On Mark Zuckerberg's daily ritual and picking a good (daily) sipping whiskey
You don't need The Metaverse to choose a daily sipper, but The Zuck might've been on to something back in 2014.
Back in 2014, when Facebook was still a place where young people shared their thoughts and opinions on the platform, it was noted that Mark Zuckerberg wore the same gray T-shirt at most public events. Zuckerberg’s response was both jarring and genius.
"I really want to clear my life to make it so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community," Zuckerberg said, after clarifying that he had "multiple same shirts." He elaborated that decisions like choosing what to wear or what to eat for breakfast could be tiring and consume energy, and he didn't want to waste any time on that.
While Zuck running The Metaverse sounds like an absolute chore, my life and yours hopefully isn’t. However, the need to have go-to daily selections that I instinctively reach for while balancing satisfaction and progression is quite real.
For example, here are the six things I need to get on with my morning without thinking:
Atlanta Braves navy fitted cap.
White Nike Air Force 1s.
Giorgio Armani Armani Code cologne.
Umpqua Oats Maple Pecan oatmeal.
Nespresso Intenso dark roast coffee.
The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz podcast.
It took years to refine my taste on what I like, what I feel confident in and what agrees with my appetite, fashion sense and ears. I guesstimate that I save roughly 24 minutes in decision making by having these six choices locked down. That’s an entire episode of Living Single without commercials.
Not having a choice locked down for your sipping whiskey at home can also be a time-sucking endeavor.
A good sipping whiskey is one that you should appreciate for being pleasant on the nose, enjoyable in the mouth and a smooth finish going down the gullet. It could be bourbon or scotch, rye or wheat, Japanese or American. Process or origin doesn’t matter nearly as much as your preferred tastes and your budget.
Two notes I want to clarify before we go forward.
What I call a “daily” sipper really is, what’s the house bottle that you go to for a pour without worry of running out. This is not an encouragement to drink every day, although I’m not one to judge.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a fantastic sipping whiskey. It also retails for about $200 a bottle. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, drinks The Blue on the regular, on ice. (Shudders) I will assume you do not have the purse strings of Mr. Jones, but if you do, you should definitely be a paid subscriber to this newsletter.
To recap. Drink responsibly, every day. And, while I don’t think you all are broke boys and girls, I will assume you don’t have two bills to throw on juice to sip. Cool? Cool.
This is not a definitive list, but here are a variety of vetted options at varying price points and flavor profiles to begin your experimental journey. I’m sure I’ll miss plenty. I’m sorry in advance. I’ll drop my absolute favorite at the end.
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch whisky, $29. This is my homie and BLC partner Jami’s favorite sipper. Why? “I couldn’t believe I could enjoy a blended scotch more than any sub-90 proof bourbon. The apricot and apple notes along with a graham cracker finish are beyond pleasing!”
Russell’s Reserve 10-year bourbon, $36. This thing just wins. It’s got the best ability, availability. I always freshly chopped wood mixed with corn flakes when I sip this.
Lost Republic Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $37. I always try to stay mindful of supporting local distilleries, and this was gifted to me at a housewarming years ago. Now? A new bottle somehow finds a way to keep getting back in the house after I finish one off.
Michter’s US-1 American Whiskey, $44. I crowned this the best bottle to give as a gift for any occasion
Angel’s Envy Bourbon, $45: It’s a bourbon made with scotch inspirations. It’s delicious because its final aging happens in port cask barrels. I always think it should cost more than it does, and I’m glad it doesn’t.
Old Forester 1920 “Prohibition Style”, $49. This is notable whiskey author and critic Fred Minnick’s 2020 favorite. “Toffee, chocolate, peanut brittle. Cornbread. Very nice. It grabbed me more and more and to me is the clear-cut winner.”
KOVAL Oat Whiskey, $44. KOVAL is a fun distillery out of Chicago doing some fun things with their whiskey. The mash bill on this thing is 100% oat and the end result is buttery and creamy deliciousness. You remember the candy bar Three Musketeers? Reminds me of that. Only problem is that I can’t consistently find it, but when I do, it gets enjoyed on the regular.
If you’re enjoying this newsletter and know other enthusiasts of whiskey, cocktails and appreciators of black creatives, consider sharing this with them. Because I have an insatiable curiosity about all things brown liquor. From the distillation process to the regionality of various spirits, from the unlimited ways to cocktail to how drinks with friends can make one’s day, and how these experiences have had a profound impact on my life. Thank you for your consideration.