by: 
Christopher Osburn
If you haven’t spent countless hours working as a bartender or barback, you might not know what a “house” bottle is. In the simplest terms, it’s the bottles that bartenders keep under the bar (not on the wall behind them). There’s usually one bottle of rye, scotch, vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and bourbon (plus a few others) that they use as their house brand. It’s the bottle they grab to pour you a shot, something on the rocks, or a simple co*cktail/highball if you don’t specifically tell them which brand/expression to use.
Intuitively, it might seem like a bar would just pick the cheapest booze for this purpose, that would be a big mistake. While the house pour does have to be well-priced, its real purpose is to impart the flavor of the bar itself. You want your guests to enjoy it and ask for it again. That’s why the price-to-value is extremely important. You don’t want it to be too expensive, but you also want it to taste good. It’s not an easy job to pick the house bottle, especially a house bourbon that’s going to be ordered a lot.
How do they do it? We asked a few noted bartenders and mixologists to tell us the house bourbons they pour at their bars. Keep scrolling to see all of their answers. You might be surprised by what you learn.
Bulleit
Eric Cohen, lead bartender The Kimpton Sawyer in Sacramento
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $29
Why This Bourbon?
We use a lot of Bulliet Bourbon as our house bourbon. I like to use Bulliet because it has a very well-rounded flavor profile and makes a very good co*cktail whiskey. It’s reasonably priced and has a depth of flavor that helps it stand up in co*cktails.
Woodford Reserve
Verdell Ekberg, director of sales and marketing at South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, Florida
ABV: 43.2%
Average Price: $35
Why This Bourbon?
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon is our house brand. We chose Woodford Reserve’s flagship whiskey due to its broad appeal among bourbon drinkers. Woodford’s flavors are rich and smooth with hints of citrus, cinnamon, and cocoa.
Buffalo Trace
John “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick, spiritual advisor at Warren American Whiskey Kitchen in Delray, Florida
ABV: 45%
Average Price: $25
Why This Bourbon?
Our house bourbon is Buffalo Trace Bourbon. It was a no-brainer to have this for our “well” bourbon considering our unique relationship with the distillery and Sazerac, their parent company. What makes this special is that many restaurants are struggling to even secure a bottle of Buffalo Trace Bourbon these days. We recently visited Kentucky and purchased a new barrel. That will yield us approximately two-hundred damn good Buffalo Trace barrel pick bottles in the coming weeks! It is simply an easy-drinking, smooth, classic Kentucky bourbon with soft, easy notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
Old Forester 86
Eric Johnson, beverage director of The Waverly in San Diego
ABV: 43%
Average Price: $25
Why This Bourbon?
Old Forester 86 Proof is our house brand. This bourbon has some roasted oak, sweet caramel, and vanilla notes. Its 86-proof body holds up well in a co*cktail but still can be a delicious drink, neat or on the rocks.
Jim Beam White Label
Josh Curtis, bar director at Malibu Beach Inn in Malibu, California
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $18
Why This Bourbon?
Jim Beam White Label Bourbon is our house whiskey. It was picked because it has corn flavors all day to remind us of what bourbon is made from. It also carries vanilla, caramel, and oaky flavors that accentuate any co*cktail it’s used for.
Angel’s Envy
Christopher Devern, lead bartender of Red Owl Tavern in Philadelphia
ABV: 43.3%
Average Price: $50
Why This Bourbon?
Angel’s Envy has notes of vanilla, maple, toasted oak, and bitter chocolate, making it the perfect house pour. This may not be your typical or traditional bourbon but that’s another reason it’s one of my favorites. It’s a special tasting bourbon that is great neat or on the rocks. Also, give their rye a taste if you get the chance.
Four Roses
Emily Lawson, bartender and founder of Pink House Alchemy in Fayetteville, Arkansas
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $20
Why This Bourbon?
