Expand your whiskey palate

Walking into the recently opened Lock and Key Whiskey Bar at Glen’s, my eyes immediately feast on the 250 bottles of whiskeys, scotches and bourbons behind the bar.

Sure, there is the regular farethe Glenlivets, the Knob Creeks, the Maker’s. But co-owner Arthur Lauck’s joy is showing patrons a few choices that are off the beaten path.

First on his tasting list is Old Pogue bourbon, an underrated sipping whiskey that goes for $46.99 per bottle.

“This is one of my favorite bourbons out there, hands down,” he says. “It tastes like someone took a stick of butter and melted it in a cup of cream and threw spice on the end.”

One of Old Pogue’s pros is its smoothness, which can be dangerous if you’ve got time on your hands to enjoy another pour.

Next is the Irish whiskey Jameson Gold Reserve ($83.99 per bottle). Though Jameson is a familiar brand, this reserve is perfect for bourbon drinkers who want to try something unique. Gold Reserve is finished in first-filled bourbon barrels to give the drink a quirky quality that makes it stand out among other Irish whiskeys.

“Usually, customers don’t take the chance on this higher-dollar bottle, but it’s a wonderful experience and worth it to delve into that Jameson line,” he says.

As the tasting progresses, I end up in what Lauck calls “the dark side,” with peated scotches. Though most drink aficionados describe the taste of peated liquors as medicinal, Kilchoman’s 100% Islay ($81.99) has pear and citrus notes that stand up to the powerful smokiness.

“Those citrus flavors walk with the peat,” he says. “You take a sip, and you’ll get the earthiness and smoke, but you’ll also get the big pear finish so it’s not off-putting or over-peated.”

For more information on Lock and Key, 5110 Corporate Blvd., check them out online at lockandkeywhiskeybar.com.