Non-rye drinker in need of some help

[sean]

First off, I really don't like bourbon so I'm in the dark.

Secondly, my question is pretty specific, so reading thru other threads about rye wouldn't be as helpful add going straight to those in the know...

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Here is the scenario:

I landed a great job because my friend threw my name out when her boss asked her who would be good for the company.

To say thanks, I wanted to give her a bottle of something. She said her favorite is Bullet Rye, but that doesn't seem like it is "enough" to say "thank you" with.


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Here is the question...

What Rye do you give someone that meets the following criteria:

1) Person just helped you land a VP position.

2) Person doesn't know liquor, but her boyfriend does (enough to notice the bottle is a "nice one").

3) Person likes Bullet Rye.

4) Bottle should be readily available.





Let me know what you think, and thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Avvatar]

A few different parts to this. First, you don't want to come off as a kiss-ass. Second, it's a female so you don't want to be misconstrued. Third, if she likes Bulleit, then why should that not be enough? You've already got the job, say thank you and prove that she made the right choice. Of course, there are always the 10 year aged Bulleit. It's a higher echelon of the brand she likes.

But then, I've been drinking JD and PBR, so...

 

[Madcox]

This may help Sean... I love bourbon but I wish I could tell you that I've tried the higher end stuff like the 18 year aged Sazerac which I've read is great! too expensive for me at $70 a bottle... But for a VP position I may just buy a bottle just to show appreciation...

http://gearpatrol.com/2012/12/27/roundup-ten-great-rye-whiskeys-to-try/

 

[GoingPostal]

If it were me I'd get her bulleit rye and something nice to go along with it glassware, whiskey stones etc. Sure a $50 bottle would be a nice thank you but what if she doesn't like it remember taste is subjective. Don't know your budget but here is something that make a nice thank you gift bulleit rye toasting box

 

[Madcox]

^^True^^ taste is subjective and if bulleit is what she likes then get her what she likes. I'd go with what GoingPostal says. That's an excellent idea!

 

[AlohaStyle]

Sean... save yourself some time and send Herfin Harg a PM or message... he knows his bourbon and rye's.

 

[pbibby]

The sazerac is delicious. Otherwise ryes from the High West distillery are good as well. But like others have said, if she likes bullett, go with that.

 

[thejavaman]

Templeton Rye is one of my favorites. I also like Bulleit Rye too. Templeton has really nice vanilla/cinnamon notes and is softer, sweeter & has much less "burn" to me when compared to Bulleit. It's readily available for around $35.00 too.

 

[Speedbump]

Angels envy

Moderately priced
Unique

My thoughts

 

[rdomfoto]

As for the appropriateness of giving it to her, I think it's a very nice gesture. I also like the idea of giving her something new to try but would be along the lines of the Bullit Rye. To be safe and not come across as a kiss-ass (a good point), I would definitely give it to her after work and away from the office.

Is she married? If so, give it to her and her husband. Are you married? Give it from you and your wife.

 

[NCost]

http://www.grandtraversedistillery.com/our-spirits/whiskey/ole-george.html

Not sure how available to you it is, but if she likes Rye, this is a killer bottle.

 

[Frozen Toews]

If you are going for a meaningful gift.... Sazerac.... but i have never seen it on a shelf around Chicago. Check out Whistlepig. One of the highest rated rye whiskey's available.

 

[txaggie9307]

If you are going for a meaningful gift.... Sazerac.... but i have never seen it on a shelf around Chicago. Check out Whistlepig. One of the highest rated rye whiskey's available.

Whistlepig is the best on the shelf rye that you can get today...

 

[sean]

As for the appropriateness of giving it to her, I think it's a very nice gesture. I also like the idea of giving her something new to try but would be along the lines of the Bullit Rye. To be safe and not come across as a kiss-ass (a good point), I would definitely give it to her after work and away from the office.

Is she married? If so, give it to her and her husband. Are you married? Give it from you and your wife.

Oh yeah, she isn't married but I am. We came out of the same graduate program at school. She's meet my wife and kids before. We've been drunk together before. She even helped out when my wife was undoing chemo for breast cancer... Heck, after my interview with her boss, I told her "Nicole and I are going to get you a nice bottle of something, and a massage." To which she responded,"keep the massage and pass me the liquor."

 

[rdomfoto]

...To which she responded,"keep the massage and pass me the liquor."

Now THAT is a woman to be friends with!

Sounds like there won't be any creepiness associated with the gift (unless you want to interject some, LOL) - that is a nice gift!

 

[Monsterdg]

I recommend that you get what she likes. It's what I would want. Think of it this way, would you rather get a box of your favorite stick, or something you've never had before, but maybe heard it was good? Taste is so subjective.

For an add on, I would go glassware. Depending on budget, Waterford is avail at any higher end store (Macy's, Neiman Marcus, etc.) and you can get 2 for $100+ to skys the limit.

 

[javajunkie]

sean, java kevin has a solid rye palate (we have talked enough over it), and as ryan points out, you gotta trust the mad texan when it comes to american whisky (his avatar IS pappy, after all!). barring that, hit me up if need be.

tim/ monsterdg, i dig where you're coming from, but one bottle for a whisky nerd is like a fiver to us, it's PROBABLY going to be enjoyed. i think most people who are avid in booze wouldn't mind trying something new. then again, solid barware is always welcome too, you are right on that.

if you hit a brick wall, sean, hit me up.

 

[Frozen Toews]

Despite having one of the best avatars here, i have to disagree with Monster. Gifting Whiskey to the recipient is as much about the gesture as it is the trying something new. And i think Java is right. I'd put a bottle more in line with a 5er. I can go buy my Buffalo Trace every Saturday. I'd much rather be given something that i haven't tried... as i would most likely pass it up next Saturday when i reach for yet another bottle of Trace.

Just like sitting around sharing and comparing a cigar... I love that first pour of a new whiskey with friends. I'll have my Trace tomorrow.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Avvatar]

Under the light of the new info, get her something nice. Frozen makes a good point.