Types of Whisky to Try at Your Next Casino Game Night

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Turn on any gambling-related movie, and you’ll quickly spot whisky as the drink of choice on (or off) the poker table. Particularly in movies that involve a dusty old town, men wearing cowboy hats, and a rackety wooden bar, whisky (often paired with a cigar) is indispensable. One of the main reasons they pair so well together is because whisky, a beverage deeply rooted in tradition and often associated with luxury, complements the casino setting, which itself is a place of leisure and indulgence.

Another reason why they pair so well together is due to their social aspect. Casinos are a hub for social interaction, and when you bring whisky lovers together in this environment, it adds an extra layer of enjoyment. However, not every whisky pairs well with every gambler. There is a ridiculous variety of whisky available that appeals to different taste preferences. This article will guide you through selecting whiskies that will enhance your next casino games experience.

Understanding Whiskey Varieties

Ask a random person on the street which brand they associate with whisky, and you’ll often hear Jack Daniels, Jameson, Jim Beam or Maker’s Mark. Although these brands are staples in every bar around the world, they’re certainly not representative of the world of whisky as a whole. Strong marketing campaigns and creating a whisky profile that caters to the widest audience possible are often the factors behind their success. However, dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that there are countless flavor profiles, some of which you’d never even imagine existed.

To keep it simple, we’ll cover the 4 major types of whisky: Scotch, Bourbon, Irish, and Japanese. Each has distinct characteristics that cater to different taste preferences. For example, Scotches are generally known for their smoky notes, Bourbons for their vanilla and caramel notes, Irish whiskeys for their fruity notes, and Japanese whiskeys for their spicy, complex notes. However, in each category, there are a wide variety of whiskeys that don’t necessarily adhere to these constraints. Each type has its personality and will enhance different moments during your next game night.

Scotch Whisky Selections

Scotch whisky is a staple in almost every whisky lover’s cabinet. The history of Scotch whiskey is rich and intricately linked to Scottish culture. From grain to glass, the creation of Scotch is an artisanal and traditional process that has been handed down through the years. Whisky brewed in Scotland often has a unique smoky flavor profile associated with the area. This makes it a perfect pairing for a high-stakes poker round, as it keeps your senses fully engaged in the game.

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
(Credit: Burn Stewart)

Some of the most common Scotch brands you could look into for your next casino games night are Ardbeg, Bunnahbhain, Lagavulin, Macallan, or Glenlivet. Although there are plenty more to explore, these are generally the go-to options for Scotch lovers. If you’re in doubt, do some research online and find reviews and forums to hear the opinions from other whisky experts. Keep in mind that Scotches generally have sharp and poignant tasting notes, so you may want to wait a few poker hands before you pop open a bottle.

Bourbon and American Whiskey Choices

Bourbons are a type of American whisky often loved for their sweet flavor profile. Many bourbons incorporate notes of vanilla and caramel which often makes them more approachable than some scotches. Of course, there are bourbons that can really pack a punch. The emerging trend of artisan distilling, their use in cocktails, their historical and cultural significance and the attention placed on quality all work together to appeal to a wide range of customers domestically and internationally.

Although bourbons can be enjoyed at any time during a casino game night, a fitting moment could be either at the beginning or end of a session. American whiskeys are smooth, satisfying and sweet which makes them great for winding down after a long night at the table. If you want to work your way up to a smoky Scotch, a sweeter bourbon is a great way to prepare the palette. If you’re not familiar with bourbons, look into Wild Turkey, Michter’s, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace or Four Roses. There are some of the iconic American Whiskey’s you can get for a relatively affordable price.

Exploring Irish and Japanese Whiskies

Irish and Japanese whiskies have been gaining tons of traction over the years. Japanese whisky in particular didn’t begin to get international notice until the 2000s. The first genuine Japanese whiskey, Shirofuda White Label, was introduced by Suntory in 1929, but its sales were initially weak as the Japanese market was not yet acclimated to whisky. But the industry persisted, and by the 1950s, whiskey was starting to gain traction in Japan, particularly among the working class and the wealthy.

Teeling Small Batch
(Credit: Richard Thomas)

Irish whisky on the other hand, had a different story. The industry’s emphasis on innovation and creating new high-end goods, together with the worldwide trend towards artisanal and craft spirits, have helped it grow. Furthermore, its appeal both domestically and abroad may be attributed to its cultural significance, its link to Irish identity and heritage, and its use in rites and festivities.

Some of the most common Japanese brands you could look into when hosting your next whisky party are Yamazaki, Nikka, or Hibiki. For Irish whisky, look into Teeling, Redbreast, or Connemara. Both whisky types provide so much variety that you can mix and match either of these at any point during your next casino game night.