“What Should I Get?”

A question I get asked more often than I ever could have anticipated is: what people should order/drink/buy when they’re at bars or liquor stores other than McCallum & Sons. Messages come in through text, Whatsapp, and Instagram all in a remarkably similar format. It’s initiated with a short obligatory explanation as to where they are and why they’re perusing booze at a location without me (the audacity). Followed by pictures of shelves lined with bottles, or a spirits list in a restaurant. And punctuated with: “what should I get?”

Before we go any further, I want to make perfectly clear that I adore these messages and exchanges. The sheepish explanations as to why they’re not shopping at McCallum & Sons are often humorous, but unnecessary and appreciated nonetheless. I understand that it’s not always possible or convenient to do 100% of your liquor shopping at a single brick and mortar location in downtown Tacoma with tighter hours than a bank.

“I never wanted to be your whole life – just your favorite part.”

Anyway, these types of messages are always enjoyable for me. Primarily because I’m honored and humbled that my opinion and recommendations are held in such high regard. But it’s also entertaining because I get to pinch zoom and scrutinize back bars, store shelves, duty free counters, and even personal collections across the globe. It’s fun deciphering and identifying bottles where maybe I can only glimpse the top neck of the bottle. I may spy something tucked away in the back that you didn’t even notice or isn’t on the menu. It’s also a welcome challenge and a true test of my professional aptitude to be able to correctly distinguish labels based on some of your guys’ shitty photography skills.

“Hey bro, what should I get?”

“A new phone my dude.”

(I’d still be able to pick some winners based off of this, though.)

I endeavor each and every time to thoroughly search through what’s available, select what I think you might enjoy (if I know you well enough), or give a breadth of options that are fun, unique, or a must-try that you may have otherwise passed on.

Usually, I’ll utilize the draw feature on my phone to circle or highlight some options and send the photo back to you with some quick notes. If time allows, I’ll also give some deeper details if you’re asking for the purpose of gift giving.

What makes me laugh every time – and it’s happened multiple times – is when someone reaches out who has just been offered to pick anything they’d like from a friend’s personal collection at home. Inevitably there are some rare allocated bottles amongst the bunch. I do my best to recommend other interesting things I see, but I always remark on the rare stuff: these are pretty special and if you’ve never had the opportunity to try them before, you should.

There’s a long pause, and I imagine what’s being said at the other end of the line.

Then comes the response: “He said anything except those.” Classic.

This professional service that I offer has been and always will be free of charge. So I say this with cautious assurance, but next time you’re presented with an overwhelming selection of options to drink or purchase: hit me up, if you know where to find me. All I ask in return is that you tell everyone who will listen where to find me as well.

Here are just a handful of some of these pictures. Agree with my picks? See something else you would have recommended? Let me know!

Swipe! —>