I enjoy trying a lot of different scotches, but my "go to" is Laphroig.
I picked up a bottle of Chivas for my batchelor party. That was about 3 years ago and it's still sitting in my cupboard with like 6 shots taken out of it.Drinking Chivas just to pass the time between deliveries of single malts, I feel like a Scotch hipster drowning my pallet in a mixed bevey of whatnot if only to temporarily satisfy my tongue with a few precious drops of golden ambrosia.
needless to say, we didn't much care for it.
I enjoy trying a lot of different scotches, but my "go to" is Laphroig.
And if you're into podcasts, I've found the Scotchcast a lot of fun.
https://twitter.com/scotchpodcast
I enjoy trying a lot of different scotches, but my "go to" is Laphroig.
And if you're into podcasts, I've found the Scotchcast a lot of fun.
https://twitter.com/scotchpodcast
I think I love you and Rayuki.
Grrr. Whisky has no 'e' in it
Grrr. Whisky has no 'e' in it
color doesn't have a u in it
etymology & rationality and other things people don't apply to their use of language etc
There's nothing inherently superior about single malt, in my opinion. I like most whiskies as long as they're not the peaty Islay monstrosities like Laphroaig, my friend loves it though. I mainly drink Grouse.
Technically, Wild Turkey is Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. And Jack Daniels is Tennessee sour mash whiskey, not bourbon.
I guess American whiskey is just different from whisky in the UK. :)
dirge said that Scotch is just called "whisky," not Scotch.
Peaty and Iodine and smoke are GOOD! educate your pallet.Pseudo-connoisseur nonsense. Disgusting, overpowering Islay malts are just all the rage these days due to whisky hipsters.
Peaty and Iodine and smoke are GOOD! educate your pallet.Pseudo-connoisseur nonsense. Disgusting, overpowering Islay malts are just all the rage these days due to whisky hipsters.
^Aren't you only like 15?
So that's how they create gentlemen over there. Get them started on the finer things at an early age.Quite right!
...and I'd been having the occasional Guiness and chaser with my lunch at the local pub for about a year...
We have a ... different attitude to alcohol in the UK, Scotland particularly.
So I tried my first Islay. Man, that peat hit me hard. But it's strangely nice. Ardbeg is the brand. Anyone have any recommendations on a lighter islay?
Can anyone recommend a smooth scotch without too much peat/smoke taste. And I prefer to drink on the rocks, not neat. And price range would be $50-100 in Canada.
Can anyone recommend a smooth scotch without too much peat/smoke taste. And I prefer to drink on the rocks, not neat. And price range would be $50-100 in Canada.
I'd recommend the Macallan. It has a hint of sweet, no real peat and is what got me hooked on Scotch. The older the smoother, but their entire line is excellent.
Glenfidich is our default export whisky, and for good reason - there's a good range of ages (and therefore prices) and they've all got a good taste for the price (except the 18yo, but that's just me) they're what I'd call a "traditional" whisky taste.
Royal Lochnagar have a more fruity undertone, I've only ever had their 12yo, and it's good, very good. Imagine if you took the sweetness out of perry, tippled the alcohol content and gave it that warm whisky after-taste. That's not quite what it tastes like, but it's as close as you'll get without buying a bottle.
Glenmorangie I'd call a beer drinkers whisky, it's very pale and has a very light taste, but retains the warmth of a nice whisky. Not my tipple, but good with a meal (such as haggis; it is Burns day after all) as it won't overly contaminate the flavour.
Johnny-Walker is a blend rather than a single malt, but it's a good blend, with a range of quality and budgets their Red is an incredibly good quality for the price and their Green is as good as many single malts (and better than a few too!) purity is not always for the best.
None of these are peaty/smoky, some have more flavour than others, but they all conform to the idea of a "normal" whisky and you shouldn't be disappointed with any of them - can't comment on cost, but they're all good value.
I do enjoy the fidich 12yr, haven't stepped up with the ages yet. There is a Canadian edition called "Cask of Dreams", been contemplating that, but can't find much about it. Anything I buy will be for the purpose of just drinking all day or all evening, not food compliment. As for Johnny Walker, red I can't stand, I find that they made it for folks who think mixing scotch is cool. Black is alright but a bit too smoky for my enjoyment. And then I haven't gone anything costlier for those yet. I have been contemplating trying out the new 'platinum' edition.
