"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee is brought to you by Miller Brewing Company, calling Milwaukee home since 1855. For the entire month of March, we're serving up fun articles on bars, clubs and beverages – including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews, the results of our Best of Bars poll and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!
Katie Rose is the co-owner of Goodkind, 2457 S. Wentworth Ave., and a whiskey enthusiast. When asked if she had a favorite kind of whiskey, her immediate response was, "Oh, come on, you know it’s impossible to play favorites with your children!"
OnMilwaukee pushed the issue and not only did Rose reveal some of her most cherished bottles, but also oodles of whiskey-related insight and recommendations.
OnMilwaukee: So, yeah, if forced to pick your favorite child, I mean favorite whiskey, what would it be?
Katie Rose: There are so many redeeming qualities to so many different kinds. For me, my favorite bottles are tied to memories. I always give the gift of booze – that’s how I roll – so I might have a favorite based on what it reminds me of.
Bourbon is one of my favorites because it’s so uniquely American. The history behind it is fascinating as well. I’ve been on the Bourbon Trail – it was one of the coolest trips I’ve ever taken.
What kind of whiskey / bourbon do you usually have in your bar at home?
I have a special place in my heart for some Basil Hayden’s – really anything from Buffalo Trace you might find in my house. Also, J. Henry & Sons. It’s made in Wisconsin by a husband and wife and their family – shout out to Liz! – and it’s excellent.
When I'm at home, I usually have it on an ice cube – keep it simple. And I’m not doing any work at home – that's for here.
If you’re going to do a shot with a beer, what is your go-to?
That has changed for me so much over the years! But probably Four Roses. Namesake having nothing to do with it of course.
What foods have you paired with whiskey at Goodkind?
It’s super across the board. We’ve done some really cool cocktail dinners here. Classic pairings include dessert items, like chocolate or custards, or smokey food or bigger flavorful red meats. A steak and a glass of bourbon – what is more American than that? But I leave the cooking to the kitchen. They've got the magic. I’ve got the box of mac ’n’ cheese and am like "nailed it!"
Do you think more men than women drink whiskey – or has that changed?
It used to be, but that door has opened and the brands are more approachable to everyone now, including women. The craft cocktail movement helped a lot. People who once viewed a spirit as "too strong" or something they didn't like are now enjoying it in a cocktail. Women used to sometimes drink whiskey as a way to prove they could "keep up with the guys" or to gain some sort of image, but that ship has sailed. Everyone should just drink what they like. And for the most part, we are.
What’s going on here for St. Patrick’s Day?
We will offer three new Tullamore D.E.W. expressions paired with a bite from our kitchen. It's a unique opportunity to taste some true Irish whiskey in the spirit of the season and it's only $25.
If someone had a bad experience with whiskey in the past, how would you recommend they overcome it?
First of all, I understand. I have been there myself. We can do this together. A lot of times what is binged upon isn't necessarily the best product. There is a drastic difference between point A and point B. If you have a friendly neighborhood bartender you trust, ask for more information. Sample. Find something that you like – it will most likely taste nothing like the spirit that made you puke.
What is the top selling whiskey at Goodkind?
Well, the staff just rips shots of Tully like nobody’s business; otherwise, Four Roses and we are one of the top sellers of Woodford Reserve. We also go through a lot of Bulleit, Dickel Rye – which is an underrated brand – and they have a female distiller which I really appreciate.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
