A tater in the world of bourbon is someone who may be seen as a novice drinker, but pretends to be an expert in the field. They often exhibit behaviors that come across as performative rather than authentic. These individuals may try to impress others with their knowledge of bourbon, but they lack the genuine passion and understanding that true whiskey enthusiasts possess.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have encountered my fair share of taters in the whiskey world. It can be frustrating for those of us who have spent years studying and honing our craft to see individuals who merely scratch the surface of whiskey knowledge and yet try to portray themselves as experts. It is not about being elitist or excluding others, but rather recognizing the difference between someone who truly appreciates and understands the spirit and someone who is merely putting on a show.
One of the telltale signs of a tater is their use of buzzwords and jargon without truly understanding their meaning. They may throw around terms like mash bill, cask strength, or single barrel without being able to explain the nuances and significance behind these terms. It becomes apparent that their knowledge is superficial and lacks depth.
Furthermore, taters often focus more on the image and perception of being a whiskey connoisseur rather than actually enjoying and savoring the spirit. They may be more concerned with acquiring rare and expensive bottles to showcase their collection rather than appreciating the flavors and complexities of the whiskey itself. It becomes a game of one-upmanship, where possessing the most coveted bottles becomes the ultimate goal, rather than developing a genuine palate and understanding of the different expressions of bourbon.
Another characteristic of taters is their tendency to rely heavily on ratings and reviews from others, rather than forming their own opinions. They may boast about owning a highly-rated bottle without actually tasting it or understanding what makes it exceptional. This behavior diminishes the personal experience and connection that true whiskey enthusiasts value so much. It's not about what others think or what is trendy; it's about forming your own opinions and enjoying the journey of discovering new flavors and distilleries.
In my personal experience, I have encountered taters at whiskey tastings and events. They are often the loudest voice in the room, eager to demonstrate their supposed expertise, but lacking the substance to back it up. It can be disheartening to witness, especially when there are genuine whiskey lovers who are passionate about the craft and eager to share their knowledge and experiences.
A tater in bourbon is someone who pretends to be an expert in the field but lacks the genuine passion, understanding, and depth that true whiskey enthusiasts possess. They focus more on performative behaviors, buzzwords, and the image of being a connoisseur, rather than truly appreciating the flavors and complexities of the spirit. As a sommelier and brewer, encountering taters can be frustrating, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and genuine passion in the world of whiskey.