I've wanted to try Japanese scotch, I'm probably bias cause I love everything Japan. Problem is, I don't remember anything like that near me. I need to stock up in Toronto next month.If you're going Japanese, almost anything by Nikka Taketsuru is gonna be tasty. I would highly recommend the 21 year old.
I'm having a lovely friday evening:Show Image(http://whiskys.co.uk/images/uploads/Small-Miniatures/X5-Glenfiddich-18.JPG)
I've wanted to try Japanese scotch, I'm probably bias cause I love everything Japan. Problem is, I don't remember anything like that near me. I need to stock up in Toronto next month.If you're going Japanese, almost anything by Nikka Taketsuru is gonna be tasty. I would highly recommend the 21 year old.
I had some Glenfiddich 12yo and 15yo last night, good stuff :D
Just picked up some of the Balvenie Doublewood. It was that or the Macallan, so I decided to try something new.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/Waoqjoh.jpg)
The Macallan 12 was $56.99 and this Balvenie was $59.99
f' scotch, i just bought a fifth of cabo wabo reposado
this is now a tequila thread
/me TAKES OFF CLOTHES
Drinking scotch and listening to scotch!
Just purchased a yamazaki 12 and a Oban. Never heard of the latter but was told it was good. Anyone heard of Oban?
... Anyone heard of Oban?
Oh you're goin'a hate me... I could click a button right now and have a bottle on it's way to me for the equivalent of $34.75+P&P!
Just picked up some of the Balvenie Doublewood. It was that or the Macallan, so I decided to try something new.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/Waoqjoh.jpg)
good to see a pic of what looks like a glencairn glass
I cracked that bottle of Dalwhinnie 15yo last night and I have to say, this just rocketed to one of the best malts I've ever tasted. The deep notes of honey and fruit are just wonderful. The taste is just so warm and complex, yet entirely approachable and likely the smoothest malt I have ever had. I usually enjoy the kick of peaty drams but this one was too special.
More expensive doesn't equate to better quality.
Most of the standard price brands are fine. High priced spirits are like high price clothes or high price perfume, they're not more expensive because they're superior, it's mostly a combination of limited production capability (often intentionally), higher overheads, deliberate marketing decision (due to conspicuous consumption and people like you who don't understand how the market works and incorrectly assume higher prices equates to better), brand image, etc.More expensive doesn't equate to better quality.
name a "cheap liquor" that is any good.
:)
due to conspicuous consumption and people like you who don't understand how the market works and incorrectly assume higher prices equates to betterMore expensive doesn't equate to better quality.
name a "cheap liquor" that is any good.
:)
If 'cheap' definition is under $20, many wines, vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's, most rum's. You can get very good single malt scotch for as little as $30 like Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, and Old Pulteney 12yo(which is excellent.)More expensive doesn't equate to better quality.
name a "cheap liquor" that is any good.
:)
Precisely. No need to get your knickers in a twist, precarious. Although I'm not sure when "cheap" arbitrarily started meaning $20 dollars or less, I tried the dictionary like you said, but it didn't seem to affirm your assertion.If 'cheap' definition is under $20, many wines, vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's, most rum's. You can get very good single malt scotch for as little as $30 like Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, and Old Pulteney 12yo(which is excellent.)More expensive doesn't equate to better quality.
name a "cheap liquor" that is any good.
:)
Here is my collection so far:
Show Image(http://s20.postimage.org/bhrin6a71/IMG_0085.jpg)
I cracked that bottle of Dalwhinnie 15yo last night and I have to say, this just rocketed to one of the best malts I've ever tasted. The deep notes of honey and fruit are just wonderful. The taste is just so warm and complex, yet entirely approachable and likely the smoothest malt I have ever had. I usually enjoy the kick of peaty drams but this one was too special.
Anything Laphroaig is my favourite
Show Image(http://cdn8.triplepundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/scotch-tape.jpg)
Show Image(http://cdn8.triplepundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/scotch-tape.jpg)
I use this every time I mail bills to make sure the envelopes stay closed!
Show Image(http://cdn8.triplepundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/scotch-tape.jpg)
I use this every time I mail bills to make sure the envelopes stay closed!
