Looking for the best liquor brands for home bar? A home bar is a great way to entertain friends, impress guests, and make your man cave bar the place to be. But before you start stocking your bar, it’s important to know what liquor brands are the best for your home bar.
Types of Liquor that Men Have in Their Man Cave Bars
When setting up your home bar, you should take into consideration the types of liquor that will be stowed away in it. This is because there are different categories of liquors to choose from. Some people like to choose by drink preference (i.e. whiskey drinkers tend to like scotch), but this method could get very expensive if you stock every drink preference known to man. Another option is to simply choose what you like or, even better, what your friends enjoy drinking when they come over for a good time! Here are the most popular beverage categories:
Whiskey – Whiskey can be distilled from any grain mash, though most whiskies are made with corn, rye, wheat barley (the main grains used in bourbon), or malted barley.
Scotch – Scotch is a whisky made in Scotland from malted barley and water. It must be distilled at least twice and aged in oak casks for no less than three years.
Bourbon – Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made in the United States. It must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels.
Rye – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye grain.
Gin – Gin is a clear spirit that is flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals.
Vodka – Vodka is a colorless, odorless, and flavorless liquor that can be made from any type of starch, though it is most commonly made from corn.
Rum – Rum is a distilled spirit that is made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or sugar cane juice. It does not have to be aged in wooden barrels like whiskey, but some rums are aged in wood for a period of time to add flavor and color.
Tequila – Tequila is a type of brandy that is traditionally made with blue agave plants.
Liqueur – Liqueurs are usually added to coffee or used in cooking recipes. They contain 30-60 percent sugar and can have fruit, cream, chocolate, nuts, spices, herbs and other flavors. Some liqueurs include bailey’s irish cream, triple sec, and amaretto.
Brand Names to Stock Your Man Cave Bar With
Now that you know about all of the different types of liquor, it’s time to talk about which brands you should consider buying for your home bar! For each category mentioned above (whiskey, scotch, bourbon, rye etc.) there are several quality brand names worth noting. Here are some examples:
Whiskey Brands
Jack Daniels is one of the best whiskey brands because it has a strong reputation and really good flavor. It can be used in classic drinks like old fashioned or manhattan cocktails as well as modern recipes where you might want to spice things up with the rich flavor of whiskey. Johnnie Walker Red Label is another great whiskey that has a rich, yet smooth flavor. It is one of the most famous brands on the market and has been around since 1909. In recent years, Irish whiskey sales have been growing exponentially, making similar brands like Tullamore Dew and Jameson Irish Whiskey huge contenders for their top spot as favorite whiskey on the market.
Scotch Brands
Scotch drinkers tend to be purists, believing that scotch tastes best on its own or with just a little bit of water. Out of all scotches available today, Johnnie Walker Black Label still takes the number one spot because it doesn’t taste too smoky nor does it taste too harsh. This drink can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Bourbon Brands
Maker’s Mark is a bourbon that is loved by many for its unique flavor profile. It has a sweetness to it and doesn’t have the bitter aftertaste that some bourbons do. If you are looking for a good quality, yet affordable bourbon to stock your bar with, then Maker’s Mark is a great choice.
Rye Brands
Bulleit Rye is one of the most popular rye whiskeys on the market today. It has a spicy flavor that rye drinkers will love and an affordable price point that makes it perfect for stocking your home bar.
Gin Brands
One of the best gin brands on the market right now is Hendrick’s Gin. This gin is made with Bulgarian rose petals and cucumber, giving it a unique flavor profile that is unmatched by any other gin on the market. If you are looking for a high quality gin to add to your home bar, Hendrick’s Gin is definitely worth considering.
Vodka Brands
Absolut Vodka is one of the most popular vodkas in the world, and for good reason. It has a clean, smooth flavor that makes it perfect for cocktails or drinking straight up.
Rum Brands
In terms of rum brands, Captain Morgan is one of the most well-known and popular options on the market today. It has a sweet flavor that many people enjoy, making it a great choice for cocktails like piña coladas or mojitos.
Tequila Brands
Patron Tequila is a popular tequila brand that is known for its high quality and smooth flavor. If you are looking for a good tequila to stock your bar with, Patron is definitely a great option.
Liqueur Brands
When it comes to liqueurs, Bailey’s Irish Cream is one of the most popular and well-known options on the market. It has a creamy, chocolate flavor that makes it perfect for cocktails or just sipping on its own.
As you can see, there are many different types of liquor and many different brands to choose from when stocking your home bar. It can be overwhelming trying to make a decision, but hopefully this guide has helped provide some clarity on the different types of liquor and brands to choose from.
