So you’ve got a bottle of unaged whiskey. Sigh. Most of us do. Maybe it was a gift from a well-meaning in-law who knows you like whiskey. Maybe you picked it up to support your local distillery hunting for cash flow while their stocks age. Or maybe it was a curiosity-fueled impulse purchase at the liquor store from a big-name brand like Jack Daniels or Jim Beam, a kind of inquisitive foray into the unknown.
No matter where it came from, most bottles of white dog meet the same fate: languishing at the back of the liquor cabinet, collecting dust, while you reach for other, older, more delicious things with far greater frequency.
If you don’t like drinking it straight, don’t despair – there’s hope.
First, white whiskey can work really well in cocktails. Classic whiskey cocktails can be a good starting point, although don’t expect it to look or taste anything like the standard version. Here’s a good recipe for a white Manhattan subbing white vermouth for red and orange bitters for Angostura, producing a nearly crystal-clear drink that surprises with rich grain flavor.
If you’re ready to get a little farther afield from classic whiskey cocktails, start thinking along agave lines. The vegetal, funky flavor profile of unaged whiskey can also work in the same contexts as tequila or mescal. Think tropical fruit, citrus, salt, chiles, apples, and even herbs like mint and cilantro – like this refreshing pineapple lime punch.
Your other option is to age it yourself. You’ll be hard pressed to make something that rivals the professionals, but aging new make at home in a small barrel can be a fun – and educational! – experience.
You’ll need a small barrel, enough white dog to fill it, and a little bit of patience. Rehydrate your barrel (it should come with instructions), fill it with new make, and then wait. Sample the contents every week or so to guard against over-aging and experience the changes in color and flavor over time.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
When you’re satisfied, decant it back into the bottle to stop the extraction and enjoy your (hopefully) improved new make. Don’t wait too long though – evaporation rates are much faster in a small barrel than a full-sized one, so it’s possible for your barrel to evaporate completely if you’re not careful!
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
Latest News