Do you lick the adhesive on the envelopes too?
Show Image(http://cdn8.triplepundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/scotch-tape.jpg)
I use this every time I mail bills to make sure the envelopes stay closed!
Do you lick the adhesive on the envelopes too?
Nope they have little strips you peel off and it's already sticky.
Can't believe I never saw this thread until now. I'm a big single malt fan and it's a passion of mine. My favorite is probably Lagavulin 12 year old, though I have a lot of favorites..
Show Image(http://cdn8.triplepundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/scotch-tape.jpg)
I use this every time I mail bills to make sure the envelopes stay closed!
Do you lick the adhesive on the envelopes too?
Nope they have little strips you peel off and it's already sticky.
Those envelopes are for wimps. I use REAL envelopes where I like the adhesive.
Hope you didn't pay a lot for it.
I'd rather drink Grouse than any Johnny Walker blend.
Nothing wrong with Grouse though. It's just that Johnny Walker is a heavily marketed, nonsense whisky for foreigners that don't know any better.
Yeah, but I mean Grouse is like the Coca Cola of Scottish whisky (in the Andy Warhol sense), Grant/Teachers/Bells is Pepsi, and Johnny Walker is supermarket cola in fancy packaging sold almost entirely to North Americans and Asians for ten times the price because they've fallen for their marketing scam.
Hope you didn't pay a lot for it.
Only like $180, compared to the $200+ I'd pay at home.
Worth it? Nope. I've enjoyed under $100 bottles more.
But I'm glad to have finally grabbed it.
These are a few of my favorite things .......Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels .......Show Image(http://www.fototime.com/5B63D3827467D2E/large.jpg)Show Image(http://www.fototime.com/C93E2395042970B/large.jpg)Show Image(http://www.fototime.com/867478584C1BD16/large.jpg)
Show Image(http://cdn8.triplepundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/scotch-tape.jpg)
I use this every time I mail bills to make sure the envelopes stay closed!
Do you lick the adhesive on the envelopes too?
Nope they have little strips you peel off and it's already sticky.
Those envelopes are for wimps. I use REAL envelopes where I like the adhesive.
I agree
These are a few of my favorite things .......Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels .......Show Image(http://www.fototime.com/5B63D3827467D2E/large.jpg)Show Image(http://www.fototime.com/C93E2395042970B/large.jpg)Show Image(http://www.fototime.com/867478584C1BD16/large.jpg)
You... I like you.
Nice scotch lineup. We did a tasting a few days ago with a nice range of scotch.
Won't bore you with the details but the big winner was Tamdhu 10 year. Think it's about $50 a bottle, which is a really solid deal IMO.
of all the RVW's, the 15yr is the best, IMO.
I have some Black Maple Hill bourbon on hand and I find it's an excellent rounded bourbon
For Scotch, I'm not a peat fan so I prefer highland Scotch like Clynelish (coastal highland). Speyside if nothing else available.. but I tend to ward off islay.
Evan Williams Single Barrel
of all the RVW's, the 15yr is the best, IMO.
I have some Black Maple Hill bourbon on hand and I find it's an excellent rounded bourbon
For Scotch, I'm not a peat fan so I prefer highland Scotch like Clynelish (coastal highland). Speyside if nothing else available.. but I tend to ward off islay.
Everyone rants about the 20 being the best, but I honestly prefer the 23 ...... gone through 3 bottles. Value wise, the 15 is easily the best, but if I'm paying the same amount, I'd rather drink the 20.
LOT of other great bourbons that I truly enjoy. Jefferson Prez Reserve 17 and 18 from Stitzel Weller casks (hard to find now, but really easy to find a few years ago), Four Roses Small Batch and Single Barrel Limited, and my favorite inexpensive bourbon, Evan Williams Single Barrel ... less than $24!!
I started out drinking sweeter sherried Scotch, but now I crave the smokey peaty stuff. Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Laphroaig, etc......
Start off with Highland Park, aka the best all-arounder. HP 18 should be on everyone's shopping list!! And then move on from there.
A lot of great bottles out there and it doesn't need to be hideously expensive.
For starter bottles, Macallan 12, Balvenie 12, Cragganmore, and HP 15.
