Officially, tailgating is a gathering before a football game or concert — a pre-scrimmage ritual, accompanied by food and drink, where fans warm up for their designated favorite team or band. Put that aside, and it’s really just a good excuse for a party. (In fact, up to 35 percent of tailgaters are there for the festivities only and don’t even attend the event.)
Because the tailgate is tied to an event, it has an inherent, irresistible sense of urgency — a rough-and-ready, here-and-now vibe — whether it goes down in a stadium parking lot or your own backyard. Consider this the official Rebel Yell guide to tailgating. […]
First, let’s get this out of the way: When it comes to enjoying Rebel Yell, the only thing you truly need is yourself and your bottle of bourbon. The whiskey stands on its own.
That said, a few well-chosen accessories can take the Rebel Yell mystique to another level. Here are our suggestions for an essential toolkit for your whiskey-drinking adventures. […]