This is why many people in licensed states see popular whiskeys like Eagle Rare and Blanton’s at $80, $100, and $120 or more (even though MSRP is about $35 and $60 respectively). It is also why rare bottles go for much, much more than MSRP. Limited selection and high shelf pricing creates the perfect storm for an out of control secondary market.
In addition, the money earned on liquor sales may not always stay within the state in which they are sold. When licensed retailers are out-of-state corporate operations, profits can and do leave the state. In cases like these, there may be less revenue distribution to local citizens.
EXTENDED FINANCIAL CONCERNS WHICH IMPACT LICENSE STATES
Then consider other negative side effects of lesser local control. License states sell distilled spirits from more retailers at wider hours than in control states. Wider hours creates greater availability. According to studies done by the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), State Licensed Liquor Sales states have …
▪Wider consumption of alcohol by under aged people2 ▪Higher crime and less safe roads in the later hours of each day2 ▪Greater per-capita alcohol related health care issues2 ▪Higher death rates attributed to alcohol2
These factors affect education, the medical establishment, law enforcement, the court system and impact families.
STATES ADOPTING A LIQUOR CONTROL MODEL
As of this writing, seventeen states and jurisdictions in Alaska, Maryland, Minnesota and South Dakota have adopted forms of the “State Control” model3. These jurisdictions control the sale of distilled spirits and, in some cases, wine and beer through government agencies at the wholesale level. Thirteen of these states also exercise control over retail sales for off-premises consumption, either through government-operated package stores or through designated agents.
Control jurisdictions represent approximately 24.8% of the nation’s population. A quarter of the country’s people account for roughly 23% of distilled spirit sales4.
State run control programs are not equal. Because each jurisdiction is different, I can only write about Idaho’s methods (as I live here). Your state may be dramatically different.
THE STATE OF IDAHO
From what I’ve learned, I believe the ISLD is quite forward thinking. Idaho avails itself to most federal programs and is an active member of the NABCA. In addition, and in my opinion, the division is on target with their published vision statement:
“The vision of the Idaho State Liquor Division is to be the most respected and the highest performing purveyor of distilled spirits in the USA.”
Idaho utilizes the NABCA’s Price Quotation Reporting System, which permits Control States to liaison with suppliers. As a result, Idaho consumers pay MSRP for the distilled spirits they find on Liquor Store shelves.
The State of Idaho sources distilled spirits directly from manufacturers, both large corporations and craft distillers. When the ISLD issues a purchase order, the distiller fills the request, based on what product is available at the time of receipt. I believe Idaho gets its share (and then some) of many coveted products.
This includes rare, allocated and even seasonally released Buffalo Trace Antique and Pappy selections. Many of these bottles are available for purchase in State run Liquor Stores, with some of the more rare products released through a random draw lottery system. My daughter, Hannah, and I have won the opportunity (through lottery entries) to purchase many of these rare and limited release offerings.
In addition, the ISLD has long relationships with many distilleries. So strong in fact, the division has purchased many single barrel whiskeys for distribution to patrons (think Store Picks). We’ve enjoyed offerings from Brown-Forman, over a half dozen Private Selects from Maker’s Mark, bottles from Elijah Craig, Four Roses, back-to-back years of Knob Creek selections, and I have single barrel picks from Buffalo Trace in my bunker, all purchased at MSRP.
IDAHO DATA
But maybe the biggest benefactors of Idaho’s structured control method are its citizens. Everyone benefits from liquor sales – even non and casual drinkers.
The state operates 67 state owned liquor stores leased from the private sector. The state has licensed an additional 101 private business owners in smaller municipalities. The Idaho State Liquor Division receives no state funding. To transport the 1.4 cases million cases sold annually, the ISLD contracts with a privately held Idaho-owned company, which keeps more money in the state. And because the state buys directly from distillers, the state pays ZERO federal income tax on distilled spirits which helps keep profits high and retail prices low.
In fiscal year 2020, sales of distilled spirits in Idaho exceeded $258,600,000. From these purchases, the state was able to distribute $95,400,000 to cities, counties, courts, substance abuse treatment, and the general fund for benefit of all its citizens. The ISDL projects revenue to top $1.2 billion in the next ten years.