The issue with peat (for me) is I love woody + peaty scotches the most, but most peaty scotch distilleries seem to think if you like peat you would also enjoy the taste of unfiltered sea water. An example being Ardbeg Uigeadail which I found downright vile, every sip made me gag. Like alcoholic liquid salt.
I just found this thread after looking at scotch bottles in the hundreds at some International airport in some country that I can't remember anymore because of jetlag. Some really great suggestions in here! And it seems most of the bottles are not that bad cost-wise either.
So what's with the $400 and $900 bottles I was seeing?
" drink what you like, and you'll never be wrong. "
Indeed.
Speaking of what you like though, I just picked up a bottle of Yamazaki 18yr Japanese whiskey for the New Years toast. Anyone else fancy Japanese whiskey as well? I find I like it just as much as scotch - which I found surprising if only because I am huge fan of Islays and the Yamazaki is anything but peaty...
:)
Got a 15 year glenfiddich for christmas :D
Nice gift!! I get/give a lot of Scotch/bourbon during the Holidays!!Got a 15 year glenfiddich for christmas :D
Yamazaki 18 is great, and it was really great a few years ago when readily available at $90/bottle. Now it's closer to $300 a bottle and for that kind of money, I would just prefer to drink something else.
Nikka Coffey is a nice bottle for reasonable money!!
On the MUCH more expensive end, Yamazaki 25 is amazing!!" drink what you like, and you'll never be wrong. "
Indeed.
Speaking of what you like though, I just picked up a bottle of Yamazaki 18yr Japanese whiskey for the New Years toast. Anyone else fancy Japanese whiskey as well? I find I like it just as much as scotch - which I found surprising if only because I am huge fan of Islays and the Yamazaki is anything but peaty...
:)
Thank you. After reading and reading about scotch, I realize that in the end, it's still about what tastes good to you. :)I just found this thread after looking at scotch bottles in the hundreds at some International airport in some country that I can't remember anymore because of jetlag. Some really great suggestions in here! And it seems most of the bottles are not that bad cost-wise either.
So what's with the $400 and $900 bottles I was seeing?
Generally speaking, this thread is pretty funny. While the big names worth noting are all mentioned, there's much misguided opinion presented as hard fact. Rule one for booze: don't listen to anyone who is using their opinion/taste/knowledge as a superiority thing. Since the 20th century really good alcohol is available all over and at all price ranges, with some production caveats. So drink what you like, and you'll never be wrong.
Truly expensive scotch (>$400) is either a status symbol (macallan 30), a marketing trick (largely blends), or a lost distillery (never look up Port Ellen prices). My bottle of 1982 Glenlochy was $400 a few years ago (closed and dismantled 1983). It is the most expensive whisky I own, but not my favorite.
But the most important thing to know about whisky is to share, enjoy it with friends, and to savor the moment and the memories. Price, location, and what internet bros think about it doesn't matter one bit.
Thank you. After reading and reading about scotch, I realize that in the end, it's still about what tastes good to you. :)I just found this thread after looking at scotch bottles in the hundreds at some International airport in some country that I can't remember anymore because of jetlag. Some really great suggestions in here! And it seems most of the bottles are not that bad cost-wise either.
So what's with the $400 and $900 bottles I was seeing?
Generally speaking, this thread is pretty funny. While the big names worth noting are all mentioned, there's much misguided opinion presented as hard fact. Rule one for booze: don't listen to anyone who is using their opinion/taste/knowledge as a superiority thing. Since the 20th century really good alcohol is available all over and at all price ranges, with some production caveats. So drink what you like, and you'll never be wrong.
Truly expensive scotch (>$400) is either a status symbol (macallan 30), a marketing trick (largely blends), or a lost distillery (never look up Port Ellen prices). My bottle of 1982 Glenlochy was $400 a few years ago (closed and dismantled 1983). It is the most expensive whisky I own, but not my favorite.
But the most important thing to know about whisky is to share, enjoy it with friends, and to savor the moment and the memories. Price, location, and what internet bros think about it doesn't matter one bit.
Thank you. After reading and reading about scotch, I realize that in the end, it's still about what tastes good to you. :)I just found this thread after looking at scotch bottles in the hundreds at some International airport in some country that I can't remember anymore because of jetlag. Some really great suggestions in here! And it seems most of the bottles are not that bad cost-wise either.
