This is the final lineup of bottles for the last optional graduate student social event of Academic Year (AY) 2026 based on my student’s votes plus a few special additions of my own. Since this is the final gathering before they graduate and head off to bigger things in their careers, it was important for them to choose bottles they know they enjoy as the idea behind this social is conversation rather than challenging their palates with a “serious” tasting. I also wanted to include a bottle from multiple spirits categories based on the spirits preferences of those handful of students who were regular participants in this AY’s socials – all are welcome of course, but the regulars are the ones who voted.
I’ll be using one of my new Aged & Ore Bottle Caddy bags, which I love and are super useful for bottle shares. I’m also bringing Denver & Liely Mezcal, Bourbon, and Whisky glasses as well as Glencairn whisky and copita glasses.
Based on their votes, the final lineup is:
*Tequila Ocho Añejo – Corralillos estate vintage
*Tequila Ocho Reposado – Tierras Negras estate vintage
*Don Fulano Añejo Tequila
*Virginia Distillery Co. Cigar Blend First Cut American Single Malt Whisky
*Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon
And the special additions (“special” not meaning “better” in terms of production, etc. than the other bottles in the lineup but rather bottles that aren’t readily available so those who want to try them can):
*Fortaleza 46 Still Strength Blanco Tequila (lote 33-S)
*Fortaleza Reposado Tequila (lote 127-R)
*Fortaleza Añejo Tequila (lote 76-A)
The two mini bottles are filled with 1800 Reposado Tequila because I lost a chess game bet and the agreed-upon penalty was to sip and provide tasting notes on 1800. Pray for me.
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1792 Bourbon Agave Spirits American Single Malts American Whisky ArteNOM Añejo Tequila Blanco Tequila Blended Whisky Bourbon Whisky Bruichladdich Buffalo Trace Buffalo Trace Distillery Cocktails Código 1530 (Codigo 1530) E.H. Taylor Eagle Rare El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila Four Roses Gin Glassware Irish Whisky Jack Daniel's Limestone Branch Distillery Liqueurs Lost Lore Maker's Mark Mezcal Mijenta Mt. Defiance Distillery Patrón Penelope Reposado Tequila Reviews Rye Whisky Scotch Whisky Scotland Siempre Single Malt Whisky Spirits Tequila Tequila Ocho Virginia Virginia Distillery Company Whisky
