Part of the fun of drinking whiskey is trying lots of different bottles. And, of course, often, buying them. A collection that’s dozens-deep means you’ll never get bored. You can change up your daily drinker, um, daily. But that kind of choice can also be exhausting, leading to the kind of decision fatigue that causes people to throw up their hands in frustration and just pick up the bottle closest at hand—whether it’s right for the moment or not. 

This is why you need a house whiskey: a great pour that you never get sick of, that you can enjoy again and again, in multiple ways and on all kinds of occasions. A house whiskey works in whatever way you use it: neat, on the rocks, mixed with Coke, in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. It’s priced for frequent use, so that you’re not breaking the bank by stocking up on it.

Most importantly, a house whiskey should meet three solid benchmarks: quality and balance—these are self-explanatory—and typicity of flavor. This varies by style: if your house whiskey is a bourbon, it should be sweet, a little spicy, and boldly oaked. If it’s a scotch, it should balance grainy malt with light cask notes and perhaps a whiff of peat. If your house whiskey is Irish, it’s likely a blend that incorporates the vanilla sweetness of grain whiskey with the chewy spice of pot still.

Still not convinced? Here are some other reasons to choose a house whiskey.

It’s a no-brainer pour.

Sometimes you want to ponder what bottle to offer a special guest, but there are likely other occasions when it would be easier just to know, without thinking, what you’re going to pour. (See: decision fatigue.) A house whiskey removes the effort and lets you reach instinctively for a bottle, knowing that what’s at hand is delicious and high-quality.

It might be cheaper to keep in stock.

If you live in a state where bulk discounts on alcohol are legal, you could end up saving money by laying in a case or half-case of whiskey at a time. Shop around and see if different retailers offer deals based on how much you buy.

It’s cool.

Having a house whiskey is a sign of casual expertise. You’re so experienced and knowledgeable in the ways of whiskey—and so confident in your own taste—that you have no need to show off a collection, or break out a prestige bottle, or even offer your guests an array of choices. Your house whiskey is guaranteed to please both your palate and theirs.

So how do you choose the best house whiskey? You do have to account for different styles—exclusive scotch drinkers aren’t likely to enjoy a Kentucky bourbon—but you can get around that by having a house scotch, house bourbon, and house whatever other whiskey style makes sense for you. Or try any of the below. 

Bourbon

Wild Turkey 101 ($20)

Spiced and bold with a proof that easily accommodates ice or mixing, but isn’t so hot that you can’t enjoy it neat. And dirt cheap.

Four Roses ($20)

Once called “Yellow Label,” the label is now beige, but the whiskey inside is the same as it ever was: a combination of all ten Four Roses recipes, perfectly balanced and oh-so-tasty.

Jim Beam Black ($19)

Low-key the standout of Jim Beam’s basic offerings. It’s 7 years old and reflects the extra time in cask: rich in oak flavor, but not rich in price.

Scotch

Compass Box Artist’s Blend ($30)

An all-rounder blend that fools even the most elitist drinkers into thinking it’s malt whisky.

Johnnie Walker Double Black ($32)

More robust smoke than the original JW Black, but not overwhelming. Hits a solid middle ground and tastes more expensive than it is.

Glenmorangie Original ($40)

Of the three big Glens (which also include ‘Livet and ‘Fiddich), this 12-year-old single malt has the best combination of flavor and body, thanks to its ABV of 43%.

Irish, Canadian, & Japanese

Lost Irish ($42)

Created by an ex-bartender as an homage to the Irish diaspora. It combines single malt, single pot still, and grain whiskey, yielding a layered flavor that still hits the requisite smoothness of the style.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye ($26)

Made with 90 percent rye and bottled at 90 proof, this is a cut above normal Crown in flavor terms, but it still maintains the creamy sweetness that fans expect.

Fuji Single Blended Whisky ($60)

The Fuji Gotemba Distillery makes both single malt and grain whisky in many different profiles, which allows it to create a “single blend” in-house. It’s delightful and layered while remaining restrained and soft.