Ingredients + skill
Scratch may come in a 30 lb bag and "Our special gravy" may come in a 5 gallon drum. It's what you do after that that makes the difference. An unskilled bartender can screw up Scotch on the rocks. Those who don't drink Scotch won't know the difference.
Sometimes, you're just in the wrong place. I asked for Chivas on the rocks and the waitress came back a minute later and said we don't have that. OK. What Scotch do you have? I'll ask the bartender. Another minute. We have Jack Daniels and Smirnoff." "OK. Sam Adams will be fine." Obviously new staff, but helpful and cheerful, so it wasn't a big deal. A couple of months later, same place, charity banquet. Top shelf all the way.
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