Community and Connection: Why We Still Need Whisky

We've seen it on the news, but we feel it, too. An epidemic of isolation. Everyone in separate corners, on their couches, in their bedrooms, absorbing the world through a single glowing lens in their hand or on their lap. As this world embraces social media and AI, we as a human race remove something necessary to our well-being: connection.

Add to that the growing, non-stop parade of content shoved down our throats through social media and streaming services. It's easy to burn an entire day without speaking to another human being, save for a quick text or Discord post.

Contrast this with just a few decades ago, when "third places" ruled supreme — places outside of work and home where people gather, meet, talk, and connect. Nothing quite matches the satisfaction of connecting with real people over a hobby or mutual interest, building friendships, and adding some spice to life.

As my whisky journey continues, I've found more reasons to love it. I've been pondering this over the recent winter, where the blistering cold and constant snow have trapped a good chunk of the country indoors, myself included. In a world where connection feels like a luxury, whisky remains a rare luxury that requires connection to enjoy.

Sure, you can pour yourself a glass and drink it alone. But any whisky lover will tell you that pouring it for yourself can be a hollow experience. Sometimes it hits the spot after a long day, and you enjoy it. However, there is a reason "special occasion" whiskies exist. Whisky poured among friends will always be better than one poured for yourself alone.

The fun of great whiskies is consuming them with friends, discussing them, exploring them, and building a connection. After becoming a whisky sommelier and Master of Scotch, I've made new connections and deepened existing ones more than ever. I go to the store or a local bar and leave with new friends once they hear I know whisky. I recently visited a brewhouse in Virginia and left after hours of discussing whiskies with people I had never met before. It was an exhilarating experience.

I found another such exhilarating experience at the Whiskey Castle in Hurst, TX. I was on my way to Austin when I decided to make a stop in Hurst on the way down. I had gotten in touch with the owner, Matt Zitrick, and he invited me to spend some time there. I was not disappointed.

The Whiskey Castle is a place ripe for connections, where Matt and his fellow sommeliers, Erik and Stephanie, host classes that introduce and celebrate all that whisky has to offer. They host classes for whiskey clubs and even catered events for brand ambassadors and special occasions. Matt's goal is to build the most extensive library of whiskies from all over the world and offer them in classes to educate, inform, and connect with others. His library currently numbers in the thousands.

While I'm always excited to try new whiskies, and Matt didn't disappoint there, I was blown away at the warmth and hospitality shown by Matt and Erik while we were there. They not only opened the library to my father and me, but we stayed until about 1:30 am, sharing whiskies and stories. I was even able to share some of my personal collection with Matt and Erik that they hadn't tried, which was quite gratifying for me. In return, I was able to check off some bucket list drams for good measure.

Places like the Whiskey Castle are critical hubs of connection in a world so devoid of it. The Whiskey Castle is the third place we need to meet new people, build better bonds with those we do know, and experience the breadth and depth of whisky. They offer custom classes, curated experiences and events, and even bar-staff training. No matter which you choose, you'll leave with new friends.

Those who continue in the same lonely cycle of life are losing a piece of themselves every day. Whisky provides the glue to help put those pieces back together. I've experienced this in my life, and so has Matt Zitrick. He's now actively fighting the isolation by providing a whisky experience like no other. If you're in the Hurst, TX area, I suggest checking out Whiskey Castle to see who you can connect with.