Four Roses Bourbon is my favorite house bourbon for mixing, but it’s often overlooked. It’s just as complex and smooth as a Woodford Reserve and is affordable without compromising any integrity. It’s also not overly sweet, so it holds well in a co*cktail. I love incorporating it with Pink House Alchemy’s Mexican Chile Syrup for a delicious Kicking Mule Highball.
Old Forester 100
Heather Buelna, lead bartender at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay in San Diego
ABV: 50%
Average Price: $30
Why This Bourbon?
We use Old Forester 100 as our main house bourbon. It was chosen because it is a classic. It’s also one of the very first bourbons to be mass-produced. Its flavors are rich and complex, but it isn’t overly aggressive from its overall taste profiles, making it an easy match for a house program.
Travel Guides
Where To Celebrate The Holidays In New York City (Plus What To Skip)
by: Jessica Kelly
Add This Greenland Expedition Cruise To Your 2024 Travel Wishlist
by: Chloe Caldwell
Our Guide To An Absolutely Blissful Wine Weekend In Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
by: Melanie Gordon
by: Lindsay Paige Stein
The Best Budget Hacks For Visiting Venice, Italy This Fall
by: Chloe Caldwell
Why This Is Your Year To Visit Tokyo Plus Our Guide For Where To Eat, Sleep, And Play
by: Lindsay Paige Stein
×
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of spirits, bartending, and mixology, I've spent years exploring the nuances of various liquors, their flavor profiles, and the intricate art of crafting co*cktails. My firsthand experience behind the bar has provided me with a profound understanding of the significance of a "house" bottle, the carefully chosen spirit that represents the essence of a bar's identity.
The article by Christopher Osburn, dated February 4, 2022, delves into the realm of house bourbons, uncovering the preferences of bartenders and mixologists when it comes to selecting the quintessential bottle that defines their establishment. The insights shared by these professionals shed light on the meticulous process of choosing a house bourbon, considering factors such as flavor, versatility, and affordability.
Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
-
House Bottle Definition:
- A "house" bottle refers to the selection of spirits that bartenders keep under the bar for regular use, as opposed to those displayed on the wall behind them.
-
Purpose of House Bottle:
- The house bottle serves as the go-to spirit for various drinks, including shots, co*cktails, and highballs, in the absence of a specific brand preference from the customer.
- Contrary to the assumption that the cheapest liquor is chosen, the primary objective is to impart the flavor and identity of the bar itself.
-
Considerations in Choosing a House Bourbon:
- Flavor Profile: The chosen bourbon should have a well-rounded flavor profile, capable of enhancing co*cktails.
- Affordability: While price is a factor, the balance between cost and taste is crucial.
- Versatility: The bourbon should be versatile enough to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in various co*cktails.
-
Noteworthy House Bourbons:
- Bulleit: Chosen for its well-rounded flavor profile and suitability for co*cktails. ABV: 40%, Average Price: $29.
- Woodford Reserve: Selected for its broad appeal among bourbon drinkers and rich, smooth flavors. ABV: 43.2%, Average Price: $35.
- Buffalo Trace: A preferred choice for its easy-drinking, smooth, classic Kentucky bourbon qualities. ABV: 45%, Average Price: $25.
- Old Forester 86: Known for its roasted oak, sweet caramel, and vanilla notes, suitable for co*cktails. ABV: 43%, Average Price: $25.
- Jim Beam White Label: Picked for its corn flavors, vanilla, caramel, and oaky notes. ABV: 40%, Average Price: $18.
- Angel’s Envy: Recognized for its unique flavor profile with notes of vanilla, maple, toasted oak, and bitter chocolate. ABV: 43.3%, Average Price: $50.
- Four Roses: A favorite for mixing, being complex, smooth, and affordable. ABV: 40%, Average Price: $20.
- Old Forester 100: Chosen for its classic status, rich and complex flavors, and mass production history. ABV: 50%, Average Price: $30.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the thought process behind selecting a house bourbon, emphasizing the balance between cost, flavor, and versatility to create a signature experience for patrons.
