When it comes to the world of bourbon, there is a term that has gained popularity among whiskey enthusiasts: tater. If you’re new to the bourbon community or have recently come across this term, you might be wondering what exactly it means. Well, let’s dive into the fascinating world of bourbon and unravel the mystery behind the tater phenomenon.
The Rise of Taters
In the jargon of the too-online whiskey-collecting community, bourbon “taters” are individuals who exhibit an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm for the spirit. They are often new to the hobby and eager to expand their collections. However, there is a fine line between genuine passion and what some may consider excessive behavior.
Characteristics of a Bourbon Tater
Taters in the bourbon world can be easily recognized by certain distinct behaviors and attitudes. One tell-tale sign of a tater is their unwavering obsession with limited-edition and hard-to-find bottles. They are constantly on the hunt for the rarest releases and often go to extreme lengths to get their hands on them.
Additionally, taters tend to flood online bourbon communities with questions about the latest trendy bottles, allocations, and secondary market prices. They can sometimes be seen engaging in heated debates about the merits of certain brands or expressing excessive disappointment when they miss out on a highly sought-after release.
Tater Behavior and Consequences
Tater behavior can have both positive and negative impacts on the bourbon community. On the positive side, their enthusiasm can bring attention to the spirit and help in its growth and popularity. However, there are certain consequences that arise when taters go too far.
One of the major consequences is the skyrocketing prices of sought-after bottles. As taters create high demand, the limited supply of these bottles leads to inflated prices on the secondary market. This can make it challenging for genuine bourbon lovers to afford or even locate their favorite whiskies.
Tater Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts
If you want to avoid being labeled as a tater, here are a few guidelines to follow:
Do:
- Respect others’ opinions and tastes.
- Engage in meaningful conversations about bourbon without obsessing over limited editions.
- Share your knowledge and experiences with newcomers to the community.
Don’t:
- Overshadow the genuine appreciation for the bourbon itself by obsessing over collecting rare bottles.
- Contribute to the inflated prices of limited-edition releases on the secondary market.
- Put down or belittle others for their bourbon preferences or choices.
The Importance of Balance
It is crucial to strike a balance between the urge to collect and the passion for actually enjoying and savoring the bourbon. Bourbon is not just a commodity; it is a spirit meant to be savored and celebrated, bringing people together through shared experiences.
Conclusion
So, what is a tater in the world of bourbon? A tater is an enthusiastic whiskey enthusiast whose obsession with limited-edition bottles often leads to excessive behavior and inflated prices. While their excitement can be contagious, it is important for the bourbon community to maintain a sense of balance and respect for the spirit itself.