BENEFITS OF REDUCED NUMBER OF RETAIL OUTLETS
Clearly Idaho has fewer retail outlets than License or even other ABC states. To offset the impact of fewer outlets, Idaho Liquor Stores are located on major travel routes. Most stores are near high traffic centers like grocery stores for one stop shopping. I pass three state run Liquor Stores on my 25 minute ride home each evening. If I take a different route, I pass four others. And because Idaho has fewer places to purchase distilled spirits:
▪Consumption is 15% LESS in Idaho than in open states5 ▪Idaho has lower incident of problem drinking, under-age theft, alcohol-related harms and other health related problems6 ▪Per capita, Idaho has fewer lost workdays and alcohol related deaths7 ▪Idaho has safer roadways and a lower alcohol related crime rate in the later hours of each day7
WASHINGTON STATE VOTER’S REMORSE
As noted earlier, in 2011 Washington citizens voted to allow the selling of spirits by licensed retailers. In a 2016 case study, many Washington voters would like a do-over8. Their primary reasons include the following:
▪The increase in the number of liquor stores (330 before privatization to more than 1,600) has not lowered prices ▪Washington has the highest spirits tax rate in the nation (20.5% since privatization) ▪Liquor prices have increased by an average 15% since 2011 ▪Greater per-capita alcohol related lost work hours and health care issues ▪Civil and Family courts have a higher incident of alcohol related cases since the measure’s passage ▪Higher crime and less safe roads in the later hours of each day
The study concluded, if voted on today the measure would not pass. Washingtonian’s were 2.6 times more likely to change their vote because of what has transpired since the measure’s approval.
IN SUMMARY
For sure, I am lucky (for many reasons) to live in Idaho, a forward thinking alcohol beverage control state. I will not say all ABC state citizens are as lucky. In fact I read many social media posts in which the poster decries their state’s meager selection and pricing. I’ve read there are discussions in Pennsylvania to explore changing the state’s alcohol beverage control methods to a licensing model. And North Carolina residents would like access to a wider selection of choices.
CAUTION: Be careful for what you wish for!
In closing, I’ve traveled and purchased alcohol in several licensee states. For the most part, prices paid in Arizona, California, North Dakota and Wisconsin were fair, but shelf pricing was higher than I pay for the same bottles here in my home state. I once shopped two locations in the same Wisconsin city just a few miles apart. Prices on the same bottles were different in each store. And in each store, the selection was decent.
Now it’s your turn. What’s happening in your state? Click the .. LEAVE A REPLY .. button in the field below to tell us your experiences.
State Controlled vs State Licensed Liquor Stores written by Brian Dawson
1The Three-Tier System: A Modern View | National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) 2 Reference, Alcohol Justice, 2014 3Control State Directory and Info | NABCA 4 2017 Handbook Advance, Beverage Information Group 5 Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and US census data 6 Alcohol Research Group, CDC 7 NABCA and Alcohol Justice 8Washington State Residents Regret Vote, Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute
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Since I’ve been drinking whiskey, there have been many different types of glassware I’ve used – some traditional, and some very much not. We are all familiar with the traditional tumblers or the Glencairns and the assumed superiority of these glasses when enjoying. And these glasses surely do have a place in our cabinet, with Glencairns used much more heavily than our tumblers, but what of other glassware?
Left to right, Glencairn, Tumbler, Mason Jar, and Weck Jar All contain 1.5 oz. of Eagle Rare Bourbon
There are so many different types, and claims made in their favor, I thought I’d explore this topic and share my personal thoughts on a few. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, rather simply reflect what we keep in our cabinet, and hopefully answer the question, Does Whiskey Glassware Matter?
FROM THE FAMILIAR…
THE GLENCAIRN
This glass you have, no doubt, seen all over our site, from our home page to our actual reviews. These are very popular in tastings, as they certainly offer an elegance and graceful shape that make the whiskey inside look more sophisticated. With a large bulb that tapers to a smaller top, the theory is that aromas are more likely to stay trapped inside and make for good nosing. The bowl/bulb is also purported to assist in displaying the color of your whiskey to the fullest, all while still being very comfortable to fit in the hand.
It is for all of these reasons that you will see my father and I review with Glencairns. The clear crystal does make determining color (and thus perhaps inferring age on those non-age-statement pours) easier. And I agree the tapered top funnels aromas more potently for when we are writing up our “nose” sections in our reviews. Even for a non-reviewing whiskey drinker, I think these glasses offer a great deal to a collection and they can certainly heighten an experience.
In our time of owning Glencairns, we have certainly broken our fair few, and the crystal does tend to smudge with fingerprints. And naturally, most people are not buying many in bulk, as they can get pricy with the more you buy. But there are certainly offers that can act as great starting packs with four, six (or even two) glasses. You can find a link to try them out under our “Promoted Products” widget below or through this link here.
