Holman’s whiskey club membership is an honor you have to earn. One does not simply walk into the bar, sign up, and snap, you’re part of the club. This club is a challenge. It takes effort. Upon completion of a lengthy initiation of taste, the club will have taken members on a triumphant journey through the eclectic and divine realm of whiskey.
Holman’s whiskey club involves partaking of a number of whiskeys that span a diverse range of Irish whiskeys, Scotches, bourbons and more.
This is how it works: simply have a seat at your friendly neighborhood Holman’s—there’s only one, on Northeast 28th Avenue near Burnside. Then grab a club card. It’s about the size of a postcard. One side bears your name while the other displays a list of 25 different whiskeys. Try a whiskey listed on the card and it will be crossed off. And don’t try and get sneaky either by crossing off a few while the bartender isn’t looking—your receipts documenting your tastings are kept on file.
It is that simple. The card is your challenge should you choose to accept it.
Members can find some of the more popular big hitters of the whiskey market such as Jack Daniels or Jameson. The list appears pretty heavy on Scotches, with names like Aberlour and The Glenlivet across various lines. However, bourbons also play a significant role. Popular brands such as Jack Daniels or Jim Beam come along with lesser-known lines such as Jack Daniels Single Barrel or Jim Beam Devil’s Cut. Irish whiskeys are present, though Jameson is the main player on that field.
Among the selection, those vying for membership will have to face a few whiskeys they might not normally consider such as the Jameson Gold or Jameson 18. A number of brands on the list also come in lines most wouldn’t normally encounter, therefore—you’ve guessed it—members will have to fork over some significant cash for the higher-end selections in order to defeat the list. And thus, Holman’s whiskey club is a journey from the bottom shelf to the top, and everything in between.
Wednesdays offer $1 off any whiskeys on the list, giving a little help to members while also encouraging participation. The endeavor will take time, but for those who are patient and show perseverance and resolve, they will achieve greatness and pride.
And what is the reward for one who achieves whiskey greatness at Holman’s? Those who can mark off every whiskey on their card will receive a Holman’s T-shirt that they can wear with pride as they boast their whiskey greatness. In addition, their name will be placed upon a plaque behind the bar so that all the land may know the names of the great drinkers and aficionados that have come before them. ?