So what's with the $400 and $900 bottles I was seeing?
Generally speaking, this thread is pretty funny. While the big names worth noting are all mentioned, there's much misguided opinion presented as hard fact. Rule one for booze: don't listen to anyone who is using their opinion/taste/knowledge as a superiority thing. Since the 20th century really good alcohol is available all over and at all price ranges, with some production caveats. So drink what you like, and you'll never be wrong.
Truly expensive scotch (>$400) is either a status symbol (macallan 30), a marketing trick (largely blends), or a lost distillery (never look up Port Ellen prices). My bottle of 1982 Glenlochy was $400 a few years ago (closed and dismantled 1983). It is the most expensive whisky I own, but not my favorite.
But the most important thing to know about whisky is to share, enjoy it with friends, and to savor the moment and the memories. Price, location, and what internet bros think about it doesn't matter one bit.
I'll beg to differ just a bit. Taste and value are subjective. And they both change with time and experience. My first pour was a Macallan 25. I'll never forget it. 10-11 yrs ago when one could purchase a bottle of Macallan 25 for $450, it was fairly reasonable deal (obviously for those who could afford it). Now a bottle is more than double that cost. Why?? Supply and demand and rarity.
Now for someone like my buddy (absyrd) who enjoys Jack n Coke, maybe a "neat" pour of Macallan 25 is wasted. But someone for loves Macallan 12, 15, 17, 21, it's a incredible treat, and a bit of a luxury.
Luckily, I purchased and bunkered a few bottles here and there that I love. Now I can't justify the cost for many bottles that were considered daily pours just a few years ago. Scotch (and bourbon) are now very trendy and purchased all over the world ...... mostly in Asia. And age stated Scotch will soon be gone. Takes a long time to bottle a 25 or a 30 or 40 year old Scotch.
Lastly, collecting and speculating has taken over the Scotch world. Many are buying for investment purposes and bottles get auctioned off or cellared, never to be enjoyed.
Go to tastings. Enjoy with friends. Stay within your budget and all is well!! And remember, Scotch has zero carbs and zero sugar .....it's practically healthy. So enjoy a dram or two here and there and then decide for yourself whether a Balvenie 21 is worth the price difference over a Balvenie 15, or whether Glenlivet 21 is a more enjoyable than Glenlivet 10. I'll unequivacolly say YESSIR it is. :thumb:
Go to tastings. Enjoy with friends. Stay within your budget and all is well!! And remember, Scotch has zero carbs and zero sugar .....it's practically healthy. So enjoy a dram or two here and there and then decide for yourself whether a Balvenie 21 is worth the price difference over a Balvenie 15, or whether Glenlivet 21 is a more enjoyable than Glenlivet 10. I'll unequivacolly say YESSIR it is. :thumb:Yep, it's this aspect about Scotch that I'm trying to grasp. I always seem to want to understand why something costs so much, from expensive cars, to keyboards, and now Scotch...
One other small thing to consider about old whisky. There were trends about what wood to use for casks in different eras. The 30 year and older stuff is often in ex-port casks, the 15-25 often in ex-sherry, and more recent in ex-bourbon. Certainly, there are exceptions, and expressions that are aged mostly in one wood, but finished in another. It's helpful to know, as some of my acquaintances thought that they preferred older whisky due to the age, but what they really liked was the sherry cask, which lends a very rich, gingerbread like flavor to the whisky. They would be just as happy with something like a younger glenfarclas from sherry hogshead.Great stuff! That's why it's important to know what's in your Scotch and its heritage. At least that's what I picked up from what you posted.
Got an antique crystal decanter for XMas, but it's probably leaded, so no scotch in there for me. :(I'm a big fan of the Balvenie 12. I think you can get that for around $50.
What should I get for around ~$50? I like Glenlivet, but have been thinking of trying something completely different. Laphroaig perhaps?
Got an antique crystal decanter for XMas, but it's probably leaded, so no scotch in there for me. :(
What should I get for around ~$50? I like Glenlivet, but have been thinking of trying something completely different. Laphroaig perhaps?
I'd love some day to drink a scotch as old as I am. Think I'm running out of time though. Anyone here accomplished such a feat?
I'd love some day to drink a scotch as old as I am. Think I'm running out of time though. Anyone here accomplished such a feat?
A year late unfortunately! Cool find though.I'd love some day to drink a scotch as old as I am. Think I'm running out of time though. Anyone here accomplished such a feat?
I don't know how old you are, or if you are in a state with shipping reciprocity with California, but this is a stupid-good deal for whisky from years where production was lean: http://m.klwines.com/p/i?i=1227528
The problem with old whisky is that the market completely collapsed in the early 1980s. Vodka was the hip drink and brown liquid of many types was eschewed as old and stuffy. We lost many distilleries in the mid 80s and production was scaled back considerably. You won't find as much stuff available right now in the 20-30 year range, and certainly not at prices you will like. Except for maybe the bottle I linked.
As for me, I've had some older than myself. I've had a wine from my actual birth year, but not a whisky.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/efg00t7pqo76qmq/2015-12-29%2017.34.28.jpg?dl=0)
...this is a stupid-good deal for whisky from years where production was lean: http://m.klwines.com/p/i?i=1227528Thank you for the link! Does sounds like some good stuff indeed. :cool:
Very interesting history, that sentiment of brown spirits being "old and stuffy" is definitely something many of my peers through college would have agreed with, hah.Interesting fact--one of my best buddies gets angry when he drinks dark spirits as opposed to light ones. He's 6'4" and about 280 all muscle so I was careful around him when he touched any dark stuff. :eek: He used to completely stay away from spirits and just drank beers before he made the discovery. Anyone know why this might work this way?
I'd love some day to drink a scotch as old as I am. Think I'm running out of time though. Anyone here accomplished such a feat?
I don't know how old you are, or if you are in a state with shipping reciprocity with California, but this is a stupid-good deal for whisky from years where production was lean: http://m.klwines.com/p/i?i=1227528
The problem with old whisky is that the market completely collapsed in the early 1980s. Vodka was the hip drink and brown liquid of many types was eschewed as old and stuffy. We lost many distilleries in the mid 80s and production was scaled back considerably. You won't find as much stuff available right now in the 20-30 year range, and certainly not at prices you will like. Except for maybe the bottle I linked.
As for me, I've had some older than myself. I've had a wine from my actual birth year, but not a whisky.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/efg00t7pqo76qmq/2015-12-29%2017.34.28.jpg?dl=0)
Saw that Sam's Club actually carries Glenlivet 25 year for under $400/bottle. I'm tempted to get a bottle since it will probably last me 10-20 years, lol.
If you're willing to spend $400 on a bottle of Glenlivet, why not get 33 year old instead (http://www.klwines.com/p/i?i=1227520)? (And bottled at cask strength to boot! You will want to add water, and there is no shame in doing so, which will make the bottle last longer.) :)Oooo, much better! Would it be wise to drink this neat though? Or will cask strength be a bit too much?
If you're willing to spend $400 on a bottle of Glenlivet, why not get 33 year old instead (http://www.klwines.com/p/i?i=1227520)? (And bottled at cask strength to boot! You will want to add water, and there is no shame in doing so, which will make the bottle last longer.) :)Oooo, much better! Would it be wise to drink this neat though? Or will cask strength be a bit too much?
If you're willing to spend $400 on a bottle of Glenlivet, why not get 33 year old instead (http://www.klwines.com/p/i?i=1227520)? (And bottled at cask strength to boot! You will want to add water, and there is no shame in doing so, which will make the bottle last longer.) :)Oooo, much better! Would it be wise to drink this neat though? Or will cask strength be a bit too much?
If you're willing to spend $400 on a bottle of Glenlivet, why not get 33 year old instead (http://www.klwines.com/p/i?i=1227520)? (And bottled at cask strength to boot! You will want to add water, and there is no shame in doing so, which will make the bottle last longer.) :)Oooo, much better! Would it be wise to drink this neat though? Or will cask strength be a bit too much?
It depends. Some people really like their whisky at higher proof. Sometimes it depends on the whisky. It seems like the sweet spot for most malts is in the 45% abv range. This isn't too far off at 51%. There's many malts I have enjoyed at the 50-55% range, but above that and I'll just about always add water.
It's not a bad idea to pour a bit of whisky, try it straight, and then add a little bit of water and taste again. You'll taste different things as you add water and there will be a point at which it kind of "locks in" where it is full and lush, and no longer astringent or hot. For me, if I go too far then it tastes sweet, thin, and weak (but not bad...).
...saying the same thinga as darkclone24, who just sniped me while I was typing.
Going to my first scotch tasting party this month. Pretty excited. I'm only 1 bottle and 3 samples into the hobby. Here is our line up:
oh hey i wasn't aware this thread existed. bully for me. i'm drunk 90% of my life thanks to scrothch and crippling depression.... typically blends (dewers and johnny walker red) because the more you drink the less taste matters, and i drink a **** ton, but for my 21st birthday I got a bottle of glengoyne 21 year and that's probably the best i've had. right now i'm finishing up a bottle of glen moray 12 year that's not bad. a little too... idk ...floral? I like deeper notes typically but if it gets me drunk...
Going to my first scotch tasting party this month. Pretty excited. I'm only 1 bottle and 3 samples into the hobby. Here is our line up:
Damn, Glenlivet 25. Very nice.
Going to my first scotch tasting party this month. Pretty excited. I'm only 1 bottle and 3 samples into the hobby. Here is our line up:
Damn, Glenlivet 25. Very nice.
Sipping Glenlivet 25 right now. Delicious.
Highland Park 12 is getting me through the holidays. Not a bad scotch for the money :thumb:
I can't stand any smokiness at all, in any food or drink. I was brought up on Johnnie Walker because that is what my dad used to buy when he travelled, so the taste of JW has been what is whisky to me.
If I want a non-smoky scotch whisky somewhat like JW, but smoother and with a deeper, more refined flavour, what would you recommend?
I see recommendations here for Dalwhinnie and Highland Park, but in catalogues they are listed as having some smokiness, so I'm afraid those are not really for me.
I can't stand any smokiness at all, in any food or drink. I was brought up on Johnnie Walker because that is what my dad used to buy when he travelled, so the taste of JW has been what is whisky to me.
If I want a non-smoky scotch whisky somewhat like JW, but smoother and with a deeper, more refined flavour, what would you recommend?
I see recommendations here for Dalwhinnie and Highland Park, but in catalogues they are listed as having some smokiness, so I'm afraid those are not really for me.
I can't stand any smokiness at all, in any food or drink. I was brought up on Johnnie Walker because that is what my dad used to buy when he travelled, so the taste of JW has been what is whisky to me.
If I want a non-smoky scotch whisky somewhat like JW, but smoother and with a deeper, more refined flavour, what would you recommend?
I see recommendations here for Dalwhinnie and Highland Park, but in catalogues they are listed as having some smokiness, so I'm afraid those are not really for me.
Dalwhinnie is my favourite non-peaty dram.
(Attachment Link)
Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/wE30ngy.jpg)
Happy St. Paddy's day :thumb:
Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/h0was0a0nstnjme/SPRBNK15.jpg)
I just poured myself some of this bad boy. One of my all time favs. ;D
Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/h0was0a0nstnjme/SPRBNK15.jpg)
I just poured myself some of this bad boy. One of my all time favs. ;D
is cl , centiliters ?
the bottle is $67 ?
Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/h0was0a0nstnjme/SPRBNK15.jpg)
I just poured myself some of this bad boy. One of my all time favs. ;D
is cl , centiliters ?
the bottle is $67 ?
Yes, the bottle is 70 centiliters. I think I paid around 87 USD for it.
Balvenie Double Wood.. really smooth and delicious
Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/h0was0a0nstnjme/SPRBNK15.jpg)
I just poured myself some of this bad boy. One of my all time favs. ;D
is cl , centiliters ?
the bottle is $67 ?
Yes, the bottle is 70 centiliters. I think I paid around 87 USD for it.
Jesus.. you super rich Danes...
fiance's sister sent us a bottle of glenmorangie as a congratulations gift.
best thing i've drank in years....
happy saturday! drinking cheap costco whiskey and lurking the classified section right now. although...jesus costco whiskey aint bad for the price.
Man, I FINALLY got a call from my local specialty liquor store they got one bottle of Pappy's in and they are gonna hold it for me. This was a request I'd put in like 1 1/2 years ago, so after work I go down there super excited only to find out it was $1200! WHAT THE ACTUAL LIVING ****? I was prepared to drop like a couple hundred, maybey even 3 or 4 but that is downright hype levels of absurd. I laughed right in his face while I cried on the inside and wound up getting this instead.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/aNQgDP8.jpg)
Man, I FINALLY got a call from my local specialty liquor store they got one bottle of Pappy's in and they are gonna hold it for me. This was a request I'd put in like 1 1/2 years ago, so after work I go down there super excited only to find out it was $1200! WHAT THE ACTUAL LIVING ****? I was prepared to drop like a couple hundred, maybey even 3 or 4 but that is downright hype levels of absurd. I laughed right in his face while I cried on the inside and wound up getting this instead.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/aNQgDP8.jpg)
That's effing robbery for Pappy's. Weller B 12-year is basically the same stuff, and used to be an affordable workaround for those in the know... but now that stuff is also unobtainium. I've had both a few times, and they were good. But not $1200 worth of good. There's a limit dictated by common sense. Think about this: MacAllan 18-year goes for $250-325... Is Pappy's worth 4-6 times that? Not even close.
As for your consolation purchase, that is an A+ in my book. Nikka Coffey Grain and Nikka Coffey Malt are both outstanding, and are on my short list of favorites. Nikka in hand beats Pappy's or Weller on backorder every time.
Man, I FINALLY got a call from my local specialty liquor store they got one bottle of Pappy's in and they are gonna hold it for me. This was a request I'd put in like 1 1/2 years ago, so after work I go down there super excited only to find out it was $1200! WHAT THE ACTUAL LIVING ****? I was prepared to drop like a couple hundred, maybey even 3 or 4 but that is downright hype levels of absurd. I laughed right in his face while I cried on the inside and wound up getting this instead.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/aNQgDP8.jpg)
That's effing robbery for Pappy's. Weller B 12-year is basically the same stuff, and used to be an affordable workaround for those in the know... but now that stuff is also unobtainium. I've had both a few times, and they were good. But not $1200 worth of good. There's a limit dictated by common sense. Think about this: MacAllan 18-year goes for $250-325... Is Pappy's worth 4-6 times that? Not even close.
As for your consolation purchase, that is an A+ in my book. Nikka Coffey Grain and Nikka Coffey Malt are both outstanding, and are on my short list of favorites. Nikka in hand beats Pappy's or Weller on backorder every time.
The weird thing about the Nikka Coffey name is its already confusing making most people, including the guy at who sold it to me, believe it has a coffee flavor to it which it does not in the slightest. Being named Coffey for the rare and specialized still used to make it.
To further the confusion of the poor scotch consumer is the Malted one. Called Nikka Coffey Malted Whiskey - which is neither coffee flavored nor is it malt whiskey. Only being called malted due to the malted barley used to make it, and is in fact a grain whiskey.
For ****'s sake Nikka, you are confusing everyone unfamiliar with your brand!
The enlightened and the faithful know. Infidels, heretics and the unwashed masses will won't understand. Hahaha!
J/K. I love Nikka. Those to whom I've introduced it have really enjoyed it as well. It's my go-to when I'm not enjoying honest-to-goodness Scotch.
What's the latest good Gift scotch, doesn't cost arm / legg.
used2be 4rose, buh that's old now.
What's the latest good Gift scotch, doesn't cost arm / legg.
used2be 4rose, buh that's old now.
It depends on how much you value your limbs. You can always find excellent bottles for $60-90. Around the $80 mark you are basically getting the best ****, everything above that is diminishing returns.
What's the latest good Gift scotch, doesn't cost arm / legg.
used2be 4rose, buh that's old now.
Teach me to be a connoisseur.
If you're gifting scotch on a budget, check out Old Pulteney 12-year. Runs around $30-40ish.
The Balvenie 14-year Caribbean Cask at around $80.
4 Roses Single Barrel is still an outstanding choice, if you are into sweeter Bourbons. If your preference is for dry spirits this may seem too sweet.
I think Dalwhinnie 15 is like the perfect balance between being approachable and sweet enough for non-scotch drinkers, and complex enough to please hardcore peat chuggers.
How is Glenlivet. Saw sale @ costco.
I think Dalwhinnie 15 is like the perfect balance between being approachable and sweet enough for non-scotch drinkers, and complex enough to please hardcore peat chuggers.