THE TUMBLER
Everyone is familiar, I think, with the tumbler. Shown in media from television to movies, the popular tumbler offers a strong base and a cylindrical, more typical drinking glass experience. With quite a wide bowl, you have more liberty to mix your drink (many Old Fashioned’s are offered in tumblers), and certainly more ability to include ice. As such, tumblers are great for those who don’t always drink their whiskeys neat.
While my father and I do own several tumblers, we aren’t as likely to use them in reviews, or in casual sipping. This is mostly due to the fact that neither my father or I are heavy mixers. Nor do we add ice to our whiskeys. Most often, if anything, we’ll add just drops of water, which we can do with any glass, including our reviewing glass, the Glencairn.
Despite not frequently using them, it certainly can be noted that these are relatively strong in comparison to the Glencairn, and they are often cheaper than the Glencairn. If you are a mixer, or like a bit of ice in your whiskey (No judgement! We promote drinking to YOUR taste), this may be just the right glass for you. Like the Glencairn, you can find sets of tumblers in the “Promoted Products” widgets or here.
…TO THE UNFAMILIAR
THE MASON JAR
Now we get into more unique territory, where my dad and I have experimented with glassware not made with whiskey drinking in mind. The humble Mason jar, believe it or not, was the first glassware we used in our whiskey tasting adventure. They are readily available, and chances are, many of us have a few unused ones just lying around.
I think the beauty in the Mason jar is really its simplicity. It looks pretty with its textured glass, yet rustic at the same with a brand labeled on the side and drinking from a rim meant for a screw-top lid. While its shape doesn’t lend itself much at all to reviewing properly, with a uniform shape throughout and inability to distinguish color and body, it’s still a glass I recommend. Perhaps it is for sentimental reasons, but these little jars do have a permanent place in our cabinet.
Mason jars are incredibly inexpensive and can be found virtually anywhere, not to mention in bulk. They make for great gathering glassware for this reason! Granted, we may be trudging along through a pandemic now, but we won’t always! When introducing the world of whiskey to friends or family, I think Mason jars are always the way to go. They make for fun little conversation pieces (I believe most beginners think we all drink out of tumblers). And they also make the drink accessible to novices too without looking at an intimidating, fragile glass. You don’t need to teach a rigorous reviewing technique with colors and aromas – just relax and talk about whiskey. It’s simple and fun, and I think we can all agree – that’s what whiskey should be.
Find some Mason jars for your collection in our “Promoted Products” widget or here.
THE WECK
Perhaps the most zany glassware in our collection (and the newest), Weck jars, are similar to your traditional Mason jars as they are meant for canning. However, they are much more short and stubby with the most robusticity out of the four glasses discussed here. They boast a fat lip and a bit of a hazy tint, making them unsuitable for reviewing purposes.
Nevertheless, when they came home only several weeks ago, we developed a fondness for them almost immediately. They sit comfortably in the hand, and you adapt to the fat lip surprisingly quickly. They are bulbous enough to add ice too, if we wanted, and they won’t break the bank. While exceptionally untraditional, they have actually become our casual drinking glasses! Not every pour has to be fancy, but Wecks are a little more unique than your common Mason jar. So even with the fun awkwardness, drinking with them feels like an occasion.
With this playful shape, they make for a good, inexpensive alternative to both Glencairns and tumblers if you’re looking for something a little light-hearted. You can find Weck glasses with the other glassware in the “Promoted Products” widget or here.
SO, DOES WHISKEY GLASSWARE MATTER?
There are many, many different whiskey drinking glasses people use and this is certainly not an exhaustive list. There are glasses, I am sure, others will swear by that are not included here – both traditional and untraditional. To me, the most important aspect of drinking whiskey is enjoying your pour, and glassware choice is only one of many ways to do that.
It’s important to know what you’re using your glass for. If you’re reviewing, consider a Glencairn, or something of a similar shape. (As I have only used Glencairns for tulip shaped glasses, I will restrict my opinion to just these.) If you want fancy, Glencairns or tumblers (again, many varieties/designs I will not go into here), are great choices. Or, if you’re trying to relax with a casual glass, canning jars like Mason or Weck can be fun options.
Also note, my father has ALL of the types mentioned above (and more) in our glasware collection. Our mood can equally influence the glass we grab for, and sometimes I want a Glencairn for casual sipping. So don’t feel confined to drinking out of one glass type. Don’t even feel confined to drinking out of something CALLED a glass. Be innovative and experimental with your glassware just as you are with your choice of whiskey. Maybe your favorite whiskey in a Mason jar makes the experience that much better. Or maybe putting the cheap stuff in a Glencairn makes it taste more expensive.
In essence, have FUN with it. And let us know what kind of glasses you drink out of by clicking the ..LEAVE A REPLY.. button in the field below!
