What is a tater?

Getting into bourbon is super exciting. There is the thrill of the hunt, the friendships made, and the pure joy of trying something great for the first time. Every single time you get your hands on a new bottle of pure liquid Kentucky sunshine, it's a thrill like no other; however, some don't like to enjoy their bourbon... they... just... put it on a shelf.

People who do this are called "Taters" in the industry, and many people get upset at people who do this; however, I don't. I feel bad for them. A tater will love the hunt for rare, exclusive, or expensive bourbons but will never enjoy them. They love the clout they receive by posting a shelf on social media but are too scared to enjoy the bottle. They will pass by hundreds of great enjoyable whiskeys, and by doing so pass by hundreds of great nights with friends trying weird and obscure bottles. I for one have had more memorable times trying bad whiskeys, whether in college due to affordability, or as an adult due to the want of finding the next hidden gem.

To me, Bourbon is something to be enjoyed, not over-consumed, not stashed away somewhere. Bourbon is a way to make memories that last a lifetime, with those closest to you. It's a celebratory moment at the end of a week, it's a way to be present and to focus on the taste of the bourbon, or in some cases when the bottle is not a find, to try your best to not focus on the bourbon.

I say all this to say, don't hate on Taters. They are almost 90% of the way there. They are enjoying the hunt, and making memories of their own through the hunt, instead try to adopt a Tater that you know and show them some generosity. Pour them some of your favorite, easy-to-find bottles, do a blind taste test, or even invite them over to crack a bottle you have been hunting for years. Show them what life looks like on the other side and how to enjoy that bottled-up liquid Kentucky sunshine.

If you are looking for new pours, new ways to share your hunt finds, or even just keep track of what you have tried in the past check out the best bourbon app in the world NEAT: Whiskey Finder!. It allows you to connect with others, see what they are trying, and what they think about it.