How to Use the WhiskeyMate Search (iOS & Android)
Find bottles in your personal collections or explore the global whiskey database
Overview
WhiskeyMate makes it easy to track down bottles you already own or discover new ones in our global database. Whether you need to confirm a barcode scan, quickly locate a rare find, or filter through your multiple collections, WhiskeyMate’s search has you covered.
Steps to Search
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Open the Search Screen:
Tap the Search or Magnifying Glass icon in the main navigation menu. This presents you with a search bar and any relevant filter or scope options. -
Enter Your Query or Scan a Barcode
- Typing: Use the on-screen keyboard to type in part of a brand name, subtitle (e.g., “Small-Batch Bourbon”), or even a partial barcode.
- Scanning: Tap the Barcode icon (camera) to open your device’s camera for scanning. If your whiskey has a recognized barcode, it’ll automatically fill the search bar with that code.
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Select Your Search Scope
Depending on your version of the app, you may see toggle buttons or tabs labeled "Collections" and "Database". Here’s how they differ:- Collections: Searches only within the bottles you already own or have saved to wish lists. Perfect for large personal libraries.
- Database: Checks the entire WhiskeyMate database, helping you discover new bottles you don’t currently have in your profile. This requires an internet connection.
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Review Your Results
The app displays bottles matching your query. You can tap on any item for more details like photos, tasting notes, personal or community ratings, and price or quantity info. -
Optional Interactions
From the results list, you can often:- Add Bottles to Your Wish List if you discover something new in the database you don’t own yet.
- Rate or Comment on a bottle (if you’re searching within your own or a shared collection).
- Share a Link to the bottle with friends via text or social media.
- Report Content if something appears incorrect or inappropriate.
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Switch Layouts (If Available)
In some versions, you can toggle between a Grid View and a List View for your search results. Use whichever layout you prefer.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Offline Limitations: Searching the Database scope requires an internet connection. If you’re offline, stick to Collections.
- No Results? Broaden your query. For example, try searching just part of the brand name or a simpler keyword. If scanning a barcode fails, try typing the brand instead.
- Managing Multiple Collections: Premium users can store multiple collections and quickly switch among them in the “Collections” scope.
- Fuzzy Matching: WhiskeyMate may correct minor typos or partial matches in the database scope, so even if you’re not sure how to spell a distillery’s name, you might still see relevant hits.
- Random IDs / No Barcode Bottles: Some bottles have missing or unscannable barcodes, so you can generate a random ID or just rely on brand info for quick searching later on.