Oklahoma City’s relationship with whisk(e)y should be celebrated on World Whisky Day

Mark Twain famously proclaimed, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

It’s hard to argue with that logic.

The third Saturday of May is reserved for World Whisky Day, a day during which it’s encouraged to safely imbibe in whisky of all kind — the kind that puts the “e” in whiskey, the kind that doesn’t and everything in between.

While everyone has seemingly focused on the craft beer boom in the Oklahoma City area, a handful of distilleries have set up shop in the Sooner State and are producing some quality juice.

Scissortail Distillery, 2328 N. Moore Ave., Moore, produces whiskeys and rum, but are best known for their Leadslingers bourbon, which is made by and supports combat veterans. They’ve also been noticed for their novelty releases, such as Tuck Fexas bourbon, which comes in a decanter shaped in a fist saluting with the middle finger.

North OKC is home to Woodworks Distilling Co., 912 W. Britton Road, where honoring tradition and providing “a story told in every sip” is the company’s modus operandi. Whether it’s rye, bourbon, gin or vodka, Woodworks barrels and bottles are a pour for everyone.

Did you know? Where, how and with which grain the liquor is produced determines if it’s whisky or whisk(e)y. Scotch, for example, is whisky produced only in Scotland and primarily uses barley as its grain, is malted and warmed over a peat fire. Bourbon is whiskey distilled in the United States that has a mash (the mixture of grains used in production) of at least 51% corn.

While many distilleries, such as Woodworks, offer tastings of their products, the easiest way to sample a variety of whisky this World Whisky Day is to venture out to a local bar or two, especially ones that specialize in whisky.

Stock & Bond, 138 Park Ave., which touts more than 300 American whiskeys and aims to “honor the distillers who have defined and elevated the craft” here in America.

There’s also Whiskey Chicks, 115 E. Reno Ave., which takes a more global approach to their menu, offering more than 250 whiskeys from all around the world.

For those in Norman, don’t miss out on The Winston, 106 W. Main St. From private select pours of Blanton’s and Four Roses to Scotch staples like Bruichladdich Octomore 11.1 and Laphroaig Quarter Cask, The Winston has your palate covered.

Wherever you plan to celebrate World Whisky Day, remember the words of the immortal Dean Martin: “If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt.”