Whiskey Neat introduces you to restaurant and beverage industry professionals, the books they read, and the whiskey they love.
Bull Garlington
CCO | All American Whiskey, Inc.
Of course, I had to do this. It’s only fair. I’d never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself (this is a lie). I’m a columnist and author. I spend almost all day every day writing for clients, for this blog, or for myself. I am married, have two grown-ass kids, a dog named Whiskey, and a murder-cat names Jones whom local rabbits, birds, and certain coyotes avoid at all costs. I live in Chicago.How long have you been at All American Whiskey?
Not even one. We launched in September, 2021.
Name a book that matters
Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck. I mean, there are so many. I’d also add Coming Through Slaughter, by Michael Ondaatje because it hits you with a similar hammer. Everything by Harry Crews. Everything by Sir Terry Pratchett.
Why does it matter?
The last sentence. The entire book builds this moment, a moment of pure charity, pure generosity, pure selflessness that is startling, revolting, and painful. By the way, I recommend Coming Through Slaughter for the exact same reason.
Favorite scene or quote from the book:
I mean, like I said, the end. But also when the grandmother dies and the mom just sits on top of the truck next to her, graveside Beverly Hillbilly style, it’s existentially horrifying.
Your preferred top-shelf whiskey:
Lock, Stock & Barrel 20-Year-Old Rye.
Why do you like it so much?
The madness. The wingnut untethered wild creativity that gave birth to the idea of aging and rectifying this spirit in uncharred white oak barrels. It’s beyond description.
What’s your guilty pleasure cocktail with that whiskey?
In a Sazerac.
I never want to make a ___________ again in my life:
Dirty Martini even though it’s my wife’s favorite cocktail and mine are amazing and I’ll be making them the rest of my life.
What is a perfect whiskey?
Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon
People need to quit drinking . . .
Fireball Whiskey because it’s fucking horrible.
Who would you most like to see answer these questions?
Scott Dayton
