Bourbon Dose

We are here to once and for all solve the question all bourbon novices are asking:”What is a tater?”, and, “Am I a Tater?”

If you’ve spent any time in the world of bourbon collecting, you’ve probably come across the term “tater” at some point. But what exactly is a bourbon tater? Is it some kind of potato-infused whiskey?

Don’t let the word fool you – it has nothing to do with potatoes! A bourbon tater is actually a term used to describe someone who goes overboard in their enthusiasm for limited-edition releases, often snatching up every bottle they can find.

What is a Tater?

Here’s the definition:

A “tater” is a slang term that refers to a bourbon collector who stockpiles unopened bottles of hard-to-find bourbon, for the express goal of posting pictures on social media and putting on a shelf.

Taters have little interest in drinking bourbon, discovering new recipes, or introducing new people to their bottles. They DO have an interest in posting pictures of their collection, trading their bottles, and driving up the price of good bottles for everyone else.

Essentially, they are what Pokemon Card collectors turned into, after they got jobs and started making money. Bourbon is their new Pokemon.

Community Definitions – What is a Tater?

Here’s how the bourbon world defines a tater:

“Basically new-money new-to-bourbon yuppies who don’t have anything to go off but online hype when searching for rare bottles either to flex their wealth or resell.” – Reddit

Those who describe whiskey as their hobby and the silly things they do in pursuit of bottles of whiskey; mostly driven by fear of missing out, lack of knowledge or the need to post ‘impressive’ unopened bottles on social media. While not relegated to those new to whiskey drinking and collecting, “tater” activity tends to be strongest with that group. – Urban Dictionary

Taters are the type to run to liquor stores upon hearing a bottle is getting hot — like, say, if it won an award — and buy a case for the sole purpose of re-selling it. – Gear Patrol

It just a term to describe whiskey as their hobby and the silly things they do in pursuit of bottles of whiskey; mostly driven by fear of missing out, lack of knowledge or the need to post ‘impressive’ unopened bottles on social media. – Tater-Talk

Whiskey Tater List

If someone has more than 1 unopened bottle of these bourbons sitting on their shelves, they are definitely a whiskey tater:

• A Midwinter Night’s Dram
• Blanton’s
• Booker’s (all of them)
• Buffalo Trace Antique Collection including: Sazerac Rye, WL Weller, George T. Stagg, Thomas H. Handy, and Eagle Rare 17
• Col. EH Taylor (all of them)
• Eagle Rare 10 Year
• Elmer T. Lee
• Heaven Hill 17 Year
• Knob Creek 12 Year & Knob Creek 18 Year
• Old Fitzgerald Broubon
• Old Rip Van Winkle
• Pappy Van Winkle
• Russel Reserve 13 Year
• Stagg Jr
• Weller including: Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Weller CYPB, Weller 12, Weller Full Proof, and Weller Single Barrel.
• Willet Family Estate Bourbon (Purple Tops)
• Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection