AudioCircle
Community => Non-audio hobbies and interests => The Culinary Circle => Topic started by: Tyson on 6 Mar 2004, 01:34 am
-
Scotch has become one of my "other" passions outside of audio and music, and I thought I might share some of my experiences in trying various scotches. I hope others find this enjoyable and useful reading.
A quick note about how I drink scotch. Since 80 proof (or higher!) is enough alcohol to overpower your sense of smell and your sense of taste, desensitizing you to the actual flavors contained in the scotch, I always add water. Some people say only add a "drop", but IMO that is not nearly enough. Professional "nosers" in the scotch industry dilute the scotch to 20% (40 proof) to get the full bouquet of the "nose". While that may work for opening up the nose, to me it waters down the liquor too much for drinking. Over a long period of time I've found that I taste and smell flavor the best at about 60 proof, which generally breaks down to 1 part water to 2 parts scotch. Of course I only used distilled water since distilled water doesn't have a "flavor" of it's own to influence the flavor of the scotch. Also, I never use any ice for the simple reason that lowering the temperature of the scotch reduces flavor and nose to a very significant degree. So, if you want the most character possible while drinking scotch, try a bit of room temperature water in it.
And a word about glasses. The traditional tumbler is not the best choice. What you want is a glass that is tulip shaped so the aroma is focused at the nose. I've found 2 glasses that I really like. The first is the relatively common Glencairn Glass.
The other set I really like is the one from the Scotch Doc, which is much thicker glass and sturdier overall:
Glencairn Glasses - http://www.amazon.com/Glencairn-Whisky-Glasses--Set-4/dp/B003QX2JMA/ (http://www.amazon.com/Glencairn-Whisky-Glasses--Set-4/dp/B003QX2JMA/)
Scotch Doc Glasses - http://www.scotchdoc.com/tsd/shoppe/taster.html (http://www.scotchdoc.com/tsd/shoppe/taster.html)
So, I thought I'd post some of the scotches I've picked up, and some impressions:
Aberfedly 14
The nose came through as fairly citrusy with a bit of malt in the background, but favoring the citrus a bit too much for my tastes. The taste was a lot better balanced, with the malt coming on strong. Finish was pretty short and not all that different from the initial taste. Decent, but I probably won't buy it again.
Aberlour a'bundah
ooh, a cask strength (120 proof) Aberlour. Yummy! Tastes like buttered toffee, chocolate, and cayenne pepper. Careful, more than a glass or 2 of this will knock you on your ass. I think I've posted about this one before, but it's so good it's worth reposting.
Aberlour 15 Sherry
Compared to the 10 year old Aberlour, this one is definitely worth the price increase. The sweetness is more integrated with the overall flavor, and the "bite" of the alcohol is lessened just a bit, leading to a drink that is similar to the Macallan 18, with a bit more character, but less refinement. Whereas w/the Macallan you mainly get a buttery smooth sensation after the sweetness wears off, with the Aberlour 15 you get more of a mint type sensation.
Ardbeg 10
Holy smoke!! This one has a nice bit of a sweet intro and then SMOKE! and more SMOKE. A friend once describe it as "charred oak", and I think that's pretty accurate. One of the few under $40 scotches that is truly great. Not for beginners though :-)
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Tastes exactly like the 10 year old Ardbeg, but with a bit of extra sherry sweetness. For my money, I'm sticking with the 10, it has a more distinctive character and is cheaper too.
Ardbeg 17
One of the few instances where I like the older scotch less than the younger scotch. Sure, the 17 has more depth and complexity, but the brash smokiness of the 10 year old is greatly diminished. Considering the 17 is well over $100, save your money and stick w/the 10 year old for under $40.
Ardbeg 1977
Ah, another glass of whiskey that I happened to luck in to getting gratis at my favorite pub (helps to be on a first name basis with the owner). I will not mince words, this is the best glass of whisky I've had, ever. The peat is so light it's like it floats up on helium, and it is so smooth it does not have any "sting" in the nose even at full strength with no dilution. For taste, it's the absolute perfect blend of sweet malt and peat I've ever had. Stunningly good, phenomenal whisky. If you ever get a chance to try it, do not hesitate!
Ardmore 12 - Cask Strength
Combination of cut grass, cedar, and sweet malt in the nose, with a fairly thick and oily mouth coating feel. Taste follows the nose precisely, and the finish is more cedar. Good stuff and surprisingly smooth for a young whisky.
Arran 12
Also known as "Isle of Arran". When I ordered this the poor waitress kept thinking I was saying "Isle of Iran". It was pretty comical. But, lets talk about the scotch. Has a bit of an oily texture, which I like (I usually like whisky's that are a little "thick" feeling). The aroma and taste is unique and quite wonderful. Imagine citrus potpourri, not the canned fake stuff, but the real stuff that people heat up on the stove, and you've got a good idea of what makes this whisky special. Reminds me of sorbet ice cream. Yummy.
Balvenie 12 DoubleWood
One of the first scotches I ever had. At the time I really liked it, as it was nice and sweet, with a malty flavor that was quite nice. However, after having tasted many more whisky's, I've go to say this bottling is only average, the main fault being that it tastes so young and raw, especially for it's age. If it has more fullness and smoothness I would recommend it, but alas it does not.
Balvenie 15 Single Barrel
This was my last chance taste for the Balvenie distillery. I've had a bottle of their 12 year Double Wood, and their 21 year port wood, and wasn't terribly impressed with either. Well, the 12 I liked at first simply because I hadn't compared it to many other scotches. Right now I'd say the 12 and 21 were average or below average. But, the 15 Single Barrel is supposed to be da bomb for this distillery, so I order up a glass a Pints and proceed to drink. Immediately disappointment sets in. It's not "bad", its just not all that good. And it tastes and feels so young, very sharp and prickly for a scotch this old. Subsequent tasting merely confirmed this impression.
Balvenie 21 Port Wood
Definitely a better bottling than the 12 or the 15 from this distillery, in fact this one is quite enjoyable and definitely above average. It is actually quite good, and if you are looking for a smooth, sweet (winey) scotch, this is it. I enjoyed my bottle while I had it, but haven't felt compelled to buy another one.
Ben Nevis 10
It has been a while since I had a really good scotch, and honestly I wasn't expecting much out of the Ben Nevis 10. What a pleasant surprise. Starts off with a big malty nose with a hint of orange and vanilla. Sweet malt taste to start with, aniseed and vanilla with a touch of orange, and a very late dry oak finish. Yum.
Benrinnes 1982 Signatory
Back to the highlands with this one. This one was quite unique in that I consistently picked up the flavor of bubble gum right smack dab in the middle of the flavor. Otherwise it was pretty standard highland malt type taste. It's pretty rare, and definitely worth trying, but I won't be buying it again.
Bowmore Darkest
Now this is the good stuff. I love Bowmore Darkest, a great blend of the sweetness of the Speyside malts, and the smoky dark flavor of an Islay. Highly recommended. Word of warning, some people have found the bottling of Bowmore whiskies to be inconsistant, with some batches being weak and mediocre tasting. Luckily I've not had a single bottle from a bad batch, they've all been really excellent.
{edit} after trying this one in the pub, I bought a bottle, and I went through a period thinking it was "flat" and fairly low quality. Figured I had finally gotten one of the infamous "bad bottles", but I tried it again recently after having opened over a month ago, and it is back to tasting as good as I remember it at the pub. I guess this one needs to "breath" a bit before it hits its stride.
{2nd edit} One other note, the Darkest is one of the few scotches that I like much better "neat", with no water added. When taken neat, the initial sweetness has a thickly viscous feel, ala a Macallan, which caries through the middle and then converts at the end to the typical Bowmore smokiness. Great stuff. If you put water in it, the initial sweetness is greatly diminished, and the whisky really does end up tasting "flat".
Bowmore 12
One of the few scotches I like better without any water added. Without water its very dry and smoky, not sweet at all, reminding me of dying embers of a fire. With water it smooths out and sweetens a bit, but IMO it is to the detriment of the experience. Word of warning, some people have found the bottling of Bowmore whiskies to be inconsistent, with some batches being weak and mediocre tasting. Luckily I've not had a single bottle from a bad batch, they've all been really excellent.
Bowmore 12 - Signatory Non-Chill filtered
Very light in color for a Bowmore. This is now the 3rd time that the Signatory non-Chill filtered range has a bottling that is much better than the distillery bottling (Glenrothes and Edradour being the others). It is more oily, and a lot smoother than the distillery bottling’s, little to no sherry sweetness, it's all malty sweet, grassiness, and the trademark Bowmore smoke. None of the grainy hotness of the distillery bottling’s. Really good and definitely recommended.
Bowmore Mariner 15yr
Somewhere halfway between the taste of the Bowmore 12 and the Bowmore Darkest. Of course, being a Bowmore it is a very good scotch. But for my preferences it doesn't rate as high as the 12 or the darkest.
Bowmore 17
Very similar to the 15, but with even more sherry sweetness, much closer to the overall flavor of Bowmore Darkest, but the 17 is definitely smoother, with more wood flavor mingling with the usual smoke flavor.
Bowmore 25
What many feel is perhaps the best expression of Bowmore. As with most Bowmores, no water should be added. First thing that hits you with this one is the incredible thickness of it, the viscosity. My friend said it was "thick like motor oil". He was not wrong. If you do "not" warm it in your hand, the nose and taste are oily, soapy, and woody, and not particularly pleasant. Warming it in the hand causes the soapiness to go away, and the thick malt flavor (with low sweetness) to come to the fore. Layers and layers of intensity just slowly peel away before you. The finish is almost entirely wood, strong "old vanilla" flavor, mixed with the trademark smokiness of this distillery, although the smoke is greatly subdued. Overall a very interesting dram, but not top 10 material. The Bowmore 12 and Dusk remain my favorite Bowmores.
Bowmore Dawn
Ooh, a port wood finish and at cask strength, me likes! Man, Bowmore is making a hard dash to the top of my list for distilleries. The Dawn is definitely sweeter and easier at first sip, very sweet and grapey tasting, then developing a tawny and spicy earthy taste in the middle, and finishing with it's signature smoky flavor. Word of warning, some people have found the bottling of Bowmore whiskies to be inconsistent, with some batches being weak and mediocre tasting. Luckily I've not had a single bottle from a bad batch, they've all been really excellent.
Bowmore Dusk
This is their Bordeaux finish, and it is magnificent. All of the Bowmores I've had have been exceptionally good, but this one is the best of the bunch, IMO. The sort of dark flavoring of the Bordeaux matches perfectly the woody/smoky flavor endemic to all Bowmores I've tried. Throw in the fact that it's at cask strength and pretty readily available, is not too harsh, and is overall delicious both to the experienced scotch drinker and the newbie alike, and you have a real winner. Top 5 with a bullet.
Bruichladdich 10
Pretty smooth for a young liquor - even though it's technically not an Islay, it has a lot of Islay characteristics. Phenolic and peaty, and a bit of astringency from the low aging. Reminds me a lot of a lighter, more gentle version of the Ardbeg 10. Not bad, but, IMO, not great.
Bruichladdich 15
Significant increase in price over the 10 year old, but definitely worth it, has a smoother, deeper, and more complex taste. But keeps the slight Islay character, making for a pretty great scotch. Definitely in my top 5.
Bruichladdich 17
Yet another step up over the 15. Keeps the greater depth of the 15, but has a touch more peat. Intense flavor, but not overpowering smokiness or peatiness like a Lagavulin or Laphroaig. A sophisticated and complex dram.
Bruichladdich Links
Bruichladdich has come out with a new line of limited release scotches to celebrate that other great Scottish invention, golf. I'm not much of a golfer, but I am an old hand at whisky, so this release suits me just fine. This is a great, great whisky. Really the only one I've had that really gets close to the Ardbeg 1977 in overall quality, albeit in a different style. The Links has an almost perfect combination of golden highland sweetness and a secondary Laphroaig style peatiness. Then it finishes with a peaty oakiness, very smooth indeed. Not super peaty, or super sherried, or super oaky, or super malty, but rather hits all these notes in perfect balance, and with grace. Throw in the fact that it's not chill filtered and has no coloring added, and it's "almost" enough to join the Ardbeg 1977 at the top of my list.
Bunnahabhain 12
This was a quite interesting scotch, it's an Islay, so it has a heavier feel and body than the highland malts, but unlike most Islay's, it's not very peaty. It has some good smoke flavor, combined with good maltiness in the taste. It starts smoky and malty, transitions to more malty, then finishes mainly smoky again. Reminds me of a heavier and maltier version of the Ardbeg 10, but with less overall smoke taste.
Bunnahabhain 14 - McPhail Collection
My local liquor store recently got this in for a reasonable price, so I picked a bottle up. Where I was only moderately impressed with the Distillery bottled 12 year old, I am quite impressed with this McPhail bottled 14 year old. The overall flavor profile is similar, but slightly different. The somewhat heavy feel is still there, perhaps even intensified, and the malty sweetness is definitely higher. The middle flavor is almost chocolaty (similar to a Dalmore 12), and the finish is a wonderful smoke reminiscent of pipes (if you've ever smoked a pipe before). Very good.
Caol Ila 12
Picked up a bottle because it is supposed to actually be better than the 18 from this distillery, and I really love the 18. After tasting it I have to disagree, the 18 is better. The 12 is much, mush more peaty, with very little of the malt and depth that characterize the 18. It was so peaty, in fact, that I did a head-to-head with it and the Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength I also happen to have on hand. I can say that the Caol Ila 12 is better here. It is smoother, softer, less spirity, and has more depth and complexity to the flavor. I'd actually say its probably a bit closer to the Laphroaig than the Lagavulin or Ardbeg style of peatiness.
Caol Ila 14
Another Islay type malt, smoother than the Bruichladdich 10, but less full than the Bruichladdich 15. I liked this one quite a bit, but it's pretty rare.
Caol Ila 18
My local liquor store just stocked up on this for a very reasonable price, so I picked up a bottle. Tasting it with no water shows a sharp and spirity taste, so water needs to be added. I find that 3:1 ratio of Scotch:water is about right. At that point, the nose and palate are in remarkable synchronicity. Initial taste/smell is cinnamon transitioning to currants. Middle is currants and curry. Finish is refined peat, malt, and a touch of smoke. Definitely an Islay malt, but ultra refined. In fact it probably has more in common with Highland Park 18 than with Lagavulin 16. Overall very much worth it's price.
Clynelish 12 - Signatory
Yet another Islay style malt, this one is quite oily and viscous tasting/feeling. Overall I'd say it was of average quality. I didn't like it much at first, but noticed I liked it better as I got toward the bottom of the glass. Maybe it just needed to breathe a bit?
Clynelish 14
At last, someone had a bottling from the distillery. Most bottles I've seen have been from private bottlers, like Cadenhead and Signatory. I'd been hearing good things about the bottling’s from the distillery but never ran across one to try. I'll say flat out that it's the best under $200 a bottle scotch I've ever had. It is so, so close to my #1 scotch (Ardbeg 1977) in both flavor profile, smoothness, refinement, and all around goodness that I'd call it the bargain of the century, considering it sells for $47 at my local liquor store. For taste, see my description of the Ardbeg 1977, and just modify that to have a slight bit more sharpness to the nose and taste, and more maltiness overall. Damn good stuff, and easily knocks the Springbank 12 y.o. 175th anniversary bottling out of 2nd place.
Craggenmore
This one "noses" very yummy, great aroma. Unfortunately the actual taste is a big letdown. Very much similar to the "kerosene" flavor that Glenlivet 12 also exhibits. Not recommended
Dalmore 12
Ahh, my favorite type of discovery, a really good tasting scotch that is inexpensive. I really like this one, it starts off quite sweet ala Macallan or Aberlour, but quickly transitions to oaky/peaty tasting in the finish. Very nice and currently the only under $30 scotch that I like. Based on taste and quality, it competes very nicely with many scotches in the $50 price range. However, once you get to that price range, the Bowmore Darkest kicks the Dalmore 12's little honey.
{edit} After going through my 2nd bottle of this, I'm upgrading it quite a bit. Over time it has become one of my absolute favorite scotches, 2nd to Oban and tied with Highland Park for best "all around" scotch. This one really has it all, a smooth malt flavor, sweet tobacco, orange, late smoke, and a very light touch of peat. The recent bottling’s have been outstanding.
Dalmore 21
Ah, now we are talking, Dalmore had a "ambassador" visit Denver last night, and I got to drink a decent amount of the 12 year old, the 21 year old, and the Cigar malt. Focusing on the 12 and 21 year olds for a minute, I'd say the 12 is good but not nearly at the level of the 21. The 21 has more of a vanilla/oak taste with a much longer finish, and overall much, much more smooth. Of course its also $65, so it had better be good. And it is, I'd say it is definitely worth the money. Not very peaty, but a bit spicy with some nice honey notes.
Dalmore Cigar Malt
OK, this one is insanely good for the money. For $28 you will not find a better scotch. Hell, for $50 you're still gonna have a hard time doing better. Smoother than the Dalmore 12, fuller, more smoky, and a darker flavor, with hints of coffee/chocolate. Delicious. How much do I like it? I like it enough to ignore the stupid name and give it my enthusiastic recommendation. You don't have to drink it with a cigar, it is superb as a stand alone drink.
{edit} After living with the Cigar Malt I'm downgrading my rating just a little. I still think it is very good for the $$, but over time it has started to taste a little too "liqueur" like, and not scotch enough. The coffee/chocolate sweetness is just a tiny bit cloying. Now, this is coming from a pretty hardcore scotch drinker, so I doubt most people would notice or care. Still a good scotch for the money.
{Second edit} OK, downgrading this one some more. The Liqueur type taste in this one really gets annoying on repeated tasting. It does indeed go well with a cigar, but as a standalone I don't recommend it.
Dalmore 30
Got this dram free from my local pub (as a pre-birthday present), and I have to say that is was awesome. Reminded me of buttered caramel popcorn. Sweet buttery goodness! And a looong sweet oak finish. Not much else to say except TRY IT!
Deanston 17
Expected to dislike this one after all the negative reviews of it. But to my surprise I actually liked it. The reviews are correct in the respect that this malt doesn't "do much". It starts of with a buttery malty nose, with a butterscotchy taste, and a malty butterscotch finish. But I still found I liked the taste that was there, despite the sameness of it. Don't think I'll be buying a bottle, but a good dram at the pub, nonetheless.
Dufftown - Whyte & Whyte bottling
Tried this on the recommendation of a scotch-o-phile friend when I asked them for something that was very malty. The nose is not all that great, really pretty closed down and hard to pick up much at all. But the taste is very good, sweet malt in abundance. No real change in character for the quite short finish, so this is a simple dram, pretty good quality, but marked down because of the short finish and lack of nose.
Edradour 10
Wow, this one is really sweet, but not "sherry" sweet, more like sugared nuts (maybe cashews?) kinda sweet. Throw in the fact that it has just a little trace of astringency, and a very full flavor and feel, and you've got one fine malt. Only the short finish is a bit of a let down. Otherwise very nice.
{update} Tried this one again recently, and it still had the same sweetness, an almost "candy like" sweetness (those sugared nuts again), but this time there was also a bit of grunginess to the taste, almost like dirty laundry. It was subtle, but definitely there. I hear that Edradour is notorious for having variable bottling’s, so maybe I just got a bad one this time.
Edradour 10 - Signatory
At last, a bottling that does the Edradour distillery proud. This has all the strengths and none of the weaknesses of the distillery bottling above. Sweet, malty, full, clove and sugared nuts in the nose. Sweet, full malt, big and "wet" (as opposed to dry) flavor and feel on the tongue, and a strong oak finish. Damn fine stuff and highly recommended for lovers of Highland style malts.
Glendronach 15
Reminds me a lot of the Mortlach below. Very sherried, with a woodsy/leather type finish. I like it better than the Mac 12, but I think I like the Mortlach a bit better, just that extra little bit of character and length to the finish that gives it the edge.
{edit}Tried this one again and I believe that this is one scotch that is better taken "neat" without added water. Without water you get that great sherry sweet viscous taste up front, and it balances very nicely the woodsy finish. With water added, the taste looses a lot of intensity in the sweetness department, and becomes almost nothing but wood/leather tasting.
Glenfarclas 12
Another go at the Glenfarclas for me, I keep trying it and wanting to like it, so I can have an alternative to the ever-increasingly-expensive Macallan scotch. Starting off, typical sherry sweetness and transitioning to maltiness. But right in the middle I get the taste of cleaning fluid, it's slight, but enough to make the dram unpleasant. Finish is fairly unremarkable. Maybe I've gotten a couple of bad bottling’s in a row, but I won't be trying another one again from Glenfarclas for a while.
Glenfarclas 17
Only had one dram of this at a pub, but it was pretty good, reminded me of a cross between the Aberlour 15 and the Macallan 18. Quite enjoyable, but has a slight hint of a sulfur like taste in the middle that prevents me from rating it at the same level as the Macallan.
Glenfarclas '105'
Tried this one on the recommendation of the "Malt Maniacs" site I visit sometimes. One last chance for the Glenfarclas distillery, since I've been underwhelmed with their other bottling’s. Nose is heavily sherried, mixed with malt, and that's about it. Taste is again heavily sherried, but unlike other Glenfarclas' I've had, this one does not have that icky sulfur taste. No, this one has a taste that reminds me of polished wooden floors. Strange, but not a definite negative like the sulfur taste. Finish is fairly short and doesn't change much from the nose and taste. Overall this bottling doesn't have the same spicy quality that makes the Macallan Cask Strength and Aberlour A'Bundah so good.
Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve
I'm normally not a fan of the 'fiddich, the 12 year old is pretty boring, almost exactly on par with the Glenlivet 12. But I picked up a bottle of the 'fiddich 15 Solera reserve because the do something very interesting indeed in the aging and finishing process. First, most of the whisky is aged in traditional bourbon oak barrels, then it is transferred to new oak barrels for finishing. In addition, other parts of the whisky are aged in sherry casks, then all of it is combined in a huge vat called the Solera reserve. This vat is never more than half empty at anytime, with the idea that there will always be present much older whisky than the 15 year old stuff that just got added. So, what are the results? Well I can say without a doubt this is the best 'fiddich I've had. It starts of with that light sherry/malty sweetness, transitions to a light malty center, and finishes with a quite nice mixture of new and old oak taste. Overall its still just a touch "light" for my top recommendations, but it was certainly worth the $45 I paid for it. If you're a fan of this distillery you owe it to yourself to check out this bottling.
Glenfiddich 18 - Ancient Reserve
Confession time - this is the 1st time I've had the 18 year old fiddich - I always avoided it because I had a bad impression of the 12 year old, and the fiddich brand is generally poo-poo'd by the "scotch elite". Well, here is another example of where the "scotch elite" have there heads up their collective butts. This was a GREAT dram, one of the better ones I've had. It reminded me a lot of the Dalmore 21, with malty sweetness, smoke, chocolate, dry oak, all mixed in to a smooth experience with a kick at the end. Really great smoky and dry oak finish on this one. Where the Dalmore 21 is a bit more of a "wet" smoke (like a pipe), the fiddich 18 is a drier smoke (like a campfire). Highly recommended.
Glen Garioch 15
Tried this one at pint's pub, and it's a lot of fun. Not particularly sweet, but quite malty, and interestingly enough, smoke but no peat. Overall a very fun drink (in a serious kind of way). I really like it, and will probably buy a bottle before long.
Glengoyne 17
I'm a little hesitant to write this one up as I was having a bad "nose day". Sensitivity of smell can and does vary, and it was a bit on the low side for me today. But, given that I will say that this dram was a bit disappointing, the initial nose was a bit soapy, otherwise it was very malty, and lightly sweet. Taste was strongly malty, with an old oak finish, slightly bitter.
Glenlivet 12
A bit of tropical fruits (waxy) on the nose and palate, but VERY subtle. So reticent, in fact, that the experience is quite underwhelming. A boring bottling, your money is best spent elsewhere.
Glenlivet 15 - French Oak
Similar in character to the 12, with the tropical fruits flavors a bit more to the fore, and a more distinct oakiness in the finish. Overall not bad, but not really all that good either.
Glenlivet 16 Nadurra
Now THIS is a great bottling from this distillery. The passion fruit and kumquats house flavor is much more intense and to the fore. Finish is not much different than the initial flavor, but quite long. Strongly recommended if you must have a Glenlivet.
Glenlivet 18
Wow, the big shocker of the bunch. I had the 12 year old and absolutely hated it. The 12 wasn't just boring (which it certainly was), but was actively bad, reminding me of kerosene more than anything else. But the 18 is a whole 'nother thing entirely. The extra 6 years mellows this one out a lot, and you end up with a mellow, sorta peaty, sorta sweet scotch. Not the most characterful scotch around, but still very enjoyable to drink. Lets call it "middle of the road", but a high quality middle of the road.
{edit} OK, tried this again 3 months later, and I have to downgrade it a bit. Still a decent scotch, but overall pretty boring and not particularly tasty. There's just not much character there. I think I rated it more highly initially because I was expecting it to be terrible like the 12 year old is. Trust me, save your money and get something truly great, like an 18 year old Macallan, 15 year old Springbank, 16 year old Lagavulin, or 17 year old Bowmore.
{2nd edit} Tried this again tonight, and this time was specifically looking for the "herbal" character a friend said was prominent. I'll be damned if it wasn't there all right. Knowing to look for it and being able to taste it enhanced my enjoyment of this bottling immensely. I don't think (as seems to be popular among some "aficionado’s") that denigrating a popular or widely available scotch makes me an "elite" scotch drinker. I try to find things that I "do" like about a particular bottling, rather than things I "do not" like. I believe Hemingway said that there were no bad whiskies, only some that were better than others. I definitely agree with that statement. While I still wouldn't put the Glenlivet 18 with the top rank, I do feel it is worth the $70 price tag.
Glenlossie 15
Very light malt. Has a fairly grassy taste to it, with a bit of pear thrown in. Very short finish. Not really recommended, unless you like lowland-style malts.
Glenmorangie Madeira Wood
OK, I've been hard on Glenmorangie in the past, and this is a partial retraction - the Madeira wood finish is quite nice. Reminds me of the Bowmore Dawn a bit, but smoother and easier going down, less smoke, but similar levels of spiciness. After a few more tastings, the spice in particular that I taste is clove. Very nice once you are on the look out for it. Short finish though. I think this bottling is a very good spring or summer scotch, where Bowmore is more a fall and winter scotch. I may have to try their port wood finish next.
{update for Glenmorangie Madeira Wood}
I did a taste off against this one and the Balvenie 21 Port Wood. Gotta say that the Glenmorangie was significantly better, and at a lower price to boot. Where the Balvenie had a bit of sharpness (even after 21 years of aging), the Glenmorangie was remarkable smooth and full for a 12 year old scotch. Where the Balvenie was a bit citrusy tasting, the Glenmorangie was more of a honeysuckle and clover flavor.
Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood
Saw this at my local liquor store (which has greatly increased it's scotch section, much to my delight). Picked it up immediately because I had such a good memory of the Madiera Wood finish from this same distillery. Getting it home and in a glass, oh man oh man this is goooood stuff. My favorite bottling from this distillery, beating out the 15 and 18 year old pretty handily. Not only that it is so smooth and drinkable it is my #1 recommendation for people just getting in to scotch, or people that don't think scotch is "for them". It is a beautiful dram. Nose is the typical Glenmorangie goodness, clove and honey, but with an addition of plum. Taste is reminiscent of baked plums and sugar/spice. Finish is also typical of Glenmorangie, looooong, malty and with a very late arrival of oak.
Glenmorangie 10
OK, I'm doing an about-face on the Glenmorangie distillery. Initially I must have had a bad bottle or something, cause the 10 year old is very, very good. Has a very slight sherry sweetness up front, but it transitions almost immediately to the typical Glenmorangie clove/honeysuckle flavor. A bit more "spicy" than the Glenmorangie Madiera wood, but less sweet. More clove and less honeysuckle. Add to that a full and smooth feel on the tongue, and I'd say its highly recommended.
Glenmorangie 15
Very similar in style to the 10 year old, but much heavier, thicker, and sweeter. Really great. Starts of quite sweet, but it's a malty sweetness, not a sherry sweetness ala Macallan. Transitions to that wonderful spicy maltiness in the middle, and finishes up with a vanilla/woody flavor. The best of the Glenmorangies I've had so far, and one of my absolute favorite malts.
{update} After having lived with the Glenmorangie 15 year old for a few months, I'm very impressed. It has a depth and smooth complexity that are very enticing. Definitely my favorite bottling from this distillery, and one of my favorite scotches overall.
Glenmorangie 18
All the recent bottling’s I've tried from this distillery have been excellent, and the 18 year old is no exception. Really great stuff, very malty and with that great spicy character endemic to this distillery. That said, I did not find it appreciably better than the 15, so my advice is to stick with the 15 and use the money saved to buy some more scotch!
Glen Moray 12
For some reason I've been on a kick lately of really enjoying "malty" flavored scotches, and this one definitely qualifies. Not as dynamic or interesting as a lot of other scotches, but a straightforward uncomplicated dram for sure. Similar to the Glenrothes. For an inexpensive scotch I'd recommend the Dalmore 12 or the Glenmorangie 10 over it, but for $24 the Glen Moray is certainly not bad, and certainly better than most blended scotch I've had.
Glen Ord 12 - Cask Strength
Surprisingly light and grassy. Reminded me a lot of a good lowland malt.
Glenrothes 1989
This was my favorite of the last batch of 5 scotches, definitely a highland malt, perhaps a bit fuller and heavier than most highlands, and it is, IMO excellent. It is perfectly balanced in it's highland way like Oban is balanced in it's way, just without the strong peaty and briny elements that Oban has. Sweet, malty, nutty, spicy, all come together very nicely. Recommended.
{edit} Tried this again at pint's pub and have to say I didn't get as much sweetness this time, and more of a dark spice type flavor. I don't think that it's 'perfectly balanced' as I said before, but it is nicely balanced and good quality, just not at the top echelon. Good but not great.
Glenrothes 1990 - Signatory
Aha, finally a Glenrothes bottling that lives up to the promise I always felt this distillery had. This is a great, great bottling, on par with the best offerings from Glenmorangie (which has a similar style). Gone are the "dirty socks" and "dark" quality of the distillery bottling’s. This is pure, sweet malt, cinnamon, blueberry concentrate, and a long, new oak finish. Very delicious and highly recommended.
Glen Scotia 14
One of only 3 whiskies made in Campbeltown (Springbank and Longrow being the other 2). Has some similar qualities to Springbank, the sort of briny finish being one. But on the other hand it also shares some character with a more Islay malt like Caol Ila, with the peat more prominent and a more grassy and less sweet flavor. Not in the same class as Springbank, but still a quite good whisky.
Highland Park 12
Ah, the scotch that Michael Jackson calls "the greatest all-rounder in the world of scotch". Nice phrase, only I disagree, I'd give that honor to Oban. The Highland Park would rate up there if it were only as full and smooth as Oban. But, enough comparisons, how does it taste? Starts with a thin sweetness, moves to a beeswax flavor, and finishes with a touch of clover and a hint of smoke. But still a very "young" tasting scotch
{edit} Picked up another bottle of the 12 after my 18 had run out, mainly because it was cheaper and I wanted to verify if my memory was correct on this one (good but not great). I've got to say that lately I've been enjoying less sherried and more "malty" flavored scotches, and am raising my estimation of the HP 12 quite a bit. I really like how this one treads the line between a malty Speyside flavor and a peaty Islay flavor. The malt is strong and the peat is light, and the balance is just right. No scotch bar should be without it (unless of course they have the 18 year old instead).
Highland Park 18
About $30 more than the HP 12, and soooo worth it, it is an excellent scotch. Very similar flavor profile to the 12, but significantly fuller and smoother. Not in my personal top five, but I can see how it would top someone else's list. Longer finish with additional notes of heather and leather.
Highland Park - Old Malt Cask
Special, independent bottling of HP at cask strength (100 proof), aged 16 years, and not chill filtered. An even better scotch than the distiller edition 18 year old listed above. A bit less smooth, but the other flavors all come across stronger, particularly the heather/leather finish. Yummy. Not my top 5, but definitely top 10.
Highland Park - Signatory non-chill filtered
This is the only bottling I've had from the Signatory Non-Chill Filtered line that wasn't better than the Distillery bottling (Edradour and Glenrothes were both much better w/Signatory). Not that this was bad at all, it has the traditional Highland Park strengths of a clean, sweet maltiness married to a bit of smoke, a bit of honey, a bit of heather. But the dry charcoal/leather taste I get from the distillery bottling’s is notably absent here. Overall very good but not quite able to step in to greatness.
Highland Park - Signatory 24
Very light color and body. I don't think any sherry casks were used at all for this bottling. Shockingly light and grassy. Is this even a HP? Straight it tastes almost exactly like Glen Ord. That's not a bad whisky, but I expect a lot better from a HP. Adding a bit of water improves things, bringing out a bit of the honey flavor this distillery is famous for, and also bringing out a bit of light, Ardbeg style peat. But it's too little. Avoid this and go for the distillery bottling of the 18 year old instead, its much more complex, full bodied, and just better.
Imperial 12 - non-chill filtered
Alas, a distillery that has closed down, but there is still stock left on the market. This one has a very clean, intense malt flavor, with a smell like taking a walk in an evergreen forest in the spring. That intense pine smell, minus the sap smell. Taste is again very clean and malty, zesty, but not citrusy. How malty is this? Well, my friend said the finish tasted "like beer". That's pretty malty alright. Perhaps the most intensely malty dram I've had. But it's not heavy like a Strathisla or a Longmorn, but a lighter style, like Glenmorangie. Really fine stuff.
Isle of Jura - Superstition
Found a bottle of this after looking for nearly a year. It is perhaps the most unique tasting malt I've had this year. Nose and palate are very much a bees wax and biscuit flavor. Finish adds a touch of peat in the background. Very, very smooth. Recommended if you are looking for something refined and unique.
{edit}Trying a few more drams of this, the bees-wax flavor separates out in to 2 different and distinct flavors - a big, buttery maltiness (ala Aberlour), and a quite heavy peatiness (in the style of Laphoaig 10 Cask Strength). My respect and enjoyment of this dram just went up quite a bit at this unexpected development of complexity. Superb and a killer bargain. Still a "very" unique taste and nose.
Isle of Jura 16
The Jura has gotten better in recent bottling’s, it's now pretty good (it was only passable before). A touch of spice and cinnamon up front, transitioning to a malty and smoky (but not sweet) middle, and finishing smoky with a very faint hint of peat. Not a sweet scotch, but interesting and good.
Lagavulin 16
Ah, the favorite distillery of many, many scotch fanatics. Like the Ardbeg 10, it has an insane amount of smoke upfront. Like the Laphroaig 10, it has a huge peat finish. And it keeps them both in perfect balance. Not a very malty or sweet scotch, but the intensity of its earthy and smoky flavors is amazing. Highly recommended.
Lagavulin 12 - Cask Strength
Picked this up while on vacation in Europe recently. It's not available in the US currently, only in Europe so I was very glad to find a bottle (in a little town on the German/French border). Some scotches I like at full strength, but this is one bottling you "have" to cut. I find that 1 part water to 1 part scotch is about right. This brings it to 60 proof, and at that point the taste and nose really open up. Doing a head to head with the Lagavulin 16 shows that the 2 are somewhat alike, but with significant differences. The 12 is more of a peat monster, and you can tell less aging was done in Sherry casks than with the 16. The extra 4 years of aging for the 16 show a mellower presentation (if the word "mellow" can ever be applied to Lagavulin!), and a deeper, more complex malt. But, the 12 has it's own brash charms. It reminds me a lot of the Ardbeg 10, but in a head to head with the Ardbeg, the Lagavulin show itself to have all the peat attack, but none of the sharp spirity nature of the Ardbeg 10. So, I'd rate it somewhat below the Lagavulin 16, but definitely above the Ardbeg 10.
Laphroaig 10
Shockingly smooth for a 10 year old. Very peaty and uh, peaty, and more peaty. Lacks the smokiness of Lagavulin and Ardbeg, but for a smooth and peaty tasting scotch, it is great. Vies with Ardbeg 10 and Macallan 12 as my favorite under $40 scotch.
Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength
Very similar to the standard 10 year old in overall "feel", same smoothness, same sweet peat flavor, same smoky, long finish. But just intensified. Flavors are more pronounced and amazing. This one goes straight to my Top 5, nudging the Bruichladdich 15 out.
Laphroaig 15
A Laphroaig is a Laphroaig is a Laphroaig. Meaning that the 15 is definitely similar to the 10 and the 10 Cask Strength. But the extra aging brings the maltiness to the fore, and recedes the seaweed/iodine flavor just a bit. Personally I like the more emphatic taste of the 10 Cask Strength. The 15 is very good, but not my favorite from Laphroaig.
Ledaig 15
Very similar to Laphroaig 10 in that it's very peaty/oaky tasting, but it has a bit less body and a bit less sweetness. Overall a good "manly" scotch, but definitely not for beginners. A bit dull and boring though. Peaty, but reticent.
Linkwood 10
This one is total swill. Avoid at all cost. Michael Jackson says it has a "lemon zest" to the finish. Lemon zest my ass. Sour and icky is what I get. Adding water made it worse. I didn't even finish it, it was that bad.
Longrow 10 - Bourbon finish
Tried this at pints and I'm very glad I did. It's the more peaty/smoky release from the Springbank distillery. This one also was not aged in sherry casks, but exclusively in bourbon casks. This gives it a much lighter, less heavy, more grassy initial flavor. But them comes the intense malt and salty sweetness this distillery is known for, and finishes with a bit of lingering smoke. Overall a "lighter" dram, but a really excellent one.
Longrow 10 - Sherry finish
Had high hopes for this one after I was so impressed with the Longrow 10 Bourbon finish (above). But I was a bit disappointed. It was almost exactly like the bourbon finish above, but the sherry did not add much depth, in fact it seemed to cover up some of the interesting things that the bourbon finish had. The sherry seemed "pasted on", and not particularly integrated. Still pretty good, but not at the level of excellence of it's bourbon sibling.
Longmorn 15
Very highly rated scotch that just have not been able to connect with. I think it's the slightly licorice taste I get from it. I don't like licorice, so that tends to become a focal point and prevents me from really enjoying this one.
{edit} After having it sit in my cabinet for about 3 months I decided to pull it out again and give it another go. This time I let it sit out and breathe a lot more than last time, 30 minutes total before I took a drink. This time instead of licorice, I taste sweet peppermint. Much nicer! Add to that the smooth overall character, and the malty middle and you've got yourself a great spring/summer malt. I tried another glass that I didn't let breathe and it was back to the licorice taste. So let it sit for a bit and enjoy.
Longmorn - 1973 (Signatory bottling)
Another spectacular dram. Very, very similar to the Macallan 25 I also had recently. Same incredible depth, same thick viscosity on the tongue, same super layered, old oak, intense finish. Main difference is the Mac 25 has a more intense sherry flavor upfront, where the Longmorn is almost entirely deep malt with sweetness. Awesome.
Macallan 12
The Macallan 12 is quite an interesting malt from the standpoint that many of the scotch "authorities" rate it highly, and many plain old enthusiasts rate it rather lower. I'm with the authorities, I think it is quite good, and great for the $$. I think many enthusiasts let the fact that the 12 is not very smoky or peaty lower their overall rating, where to me, it is simply a different style, but excellently executed. I certainly like it over the similar style Glenfarclas scotches I've had, since the Glenfarclas has a sort of sulfur taste that bothers me a little bit.
Macallan 12 - new triangle label
This is the newest bottling from Macallan, brought out recently after they had also brought out their "Fine Oak" series of Bourbon cask aged whisky. This new sherry aged Macallan 12 is FAR, FAR better than the previous sherry bottling’s over the last few years. I know that demand for Macallan had outstripped supply over the past few years, so my theory is that they had started scraping bottom on their supply, and they came out with the Fine Oak Range specifically to cut demand for the Sherry Oak range, which allowed them to be a lot more choosy about good quality Sherry casks that they bottled. Whatever, all I can say is that this new Mac 12 is BETTER than my Mac 18 and my Mac Cask Strength bottling’s here. For $40 this is a no brainer - BUY IT.
Macallan 18
Picked this one up just as I was on the last serving of my previous bottle of Macallan 12. In direct comparison, I have to say that the 18 is certainly better than the 12, in that the 18 has a bit more complexity (a little pepper and even a touch of peat), but is it $70 better ($35 for the 12, $105 for the 18 )? IMO, no. The 12 is actually a little smoother, and while less complex, is a very enjoyable, straightforward scotch.
{edit} After living with the Mac 18 for a bit longer, I'm revising my rating upward. IMO, it IS worth the $105, someone described it as the "Rolls Royce" of scotch, and I agree. For a smooth, luxurious, upholstered scotch, it can't be beat, at least not by anything commonly available. The Mac Cask strength may be a more fun and characterful drink, the Mac 18 simply oozes class and refinement. Top 5 for sure.
Macallan 25
Finally got to try this on a business trip (company paying for food & drink, woohoo!). I have to say it is the finest Mac I've ever had and one of the best scotches so far. It has all the smooth clean flavor of the new triangle-label 12 year old, with the traditional intense malt/sherry sweetness upfront, but it is balanced by the gentlest, most layered, delicious old oak/vanilla flavor imaginable. Finish is loong and complex, layers and layers of wood infused malt. Really great stuff.
Macallan Cask Strength
Putting this head to head against the Aberlour a'bundah shows the a'bundah to be a bit thicker and caramel-like it taste and texture, with the Macallan being more of a dense sherry character with strong caramel characteristics. Both are absolutely great and don't need any water added to enjoy them. In fact if you don't drink them neat, they lose a bit of their intense flavoring. Careful though, at 120 proof they will both knock you on your ass in no time flat.
Macallan 27
Almost exactly like the 25 year old. In fact, I think the 25 is a bit better. The 27 has more intensity in the upfront sherry sweetness, and it tends to mask the malty middle and even a bit of the layered oak finish.
Macallan Fine Oak 15
Much lighter than the traditional sherry aged Macallan. Lighter even than the similar-in-style Mortlach 15. But it noses very similar to the Mortlach 15 below, sweet malt, cut grass, hint of curry. But body is similar to a Glenmorangie 10 year old, and the taste starts off with peppermint stick, transitions to sweet malt with mint leaves and shortbread cookies. Overall it is quite good, despite an only medium length finish.
Mannochmore 12 - Cask Strength
Pretty rare dram, but worth seeking out. Light in color and light in body, but very clean, sweet malt, grassiness, a touch of smoke, and a strong wood finish. Very good and one of the best "lighter" malts I've ever had. Highly recommended, if you can find it.
Mortlach 15
Unlike the Murray McDavid Bottling below, this one was not aged in first fill sherry casks, and it is a much better tasting whisky for it. This one has a classic highland maltiness, with a somewhat thick, oily mouth feel. Throw in a bit of spicy character ala Glenmorangie 15, and a bit of peat and smoke, and you have one damn good dram. Hard to find but worth seeking out.
Mortlach 13 - Murray McDavid Bottling
Casked in 1990 and bottled in 2003 using all fresh sherry casks. Tastes like a Macallan but with a touch more character. Overall good, but a bit disappointing due to me having very high expectations indeed for this distillery. I found out later that this particular bottling is not very representative of the distillery, so I'll have to pick up another bottle some time in the future.
{edit} After about 3 months in my cabinet, this bottle went bad. Became very sour tasting, so I had to throw the bottle out. It was good while it lasted, but definitely a word of warning to anyone thinking about buying this particular bottling.
Mortlach 13 - Signatory 1989
Another sherry bottling, but a much better bottle than the Murray McDavid above. Where the MM above was completely and thoroughly dominated by the sherry (very similar to the Macallan), this one starts off very sherried, but retains a "cut grass" Speyside character (to borrow a phrase). Then the finish has a very nice curry and ginger. Definitely recommended if you can find it.
Oban 14
An almost perfectly balanced scotch, sweet, malty, peaty, a touch of smoke, a very light touch of salt. Nothing stands out as an over-riding characteristic, but that's the beauty. Reminds me a little bit of the Glenlivet 18, but with a lot more character.
{edit}Drinking a bit more Oban last night, I definitely picked up a taste of mango at the first part of the finish. And the smoke in there is reminiscent of a freshly lit cigarette. Overall still quite taste, if a bit "hot". Better if diluted to 2 parts scotch to 1 part water instead of my normal 3:1 ratio.
Old Pulteney 12
Had this bottle about a week. It was very inexpensive ($30) and I'd been wanting to try it for a while. I'm glad I waited a bit before posting on it because the first couple of tastings did not go well at all. I just didn't like it, I only tasted strong alcohol and not much else. But, like some other scotches, it just took me a little while to grasp fully what it's taste actually was. The problem was that I was going in expecting something like a Highland Park type of taste, but got something completely different. I would now say that the Old Pulteny's over-riding character is a strong maltiness very similar to Longmorn 15, but instead of sweet peppermint it has a toasted bread and chocolate flavor (somewhat similar to the Dalmore), along with a mixture of tawniness somewhere between the Bowmore Dawn and the Laphroaig 10. So, the nose has slightly burned toast, aniseed, strong malt. Taste has no sherry sweetness, rather a malty sweetness upfront instead. Transitions to the toastiness and chocolate noted before. Then finishes with the tawniness. Overall it's very good stuff. Oh yes, don't dilute it at all, take it straight. Adding water destroys the balance and seriously weakens the flavors.
{edit} I'd have to say that instead of chocolate I get more of a coffee flavor, after trying it a few more times. And it's got quite a bit of vanilla in there to, so much that it reminds me a bit of a good bourbon. Burnt toast, aniseed, and strong malt flavors I still get consistently.
Royal Lochnagar 12
Been wanting to try this for a long time, finally found some last night. I have to say I'm pretty disappointed as I was expecting a really good whisky. It's not bad, but just not great. Not much nose beyond a not-very-sweet maltiness, and the flavor isn't much different than the nose. Finish also evinces very little change (perhaps a very subtle smokiness sneaks in), but it's a short finish and not particularly interesting.
Scapa 12
The "sister" distillery of Highland Park (same region, Orkney, produces both scotches). This was good stuff. Has a mouth coating, oily feel to it which is pretty cool. Has just a slight touch of sharpness, but not bad. Overall has a fairly woody/oaky flavor with just a very slight touch of heather. Not quite on par with the Highland Park stuff, but very good in it's own right.
{edit} I liked this one enough to go buy a bottle and do a head to head with my Highland Park 12. I have to say that IMO it holds it's own for overall quality. The HP is one of my favorite whisky's, and the Scapa is right there with it. The main difference seemed to be that the Scapa was a bit more smooth and full, and the HP had a bit of peat. I also picked up a bit of a pear flavor and smell in the Scapa, which combined with the honey/heather flavor and slight smoke in the background makes this a very nice scotch indeed.
Springbank 10
Bought this the other day to replace my empty bottle of Ardbeg 10. I was hoping to get most of the good qualities of the Springbank 12 but at a cheaper price ($50 instead of $70) Unfortunately, the grad qualities that the 12 year old has were notably absent. The 10 is quite immature tasting, with a lot of alcohol bite and a notable lack of smoothness. At $20 it would be a good buy, at $50 it's very poor value.
{edit} I have to revise my Springbank 10 year old - initially I was drinking it neat, and did not realize it was 92 proof instead of the more common 80 proof. For younger whiskies at higher proof, water generally helps a lot in getting the overpowering "sting" of the alcohol out of the way so the true taste of it can be enjoyed. So, a bit of water is in order. After adding a bit, then a bit more, the rough edges smoothed out nicely. Now that's the stuff! Sweet, salty, and malty. Reminds me of chocolate covered pretzels. So, with a bit of water it goes in to my strongly recommended category.
{second edit for Springbank 10} I did another tasting of this and even with the extra water, it is too young and too green tasting to fully enjoy. From now on I'm sticking with 12 or older for Springbank. Too bad no one in Denver carries anything except the 10 year old. Bastards.
{third edit} OK, I've nearly finished this bottle, and I've had another change of heart. I've been on a kick lately where I've been really enjoying "malty" flavored scotches that don't have a heavy sherry influence, and I finally "got" this bottling. Yes, you do have to add water to it, and you definitely need to warm it with your hand (a thin glass is very helpful in doing this). Now, you are ready to enjoy it. To me it tastes like a more peaty and harder version of a Highland 12. In fact, the middle of the taste is what I would call "brittle", like peanut brittle, it has a wonderful hard texture. This is definitely not an easy scotch to love, but over time I have grown to appreciate it.
Springbank 10 - 100 proof
I really wanted to like this one, but so far it is my least favorite of the Springbanks. Even when cut with water it was too "hot" and astringent. The regular 10 year old is fairly aggressive, but the 100 proof is aggressive to the point of interfering with the actual taste. My advice is to stick with the regular 10 year old (which is still a pretty high abv at 92 proof).
Springbank 12 - 175th Anniversary Bottling
Of all the scotches I've tried so far, this is without question my favorite. Rich, malty, peaty, full bodied, super long smoky finish with a touch of salt at the very end. Damn. IMO, it is the perfect blend of up-front sweetness, and peaty/salty finish. Wonderfully complex, and incredibly enjoyable. Expensive but soooo worth it. Definitely top 3.
Springbank 15
The owner of Pints had just gotten this in, and bless his heart, decided to let me try a glass gratis. It has that great initial sweetness combined with the oaky middle, and that unique briny finish. Perfection. Not sure if it would knock the 12 year anniversary bottling out of my top 5, but if not, it would surely be a tie. Again, expensive, but absolutely worth it.
Strathisla 12
Very similar to the Benrinnes, but Strathisla does not have the bubblegum flavor in there. Overall this was my least favorite of the last 5 I've tried, it just didn't have much character. I guess you could say it was balanced, but the flavors were each individually so weak that it's hard to even give it props for that. It's not a "bad" whisky in the way that, say, Glenlivet 12 is, but there's better out there.
{edit} Trying this again, I'm raising my rating up a bit. Last time I had it I tried it right after a GREAT whisky, and it prevented me from fully appreciating this one. I would now say that it does have character, just not much complexity. If you want to taste what people refer to when they say a scotch is MALTY, this this is your scotch. It starts off malty, transitions to malty, and finishes malty. A straightforward style, but good quality.
Suntory 12
Technically not scotch because it is made in Japan. But I include it here for 2 reasons. 1, the Japanese have duplicated "exactly" the methods that the Scotts use to make whisky, and 2, it tastes almost exactly like Glen Ord. In fact, I like it a bit better than glen ord. Both are what I call a "zesty" malt, lighter with some grassiness to the taste, but the Suntory has a more rounded, highland malt type of taste. Cheap and good, I'm glad I got a chance to try it.
Talisker 10
Another one that is better without any water. Taken neat, this is firewater! Huge spicy/pepper taste with a loooong finish. Water knocks down the spiciness a lot and makes it a less distinctive experience.
Talisker 20
Definitely a Talisker! But the typical firewater/pepper flavor is mated with a more intense sherry sweetness up front, and mixed with an oaky/organic finish. Great, great whisky. Even at $200/bottle, it's worth it. I'll be picking up a bottle before too long.
Tormore 12
Very similar to Isle of Arran it almost every aspect, from the citrusy nose, to the light malty middle, and the citrus potpourri finish. The only difference I could tell is that the Tormore had a little bit of a nutty flavor in the middle.
Just a quick summary so far for easy reference.
Top 12 regardless of price:
Ardbeg 1977
Clynelish 14
Springbank 12 - 175th Anniversary
Talisker 20
Mortlach 15
Bowmore 17
Macallan 25
Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength
Highland Park 18
Bruichladdich 15
Longmorn 1973 - Signatory
Lagavulin 16 Distillers Edition
Best under (or around) $40
Highland Park 12
Macallan 12 - New Triangle Label
Dalmore 12
Laphroaig 10
Ardbeg 10
Glenmorangie 10
Scapa 12
Bowmore 12
Scotch Blends
Black Bottle 10
A blend of several Islay single malts with some grain whisky. Nose and taste is very similar to Laphroaig 10, with a bit extra sharp kick from the grain. Overall quite smooth and very Islay in flavor. Very good, probably the best blend you can get if you like peat.
Johnnie Walker Red
Wow, this stuff is bad, really bad. Hard, harsh, and thin tasting. To be avoided, unless you drown it in coke or the like.
Johnnie Walker Black
Ah, much, much better than the red. Still a bit or harshness due to the grain whisky in there, but much fuller in flavor and much more interesting than the Red. You can definitely taste the Talisker used in the blend. Quite a good blend.
Johnnie Walker Gold
Buttery smooth and lightly sweet. Really good blend. Does this even have grain whisky in it? Of course that's a rhetorical question because all blends have grain whisky, but this one is so smooth and light you just don't taste it.
Cutty Sark
Egads this stuff tastes terrible. Sort of a mixture of honey and dirty gym socks. Hopefully I just had a bad batch, cause it was terrible.
Chivas Regal 12
Well, this is definitely one smooth, sweet, non-offensive whisky. But a bit boring for me, there's not character and no flavor development. Definitely better than the Johnnie Walker Red rotgut, but not as good as the Johnnie Walker Black, IMO.
Chivas Regal 18
Well, you would "think" that the 18 would be simply smoother than the 12, but it's not, in fact the 18 has more bite. And more character, and better flavor development. I'd put it on par w/the JW Black, but in a different style (Highland style) than the Black (Islay Style).
Irish Whiskey
Bushmills - No Age Statement
Egads it tastes like sweetened formaldehyde. Yuck.
Bushmills 16
Ah, much better than the standard Bushmills. The initial smell and taste is a lot like a highland malt. Sherry and burnt toffee. Drinking it gives a very good smoothness, but a lack of maltiness in the flavor. There is a bit of apricot there, and it ends with a short, non-spectacular finish. Not bad at all.
Jameson’s
A little fuller and less offensive than the Bushmills NAS, but still tastes like formaldehyde. It's been a while since I've had Irish Whiskey, I don't remember it being this terrible. Maybe I'm just spoiled after drinking so much Scotch.
Red Breast 12
Strong mango and passion fruit, maybe kumquats as well on the palate. Noses a bit thin and hard, pretty alcoholic, probably due to the grain in there. Finish is sharp and a little grainish. Overall the best Irish whiskey I've had so far.
-
Duplicate
-
Bourbon
My bourbon tasting notes can be found in the Bourbon thread - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=16676.msg145530#msg145530 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=16676.msg145530#msg145530)
-
You know, I ALMOST had some scotch last night because I was listening to Neil Diamond. For some reason Neil and scotch go together for me. But, my wife was blaring some TV show in the next room so, the mood just didn't take.
However, I am very interested in the Springbank 12 anniversary. For single malts, my favorite overall is Oban. However my second favorites are spread out depending on what I'm in the mood for... I love Laphroaig. When you want peatiness, this is all that will do. It's like medicine for the soul.
I have some Macallan cask strength waiting to be opened... I've never had 'cask strength' so, I hope I don't go overboard.
For cheap scotch that goes with anything, Bushmills 10-year is an easy choice. It's so smooth and buttery some people may not like it. It has a tendency to sneak up on me, though. This is especially bad if it's on a bar tab. I like this scotch while playing pool. It doesn't mess up the taste of cigars, either. Which... also goes quite well with pool. It's also an excellent drink after steaks. For some reason, the flavor is much more distinctive after steaks.
It's almost like a 'scotch-lite' in the sense of versatility. Also, it's non-Scottish, generally not well-respected, noses will turn up, etc... like bringing a light beer to a microbrew party. However, it's good and I like it. :)
Why don't you have internet access? Just get a wireless card and find someone that does.. ;)
-
Bushmill's is actually Irish Whiskey, not Scotch, but I agree with you that is is a very good inexpensive whiskey, better than Johnny Walker Red (but not better than JW Black). Purists will surely turn up their noses, but it's still pretty good stuff, IMO. One thing about Irish whiskey is that they triple distill, which give a little more smoothness at an earlier age, and they also shield the liquor from the peat smoke, so you don't the the peat or the smoke infusion like you do with scotch. But for a mixing whiskey, Bushmills is tough to beat.
Also, 2nd on the Laphroaig, the 10 year old is the best under-$40 scotch, assuming you like a peaty tasting whisky (and I certainly do).
And I think you will really like the cask strength Macallans, powerful and sweet. Went through the bottle I had in no time flat. Careful, it is a LOT of alcohol.
-
Hey tyson i think you should join the 'drinkingCircle' message board... im sure there is one :)
-
Wish I had a better memory for the different scotches I've tried. Was at a scotch tasting spring 2003 that was a side event at another thing and had an tremendously fun time.
I always enjoy Oban, a 14 yr scotch. Balvenie single barrel 15 yr is also much fun. I've got the Aberlour a'bundah that is a complex and enjoyable scotch.
Others that I happen across... Glenmorangie, I think the sherry wood cask one. Right now I've got a Genmorangie portwood that I like, but not as much as the sherry I think.
-
Bushmill's is actually Irish Whiskey, not Scotch, ..... But for a mix...
Just to clarify, I'm talking about the 10-year single malt Irish whiskey with the green label... not the blend. I don't think it'd be too good mixed. I like it neat.
I don't care for the regular Bushmill's blended but I do like the Blackbush. mmmm Doesn't everyone like Blackbush? ;) I'd say it's a good notch (or 2) above Johnny Walker Black label. I like it with just ice.
I can't wait to crack open the Macallan. Soon, soon. :)
-
I'm also an Oban kinda guy. Has anyone else noticed a total scarcity of Oban available? At least in North Carolina it simply has not been available since last fall. My wife is currently traveling and promised to return with a bottle or two (or maybe it was more like "Don't come home without a bottle or two of Oban" )
Due to the lack of Oban, I did pick up some of the McCallan cask strength. My wife (also a lover of Oban) felt it was too strong but I gotta tell ya, I loved it!
-
I'm a big fan of Oban as well. If you like that style, check out Bowmore 12 year old, similar in style, but different enough to be interesting. Bowmore is a bit more complex and also a bit more upfront tasting, but doesn't have the near-perfect balance that the Oban does.
Carlman,
I was also talking about the 10 year old single malt. Haven't had black bush but I've been tempted a couple of times to give it a try.
-
I'm also an Oban kinda guy. Has anyone else noticed a total scarcity of Oban available? At least in North Carolina it simply has not been available since last fall. My wife is currently traveling and promised to return with a bottle or two (or maybe it was more like "Don't come home without a bottle or two of Oban" )
I have an extra, unopened bottle at my house... FYI.
-C
-
Craggamore 12 is a great value scotch, very balancedand clean with a nice aftertaste hint of smoke and brine.
Lagavulin 16 is not for the faint of heart!! It is like combining a campfire and seawater, all in one. Smooth though......
"M"
-
I have an extra, unopened bottle at my house... FYI.
-C
Now there's a tempting offer! If you live in the Trinity Park area of Durham, I'm on my way!
Mike
-
Updated my first post w/a few more scotches I've had.
-
re-organized my first post and added a couple more scotches.
-
Tyson,
Glad you basically agree w/ me on the Dalmore 12. . . I'm actually enjoying a glass as I type. A GREAT scotch for the money.
Lacks a bit on the low end, and a bit rolled off on the highs, though. :lol:
Seriously, for $30, IMO, it can't be beat. . .but, I would love to taste others to find out.
p
-
Tyson, that is one great post. It has matured nicely! I've been a Laphroig fan for years but need to explore some of your other peaty faves. I'll take a copy of your post along next time I go to dba's. I have a few drops left of a fantastic rye whiskey made by the Anchor Steam brewers. Its called Old Potrero and only recently became available by the bottle and that only in California. Its different, that's for sure. I love it. Careful--its 125 proof.
-
Thanks for the word of appreciation, it's definitely appreciated :-)
Updated with some more on the Glenmorangie and added the Balvenie 21 port wood.
-
Is it time for an AA meeting yet? :D
-
Updated with, you guessed it, more scotches. Perhaps it really is time for that AA meeting. . .
-
At one of the local pubs we had a visit from an "ambassador" for the Dalmore distillery, it was nice. They had a group of people there, they fed all of us, and let us drink quite a bit of the Dalmore 12, the Dalmore 21, and the Dalmore Cigar Malt. Updated my list in the first post with these.
-
Added Strathisla, Glenn Scotia, Benrinnes, Glenrothes, and Glendronach.
-
Also added Glenmorangie 10 and Craggenmore.
-
http://www.aa.org/
-
I grew up and until 6 years ago lived in the Speyside region of Scotland. Needless to say I'm somewhat partial to a drop of the golden ambrosia. My favourite of the nearly affordable is the 18 yr old Maccallan although due to budgetry concerns I'm more often enjoying the 12yr. I'm also quite partial to the 15yr Glenfiddich which I find is rather nicer than its junior. If you guys don't already use these, get some glasses from Riedel. They make a glass that is recommended by most of the better distilleries, it brings the whiskey to the right part of the pallate. 8)
-
I had the Reidels, but prefer the bolder and stouter
(http://www.scotchdoc.com/images/glasses1b.jpg)
Check em out here...http://www.scotchdoc.com/home.html
-
Tyson, fascinating read even though I don't drink scotch.
For those who do, though, could you alphabetize your entries in the first post so they can be accessed more readily? The list is pretty long... :)
Also, is it possible to "grade", say, out of 10, each whisky?
Thanks and keep up the great work.
-
bubba,
The first thing you do when you get up in front of everyone at an AA meeting is tell them your name, jeez, how anonymous is that? Besides, I don't have a problem, I can stop drinking anytime I want to :P
electricbear,
I gotta go with Woodsea, those scotchdoc glasses are great, I prefer them to the Reidel, and pretty much every other glass I've tried. But they are pretty big, if you put as much as the picture shows, that is a LOT of scotch and will put you (or at least put me) under the table in no time.
Andrikos,
Alphabitizing is possible, I'll see what I can do with that. For a 1-10 rating though, I don't think I'm gonna do it, simply for the fact that a sliding scale will alter older tastings. Meaning tha as I taste more scotch, my ideas of good scotch and bad scotch are re-defined. So there would be the impression of an absolute scale where there in fact is not one. For example, when I started I would have rated the Aberlour Abunakh at a 9 out of 10, but now that I've had the Mortlach and the Mac 18, they are certainly better, but I can't give them a 10 out of 10, because I don't think I've had the "ultimate" scotch yet, there's too many other 20 and 30 year old scotches that Iv'e just never had, and so you see the dilema . . .
-
Also, these are all entirely personal impressions, what I like and what I don't like will probably not apply to another person. Mainly I just started this whole thread as a place for me to sort of share my own journey/discovery of great (and not so great) scotches.
And for that, having a place like Pint's pub literally 2 miles away is invaluably helpful. At any given time they have close to 250 different scotches on tap at the bar. Most drams are 8-12 dollars and give me a great ability to try out a lot of scotches in a relatively short amount of time.
-
I'll get some of those glasses on order although my wife will never believe me that they're for whiskey. If you're looking for a good beer to enjoy while sampling try Dark Island . It's brewed in the Orkney islands and is from the same stable as Raven and the infamous Skullsplitter. Also try Tennents Lager. 8)
-
Funny you should mention beer, because it is my inability to handle beer (the bubbles do bad things to my stomach) that I got in to scotch in the first place. So thanks for the suggestion, but I'll have to pass :cry:
Also, I just alphabetized the list.
-
As I sit here drinking the last of my Highland Park Old Malt Cask bottle, I realize I've never written up my impressions of the bottle of Highland Park 12 year old, or the 18 year old, or the Old Malt Cask bottling. So, those are now added.
I also added some general notes to the beginning on how I've discovered the best way to drink scotch (for me). Hopefully someone else finds it usefull as well.
-
Thanks Tyson,
great read!
-
I don't have a problem, I can stop drinking anytime I want to :P
:lol: Suuuuure. That's what all alcoholics say, isn't it?... :wink: :lol:
-
Added Linkwood 10, Bowmore Marriner, and Laphroaig Cask Strength. Updated Strathisla 12, Glenmorangie 10, and Dalmore Cigar Malt.
Also added a quick summary of the best overall and the best for the $$ at the bottom of the post.
-
Added the Balvenie 15 Single Cask, Scapa 12, and Springbank 15.
-
Tyson, how's your liver?
p
-
I don't drink the whole bottle! Just a "dram", which is little more than a shot, so I'm not boozing it up (too much). Besides if you get even a little inebreated, it's time to stop drinking scotch since you lose your ability to actually taste it very well.
-
Besides if you get even a little inebreated, it's time to stop drinking scotch since you lose your ability to actually taste it very well.
But that's when it starts getting fun. . . :lol:
p
-
Added Isle of Arran 12, and Edradour 10.
-
Tyson,
Have you tried Glenkinchie? I was told that it has a very nice sweetness to it (which I like in a single malt). I've got at most dram left of Macallan 12 (and my previous bottle was a Glenmorangie Madiera Port) so I plan to go shopping next week, perhaps at the duty free as I have a flight out of HK.
Cheers,
- Jay
-
Yep, tried glenkinchie, it was OK, but too light, I prefer a scotch with more body (like Macallan).
You really should give the Aberlour Abundah a try if you can find it. Glenmorangie Madiera wood is also a very good medium body, ultra smooth, sweet scotch.
-
Thanks, I will pass on the Glenkinchie since I like the body of the Macallan. I'll look out for the Abelour Abundah at the Duty Free. The various Glenmorangies are quite easy to find and would be my fall back.
Cheers,
- Jay
-
Glendronach is another good heavily sherried scotch. In fact I think it's more interesting and better tasting than the Mac 12, and about on-par with the Mac 18. Don't know why it slipped my mind earlier, but it would be my primary rec for someone that really likes macallans but wants to try something else in a similar style.
-
Thanks, I'll see if I can find a bottle of the 12 y.o. Traditional or the 15 y.o.
Cheers,
- Jay
-
The 15 year old is the one you want :-)
-
Added Glen Moray 12.
-
Added the Bowmore 17, Glen Ord 12 Cask Strength, Johnnie Walker Red, Johnnie Walker Black, Johnnie Walker Gold, Cutty Sark, Bushmills, and Jamesons.
-
I was wondering what happened to the good ole' Johnny! :)
-
I got a bottle of Aberlour 15 at the HK airport duty free on my way to Bali... its a very easy to drink scotch, nice sherry taste. It doesn't seem as strong as the Macallan 12. I think I'd want to have a bottle of both, depending on whether I want something strong (but smooth) or mellow.
Thanks for the advice, Tyson!
-
Glad ya like it! The aberlour 15 is also less viscous feeling too, which leads to the impression of a lighter scotch than the Mac.
-
Tyson,
Is there a way to make your list a sticky?
It would be my first list to bring with when buying scotch.
-
It won't be a sticky as long as I keep making updates to it on a regular basis, since the updates will keep it floating to the top.
Speaking of, I've added Glenmorangie 15, Bunnahabhain 14, and Glenlossie 15.
-
I agree with Andrikos. Bartender! Make this thread a sticky!
-
I'm definitely not opposed to it being made a sticky :-)
Bought a bottle of Scapa, added a bit more info to my review of it.
-
Added a link to some good glasses. Also added the Glen Garioch impressions, and some updates to Glenlivet 18 and Glenrothes entries.
-
Added Mortlach 15 and Suntory 12.
-
Added Ardbeg 1977 and Dufftown Whyte & Whyte.
-
Tyson,
I read an article in the paper about Pints Pub. Is this where you are sampling many of these fine beverages? It sounded like they have just about the best Scotch selection available.
mike
-
Tyson,
Many thanks for taking the time to report your findings. I know it's also an arduous task to put yourself through the rigors of trying so many great scotches... :lol:
Perhaps you should suggest good cigars for these scotches :?: :idea:
Maybe you're not a smoker, though... Oh well. I tried a new scotch this past weekend. It was like butterscotch, very smooth but too 'butterscothcy' for my taste.... and the finish was strange... too much alcohol for the level of sweetness... it just didn't mix well with me. Not bad for one glass but, not good for 2.
-
Yep, Pint's pub over behind the Central Library by downtown. Great place. Good food too. Maybe we should hook up sometime there, and we can drink a few drams together :-)
-
Highland Park 12
Ah, the scotch that Michael Jackson calls "the greatest all-rounder in the world of scotch". Nice phrase, only I disagree, I'd give that honor to Oban. ...
I could not agree more.
Both about your comments about HP12's character and it's over-inflated reviews.
Bushmills... bad ... etc.
The white label is indeed awful. The Black label on ice is the only one worth having. Honey overtones and a nice finish. Very drinkable.
I'd rather have Johnny Walker Black label than regular Bushmills. Jameson's is the standard Irish whiskey in most bars... they refer to it as 'scotch'.... ridiculous. Does anyone go to bartender school anymore? :lol:
I'm ok with Jamesons... I agree with your assessment on this. It's pretty rough but compared to 'Paddy's' or other cheap-o stuff, it's not a terrible option.
-
Added Glenmorangie 18, Balvenie 12 Double wood, and Balvenie 21 Port Wood.
-
Tyson,
A lot of excellent reviews posted....thanks ![/list:u]Question, what would be your pick for best all around , mid-priced scotch...something you could enjoy each and every day ? Thanks !! :) [/list:u]
-
Hmm, tough question! If forced, I would probably pick the Glenmorangie 15, it is smooth and sweet enough to be pleasant for everyday drinking, but has enough complexity to be interesing over the long term, plus it is very readily available. Unless you like a peaty scotch, in which case the Laphroaig Cask Strength is the way to go.
-
Hmm, tough question! If forced, I would probably pick the Glenmorangie 15, it is smooth and sweet enough to be pleasant for everyday drinking, but has enough complexity to be interesing over the long term, plus it is very readily available. Unless you like a peaty scotch, in which case the Laphroaig Cask Strength is the way to go.
Thanks Tyson !!!! :D
-
One more suggestion, try a few... see what you like... see if you like sweet, honey, peaty, smoky, etc... Just like gear: lively, forward, natural, warm, etc...
You don't know till you try.
I would've recommended Oban. Not cheap or ridiculously expensive and is very consistent from bottle to bottle. Tyson has commented on the Oban before and I agree with his assessment.
However, Oban may not be perfect for getting started... the sweeter, smoother tastes are probably better. I drank Blackbush Irish whiskey on ice for a while before I got into Scotch.... sort of a warmer-upper. ;)
Another good one for someone new and that's very affordable is Bushmill's 10-year single malt irish whiskey. It's not 'Scotch' since it's Irish but still a good starter whiskey. Have it neat.
-C
-
I like the Abelour 15 and Glenmorangie Port Wood a lot for everyday drinking. They are easy drinking but not boring. In general, I tend to prefer sweetness and don't like peat very much.
By the way, if your tastes tend toward the sweet, you may want to look into getting some Port. Axe Hill from South Africa is excellent!! Full bodied + a nice sophisticated sweetness. I really regret that I only bought 1 bottle, which I am now drinking as slowly as I can stand. Cost in South Africa was about $20/bottle.
-
Carlman is right, trying a lot of whisky's is the way to go :-)
I would have recommended Oban 2nd, but there are 2 others "tied" for second, Mortlach 15, and Scapa 12. The Mortlach being similar to Glenmorangie, but a little more smoky and complex, and the Scapa 12 being a sweet heather/honey flavor that is unique and quite delicious.
-
Added Aberfedly 14, Ardbeg Uigeadail, and updated Edradour 10.
-
Added Mortlach 13 Signatory 1989 and Tormore 12.
-
Added Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve.
-
Added Deanston 17, an update to Glenlivet 18, and another set of good glasses.
-
I'm enjoying a nice glass of Glenmorangie 12 right now. This weekend, I'm gonna go for a bottle of Macallan 12.
Man, I don't see why you hate Bushmills so much. I find it very enjoyable.
p
-
The things you can find on the web....... Amazing !!! (http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~2331706,00.html)...Tyson , is this true ??? :?
-
Another glass that may be of interest and that isn't terribly expensive is the 'Glencairn Glass', designed specifically for whiskey.
I have a couple of them and they seem to work fine. These folks:
http://www.celticmalts.com/glass.htm
sell them for a reasonable price.
best,
Brandt
ps I had - a couple of years ago - some Glenrothes 10 or 11 year old, it was about $50-$60 for the bottle. Very Highland, but not at all heavy or dark/spicy as you mention in your Glenrothes review. It was light and nice and very, very, very good. Best Highland I've ever had, for sure. I have to agree with some others that Oban is the ticket in (usually) easy to find mid-priced whisky.
-
I've been looking for a glass like that, thanks!
-
Added Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength.
-
Added Ardmore 12 - Cask Strength.
-
Added update for Oban 14.
-
Added Talisker 20.
-
Tyson,
How far away from the Denver Audio Show is the bar where you sample all these fine scotch products ?? I'd think a few out of towner's might be interested. :) [/list:u]
-
About 30 minutes. I'll be at the show probably Friday night and most of the day Saturday and Sunday. I'll be glad to take some people to Pint's Pub after the show.
-
Added Laphroaig 15 and Springbank 10 - 100 proof.
-
About 30 minutes. I'll be at the show probably Friday night and most of the day Saturday and Sunday. I'll be glad to take some people to Pint's Pub after the show.
Tyson,
Thanks for taking us to Pint's Pub and recommending some good scotch. I promise that for my next visit I will be able to drink more of it. :mrgreen:
George
-
Isle of Jura 16 added.
zybar, when you come back, I'll bust out my personal collection of scotch for you :-)
-
I would like to thank you as well, the Glenmorangie was excellent!
-
Updated Glendronach 15.
-
Tyson,
It isn't scotch, but you may want to try Middleton irish whiskey if you get a chance. It is made in small quantities and is difficult to find outside of Ireland. From what I understand, only a single cask gets made in a year and in some years, none at all. A friend was in Dublin recently for work and brought back a bottle. It is incredibly smooth and mellow. I will buy a bottle the first chance I get. In the meantime, I'm going to accept any drinks he offers!
-
Thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely keep an eye out. I just finished my bottle of Oban 14, and am close to finishing another couple of bottles, so it will be time to go shopping again soon. There are a couple of really first class liquor stores that I have access to around here, so I'll check it out.
-
Added Royal Lochnagar 12.
-
Tyson,
This place has consistantly beat the best prices around Washington, D.C. area. I check on them periodically to see what specials they have. I got some good bargains.
http://www.missionliquor.com/Store/Qstore/Qstore.cgi?CMD=003&BACK=A0001A1
-
Tyson,
This place has consistantly beat the best prices around Washington, D.C. area. I check on them periodically to see what specials they have. I got some good bargains.
http://www.missionliquor.com/Store/Qstore/Qstore.cgi?CMD=003&BACK=A0001A1
WoW !! Got a spare $34,000.00 ... http://www.missionliquor.com/Store/Qstore/Qstore.cgi?CMD=009&DEPT=000002&CAT=1077653751&BACK=A0007A1B0000002B1
-
I actually used to have their site bookmarked, but with shipping it always ended up being more expensive than the local stores here (which have pretty good prices). But if I lived close by, I'd definitely be hitting mission liquor :-)
-
Added Ben Nevis 10 and updated Dalmore 12
-
Added Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood (yum!) and added Talisker 20 to my "Top 11" scotches.
-
Added Coal Ila 18.
-
Added Bushmills 16 and Clynelish 14.
-
Quality/price index (April 2000)[/b]
state: c=closed, d=dismantled/demolished, m=maltings only, n=new
Distillery: Fairly obvious. The occasional entries out of alphabetical order are different brands from the distillery immediately above.
Age: Ususally given as age in the cask or year when put in the cask. Where a year is given, an age may be given as well if differs from < present day > - < year >.
Proof: Percent by volume of alcohol. Multiply by 1.75 to get degrees proof. 40%=70, 43%=75, 60%=105, cask strength may vary but is usually around 60%.
Cost/£: Typical 1995 UK prices in pounds sterling. Add maybe 5% for 1996.
Rating: From Michael Jackson's book. Anything below about 75 he regards as flawed in some way. 75-85 is acceptable to good, 85+ is very good indeed.
Comments: Islay and Jura malts are indicated as is anything which reduces confusion about which malt is which.
Distillery Age proof cost/# rating comments[/b]
Aberfeldy 1974 40 26.85
Aberfeldy 15 43 27.50 76
Aberlour 10 40 19.75 83 Spey
Allt a'Bhainne
An Cnoc 12 40 19.25
Ardbeg 10 40 20.75 85 Islay
Ardbeg 15 46 90 Islay
Ardbeg 1978 40 89 Islay
Ardbeg 1974 40 27.75
Ardmore 12 56.2 67
Ardmore 1977 59.4 66
Auchentoshan select 40 15.99
Auchentoshan 10 40 19.25 85 Glasgow
Auchentoshan 18 43 86 Glasgow
Auchentoshan 1966 43 86 Glasgow
Auchroisk
Aultmore 12 40 75
Aultmore 12 43 26.95 75
Aultmore 13 46 75
Balblair 5 40 70
Balblair 10 40 19.85 76
Balblair 1964,18 40 37.50 76
Balblair 1957 40 74
Balmenach 12 43 25.75 77
Balvenie 10 40 19.99 85 Spey, Founder's Reserve
Balvenie 43 87 Spey, Classic
Balvenie 15 46 80 Spey
Balvenie 1974 43 81 Spey, Signatory
Banff (d) 1974 40 66
Ben Nevis 1966 40 55 Fort William
Ben Nevis 22 46 56 Fort William
Ben Nevis 1977 62.4 61 Fort William
Benriach 1969 40 69 Spey
Benrinnes 15 43 27.25 79 Spey
Benrinnes 23 46 77 Spey
Benrinnes 1968,17 40 30.95 78 Spey
Benromach (c) 1970 40 78
Black Bush see Bushmills
Bladnoch 1984 40 18.95 Wigtown
Blair Athol 8 40 75
Blair Athol 12 43 26.85 76
Bowmore 10 40 19.85 82 Islay
Bowmore - - 16.75 legend
Bowmore 12 43 24.50 87 Islay
Bowmore (15) 43 87 Islay
Bowmore 17 43 27.95
Bowmore 21 43 45.00 89 Islay
Bowmore 1969 43 43.75 Islay
Bowmore 25 43 55.95 88 Islay
Brackla (c) 1970 40 77
Brackla (c) - 40 14.50
Brackla (c) 23 46 76 Royal
Brackla (c) 1972 40 28.75 Royal
Brora (c) Brora
Bruichladdich 10 40 19.95 76 Islay
Bruichladdich 15 43 78 Islay
Bruichladdich 19 46 79 Islay
Bruichladdich 25 46 74 Islay
Bunnahabhain 12 40 19.95 77 Islay
Bushmills Antrim, Ireland
Cameron Brig 40 12.50 Grain
Caol Ila 12 40 77 Islay
Caol Ila 12 65.5 77 Islay
Caol Ila 1978 40 21.50 Islay
Caol Ila 1980 40 22.95
Caol Ila 15 43 27.95 80 Islay
Caol Ila 1977 40 77 Islay
Caol Ila - cask 34.60
Caperdonich 1982 40 20.95 Spey
Caperdonich 1968 40 73 Spey
Caperdonich 23 46 75 Spey
Cardhu 12 40 21.60 72
Clynelish 14 43 26.25 81 Brora
Coleburn (c) 1972 40 66 Spey
Convalmore (c) 1969 40 68 Spey
Cragganmore 12 40 21.85 90
Cragganmore 1974 40 26.75 88
Cragganmore 1972 40 85
Craigellachie 14 43 27.30 75 Spey
Craigellachie 1974 40 73 Spey
Craigellachie 26 46 72 Spey
Dailuaine 16 43 26.95 76
Dailuaine 1971 40 74
Dailuaine 22 46 73
Dallas Dhu (c) 10 40 19.85
Dallas Dhu (c) 1971 40 85
Dalmore 12 40 79
Dalwhinnie 15 43 22.95 76
Dalwhinnie 1970 40 76
Deanston 40 69
Dufftown 8 40 70 Spey
Dufftown 10 40 71 Spey
Dufftown 15 43 26.95 71 Spey
Edradour 10 40 24.60 81
Edradour 1973 40 85
Edradour 1968 46 80
Fettercairn 10 40 20.40 77 Montrose
Glen Albyn 1968 40 71 Inverness
Glenallachie 12 43 76
Glenburgie 1968 40 68 Spey
Glencadam 1974 40 68 Montrose
Glencadam 21 46 68 Montrose
Glencraig (c) 1970 40 68 Spey
Glencraig (c) see also Glenburgie Spey
Glen Deveron 12 40 75
"- Macduff 1975 40 70
"- Macduff 21 55.5 76
Glencoe 8 57 22.50 Vatted Malt
Glendronach 12 40 21.75 Original
Glendronach 12 43 75 Original
Glendronach 12 40 19.95 77 Sherry Cask
Glendronach 18 40 30.50 Sherry Cask
Glendronach 18 43 79
Glendronach 1962 40
Glendullan 12 43 25.75 75 Spey
Glendullan 12 43 75 Spey, cask
Glendullan 22 46 74 Spey
Glen Elgin 43 76 Spey
Glenesk (m) 12 40 66 Montrose
Glenfarclas 10 40 20.25 86
Glenfarclas 105 8 60 26.95 88
Glenfarclas 12 43 87
Glenfarclas 15 46 25.40 88
Glenfarclas 18 46 88
Glenfarclas 21 43 30.85 89
Glenfarclas 25 43 88
Glenfiddich 40 19.55 75 Spey
Glenfiddich 18 43 78 Spey
Glenfiddich 21 43 81 Spey
Glenfiddich 30 43 86 Spey
Glen Garioch 8 43 18.45 76
Glen Garioch 12 40 17.99
Glen Garioch 10 43 77
Glen Garioch 21 43 80
Glenglassaugh 40 76
Glenglassaugh 1967 40 24.99 77
Glenglassaugh 1983 40 19.85
Glengoyne 10 40 19.85 74
Glengoyne 12 43 75
Glengoyne 17 43 29.85 76
Glen Grant 5 40 65 Spey
Glen Grant 40 74 Spey
Glen Grant 10 43 76 Spey
Glen Grant 15 40 80 Spey
Glen Grant 16 46 77 Spey
Glen Grant 21 40 29.95 81 Spey
Glen Grant 23 46 69 Spey
Glen Grant 25 40 33.75 81 Spey
Glen Grant 26 46 66 Spey
Glen Grant 1964 46 79 Spey
Glen Grant 1960 40 81 Spey
Glen Keith 1965 40 64
Glenkinchie 10 43 22.45 76 E. Lothian
Glenkinchie 21 46 76 E. Lothian
Glenkinchie 1974 40 76 E. Lothian
Glenlivet 12 40 19.60 85 Smiths
Glenlivet 21 43 88
Glenlivet 14 46 86
Glenlivet 15 40 22.25 86 Smiths
Glenlivet 15 57 31.70 Smiths
Glenlivet 21 40 28.75 87 Smiths
Glenlivet 24 46 87
Glenlivet 1961 40 40.50 88 Smiths
Glenlochy 1974 40 70 Fort William
Glenlochy 27 46 69 Fort William
Glenlossie 10 43 25.50 76 Spey
Glen Mhor (d) 8 40 19.85 64 Inverness
Glen Mhor (d) 8 57 27.95 Inverness
Glen Mhor (d) 15 40 66 Inverness
Glen Mhor (d) 1965 40 38.50 Inverness
Glen Mhor (d) 1965 56.4 76 Inverness
Glenmorangie 10 40 19.99 80
Glenmorangie 10 57.6 38.50 80
Glenmorangie 18 43 32.95 80
Glenmorangie 21 43 45.00
Glen Moray 12 40 21.85 75 Spey
Glen Moray 1962 40 77 Spey
Glen Moray 1962,15 40 77 Spey
Glen Moray 21 46 76 Spey
Glen Ord 12 40 19.50 75
Glenordie 12 40 75 Inverness (Glen Ord)
Glenordie 24 46 77 Inverness (Glen Ord)
Glen Rothes 8 40 18.95 Spey
Glen Rothes 12 43 81 Spey
Glen Scotia 8 40 85 Campbeltown
Glen Spey 8 40 73 Spey
Glentauchers 17 46 71
Glentauchers 1979 40 21.75 71
Glenturret 8 40 76
Glenturret 10 57.1 77
Glenturret 12 40 74
Glenturret 13.7 40 75 5000 days
Glenturret 15 40 81
Glenturret 15 50 86
Glenturret 1972 43 90
Glenturret 1967 50 86
Glenturret 1966 40 91
Glenugie (c) 1966 54.8 70 Peterhead
Glenury Royal 12 40 76
Glenury Royal 13 46 75
Glenury Royal 22 46 77
Highland Park 8 40 18.95 85 Orkney
Highland Park 8 57 26.95 Orkney
Highland Park 12 40 21.75 90 Orkney
Highland Park 24 46 87 Orkney
Imperial 1970 40 76
Imperial 1979 40 21.50 75
Inchgower 14 43 27.30 76 Buckie
Inchmurrin 40 67
Old Rhosdhu 40 65
Inverarity 8 40 17.50
Invergordon 10 43 18.65 Grain
Inverleven (d) 17 46 67 Glasgow
Inverleven (d) 21 46 69 Glasgow
Inverleven (d) 1979 40 21.50
Isle of Jura see Jura
Jura 10 40 19.85 71 Jura
Jura 20 46 76 Jura
Kinclaith 1967 40 33.95 68
Kinclaith 20 46 65
Kinclaith 1966 40 69
Knockando 1975 43 76
Knockando 1978,15 40 19.99
Knockando 1965,25 43 77
Knockdhu 12 40 19.99 74
Ladyburn 20 46 57
Lagavulin 12 43 89
Lagavulin 16 43 23.75 95 Islay
Laphroaig 10 40 21.95 86 Islay
Laphroaig 15 40 29.75
Laphroaig 15 43 89 Islay
Laphroaig 16 57 81 Islay
Laphroaig 1974 55 87 Islay
Ledaig see Tobermory
Ledaig 1974,18 43 34.50
Ledaig - cask 40.50
Linkwood 12 40 83 Spey
Linkwood 12 43 25.85 82 Spey
Linkwood 15 40 22.25 85 Spey
Linkwood 18 46 85 Spey
Linkwood 21 40 86 Spey
Linkwood 25 40 87 Spey
Littlemill 8 43 83 Glasgow
Littlemill 22 cask 83 Glasgow
Lochnagar 12 40 80
Lochnagar 43 83
Lochranza
Lochside 10 40 74 Montrose
Lomond Glasgow
Longmorn 12 40 20.75 85 Spey
Longmorn 15 43 22.89 87 Spey
Longmorn 24 cask 85 Spey
Longmorn 1969 60 51.50 Spey, cask
Longmorn 1963,25 40 38.95 Spey
Longmorn 1962 40 86 Spey
Longmorn 1960 40 85 Spey
Longrow 1973 46 28.50 Campbeltown
Longrow see also Springbank
Macallan 7 40 81 Spey
Macallan 10 40 19.99 87 Spey
Macallan 10 57 28.45 89 Spey
Macallan 12 43 91 Spey
Macallan 18 43 31.50 94 Spey
Macallan 25 43 76.75 95 Spey
Macallan 57.2 84 Spey
Macduff see Glen Deveron
Mannochmore Spey
Millburn (d) 1971 40 76 Inverness
Miltonduff 12 43 20.50 76 Spey
Miltonduff 1963 40 76 Spey
Miltonduff 1975 40 76 Spey
Mortlach 16 43 28.60 81 Spey
Mortlach 12 40 81 Spey
Mortlach 21 40 29.95 81 Spey
Mosstowie see also Miltonduff
North Port (c) 1970 40 64 Montrose
Oban 12 43 76
Oban 14 43 22.85 79
Oban 1972,17 40 28.75
Old Fettercairn see also Fettercairn
Old Fettercairn 10 43 20.95
Old Pulteney see Pulteney
Ord see Glenordie
Pittyvaich 12 43 25.75 69 Spey
Port Ellen (m) 1971 40 79 Islay
Port Ellen (m) 1974 40 25.25 Islay
Port Ellen (m) 1978 40 24.25
Pulteney 8 40 18.95 77 Wick
Pulteney 8 57 26.95 Wick
Rosebank 8 40 76
Rosebank 12 43 26.95 77
Rosebank 15 50 77
Royal Brackla see Brackla
St. Magdalene (d) 1965,18 40 36.75 68 Edinburgh
Scapa 8 40 76 Orkney
Scapa 24 46.5 77 Orkney
Scapa 1979 40 20.75 Orkney
Scapa 1963 40 79 Orkney
Scapa 1983 40 19.85
Singleton 1978 40 79
Singleton 1981 40 19.25 Auchroisk
Singleton see also Auchroisk
Speyburn 12 43 24.63 71 Spey
Speyburn 10 40 17.50
Speyburn 1971 40 71 Spey
Speyburn 22 cask 70 Spey
Springbank 15 46 25.65 88 Campbeltown
Springbank 21 46 34.85 91 Campbeltown
Springbank 1966 58.1 93 West Highland
"- Longrow 1974 46 90
Springbank 25 46 54.50 Campbeltown
Strathisla 8 40 18.50 79
Strathisla 12 40 79
Strathisla 15 40 22.95 80
Strathisla 20 46 76
Strathisla 21 40 76
Strathisla 25 40 75
Strathisla 35 40 75
Strathmill
Talisker 8 45.8 89 Skye
Talisker 10 45.8 22.95 90 Skye
Tamdhu 8 40 19.85 75
Tamdhu 10 40 75
Tamdhu 15 43 76
Tamnavulin (10) 43 76
Tamnavulin 10 40 22.60
Tamnavulin 20 46 64
Teaninich 1982 40 19.85 70
Teaninich 1975 40 25.75 72
Tobermory 40 18.95 67 Mull
Tobermory 18 55.2 79 Mull
Tobermory 1973 40 76 Mull
Tobermory - 40 19.85
Tomatin 10 40 75
Tomatin 13 60.5 74
Tomatin 1968 40 32.50 75
Tomatin 1966 46 75
Tomintoul 12 43 76
Tormore 5 43 75
Tormore 10 43 76
Tormore 10 40 19.85
Tullibardine 10 40 20.85
-
Added Glenfarclas 12.
-
Added Bruichladdich 17.
-
Added Old Pulteney 12.
-
Tyson had me try some Scapa 12 with a little distilled water in it, this was by far
The BEST scotch I’ve ever had, so smooth with great flavor and no hint of alcohol.
This will be on my Christmas list.
Pete
-
Tyson had me try some Scapa 12 with a little distilled water in it, this was by far
The BEST scotch I’ve ever had, so smooth with great flavor and no hint of alcohol.
This will be on my Christmas list.
Pete
Interesting link.... http://www.awa.dk/whisky/scapa/ :)And a little whisky humour.... :lol: .. A guy walks into a bar and orders a shot of whisky. He gulps it down and peeks into his shirt pocket.
He then orders another shot of whisky, gulps it down and peeks into his shirt pocket.
He orders a third shot and does the same thing. After the sixth shot, he asks the bartender for the bill, pays and starts to walk out.
Curiosity gets the better of the bartender and he says to the guy :
"Excuse me, but I noticed that every time you drank a shot, you kept looking into your pocket. I was wondering what's in your pocket.
" The guy slurs, "Well, I have a picture of my wife in my pocket. I keep drinking until she starts to look good." [/list:u]
-
Added Macallan Fine Oak 15.
-
Added Glenfarclas '105'.
-
Added Coal Ila 12 and Glengoyn 17 to the front page list.
-
Added Edradour 10 - Signatory bottling to the list on the front page.
-
Tyson,
What happened to your masterPost?
It seems unfinished...
-
That was odd. It's fixed now, I'm not sure why it got cut off initially. But it's good to know someone still reads it :)
-
;)
Oh yeah, much better!
-
Great list! A LOT of fun to read and it was a tremendous help as I shopped for my oldest brother. Thanks much.
Dave
-
Okay Tyson, you have been a busy man! Do we need an intervention? Just kidding. I was shopping at my favorite liquor store a couple weeks ago, Binny's in Naperville, and they were having a demo on Scotches. The guy had pictures of the tiny distilleries and I had the opportunity to taste some amazing Scotches. I was shocked to find out the range of flavors in various scotches. Some with a strong smoky "peety" character (spelling?) and some with completely different taste profile.
This is all very interesting because much of what I do for a living involves developing new alcohol based beverages for alcohol companies. Unfortunately, much of my work is focused on un-complex liquids like vodkas and gins or FMB's. Nothing complex like good scotch, bourbon or cognac. I get to taste everything out there because my customers (names of which I am not allowed to disclose) own many of the small distilleries (including many famous ones in Scotland) most people think are independent. Many are still independently run but owned by large companies.
I'm going off to buy a case of Woodford reserve (holiday gifts). Don't know if you are a bourbon guy but you would probably appreciate Woodford. It's darn tasty stuff!
Cheers,
Jack
-
DaveG,
I guarantee it is less fun to read than it was to write! :)
jackman,
I got a bottle of Woodford Reserve at home right now as a matter of fact :D Good stuff.
Hey, maybe drinking Single Malts can give you ideas of various flavors to try together for the other beverages you develop - you could even expense it! Did I ever mention you have a friggin cool job?
-
Added Glenrothes 1990 - Signatory to the 1st page post.
-
Added Imperial 12 - non-chillfiltered to the front page list.
-
Updated the Old Pulteny 12 notes with some new impressions.
-
Hello Tyson,
Thanks for your continuing research into the world of Scotch. As I go over your listings , I pulled up Beekman Liquors in NYC to see what some of these cost per bottle. Spotted three priced at $2,100.00 :o . Might be of interest to some, was of interest to me. Here's
the link. (http://www.beekmanliquors.com/singlemalt.htm)[/list:u]Bottoms up !!! :) [/list:u]
-
Bowmore Islay 1964 Bourbon Cask $2100.00
Bowmore Islay 1964 Fino Sherry Cask $2100.00
Bowmore Islay 1964 Oloroso Sherry Cask $2100.00
Can I have a bottle of each please?
LOL! :lol:
PS I'd charge $50 a SNIFF! :o :D
-
Yeah, I don't think I'll be spending that much on a bottle of scotch anytime soon. However, if someone wants to send me a dram to try out and write up, I'll be more than happy to oblige :D
Added Highland Park Signatory Non-Chill Filtered to the front page post.
-
I got a bottle of Woodford Reserve at home right now as a matter of fact :D Good stuff.
I have been amazed at how close your tasting notes are to mine where we have both sampled the same scotch; I've started using this thread as a start as to decide what next to purchase. 8)
I would be most interested in hearing what you think of other types of spirits (Rum and Bourbon in particular), I've found most commercial sites too biased to actually use as an informative resource :| .
-
Added Macallan 12 - New Triangle Label review to the front page list.
-
You need to do a thread like this one for single barrel bourbon.....
-
I plan on it, once I get a few more under my belt. Specifically I want to try the Basil Hayden, Jefferson 15 year reserve, Classic Cask 20, and Bookers. I've already tasted Makers Mark, Knob Creek, Old Rip Van Winkle, Woodford Reserve, and Elijah Craig 12. I figure once I've gone through all of them I'll have something of substance to say :D
-
You are the MAN!!! 8)
-
Woodford Reserve is supposed to be good.
http://www.whiskymag.com/whisky/brand/woodford_reserve/whisky235.html
-
Added Bowmore 25 to the front page list.
-
Added Macallan 25 to the front page list.
-
Just saw this thread for the first time (not sure how I missed it before!). Thanks for putting up all the reviews. As others have said, your descriptions of the ones I've had track pretty closely with what I've tasted. I'm a big fan of the Lagavulin 16 (too bad it is so difficult to get right now) and the Aberlour A'bunath (sp?). I'll have to check out the Ardbegs.
Regards,
Chris
-
Added Highland Park Signatory 24 and several tasting notes on some of the bourbons reaction with water added.
-
Added Mannochmore 12 - Cask Strength to the front page list.
-
Added Isle of Jura - Superstition to the front page list.
-
Tyson,
Are you actually drinking all of these? That's a lot of scotch! I just purchased my first bourbon, but I've not yet tried it. I'm still wimping out on Amaretto and the like!
-
I do drink them all. A lot of them I get at Pints Pub, which has about 250 single malt scotches on tap. So I get at least 1 new shot of scotch every weekend (helps keep costs down). I also buy quite a few bottles, I have about 17 open in my cabinet at the moment, and I drink small amounts of them regularly (probably 2 oz. every other day or so). I monitor the quantity I drink pretty closely, as I never want to feel like I "need" a drink. It's bad news once you start traveling down that road.....
-
Added Basil Hayden to the bourbon section, and added more notes on the Isle of Jura Superstition in the Scotch section.
-
Added Longrow 10 and Bunnahabain 14 MacPhail to the front page list.
-
Added Longmorn 1973, Longrow 10 Sherry, and Glenfiddich 18 to the front page list.
-
Purchased a bottle of the Dalmore 12. For a first time scotch guy I found it pretty good. I am trying to aquire the taste for it.
On a whim I also researched some tequila as this is another alcohol that I normally hate. Got a bottle of El Tesoro resposado. Pretty damned good. First thing a girlfriend of mine said when I brought it over was we should make some margaritas. WTF!! It's not that type of liquor.
Anyways...
-
The Balvanie 12 yr old single malt is a great deal at under $40.
If you're a cheapskate (as most scottish folk are :lol: ) try a bottle of Tomatin 12 yrs old. It tastes like piss but it's only $17.00 a bootel.
Okaye de fricken noo yee yellar livered woosy's :evil:
-
Added Macallan 27 to the scotch post, and Classic Cask 20 to the Bourbon post on the front page.
-
Added Dalmore 30 tasting notes to front page list.
-
http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-scotch6apr06,1,3547132.story?coll=la-home-sports
WINE & SPIRITS
A new frenzy for fine Scotch
Independent bottlings are all the rage among lovers of single malts, and there are hundreds of distinctive labels.
By Charles Perry
Times Staff Writer
[Gigantic cut and paste deleted -- borg]
-
Just scored a bottle of Aberlour a'bunadh... it is nice, agree with Tyson's description. I like the sherry/buttery taste. It does have a bit of a peaty/spicy aftertaste that is typically not my preference but it is fine in a nice single malt like this.
I've also got a bottle of Aberlour 15 y.o. but only about 1/5 left... I was hoping to find aonther but came across the a'bunadh instead.
-
Whiskey magazine just rated Macallan 18 YO the finest whiskey. I bought a bottle ($110; I used a $100 birthday gift, so it only cost me $10). It's excellent, better than the Lagavulin 16 YO and the JW gold I have. By the way, I think this is an excellent scotch glass:
http://www.novascotiancrystal.com/products/sets/6626
-
Man, that is a nice glass!
I love the MaCallan 18yo. If you ever get a chance, try the "Fine Oak" 21yo that comes in the silver box. Fantastic!
Regards!
-
It's a very nice glass -- the only detriment is that shipping to the US is $50! So, I had to order several things (the shipping stays at $50). The bummer is that I didn't know they had these:
http://www.novascotiancrystal.com/products/barware/6683
I'd have ordered that, too (though I usually drink my scotch "neat", I think those are cool; but to pay $50 in shipping, it's not worthi it).
-
It's been a while since I've had a drink with you Tyson. :)
-
i can't believe i missed this thread...
i'm also a single malt guy. Islay malts mostly. but i've had a pension for talisker lately. I like the zippy taste. :)
-
Tyson....Saturday nite, after the RMAF and dinner at the Buckhorn Exchange, Captain Humble and myself paid a visit to Pint's Pub in Denver. We were hoping to spot you there.... :beer: . Nice place, nice crowd, and what a selection of scotch !!! Had a great time....just wish they didn't close at midnight (only got to sample three, the Springbank was VG) :?.
While there, we tried our hand at bar billiards....had a few games with the local guys who explained the rules. They called the game "sticks and crosses"...not sure if thats correct, but here's a shot of the table that I found on the web....[/list:u]
(http://www.tradgames.org.uk/images/bar-billiards-table-french.jpg)[/list:u]All in all...if in Denver, Pint's Pub is worth a visit !!!! :wink: [/list:u]
-
Been to Pints many times.
excellent place.
-
So Tyson, when are you gonna try some of this?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10069638/
-
Dalmore 12, pretty tasty for $39.95.
-
Dalmore 12 is supposed to be very good for under $40. It's hard to find a good scotch under $40. Supposedly, Bowmore 12 is also good in that price range. Another that's supposedly not bad is Tomatin, for around $20, but it's wimpy. I've had Bowmore 12, and that wasn't too bad. It's not Lagavulin 16, but it's 20-$30 cheaper.
-
Under some further review the Dalmore is not as consistant as a better scotch probably would be... I have mixed the same amount of water and found different results into what reveals flavor. I had it really strong one time, found that odd. I might swirl the container around some before I poor next time.
-
Tyson, have you noticed that the Bruichladdich scotches can be inconsistent? I tried one that came with a free glass and the whiskey was peaty like Laphraoig and very alcohol-ly. It was like drinking bad medicine... It was also $55 or more... of my small scotch-drinking circle none of us liked it, at all... and it became the 'guest whiskey'.. ;) I can't remember if it was the 10 or 15 but it had a blue-ish label. I was surprised to see the 15 in your top 5 and figured I must have gotten a bad batch.
Anywho, one I noticed missing from your list is Dalwhinnie. There is a 1990 'Distiller's Edition' that is now one of my top 5's:
(http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/images/products/0010000011920_l.jpg)
I think it might actually knock Oban from the top. I have not had the super-expensive ones you've tried. Most of my drinking has been in the sub-100/bottle range...
I agree with most of your assessments and I think you like the peat more than me... But the Bowmore was a great call... very good for $33. :) It's now in the top 5 'under 40's' for me also.
Thanks and hope you continue keeping us updated with your findings.
-
A question for those knowledgeable about scotch. . .
I don't drink the stuff myself but I was thinking about getting a nice bottle for my Dad for Christmas. He says he likes Glenfiddich and Knockandoo, the ones aged in the sherry barrels. I could of course just get him one of those but I thought it might be nice to get him something in the same style but new and perhaps better. If anyone has suggestions I would appreciate them.
Tim
-
I visited Scotland on a tour and Got the chance to Visit the Glenlivet Distillery (Very worthwhile)
I have always wanted to try Cameron Brig, so I brought back a bottle. I wasn't expecting color in a grain whisky. also, its got a couple of interesting fruit notes. Fun, but not worth the 15 quid I paid except in novelty value. :) A store in Inverary was offering samples of Tamintoul 16, which I was very fond of, and promptly picked up a bottle, fearing it was not available stateside. Also memorable was the Glenlivit french oak 15 that they served at the end of the tour. I may pick up a bottle of that as well.
Thanks for the reviews. Very fun and enlightening.
Doug
-
A question for the experts. If you were on a desert island what bottle of Scotch would you want most. Cost no object.
rollo
-
In around the 50-100 range, I'd like Springbank or Longrow (Springbank + peat). I can drink either of these. I know you said money no object, but money's always an object, especially since the most expensive bottles I've tried are under $150. Cost is odd. I've had Glenlevit 21 and Macallan 18 (and another 21 yo), all around $130, depending on where you buy it, and the Glen really isn't worth the money; while I liked the Mac 18, I think the Lagavulin 16 is almost as good and half the price. Some of the Glenmorangies are very good and not too expensive. Heck, who can choose just one? ;-)
-
unboxing a 18 year old glenfiddich single malt, i picked up in st thomas, single malts are my favorite scotch and i just love the mellow taste and character of this fine scotch, i think its going to go really well with some rock and roll too,
-
Carlman is hitting the winners with both Oban and Dalwheenie...been getting into the scotch lately.
dug into some aardbeg & laphroig but the peaty stuff is givin me heartburn.
Macallan 18 yr is good, and i've had a glenmorranghie that was tasty.
-
Right now, I have Signatory Port Ellen 24yr 1975 Oak Wood (I think), a Cadenhead Ben Nevis 14yr 1986, Ardbeg Uigeadail, and Hazelburn (8 yo, by Springbank). I'd rate them in this order (best = Port Ellen), but it depends. The Port Ellen is mellow and can be overshadowed by the others. If you have the PE first, it's very good. If you have it after drinking anything else, it disappears. All of them are better with water (a necessity with the Ben Nevis and the Ardbeg, as these are cask strength).
-
I'm sold on using bottled water only & spring water at that, to calm the scotch down a bit. Not 50/50, but just a splash of clean h2o.
For a while i'd stick an ice cube in the glass, let it melt for a while & then enjoy. The chlorine in tap water does kill the taste a bit & i don't think the cold from the cube assisted either....
I had a Glen Roth a few weeks ago, good stuff. When i was home over Easter my cousins told me of a bar in St. Louis with 99 Single malts on hand. Can't wait to visit again...
-
Well, on the 'other end' of the scale, I recently discovered "Jon, Mark and Robbo". (http://www.jonmarkandrobbo.com). They seem set on de-snootifying the Scotch world, and have a few offerings that look to be rather too cartoonish to be taken seriously. However, it turns out that 'Robbo' used to be the Master Distiller at Macallan, and so there's a bit more here than you might think.
I tried the "Rich Spicy One" and the "Smoky Peaty One" and give both a qualified thumbs up. the Spicy one reminded me of Macallan 12. The Smoky one didn't bring anything specific to mind, but is a perfectly drinkable mildly peaty sorta-Islay Scotch. Given that they run $30 per bottle, I'd say they're pretty good value.
On the other hand, the same store had Lagavulin on sale ($68 - lowest I've seen it in quite some time) and, well, it's on a whole different plane. Still without a doubt my favorite.
-
Laga is great. I've had the Smoky, Peaty One, and I thought it was good for the price (hey, any scotch under $30 is good!). Wow, 99 single malts. That's a ton. Here in CT, I can't really find a store with a good selection; I've taken to ordering off the 'Net.
-
I can't remember if this got posted here or not but here is a pretty cool website devoted to Scotch.
http://www.singlemalt.tv/
-
I read a "how to taste scotch" article. The guy recommended putting some water into the scotch, then capping the top of the glass wtih the palm of the hand, swirling for a while, and then uncapping the top of the glass and immediately nosing the scotch. This really does help bring out the flavors. A scotch like Hazelburn is almost impossible to smell (even with a scotch glass) without this technique.
-
By the way, the Port Ellen I had was fantastic. If you're into Port Ellen, you should get it now, as the bottle I purchased for $150 is now over $200. It's not a bad investment bottle, either.
-
Why do you think its necessary to cup your palm over the glass??? Or is it for aromatic enhancement?
I'm sold on only using bottled spring water in my scotch...nothing with flouride or chlorine should be added.
Over the weekend I tried some Irish Whiskey - Red Breast. its a whole lot better than Jameson!
-
Red breast is good! Holding your hand over the glass is just to concentrate the flavors in the air that's in the glass. It really does work. Also, if you're into whiskey, you have to get a glass dedicated to whiskey. I have a glass specifically made for scotch, but a brandy snifter, on the small side, works well. The glass has to taper at the top to concentrate the smells. I've tried to drink scotch/whiskey in regular, open mouth glasses, and the smell doesn't concentrate enough. I have one of these, but they're too expensive:
http://www.novascotiancrystal.com/products/sets/6626
-
I can find a ton of appropriate, relatively inexpensive glasses...if you want to order from overseas. I can't find many in the U.S., though. My friend bought a whole set, though, so it should be possible to find the right glass without spending an arm and a leg.
-
Scotch pronunciation:
http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/home/jhb/whisky/pronounc.html (http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/home/jhb/whisky/pronounc.html)
-
i know I've chimed in on this thread over its lifespan...
but I feel the need to speak up again as I recently got turned on to a very drinkable....hold your breath...., BOURBON. I probably all ready brought this up prior, so consider this a refresh.
before you run for the toilet, try a glass of BULLEIT. Runs around $25. Not too sweet. Good neat, or watered (i love it over ice). Its a whiskey with good American culture behind it. check out the web site.
http://www.bulleitbourbon.com/
I've been on a budget this year, and $60+ bottles of scotch have been absent from my cabinet. Cheaper than Laphroig (my favorite inexpensive Islay), and so enjoyable....its been the only whiskey I've purchased in a long time. No regrets...other than emptying one.
-
They may have originated from the same place, but Scotch and good golf game are mutually exclusive. :nono: I had one (or a few) too many Scotch at a wedding reception -- I think I was still getting drunker as I went to sleep. I still made my 6 AM tee time feeling very woozy. I should have just stayed home and slept off my hangover. I ended up shooting 86, losing money and generally felt miserable. When you feel dizzy looking down at a putt, it's not good. By contrast, I shot 73 and made money the day before. I should know better at my age but I have a hard time saying no when the bartender keeps pouring.... :oops: :oops: :oops:
BTW, if you tip the barkeep even at an open bar event, they take care of you. They were puring some good stuff by the end of the evening, which made it harder to resist.
-
I've had Bulleit on my short list to buy for a while, just ahven't pulled the trigger. $25 a bottle is A-Ok with me. 8)
Last time I dabbled in budget bourbon, i tried a bottle of Origine. Its made in the U.S. and is quite drinkable neat. less than $20 a bottle.
-
Bushmill's is actually Irish Whiskey, not Scotch, but I agree with you that is is a very good inexpensive whiskey, better than Johnny Walker Red (but not better than JW Black). Purists will surely turn up their noses, but it's still pretty good stuff, IMO. One thing about Irish whiskey is that they triple distill, which give a little more smoothness at an earlier age, and they also shield the liquor from the peat smoke, so you don't the the peat or the smoke infusion like you do with scotch. But for a mixing whiskey, Bushmills is tough to beat.
Also, 2nd on the Laphroaig, the 10 year old is the best under-$40 scotch, assuming you like a peaty tasting whisky (and I certainly do).
And I think you will really like the cask strength Macallans, powerful and sweet. Went through the bottle I had in no time flat. Careful, it is a LOT of alcohol.
Reading thru this evaluation of various scotches and burbons was interesting, but taste only refers to one's pallet. What I like other's wont, and vice versa.
I one of those that think scotch is a waste of labor, and wouldn't trade scotch for a good bottle of Irish whiskey at anytime. But that being said I have drank more than my share of scotch (when somebody else foots the bill), and did find Oban and Jura to be my favorites. As good as the 16 year old Jura is, I personally liked the Superstition better. And will agree with your thoughts on Taliskar. Back to Irish whiskeys one must remember that Jameson alone must make 25 different kinds, and Bushmills makes at least a half dozen. They're taste is not a scotch, but something unique in its own way.
They are a killer on ice, and will get you in a lot of trouble fast. With that said I'll take a good Irish whiskey over sctoch anytime with a good cigar to back it up.
gary
-
It is all about one's own tastes. Additionally, tastes change. Scotches I didn't like in the beginning, I'm now beginning to like. Taste can even change daily or during a bottle. For instance, I had Black Bottle, which is a mix of Islay scotches, and it had some strange taste to me. For the final two drinks, though, I thought it was great. Similarly, I had Highland Park 18 and thought it had a strange taste. I then had it again, sometime much later, and thought it was great. Also, the main review compares Ardbeg 10 and Ardbeg Uigeadail and states that Ardbeg 10 is better. I think it's the other way around -- Ardbeg Uig is better, by a long shot, than Ardbeg 10. Ardbeg Uig is also cask strength, which means I was diluting it a bit (20% I think). Although it costs more than the 10 year old, if you factor in the dilution, it's about the same price.
As for Irish v. Scottish, I think most Irish whiskeys are too sweet. However, I also don't drink any whiskey over ice. Ice will change the flavor and (possibly) mask a lot of the sweetness. I used to like Redbreast a lot, but now I find it too sweet. There are others I want to try though, like Connemara, which is a peated whiskey.
Also, if anyone wants to try some relatively inexpensive whiskeys, try rye whiskeys. These aren't too bad and can be really inexpensive.
-
These are the current scotches I have, along with some notes. I wanted to take detailed tasting notes, but with a newborn, I'm lucky to be able to post this message let alone sit down with pen and paper to take notes for a scotch. Also, I'm lucky to have a friend to split the cost of these. This helps, even for the cheaper scotches, as you never know if you're going to like them.
Bowmore Dawn Port -- OK. Would not buy again. I can't quite get my hands around Bowmore in general. I'm not sure whether I like any of them at times.
Bowmore 17 -- OK. Not sure I'd buy again.
Glengoyne 17 -- great. I'd definitely buy again.
Glen Rothes 12, distilled 1994 (Signatory) -- great. I'd definitely buy again. These two Glens were a revelation to me, as they aren't an Islay, yet I like them a lot. I started out liking heavy peat, but now sometimes I think the peat overwhelms everything.
Bowmore 15 -- OK. Better than the 17. Not sure I'd buy again.
Longrow 10 Sherrywood -- great. I'd definitely buy again. I've had Longrow before (the 10 and the 10 cask strength), but sometimes the flavors aren't integrated well. Sometimes I'll like these and sometimes I won't. The Sherrywood changes all of that, though. I like it every time and it's complex.
Springbank 12 Bourbon wood -- Very good. I'd buy again. I still like the very briny version of Springbank the best, but the Bourbon is good.
Belvanie 17 New Oak -- Great. Definitely buy again.
Bruichladdich 17 -- Great. Definitely buy again.
Auchroisk 1993 (13 yo) (Murray McDavid) (Made by Bruichladdich) -- Still trying to figure this one out.
Midleton Very rare 2005 -- Fantastic. Beyond great. It's definitely Irish, though. Luckily, the sweetness is tempered.
Talisker 25 -- Fantastic. Much beyond great. It has a bit more alcohol bite than I'd have thought but is incredibly smooth and very flavorful. It's cask strength, so you can dilute to your taste. Expensive even when splitting the cost of a bottle.
Bowmore Dusk -- Terrible. Wouldn't buy again under any circumstance. Have to choke down.
Bunnahabhain 12 -- Very good. This is my second bottle of Bunna. I was unimpressed by the first, but at that time I was an Islay lover and Bunna is not really Islay (even if it is on Islay). After reading all the positive reviews of this, I decided to retry this. It's actually quite good, if you forget its on Islay and just go by taste alone.
-
Oh yeah. Michael Jackson passed away. He was a beer and scotch taster of great importance.
-
Oh yeah. Michael Jackson passed away. He was a beer and scotch taster of great importance.
RIP Beer Hunter. One week ago today of a heart attack at the age of 65.
-
Today, I opened a bottle of Caol Ila 12. (only a 0.2L bottle)
A strong smokey almost leathery flavour.
Ah! Great stuff!
But the 18 ... is better. 8)
Imperial
-
My next one will be a CAOL ILA Cask Strength. 55% proof, and superbly blended!!!
Imperial
-
Well, I'm sitting here with a newly aquired bottle of BruichLaddich "Islay" Single Malt Second 12'ans Edition".
About to pop the cork... Lets see...
Well, that was smooth stuff! A bit much peach taste in there, but still very smooth! Not the most "smokey" Islay I've tasted..
Imperial, read : this for the purpose of intoxication with style! (http://www.whiskymag.com/)
Next : Talisker 18!
-
I have enjoyed 2 Islay Scotch Whiskies - Laphroaig and Lagavulin 16 which I have another bottle of waiting on me. I like the peaty taste.
Also I enjoy a Bourbon as well - Woodford Reserve. Easy sippin' drink.
-
Well.
I've made a blend:
50% Caol Ila 12 years and 50% Bruichladdich 12 years single malt...
Tasting: ...WOW! That really was a good combo!!! Mmmmm! (And as always, Ringnes extraGold between the sips!)
Imperial
-
This one just came up.
http://blogs.forbes.com/findoftheday/2007/12/macallan-55-yea.html (http://blogs.forbes.com/findoftheday/2007/12/macallan-55-yea.html)
Must be good. :o :o
-
Actually, this one is thought the best: Laphroaig 30 years old.
I had once a bottle of a Cognac that was 38 years old. What can I say... I Still miss it!
After 20 years something, something just happens to cognac and whisky... It is also reflected in the price, sadly... ! :drool:
Imperial
-
Will add one to the list to try but very $$$$. Springbank 21 year old. Best stuff on earth. When I first started drinking the SB21 it was $70, then $90, then $130, then not available. Now, well its over $400. Also, another winner for just under $100 is Auchentoshan 21 (lowland).
-
Sadly for the English speaking part of this forum, this site (http://www.onlymalts.com/v2/) is in Norwegian only.
But for those from say Finland, Sweden And Denmark and Island, Orkney and other "Nordic" speaking islands/countries.
A site Worth bookmarking indeed! Great info is on this site about Whisky! Single malt predominately..
http://www.whiskyfun.com/ ... just found it.. could be worth checking out to!
And did you guys now there are Imperial whisky styles.. Oh yeah!
Imperial
-
And... youtube has a impressive amount of Whisky tasting vids...
Quite amazing amount...
Anyway, now you know!
And if you want to know how to pronounce whisky... it's actually done like this: Uisgebeatha !!! Yeah! It is!!!
It means: Life "from the water" sprung... Or Water "of" life.. what ever your thirst.. :drool:
Imperial
-
Will add one to the list to try but very $$$$. Springbank 21 year old. Best stuff on earth. When I first started drinking the SB21 it was $70, then $90, then $130, then not available. Now, well its over $400. Also, another winner for just under $100 is Auchentoshan 21 (lowland).
I like every Springbank, although their generic Longrow can sometimes be not so well integrated. I'm drinking Springbank Marsala, which is very good. The Longrow Sherry is great, as are many of their other models.
As for Lagavulin, I have the Lagavulin DE (Distiller's Edition). This is great, and better than I remember the regular Laga 16 being. I'll write more later regard the DE (I'd like to do a taste test).
For some cheaper stuff, the Rich and Spicy one is good:
http://www.csliquors.com/scotchdetail.asp?ScotchID=5801
As is the black bottle:
http://www.blackbottle.com/
-
I just got back from a fairly nice bar. I had Macallan 18 and Oban 14, and bought a Corona for a friend. They close my tab -- $10. It *was* happy hour, but I felt like a thief! :o
-
whats up Scotchophiles. I'm a relative newbie to the scotch world. I unearthed a bottle of Blue Label at my grandparents. It's a smaller bottle 200ml I think, still in the presentation case. The kicker is I think the bottle was actually purchased 15+ years ago! Any thoughts? I'm actually waiting to open it. :drool:
-
I'm actually waiting to open it. :drool:
WAIT.....I'll be right over. aa
-
Today I'm trying out two of my newest acquisitions: Ardbeg 10 and Laphroiag 10.
They are both single malts.
:drool:
Ok, yeah, I can safely say that I'm giving Laphroiag a bye bye.. I'm not getting more of that type..
It's not for me I think.
Ardbeg, yes... We like it! It goes in to third place for me just under Caol Ila.
Lagavulin is still the favv!!!
Imperial
-
Ok, yeah, I can safely say that I'm giving Laphroiag a bye bye.. I'm not getting more of that type..
It's not for me I think.
Last time I barf'd, Laphroiag may have played a role :|
-
Ok, yeah, I can safely say that I'm giving Laphroiag a bye bye.. I'm not getting more of that type..
It's not for me I think.
Last time I barf'd, Laphroiag may have played a role :|
Laphroaig is hazardous... do not drink it! (send it to me for proper... you know... disposal) :drool:
-
whats up Scotchophiles. I'm a relative newbie to the scotch world. I unearthed a bottle of Blue Label at my grandparents. It's a smaller bottle 200ml I think, still in the presentation case. The kicker is I think the bottle was actually purchased 15+ years ago! Any thoughts? I'm actually waiting to open it. :drool:
Yes, when you pour it make sure you let it breathe for awhile before you drink it. That will let it open up sufficiently to reveal it's true character.
-
I just finished off two Highland Parks: A Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask, 1987 (distilled), 17 yo, 50%; and a Hart Brothers, 1977 (distilled), 19 yo, 43%. These are both very good, although the Old Malt Cask is better and one of the best whiskeys I've tried. I sent some samples to a friend, who compared the HP Old Malt Cask with Talisker 25, and thought the HP Old Malt Cask was as good (but different) than the Talisker 25. Now, that's saying something, because the Talisker 25 is fantastic.
-
Today I'm trying my 16 years old.
(http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/620021x.jpg)
This bottel is currently priced at 100$ !! Ouch!!! But it is so worth every penny!!!
Still not as good as the 2006 bottling of 12 years old Cask strength Lagavulin 12, but awesome AWESOME!!!
Imperial
-
So, I've added Springbank to my collection today.
(http://men.style.com/images/upgrader/living/products/scotch/springbank-10yr_v.jpg)
Tasting in a few.. :drool:
Tasting: OK, first off, I can see why this is a popular whisky, it really has the taste, but is still smooth
and very woody, with a tinge of orange bite inside a swelling of oak and , no just oak really!
Very long aftertaste, burns, that is the key here, it has that oak as a burn that slowly goes into
the mouth and ends at the very back of the gullet! Dude! No other whisky I've tasted do that!!!
The bouquet, or the nose if you want to call it that really does resemble the Talisker 18 years..!
Imperial
-
Got a couple of days off now... me collection will be put to good use!!! :wine:
Hihi!
Imperial
-
So, I've added Springbank to my collection today.
(http://men.style.com/images/upgrader/living/products/scotch/springbank-10yr_v.jpg)
Tasting in a few.. :drool:
Tasting: OK, first off, I can see why this is a popular whisky, it really has the taste, but is still smooth
and very woody, with a tinge of orange bite inside a swelling of oak and , no just oak really!
Very long aftertaste, burns, that is the key here, it has that oak as a burn that slowly goes into
the mouth and ends at the very back of the gullet! Dude! No other whisky I've tasted do that!!!
The bouquet, or the nose if you want to call it that really does resemble the Talisker 18 years..!
Imperial
This is one of my favorite scotches, but you haven't remarked on the briny aspect of it.
-
You are a man worth your salt...
May you never run out of power!
Cheers!
Yup.. Brine it is, learned a new word there! :oops: :thumb:
Imperial
-
I tried a wee glass of
(http://www.peters-event.de/whiskey-shop/images/The%20Glenlivet%2012%20%20700%20co.jpg)
Glenlivet 12 tonight. It is smooth, and very good tasting. A very "sweets" tasting whisky, but not what I'd call a superb
whisky. But as I said. A real nice one!!!
But not a whisky for any collection of mine!!! I'd say this is a blender for the whisky thirsty, at best...
Imperial
-
(http://www.delux.cz/img/large/101342.jpg)
My new favorite! :thumb:
-
Since I'm fairly new to sipping some scotch just a quick question.
Do you add a splash of water to yours? I like it with a splash but also like it straight. Am I just diluting a good thing? If I'm not suppose to add a little water please tell me. :duh: How do you more seasoned vets prefer your drink. I just don't want to waste my now preferred drink. :lol:
Thanks,
Bill
-
Since I'm fairly new to sipping some scotch just a quick question.
Do you add a splash of water to yours? I like it with a splash but also like it straight. Am I just diluting a good thing? If I'm not suppose to add a little water please tell me. :duh: How do you more seasoned vets prefer your drink. I just don't want to waste my now preferred drink. :lol:
Thanks,
Bill
Best answer: Try it both ways and see what you prefer. It's fun research if nothing else. :thumb:
-
Since I'm fairly new to sipping some scotch just a quick question.
Do you add a splash of water to yours? I like it with a splash but also like it straight. Am I just diluting a good thing? If I'm not suppose to add a little water please tell me. :duh: How do you more seasoned vets prefer your drink. I just don't want to waste my now preferred drink. :lol:
Thanks,
Bill
2 schools of thought on this, and the one I go with, says it's necessary to add a splash of water to dilute the hi alcohol content, otherwise the 1st sip kills your taste buds. The other guys say it's heresy to add water to good single malt.
I belong to a single malt club where regular tastings are held and I think the majority of people drink it with a splash of H2O.
As for that blended stuff, who cares, mix anything you want with it :lol:
-
Remember what 007 said?
James Bond ( Sean Connery ) in Goldfinger:
"Just a drink - a martini, shaken, not stirred." (Substitute "scotch" for "martini") :D
-
Being a Scot (complete with kilt for appropriate occasions) I will add that a small splash, 1-2 teaspoons of water is added to fully release all the flavors of and aromas of the beverage. At least that is what is claimed by the "expert" that taught a couple of Scotch tasting seminars that I have attended.
The gentleman running the seminar claimed that the addition of the small amount of water (don't drown it) releases additional aromas of the scotch. Now I can smell a difference before and after the splash is added, but then I can also hear a difference in cables :). And since all good Scots want full value for the money spent, I always add the splash to my scotch.
Walt
-
Who would have thunk I could get a Scotch education on audio circle!! Great thread. My overall favorites Oban 14, Macallan 18, Bunnahabhain 12, and yes I'll say it a Glenlivet 18 (never the 12). Thanks for the wonderful information!
No offense to anyone who likes the Glenlivet 12!
Mark
-
I just recently picked up the Oban 14. While I like the flavor quite a bit, I still prefer the Johnny Walker Gold 18 for it's balance and smoothness. I will continue my research though.
-
The second bottle of the Oban is SO much better!! It's kind of like a Bunnahabhain 12, it gets better each time you drink it.
-
The second bottle of the Oban is SO much better!! It's kind of like a Bunnahabhain 12, it gets better each time you drink it.
Oh, so I need to drink a couple bottles... :duh: :lol:
-
Always!! :lol:
-
I just bought a bottle of Glenlivet 12, and I have to say that it doesn't do it for me. It is smooth, but it has no character whatsoever.
The first bottle I bought was a Dalmore Cigar Malt that I brought back from my trip to Scotland (now I know I'd been had due to the exchange rate). It was a very nice introduction to Scotch whiskey.
-
Not having time to review all posts, might I add the following Highlands for consideration/analysis: Glenfarclas, The Balvenie Double Wood, Macallan Cask Strength, and Glenlivet Nadura - Cask Strength. All smooth, dark, each with it's own character. Note that the cask strengths are 58.4% proof, so a tad shy of White Lighting, but getting there.
Cheers :thumb:
Back to work......
-
I tried something different here tonight:
I put two types of Whisky in the same glass:
Lagavulin 12 natural cask + Caol Ila Natural Cask, sort of 50/50 mix..
Something incredible happened! Each sip was different!!! It was like something Chemical was happening in the glass!
Strong stuff this beyond 100 proof was this mix, with bite and burn to spare!
Wow! Quite remarkable indeed!!!
Imperial
-
Good news - the Glenmorangie range of 12 year old scotch has gone to a non-chillfiltered bottling, I've had a couple already from this updated range, went from good to great. Give it a try, this is great stuff.
-
I picked up a bottle of Glenmorangie Nectar D'or today, a 12yo non chill-filtered bottling. Not sure if this is the specific variety Tyson mentioned but I am quite happy with the purchase. Another nice Scotch for those days when nothing else will do. :thumb:
-
Very nice! Yep, that's one of the new, outstanding, 12 year old bottlings from the 'Morangie.
-
Being a Scot (complete with kilt for appropriate occasions) I will add that a small splash, 1-2 teaspoons of water is added to fully release all the flavors of and aromas of the beverage. At least that is what is claimed by the "expert" that taught a couple of Scotch tasting seminars that I have attended.
The gentleman running the seminar claimed that the addition of the small amount of water (don't drown it) releases additional aromas of the scotch. Now I can smell a difference before and after the splash is added, but then I can also hear a difference in cables :). And since all good Scots want full value for the money spent, I always add the splash to my scotch.
Walt
And for those that are REALLY anal...only 'Spring water' will do !!
-
This might be sacrilegious as it is a blend but the Chevas Regal 18 year old has me (as Kramer would say)"I'm Loven it Jerry"
-
Here's one not for the faint of heart, Bruichladdich PC6 (Port Charlotte 6 year old) cask strength. It is massive, intense, complex, and a whopping 61.6%. Outstanding!!!
-
I just finished off my first ever bottle of Scotch. It was The Balvenie DoubleWood 12. I typically drank it with 2-3 splashes of distilled water. Being the first and only single malt Scotch, I don't feel I can really say much about it. I'm going to try the Macallan 12 (sherry cask) next. Looking back at Tyson's tasting notes, I can agree that I found The Balvenie to lack some smoothness. After the Macallan 12, I'll probably try the Laphroaig 10.
Kevin T
-
I just bought another bottle of Balvenie DW 12 to see if it still has that bit of splashiness in the flavor profile, still there. A bit of water is a must to tone it down a bit.
-
I am late to this game...
Macallan 25 for me. A drink after a bad day will fix the foulest of moods.
Seeing as how I am not rich, this sparsely happens.
I used to like 18 to supplement it, but at over $150 a bottle now, it is almost as bad.
I also like Laphroig...which apparently if you spell check will suggest aphrodisiac...hahaa, couldn't be farther from the truth really.
-
If I ever see Tyson at a show or anyplace for that matter I'm going to kick him in the nuts.
Thanks to him not only do I really like scotch - but I really like the "peat monsters" and specifically the "big three", Ardbeg, Laphroaig - (quarter cask thank you), and Lagavulin (16 is my fav.).
It was cheaper when I drank one or two great beers, O'haras, Old Peculiar or whatnot followed up by cheaper fair. No longer. :drool: :duh: aa
-
Thanks, glad to help :icon_twisted:
If you like Islay's, you have to try Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist - it's a new bottling, it's got the same punch and profile as the 10 year old, but is more viscous compared to the drier 10 y.o profile. Probably the best Ardbeg I've had outside of the 1977.
-
Thanks, glad to help :icon_twisted:
If you like Islay's, you have to try Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist - it's a new bottling, it's got the same punch and profile as the 10 year old, but is more viscous compared to the drier 10 y.o profile. Probably the best Ardbeg I've had outside of the 1977.
The Big three Islay scotches really do it for me. It's illogical that flavors/noses reminiscent of or described as iodine, phenol, peat, sea-salt etc. can be so wonderful.
If it's not too much to ask and keeping it to two or three bottles what would you add to the following - and the Ardbeg "Beast" is under consideration.
My paltry stable
Dalmore 12
Dalmore Cigar Malt (second favorite non-Islay)
Highland Park 18 (my favorite non-Isaly)
Craggenmore 12 (not so great IMO)
Glinlivet Nadurra NCF cask strength
Islay
Laphroaig 1/4cask NCF
Ardbeg 10 NCF (?)
Lagavulin 16 NCF (?)
*And how-come the Ardbeg smells more peaty than the Laphroaig but the Laphroaig tastes more peaty? Weird.
*Also is it "normal" for a noob-serious-scotch-drinker to like Islays much more than the other regions? The guy at my fav. liquor store tells me it is fairly unusual.
-
A thumbs up for the Springbank 15. I did some work for Tyson and he paid me with a bottle of this. I had some of the 10 yo and while it was good I wouldn't rate it as great. The 15 however is excellent and I see why it's so highly rated. I find letting it air out for 15-20 minutes makes it even better, especially if I hold the glass and let it warm to body temperature. So much more complexity and aroma and it just massages my palate. Very nice.
-
I just finished off my first ever bottle of Scotch. It was The Balvenie DoubleWood 12. I typically drank it with 2-3 splashes of distilled water. Being the first and only single malt Scotch, I don't feel I can really say much about it. I'm going to try the Macallan 12 (sherry cask) next. Looking back at Tyson's tasting notes, I can agree that I found The Balvenie to lack some smoothness. After the Macallan 12, I'll probably try the Laphroaig 10.
Kevin T
Ask Tyson for better guidance and coming from a Laphroaig lover - I'd try to get a taste of Laphroaig before buying a bottle. It's mega different than the Balvenie and double-secret different than the Macallan sherry cask - which is supposed to be excellent.
-
EDS,
I'd say since you like Islay's and the HP so much, some other semi-peated scotches are in order - Clynelish, Caol Ila, Springbank 15, and the latest Ardmore (no age statement, distillery bottling). All will give you some additional flavors, while maintaining some of the things you like about the Islay's.
Most people grow to appreciate Islay's, but they usually don't start off loving them (or even liking them). You are unusual, but then again, so was I when I got started, so you're not alone :)
Laphroaig tastes more peaty because it's less dry than the ardbeg 10. Try the "Beast" and let me know what you think about the laphroaig/ardbeg profiles after that :D
-
EDS,
I'd say since you like Islay's and the HP so much, some other semi-peated scotches are in order - Clynelish, Caol Ila, Springbank 15, and the latest Ardmore (no age statement, distillery bottling). All will give you some additional flavors, while maintaining some of the things you like about the Islay's.
Most people grow to appreciate Islay's, but they usually don't start off loving them (or even liking them). You are unusual, but then again, so was I when I got started, so you're not alone :)
Laphroaig tastes more peaty because it's less dry than the ardbeg 10. Try the "Beast" and let me know what you think about the laphroaig/ardbeg profiles after that :D
Tyson,
As always thank you. And Happy Holidays!
Sounds like Springbank 15, Ardbeg Beast and one of the others are in order.
-
The Big three Islay scotches really do it for me. It's illogical that flavors/noses reminiscent of or described as iodine, phenol, peat, sea-salt etc. can be so wonderful.
*Also is it "normal" for a noob-serious-scotch-drinker to like Islays much more than the other regions? The guy at my fav. liquor store tells me it is fairly unusual.
I'm new to this site but not new to following Tyson's scotch recommendations (from another site). I prefer Islay's as well. I have some Laphroiag 12, Ardbeg Uegadail, Lagavulin, Bruchladdich, Caol Ila 16 and Talisker (Isle of Skye but still peaty/smokey). If I'm drinking something like the above than it's Black Maple Hill, Pappy Van Winkle or Van Winkle Reserve B rye.
-
Talisker 10 is quite good, but the 18 and 20 Talisker is stupendous. Highly recommended if you happen to run across a bottle.
-
I am not a big Scotch drinker but while on vacation in Hilton Head I had a bottle of this and I thought it was great. It was the ASYLA.
Sturgus
http://www.compassboxwhisky.com/home.html
-
A thumbs up for the Springbank 15. I did some work for Tyson and he paid me with a bottle of this. I had some of the 10 yo and while it was good I wouldn't rate it as great. The 15 however is excellent and I see why it's so highly rated. I find letting it air out for 15-20 minutes makes it even better, especially if I hold the glass and let it warm to body temperature. So much more complexity and aroma and it just massages my palate. Very nice.
Everything Springbank makes is great. They also have a more heavily peated version of Springbank called Longrow and a new scotch called Hazelburn, which is very good for an 8 year old. The 1997 Springbank (only found at two places in the US, I believe) is great., especially for a 10 year old.
I think I'm of the opinion that the 10 year old is better than the 15 year old, which is too mellow. However, I find I have to order Springbank over the internet, because I can't find it anywhere in CT.
-
And I meant to say that I haven't had either in a while and didn't have them together, so it's hard to say. Plus, I've had three different versions of the 10 yo, and they're all so different that it's hard to classify them versus the 15 yo.
-
I am not a big Scotch drinker but while on vacation in Hilton Head I had a bottle of this and I thought it was great. It was the ASYLA.
Sturgus
http://www.compassboxwhisky.com/home.html
Everything Compass Box makes is good. The only one I haven't tried is Hedonism, which is supposedly their best.
-
And I meant to say that I haven't had either in a while and didn't have them together, so it's hard to say. Plus, I've had three different versions of the 10 yo, and they're all so different that it's hard to classify them versus the 15 yo.
Now I'm curious, I'll have to look at my bottle of 10 yo and note they year. No question I like it, I just liked the 15 more.
-
The compass box hedonism is indeed very good. So is the oak cross. Speaking of blends, I recently had the johnnie gold and was very impressed.
I love Talisker 18 and Lagavulin, but I can't seem to find anything smooth and balanced with that peat/smoke character for less than $70 a bottle, so lately its been johnnie black for me.
-
Highland Park 12 and 15 are perhaps the most balanced scotches I've ever had. Less smoke/peat than Lagavulin and Laphroaig, but it makes up for it with rich, sweet, malty complexity.
-
The compass box hedonism is indeed very good. So is the oak cross. Speaking of blends, I recently had the johnnie gold and was very impressed.
I love Talisker 18 and Lagavulin, but I can't seem to find anything smooth and balanced with that peat/smoke character for less than $70 a bottle, so lately its been johnnie black for me.
Just got back from a cruise, and lo and behold, my bride got me a gift:
A Johnnie Walker collection of four 200ml bottles of Blue, Gold, Green, and Black. I'm waiting for the right time to try them out. I've had the Gold before, and it is very smooth indeed.
Earlier this year, my mate from the U.K. hosted a going away party for a mate from Australia, who was heading back to Oz after a two year stint in Newport, RI. We killed a bottle of 25 year old Glen Morangie, and THAT was excellent!
-
anybody get any good scotch or scotch-related presents for christmas? my wife got me a pair of glencairn whisky glasses. i've been savoring a macallan 12 with my new glasses. she doesn't drink whisky, so i guess i have one glass too many or just enough for when i break one.
kevin t
-
Has anybody tried the Glenlivet 16 Year Nadurra Cask Strength ('07)?
I picked this up as a gift for somebody and have never sampled it.
The online reviews I found seemed fairly favorable.
Thanks,
George
-
Highland Park 12 and 15 are perhaps the most balanced scotches I've ever had. Less smoke/peat than Lagavulin and Laphroaig, but it makes up for it with rich, sweet, malty complexity.
I just picked up a bottle of the Highland Park 15. Very nice. Definitely lacking the peat and smoke of the Lagavulin and Laphroaig.
-
Hey Tyson,
I just picked up a bottle of Clynelish 14 at your recommendation last night. $39 for the bottle. My initial taste test last night was very favorable.
I also tried a dram of Talisker 30 year on New Year's Eve. My Scotch drinking buddy breaks it out once per year and I was a beneficiary of that. Admittedly I am a true novice when it comes to Scotch. But that stuff was eye-opening.
-
George, the Nadura is easily the best bottling in the Glenlivet offerings. Very good stuff.
-
Has anybody tried the Glenlivet 16 Year Nadurra Cask Strength ('07)?
I picked this up as a gift for somebody and have never sampled it.
The online reviews I found seemed fairly favorable.
Thanks,
George
George,
I'm not a big fan of Glenlivet, but my opinion of the Nadurra was that it is a very good scotch. I'd rate it probably low to mid 8s on a scale of 1-10, where the unreachables (Mac 25, Talisker 30) are above 9.
-
Thanks for the comments guys.
Sounds like I won't embarrass myself when I give the gift.
George
-
I never tried the Glenlivet Nadurra but I have drank the 18yr and enjoy it straight up when I am in the mood for a mellow, smooth scotch. Most the time I enjoy a peaty and smoky scotch like Lagavulin 16 yr or Laphroaig 10 yr cask strength.
-
Tried the Ardbeg 10 this weekend; I found it to be a bit of a peat monster with a nice finish on the backend to give it nice balance. I started drinking Lagavulin and Craggenmore many years ago and find the Ardbeg 10 less smoky (plenty of peat) than the other two, overall the Ardbeg 10 is a very nice dram. I moved away from this style once I started drinking Springbank 21 year old 15 years ago but will have to keep some Ardbeg 10 around. Good stuff.
-
Hey Tyson,
I just picked up a bottle of Clynelish 14 at your recommendation last night. $39 for the bottle. My initial taste test last night was very favorable.
I also tried a dram of Talisker 30 year on New Year's Eve. My Scotch drinking buddy breaks it out once per year and I was a beneficiary of that. Admittedly I am a true novice when it comes to Scotch. But that stuff was eye-opening.
If you get a chance to try the Jura Superstition, it's a rich, peaty dram that is quite good, IMO.
-
Interesting show....about scotch and Scotland.... :wink:
Three Sheets - Scotland.... (http://www.hulu.com/watch/22906/three-sheets-scotland)
-
I never tried the Glenlivet Nadurra but I have drank the 18yr and enjoy it straight up when I am in the mood for a mellow, smooth scotch. Most the time I enjoy a peaty and smoky scotch like Lagavulin 16 yr or Laphroaig 10 yr cask strength.
The 18 yo isn't bad. It's probably their best, other than the Nadurra, which might be better, although I didn't have the 18 and the Nadurra at the same time to compare. Currently, I have the following (with some initial comments, which are likely to change):
Old Pulteney 17: This is great. Very smooth. I'd rate it in the low 90s.
Signatory Caol Ila 11, 1996: Very, very good. Very dry. An excellent rendition of Caol Ila. Upper 80s to low 90s. Here's this one:
http://www.binnys.com/spirits/Signatory_Caol_Ila_1996_Vintage_11_Year_Old_Cask_Strength_160800.html
Springbank Bourbon wood: I think this is also very good, but I need more time with it.
Longrow CV: Not sure about this. The briney and peated flavors sometimes don't mix. I'll reserve judgement until later. This may be the type of malt where one drink is "Wow, this is great!" and another drink a week later is "I'm not so sure about this".
Compass Box Hedonism: Exceedingly good. Low to mid 90s. Reminds me of Carsebridge (sp?) 43 yo, although smoother and less fruity.
I have another I've not tried yet.
-
I tried the Balvenie 17 year rum cask and the Macallan 1841 replica recently. Both were very good and totally different from the sort of scotch I usually drink. The Balvenie had a spicy and very short finish and a beeswaxy character to it that was not unpleasant. It was interesting. While not as bold or big as I typically like, the Macallan was very smooth and tasty with a somewhat light mouthfeel, although I don't really remember much else about it.
-
Tyson your posts here are outstanding. I've been enjoying the fine taste of Single Malt Scotch for 3 years dont even mess with other booze any longer. I'm now stepping out and trying your best of selections. Dont think i will live long enough for all of your tastings. Going to try a nice bottle of Glenmorangie next. Many thanks for your fine reviews.
Mike
-
i'm about to polish off my bottle of the macallan 12 and i'm looking for a new bottle to try. i'm leaning towards the glenmorangie original or a glenrothes select reserve. anybody have any recommendantions as to which way i should lean?
kevin t
-
I never tried the Glenlivet Nadurra but I have drank the 18yr and enjoy it straight up when I am in the mood for a mellow, smooth scotch. Most the time I enjoy a peaty and smoky scotch like Lagavulin 16 yr or Laphroaig 10 yr cask strength.
The 18 yo isn't bad. It's probably their best, other than the Nadurra, which might be better, although I didn't have the 18 and the Nadurra at the same time to compare. Currently, I have the following (with some initial comments, which are likely to change):
Old Pulteney 17: This is great. Very smooth. I'd rate it in the low 90s.
Signatory Caol Ila 11, 1996: Very, very good. Very dry. An excellent rendition of Caol Ila. Upper 80s to low 90s. Here's this one:
http://www.binnys.com/spirits/Signatory_Caol_Ila_1996_Vintage_11_Year_Old_Cask_Strength_160800.html
Springbank Bourbon wood: I think this is also very good, but I need more time with it.
Longrow CV: Not sure about this. The briney and peated flavors sometimes don't mix. I'll reserve judgement until later. This may be the type of malt where one drink is "Wow, this is great!" and another drink a week later is "I'm not so sure about this".
Compass Box Hedonism: Exceedingly good. Low to mid 90s. Reminds me of Carsebridge (sp?) 43 yo, although smoother and less fruity.
I have another I've not tried yet.
After living with these, I'm most impressed with the Caol Ila 11 and the Hedonism. The Longrow grew on me and I'd rate very good. The Springbank isn't nearly as good as their 10 YO 1997 offering.
I have another four bottles (all halves from a friend) to try.
As for the glenmorangie, you might want to try the Lasanta, which is also sherry wood aged, similar to the Mac 12.
-
i'm about to polish off my bottle of the macallan 12 and i'm looking for a new bottle to try. i'm leaning towards the glenmorangie original or a glenrothes select reserve. anybody have any recommendantions as to which way i should lean?
kevin t
Nothing will be as rich and smooth as the Mac (except another, older Mac). The Glenmorangie is a much lighter, but still interesting dram, and would get my vote, as would the Glenmorangie 15 or 18. I'm not a big fan of their port, sherry, or rum finished bottlings, but that's probably because I feel it covers up some of the clove/ginger flavor the 10 and 15 have.
-
i'm about to polish off my bottle of the macallan 12 and i'm looking for a new bottle to try. i'm leaning towards the glenmorangie original or a glenrothes select reserve. anybody have any recommendantions as to which way i should lean?
kevin t
Splurge and get a bottle of Mac 15 or 18. So nice.
Or, for something completely different, get a bottle of Talisker.
Peace,
Lee
-
I just had a glass of Oban 14 last night with a Cusano M1 cigar. Mmmmm... good aa
-
so i was walking into the liquor store today all ready to buy a glenmorangie original when out of the corner of my eye i caught a glimpse of a talisker gift box. i remembered cryoparts post and thought it must be fate. the gift box has three 200mL bottles in it. the 10 year old, the distiller's edition, and the 18 year old. i'll be sampling these scotches later this evening.
kevin t
-
so i was walking into the liquor store today all ready to buy a glenmorangie original when out of the corner of my eye i caught a glimpse of a talisker gift box. i remembered cryoparts post and thought it must be fate. the gift box has three 200mL bottles in it. the 10 year old, the distiller's edition, and the 18 year old. i'll be sampling these scotches later this evening.
kevin t
The DE and the 18 are outstanding, some of the best scotch I've ever had. Enjoy!
-
Had a glass of Glenmorangie 10 year old last night with our Valentine Dinner. No ice just the fine taste of the light elegant dram. Sipped very slowly and enjoyed the some what spicy flavor. I can see a bottle at the house in my future.
-
Had a glass of Glenmorangie 10 year old last night with our Valentine Dinner. No ice just the fine taste of the light elegant dram. Sipped very slowly and enjoyed the some what spicy flavor. I can see a bottle at the house in my future. aa
Liked it so much i posted twice by mistake
-
Wow, this thread has more pages than a jitter thread!
So, being completely clueless on scotch, I almost bought some the other day to have on hand at home-but held off. Thought I'd ask you hard core guys first.
I want something that someone who likes scotch would like rather than the wine/port otherwise available here-but also some scotch newbie (like me) would try. Just one bottle. I'm not looking to stock a bar. Something less than $40.
Would Dalmore 12 be a safe bet?
Thanks, ed
-
Something less than $40.
Macallan 12 is very good, and cheap.
Also, if you can get "Sheep Dip" (yes, really...) it is a good and inexpensive
Peace,
Lee
-
Wow, this thread has more pages than a jitter thread!
So, being completely clueless on scotch, I almost bought some the other day to have on hand at home-but held off. Thought I'd ask you hard core guys first.
I want something that someone who likes scotch would like rather than the wine/port otherwise available here-but also some scotch newbie (like me) would try. Just one bottle. I'm not looking to stock a bar. Something less than $40.
Would Dalmore 12 be a safe bet?
Thanks, ed
Dalmore 12 is a good one. Macallan 12 is better, IMO.
-
i'm really enjoying the talisker. i sat on the back deck yesterday afternoon smoking a cigar and enjoying a dram of the 10 and 18. i think i prefer the 10 and the distiller's edition to the 18. the 18 seems a little milk toast to me. it's more mellow than the 10 or DE and lacks the spiciness. it's also missing the smokiness of the other two.
kevin t
-
Picked up a bottle of Glenmorangie 10 year old at a fine spirit shop in the Quarter today large selection of single malts. 49.99 was more that i payed for other single malts except the 30 year old Glenlivet the wife gave me for my birthday. Hopefully it will take me through the madness going on this weekend of Mardi Gras.
-
beachbum:
i live in mobile, alabama and often visit NO for concerts, mini-vacations, and such. the selection here is fairly sparse. i've only found one liquor store that has a decent selection (and by decent i mean they have 3 more scotches than the state run liquor store). anywho, what's the name of the liquor store in the Quarter you're referring to? i might hit them up next time i'm in NO.
kevin t
-
kgturner its called Vieux Carre' Wine & Spirits 422 Chartres St (504) 568-9463. Located behind the Louisiana Supreme Court bldg. next to Chef Paul Prudhomme's Louisiana Kitchen restaurant. They had a number of Glenmorangies that Tyson has msntioned and i would say a large selection of single malts. Not this weekend though total madness down there from now till Fat Tuesday.
-
just picked up a bottle of the glenrothes select reserve for my long weekend of family and mardi gras parades. i must say i'm unimpressed. at first blush, the glenrothes is WAY too sweet and fruity for me. maybe i've become too acclimated to the taste of the talisker i've been drinking lately. it's just way too sweet with nothing else going on. maybe a smidge of spice and just a hint of vanilla. i'll report back when i'm finished with the bottle.
kevin t
-
I'm not a big fan of the distillery bottlings from Glenrothes. However, if you get a chance to try an independent bottler, it's much better. If you like Talisker, give Bowmore a shot. Less pepper, but a lot of peat and a slight touch of sulfer make it quite interesting.
-
Wow, this thread has more pages than a jitter thread!
So, being completely clueless on scotch, I almost bought some the other day to have on hand at home-but held off. Thought I'd ask you hard core guys first.
I want something that someone who likes scotch would like rather than the wine/port otherwise available here-but also some scotch newbie (like me) would try. Just one bottle. I'm not looking to stock a bar. Something less than $40.
Would Dalmore 12 be a safe bet?
Thanks, ed
Thanks for the thread and responses I ordered some Dalmore 12 for this round. ed
-
kgturner where are you parading. I know Mobile is the first place parades started for carnival way back in the 1850s. Do you guys have weekend madness now in Mobile also before Fat Tuesday. Single malt really goes well with carnival along with most else.
Throw me something mister.......
-
beachbum:
my family and i usually only catch the parades downtown on the sunday before mardi gras day. it's called Joe Cain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Cain) day in mobile. i'm not sure if the day has any signicance in new orleans. it gets hectic here, but nothing like what i've seen in new orleans before.
this year my wife is skating in two parades on mardi gras day as she's a member of the local roller derby team so i'll be back downtown again.
kevin t
-
Ok, guys need your help on this one.
There is a person we want to get a very nice gift for who likes single malt scotch, but none of us know exactly what he drinks or likes and we can't exactly go ask him.
We are willing to spend around $200 for a bottle...what should I be looking for?
I don't have any experience drinking up at this price point (outside of Johnny Walker Blue - which I know is not a single malt scotch), so I am looking for guidance.
Please get your suggestions in quickly as I need to buy this ASAP.
Thanks for your help.
George
-
Someone gave me a bottle of Oban 18yr that I found really enjoyable...within your price range also...
-
George:
How about this one:
Macallan Fine Oak 21 Year Old Scotch
I have had there 10 and 12 year old vintages and found them to be very good. I cannot imagine the rare 21 year old Macallan would not be fit for a King. It is $200.00 or so for a fifth.
Good Luck,
Ken
-
Caol Ila 25 wold be a good bet. Around $180.00 in my local liquor store. Also, just about anything in the "Cask Strength" collection from Signatory I have found excellent. Pick one up for yourself!!
-
Macallan Fine Oak 21 Year Old Scotch
My favorite "not insanely priced" Scotch. Fantastic stuff. A bit "lighter" tasting than the 12, 15 and even 18 year old Mac's. Very complex with a great finish.
Peace,
Lee
-
Thanks for all your help guys.
A local store gave us a killer price on a bottle of Highland Park 25 and we went with that.
George
-
A local store gave us a killer price on a bottle of Highland Park 25 and we went with that.
That should be very nice. Just siphon off a few drams and send them over. ;)
-
www.wine-searcher.com
Throwing this website out there for anyone who does not know about it. I have used it twice to find bottles of George T. Stagg and single malt Jack Daniels. I am confident that it will help find any type of wine, spirit, tequila, etc. you could want.
-
Ok, guys need your help on this one.
There is a person we want to get a very nice gift for who likes single malt scotch, but none of us know exactly what he drinks or likes and we can't exactly go ask him.
We are willing to spend around $200 for a bottle...what should I be looking for?
I don't have any experience drinking up at this price point (outside of Johnny Walker Blue - which I know is not a single malt scotch), so I am looking for guidance.
Please get your suggestions in quickly as I need to buy this ASAP.
Thanks for your help.
George
George,
I'd try the Mac Replica stuff, if you can find it. I just bought a 17 year old Mac Fine Oak, and I find it disappointing. To me, it tastes like oak and has an intense alcohol flavor. I would never buy it again. On the other hand, my friend had some and rates it in the low 90s (I'd rate below 80, which is the minimum for "buy again"). However, even my friend says one of the Replicas is one of the best scotches he's ever tried (and he and I have had almost everything).
-
I like most Scotch Whiskeys but the last several years I have enjoyed Dalwhinnie 15 year old the most. It's what I would call one of the lighter scotches with a very floral nose and not overly expensive at under $60. I remember when I could buy it for $40.
-
Visited the local grocery today for needed food items and some Chianti for our Italian red gravy on Sunday, there wine isle is very good. To my surprise also the fine single malt selection not noticed before. Picked up a Glenmorangie 15 Bourbon cask very reasonable. Checking out later on the tobacco and regular spirits counter there is left over Glenmorangie 10 gift packs including 2 scotch glasses. The liquor manager was there opened one and gave me the glasses thank you very much. I'm really enjoying the 10 year old i picked up a few weeks ago but think i will be molesting a 15 year old tonight with some nice classic rock and roll.
Mike
-
I don't care what kind it is, I'm drinkin' some tonight !
-
Technically it is an Irish Whisky, but I enjoy it as much as many Scotch Whisky's i've had. It is called REDBREAST. It is also reasonably priced at around $45 a bottle. Check it out :thumb:
-
I don't care what kind it is, I'm drinkin' some tonight !
I can't imagine why.... aa
Drink up!
George
-
Technically it is an Irish Whisky, but I enjoy it as much as many Scotch Whisky's i've had. It is called REDBREAST. It is also reasonably priced at around $45 a bottle. Check it out :thumb:
There's a lot of rivalry from the Scots directed at the Irish claiming to make Whisky, so, to differentiate the real thing from the impostor, the Irish equivalent is not Whisky but Whiskey :)
I used to have to go to a manufacturing plant in Scotland every month and, unfortunately, it was located close to one of the many distilleries that claimed to be the oldest in Scotland - Glenturret.
http://www.whisky.com/distilleries/glenturret_distillery.html
After many visits I became very accustomed to the taste :wine:
It's worth a wee dram or two:
http://www.whiskyfun.com/Glenturret.html
-
AFAIC, there's only 1 whiskey and it ain't scotch :thumbdown:, it's canadian whiskey, the best of the best being Seagrams Crown Royal. :drool: I don't drink anymore myself but a few years back when I was drinking 5 fifths a week for 22 years w/o ever getting heartburn, there's simply nothing that can touch the smoothness & flavor than The Crown for this palete. I never had a drinking problem, I have a drinking love fest with the taste. But diabetes cut my love short and I'm not the type to "cut back". 1 drink for me would be like "pulling out" of the Playmate of The Year,,,, ain't gonna happen. :lol: So I quit straight up on August 27,2001 @ 2:30am but I haven't forgotten. I keep a sealed gallon of Crown Royal in a cradle on top of my Real Traps Bass Trap Table with a 10" light strip on her so I'll always remember the good ole' days. Alcoholics can't do that! :thumb:
Cheers,
Robin
-
AFAIC, there's only 1 whiskey and it ain't scotch :thumbdown:, it's canadian whiskey, the best of the best being Seagrams Crown Royal. :drool: I don't drink anymore myself but a few years back when I was drinking 5 fifths a week for 22 years w/o ever getting heartburn, there's simply nothing that can touch the smoothness & flavor than The Crown for this palete. I never had a drinking problem, I have a drinking love fest with the taste. But diabetes cut my love short and I'm not the type to "cut back". 1 drink for me would be like "pulling out" of the Playmate of The Year,,,, ain't gonna happen. :lol: So I quit straight up on August 27,2001 @ 2:30am but I haven't forgotten. I keep a sealed gallon of Crown Royal in a cradle on top of my Real Traps Bass Trap Table with a 10" light strip on her so I'll always remember the good ole' days. Alcoholics can't do that! :thumb:
Cheers,
Robin
Ahhhh........Crown Royal......yeah, one of the best for sure. Love it. Crown Royal Manhattan is a favorite in particular, but straight is fine too.
-
Ha, that's what I'm drinkin' Crown Royal
-
i finished off my talisker sampler as well as my bottle of the glenrothes select reserve. i enjoyed the talisker very much, but the glenrothes was a big let down. never again. i picked up a bottle of laphroaig 10 year old. it reminds me a lot of the talisker with less of a peppery flavor. truth be told, i didn't care too much for talisker's pepperiness. i can definitely see myself buying more laphroaig in the future. especially since it's $40 cheaper than the 10 year old talisker and $60 cheaper than the 16 year old lagavulin. of course, i will probably splurge on the lagavulin 16 for my birthday this july. :D
kevin t
-
Had a get together this past Saturday night with 2 friends to taste some of our new scotches. Being tax refund time and all, we have all made some nice purchases. This is the most memorable tasting I can remember
We started out with a 19 year old Signatory Cask Strength Collection of Highland Park....WOW this is there with the best I have ever had. We then had a 28 yr old cask strength Dallas Duh from Douglas Laing. We followed that up with Signatory Unchillfiltered Collections of a 1992 Coal Ila and a 6 year old Laphroiag then finished up the evening with Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist.
Between the 3 of us we have had 20 or so Signatory scotches and never have any of us been disappointed. If you have a favorite scotch look for it in the Signatory version. It presents a unique opportunity to taste that scotch in a more raw or unique profile to the standard version. I have never had a Signatory version that I did not prefer to the standard. With Signatory when they are gone they are gone. They are like a great sunset but with no camera!
Enjoy, Mike
-
AFAIC, there's only 1 whiskey and it ain't scotch :thumbdown:, it's canadian whiskey, the best of the best being Seagrams Crown Royal.Cheers,
Robin
Does either VO 'Gold' or CC 'Classic 12' hold a candle to Crown ???
-
while we're discussing our alcoholic vices, does anybody else enjoy smoking a cigar with your scotch/whisky? i've become quite smitten with a dram of scotch and a nice cigar while sitting in the afternoon sun on my back deck. i'm no aficionado, but so far i really like rocky patel cigars. i lean towards the vintage 1992 for a smooth, not too full bodied smoke. i've also tried the old world reserve and will purchase a sun grown for this weekend. anybody else have a favorite cigar (or other vice) they'd like to admit to?
kevin t
-
Kevin, I love my cigars (been smoking since june'76) I too like Rocky Patel, along with Camacho, Don Papien, Padron, El Ray DelMundo to name but a few. While I gravitate to full bodied smokes recently I have enjoyed the Romeo Julieta Habana Reserve, a Med bodied gem with great lasting flavors for the senses !
Keep in mind that if you love a good cigar you only have till midnight tomorrow to purchase before the SCHIP Federal tax rolls in and increases them by an avg of 40 cents a stick !! Oh well, we gotta save the children ! :scratch:
-
i picked up a rocky patel sun grown and a padron 1964 anniversary principe today. with about 1/3 of a bottle of laphroaig left, my weekend is set.
kevin t
-
Well this Easter weekend i will be enjoying a 750 of Macallan 12 year old. 49.99 at my favorite liquor store Quarter Wine and Spirits. The clock is ticking as i just got finished steam cleaning about 25 or so lps for the musical end of things. On with the show
Happy Easter to all of you
Mike
-
please read article at least half way through- I'd like to see some responses
http://www.velonews.com/article/90324
-
please read article at least half way through- I'd like to see some responses
http://www.velonews.com/article/90324
"At my lowest ebb I was consuming three bottles of scotch and six liters of wine a day..."
that's a shitload of scotch to drink a day. wonder if he was chugging the good stuff or some rot gut junk. no other thoughts.
beachbum - enjoy the mccallan. i called the vieux carre today and they have the lagavulin 16 $30 cheaper than my local liquor store. they didn't have the laphroaig quarter cask but they do have the laphroaig 10 cask strength.
kevin t
-
Keven you are going to enjoy your visit to The Quarter Wine and Spirits Shop. Its not just the Scotch they have it all.
On first taste the Macallan was ok but not a good to me as Glenmorangie. Now that i am getting a good selection here at the house i can enjoy variety yea the spice of life.
Enjoy your visit and have a good one
Mike
-
I am about to step out back and smoke a Macanudo Gold with a glass of Oban 14. Mmmm mmmm good! 8)
-
My latest tastings...
Signatory/Laphroaig 7 yo bottled in 2000 – 809 bottles
WOW - full peat nicely done, long finish with an oily mouthfeel. A really nice dram. Wish I had more.
Auchentoshan 21 yo
One of the few lowland SMS available, very clean, not to complex, smooth and delicious.
Dalwinnie 15 yo – another lowland SMS
Starts out sweet, honey, citrus and vanilla then finishes with smoke, peat, and malt.
Springbank 15 yo
Very impressive – this is smoky for Springbank but nicely balanced. Classic Springbank. Now that’s a dram!
Highland Park 12 yo
I’ll say this… just about the best under $50 bottle you can buy.
-
I'm currently enjoying a bottle of 18 year old Chevas. smoky delicious to my palate !
-
I recently tried some Edradour 10. It was sweet and rich, but refined; very enjoyable. And I couldn't believe how smooth it was for a 10 year old. :o
I was really quite impressed, and had just finished a dram of Macallan 1841.
I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and smooth scotch.
-
While "surfing"....came across this site... (http://www.forpeatsake.com/).. :wink:
-
Ahhhhh, sipping and listening, two nice pleasures in life !
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=20204)
-
Hello Tyson, I just returned from my holiday on the isle of Skye and really enjoyed myself. My friend and I did plenty of walking away from the beaten path and swam in a couple of small lochs high up on hills which was very refreshing.
There were two pubs we went into that had good malts, first was the Sligachan Hotel at the foot of Glamaig one of the Cuillin hills. This hotel has a micro brewery in it making 'Cuillin Brewery' beers named Glamaig, Skye Ale and The Pinnacle all of which rank with some of the nicest ales I have ever drunk. We met the chap who makes them and discussed brewing over a pint which was nice. Unfortunaltely he is not interested in distribution outside of Skye and really just brews for fun rather than having any ideas about mass production and marketing (a very welcome attitude in my book)
In the Sligachan Hotel we enjoyed a shot each of Caol Isla 25 year old which reallly impressed. I literally was tasting it ten minutes after taking a sip and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We also had 18 year old Macallan but this is not to my taste as far as whisky is concerned though nice all the same. Lastly we had Poit Dubhan (or something sounding like that) this was nice enough but nothing special in my book. The bar had one hundred whiskys all hanging on the bar which was impressive.
The following day we went across Scotland to Invernessshire and a pub called The Anderson which we had read about in a Camra leaflet. My name is Anderson so it was decided that we had to go. The pub boasts 80 Belgian beers, and 218 Whiskys along with good food and real ales.
After drinking several Belgian beers on tap and loving some bottles of Rochefort Trappist 10, 8 and 6 monastic ales we had a very nice dinner then moved into the whisky bar. I had Caol isla 23 year old cask strength which pretty much did me together with another 11.2 percent Trappist 10 to finish the evening.
Here is a picture of me outside the pub, very touristy photo I know.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=20305)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=20306)
Here is a webpage if ever you are over here...
http://www.theanderson.co.uk/
with the menu here.....http://www.theanderson.co.uk/whismenu.htm
Here is the Sligachan Hotel, if you scroll down you can see a picture of the bar with all the whisky bottles....http://www.sligachan.hotel.btinternet.co.uk/bars.htm
P.S I'll post some pictures of the scenery on the Pic OF The Day thread for those interested, cheers, Ben Anderson.
-
Wow! A fine post indeed Browntrout.
A friend of mine has indeed talked about a trip over to scotland one of these days.
I'll have to tell him that he should make a point of putting that town on the route!
Imp.
-
I just bought this 9yo Ardbeg Gordon & Macphail:
http://www.whisky-distilleries.info/Bottles/Ardbeg_EN.shtml#ardbeg1996gm
I think this is excellent, and it was rated over 90 by Michael Jackson.
-
and it was rated over 90 by Michael Jackson.
I wonder if they used it to embalm him ? :scratch:
-
and it was rated over 90 by Michael Jackson.
I wonder if they used it to embalm him ? :scratch:
Do you have a point to make? If you do, kindly restate it, as it's not obvious from what you posted.
I believe that 9yo Ardbeg is one of the best scotches I've had, period, and I've had basically everything other than some $200+ bottles.
As for current recommendations, the Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye is fantastic. I'm not sure whether it's better than their 18 YO version, as I didn't have the two at the same time, but it's very good.
Here's a review:
http://www.cocktailchronicles.com/2007/02/19/rye-tasting-vii-the-sazerac-family-of-ryes/
-
Do you have a point to make? If you do, kindly restate it, as it's not obvious from what you posted.
You've got to be kidding ............... do you not recognize "an ounce or two" of levity ?? !! :duh:
-
Just recently had the Clynelish 14 yr old, and it was excellent. Don't know if it has been mentioned on this thread already, but highly recommended.
http://www.whisky-distilleries.info/Bottles/Clynelish_EN.shtml
-
I thought about Tyson as I passed a shop in San Francisco recently. Outside they have a tricycle filled with Scotch tubes.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=22378)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=22379)
-
I just recently tried this for the first time as well. There was a Scottish-Irish Highland festival in Estes Park Colorado a few weeks ago and my wife treated me to the Scotch tasting. :thumb:
One of the ones I really enjoyed was the Clynelish 14yo. I also liked the Caol Ila very much. The event was sponsored by Diageo, so all the brands were theirs but I enjoyed the event a great deal and I was glad my wife was driving. :)
I had to buy a bottle of the Clynelish and the Caol Ila. I guess their strategy worked.
Just recently had the Clynelish 14 yr old, and it was excellent. Don't know if it has been mentioned on this thread already, but highly recommended.
http://www.whisky-distilleries.info/Bottles/Clynelish_EN.shtml
-
I just wanted my 1000th post to be in a topic which is close to my heart! :lol:
Peace,
Lee
-
Although not a single malt, my "go to" cheapish scotch has become (and has been for awhile now) Johnnie Walker Black. Me likey.
I haven't had the chance to try any of the more expensive JWs yet.
When I order scotch at a bar or restaurant, I always ask for a double "with just one ice cube." It of course very slightly chills it and melts pretty quickly. It "wakes it up" a bit, too. I would say about 70% of the time, I get slightly made fun of by the bartender or waiter/waitress. :lol:
Paul
-
Tried a 12yo Glenmorangie "Port Wood Finish" last night--interesting little $50 bottle of scotch. Worth a try, interesting finish, due to the port?
Had a Dalwhinnie Scotch 15 Year last weekend. OK, had little more of a bite than I would have liked. Would probably opt for the Glenmorangie above next time I am in the market for a inexpensive bottle.
Peace,
Lee
-
I can't edit the original post anymore for new updates, so I'll post here - The recent Distillery Bottled Ardmore (no age statement) is a winner! In the same class as Highland Park as a great All-Rounder. Not as sweet as HP, and a bit more peaty. Great dram, and being priced in the $40's is just a bonus :)
-
I can't edit the original post anymore for new updates, so I'll post here - The recent Distillery Bottled Ardmore (no age statement) is a winner! In the same class as Highland Park as a great All-Rounder. Not as sweet as HP, and a bit more peaty. Great dram, and being priced in the $40's is just a bonus :)
Nice, I'll pick up a bottle tomorrow!
Peace,
Lee
-
I picked up a bottle of Laphroaig Original Cask Strength yesterday. Looking foward to a nice relaxing weekend.
Kevin T
-
I had some Laphroaig 10 over the holidays and now have to pick up a bottle. I really enjoyed it and would place it right up there with Lagavulin. Now I can't wait to try Ardberg to see if I'd like that too.
I also had some Oban 14 which was okay but left me generally unimpressed.
-
The Laphroaig 10 is my "go to" Scotch. Granted, I haven't had a whole lot of different Scotches. The Lagavulin 16 was good, but I felt it was too dry for my palate. I only had a single glass of Ardbeg once, but wasn't impressed given the price of the bottle relative to Laphroaig. Talisker 10 is a very good Scotch and introduced me to the smokiness that so many enjoy. That'll probably be my next bottle to pick up.
Kevin T
-
I had some Laphroaig 10 over the holidays and now have to pick up a bottle. I really enjoyed it and would place it right up there with Lagavulin. Now I can't wait to try Ardberg to see if I'd like that too.
I also had some Oban 14 which was okay but left me generally unimpressed.
I believe you like peaty whisky. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islay_whisky
Oban is not peaty... has some very subtle flavors that are accentuated or altered with foods, cigars, etc. I like it quite a bit. Macallan is similar but with a touch more peat.. Highland Park has a little more peat.. ...But if peat's the flavor you like, the Islay's are the ones to stick with for a while.
If you ever want to try every flavor available in a whisky, try Yoichi from Japan, Nikka distillery. It is like a perfectly timed flavor rainbow that flows over your tongue while you drink it. I don't think you can get it in the US but you can import it through the UK. It is an unforgettable experience to drink it. This is a serious reference whisky for me. It's tough to say which bottle to get.. I would suggest to buy the highest you can afford within their line.
On a completely different/unrelated note.. I recently tried a surprisingly enjoyable whisky, Glenlivet Nadurra Natural Cask Strength, 16yr. I normally do not care for Glenlivet... so I was surprised that I enjoyed it.
Have fun,
Carl
-
I can't edit the original post anymore for new updates
Hm... actually, you should be able to... if not, please post in Notices and Support with specifics (e.g. what error message)
Thanks ;)
JohnR
-
When I try to update it, it tells me that I've exceeded the character limit.
-
When I try to update it, it tells me that I've exceeded the character limit.
Ah... OK, I've set the limit to 100,000 characters, ten times the previous limit. Your post is 60,000 currently so it should be fine for a while. Unfortunately this is a global setting and there is no way to set differently for different user groups.
Somewhat related - this thread is not visible to search engines, which is a real shame. pjchappy - can we make the Pub accessible to guests now?
Back on topic, thank you Tyson, very much, for your reviews and advice - I looked this thread up while out shopping - what a great resource. Lagavulin 16 was the choice for this trip.
-
Sweet, that means I can update my Bourbon thread too! Thanks John :)
Glad you like the reviews, I've started drinking a bit more scotch again, so more updates will be forthcoming!
-
The Pub is now Public! :thumb:
Anyways, while not a scotch, i'm enjoying a bit of Bushmill's Irish whiskey, with just a splash of water. For $22, it can't be beat! :D
I enjoy its slightly apricot finish.
Paul
-
Has anybody compared the Laphroaig 10 to the Laphroaig Quarter Cask? I've had the 10 and like it but am thinking about trying out the Quarter Cask.
-
Yes, I like them about the same. They are different, the quarter cask is less smooth, but more powerful. If you can get the Cask Strength 10 year old, that's the best of the 3, IMO.
-
The cask strength is very, very good. I can't compare the other two, though, because I had them a while ago.
-
I believe you like peaty whisky. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islay_whisky
Oban is not peaty... has some very subtle flavors that are accentuated or altered with foods, cigars, etc. I like it quite a bit. Macallan is similar but with a touch more peat.. Highland Park has a little more peat.. ...But if peat's the flavor you like, the Islay's are the ones to stick with for a while.
If you ever want to try every flavor available in a whisky, try Yoichi from Japan, Nikka distillery. It is like a perfectly timed flavor rainbow that flows over your tongue while you drink it. I don't think you can get it in the US but you can import it through the UK. It is an unforgettable experience to drink it. This is a serious reference whisky for me. It's tough to say which bottle to get.. I would suggest to buy the highest you can afford within their line.
On a completely different/unrelated note.. I recently tried a surprisingly enjoyable whisky, Glenlivet Nadurra Natural Cask Strength, 16yr. I normally do not care for Glenlivet... so I was surprised that I enjoyed it.
Have fun,
Carl
A good but cheap Islay is Finlaggan.
Another great Japanese is Yamazaki. Very much as you described the Yoichi in the flavor department--one thing after another with a long aftertaste. It's a little rough as far as burn goes, but otherwise incredible.
Right now I'm enjoying the smooth nature of Jameson's 12 year. I have to say this is an incredible whiskey. Smooth and Sherry cask character. No peat, no problem. I never thought I'd enjoy this as I didn't really think Redbreast was anything to write home about. They should be very similar and yet I love this one. Not sure if my taste has changed or what. I often find I'm in the mood for different whiskeys on different days. I should just get a collection of all my favorites, but I like trying new things.
My favorite cheap Irish is actually Kilbeggan. Barley with a less than subtle Bourbon/ vanilla flavor. Great cheap hooch.
Dan
-
I can heartily recommend White Horse for a blended scotch. It uses Lagavulin single malt...good peaty blend.
http://www.whisky.com/brands/white_horse_brand.html
-
Another great Japanese is Yamazaki. Very much as you described the Yoichi in the flavor department--one thing after another with a long aftertaste. It's a little rough as far as burn goes, but otherwise incredible.
I have the opposite opinion of Yamazaki: I've listed this as a "do not buy again". I thought it was way too sweet.
However, I tried it a long time ago, back when I loved Ardbeg and the like. Now, I'm into the less peated or non-peated whiskeys and ryes (some bourbons, but these tend to taste two similar). I may give Yamazaki another try.
-
Over the past month, I've averaged 2 bottles of Glenmorangie's 12-year old 'The Lasanta' per week.
I'm no Scotch reviewer and I'm not about to begin tonight, but I'm mightily impressed, especially for a $50/bottle single-malt. The local store owner claims it's a longtime favorite among his Scotch enthusiasts and I believe it's safe to assume I can now be added to their numbers.
Though I'm currently enjoying a 18-year old Glenfiddich, I'd prefer to be in the company of another bottle of 'The Lasanta'. I purchased the 'fiddich because (1) I thought it'd be a nice variance and (2) 'The Lasanta' was sold out. :(
-
High Jim. :wave:
-
I drink Lagavulin, but it's a bit steep. After trying many different brands, I found that Famous Grouse is a reasonable alternative for every day drinking.
-
High Jim. :wave:
Hi Robin. It's been a while.
I hope this finds you well, and your work 'issues' resolved to your satisfaction.
-
I picked up a bottle of Glenmorangie Lasanta yesterday and have confirmed that I'm an Islay lover at heart. This Scotch is too light and sweet for me to drink on a regular basis. It might be a good after dinner drink...almost desserty. Very distinct honey and vanilla flavors.
Kevin T
-
Over the past month, I've averaged 2 bottles of Glenmorangie's 12-year old 'The Lasanta' per week.
Two bottles per week...it takes me 6-12 months to kill two bottles. :o
Hope you are doing well Jim.
George
-
Two bottles per week...it takes me 6-12 months to kill two bottles. :o
I run hot and cold. I'll go literally years without touching the stuff, but then some unseen trigger gets tripped and I'll have at least a couple of fingers every evening.
Hope you are doing well Jim.
It's been an interesting couple o' years but yes, I am. Thanks for asking.
Still happy in Boston?
-
A good friend gave me a bottle of "The Lasanta" for Christmas this year. I've been enjoying it very much but it depends on my mood. Some days a peatier malt is preferred, some days something sweeter. It's all good, especially when settled into the listening chair with some good music. :wine:
Good to see you posting Jim, hope all is well for you. :)
mike
-
You guys are real men, as far as I'm concerned. Not joking here, a bottle of Scotch lasts me about 5 years or so. I love the aroma and can take a couple small swigs but that's about it for me. Did you love it from the start or did you have to build up an appreciation for the taste?
I used to work with alcoholic beverage companies helping to develop new items. I would get free stuff including bottles of bourbon and scotch, but would usually give them away to people who appreciated them more than I did because I'm too big a wuss. Do you drink them with water or ice or straight?
-
Straight, aka "neat". I never had that hard of time gravitating to drinking it neat. I started out drinking it that way. It did take a while to get to the point where the 100+ proof stuff was drinkable this way, though. The flavors are reduced if you drink with ice, which is good because the really cheap blends are swill.
-
I had to work up to drinking Scotch. I bought a bottle and just slowly learned to appreciate the flavors. When trying out a new Scotch, I always start off by drinking it neat. I'll then add water to see what tastes/flavors develop. I don't like cold Scotch too much so I don't add any ice.
Kevin T
-
I've had a Macallan 25 for 3 years, but I've also gone through several Oban 14 in that time. Speaking of Islay's, give a Bunnahabhain 12 a try. It doesn't have the dirt smell of the average Islay, less peaty, slightly sweet. Great Islay!!
Drink it with 4 ice cubes, no more - no less! Never with water.
-
Thanks guys! I'm going to hit the local liquor mega-store, Binny's, this weekend. They always have demonstrations of various spirits. I will look for some "Starter Scotches" and keep you posted!
-
You guys are real men, as far as I'm concerned. Not joking here, a bottle of Scotch lasts me about 5 years or so. I love the aroma and can take a couple small swigs but that's about it for me. Did you love it from the start or did you have to build up an appreciation for the taste?
I was just commenting to a friend this weekend how the thing I love about scotch is that the more of it you drink, the better it tastes. :lol: I find that as I drink more types of scotch I find myself enjoying more flavors and aromas that I previously never noticed or particularly cared for.
As far as getting a taste for scotch is concerned, I had a glass of Talisker 18 when I was still in college and was really blown away. I then bought a "budget" whisky, namely the Balvenie Doublewood, which I didn't really care for, but found aspects in it that I enjoyed. As I tried more scotch I recognized the flavors that I tend to like, and eventually I bought a few bottles of decent stuff that I was into. Since then it really does seem like the more of it I drink the better it tastes (this is pretty much the case both generally and nightly).
-
Since it is only 11:30am here I can't start to have a little sip but just picked up the Ardbeg Uigeadail. They had a sticker on it that somebody gave it 95 points. Thought ,what the heck I'll give it a try. Any opinions? Have to run out to pick up my new suit so couldn't go back in previous threads to far to see if anybody has tried. I'm sure somebody here has. :lol:
While I was there picked up the Glenmorangie Original 10 year.
Hoping it will be as good as the Highland Park 12 year which is my usual.
Has anybody tried the whiskey Buffalo Trace? I had a glass or 2 a while back and really enjoyed the flavor of this.
-
Has anybody tried the whiskey Buffalo Trace? I had a glass or 2 a while back and really enjoyed the flavor of this.
Good, inexpensive whiskey. However, Buffalo Trace produces come incredibly great single barrel bourbons: Thomas H Handy Sazerac, Sazerac, William Larue Weller, and George T Stagg. All are barrel strength, and taste different each bottling.
The above are just fantastic, every bit as complex and satisfying as a great single malt scotch, such as my regular Glenrothes '85, a Laphroaig 15 (or a 10 in a pinch), Talisker 18 (or in a pinch, the 15, or even 10), IMO.
Peace,
Lee
-
I just recieved this e-mail blast and thought that there might be some interest here.
"Dear Friend of Laphroaig,
I'm excited to bring you a bit of news about one of our expressions. In the past, we bottled all Laphroaig Cask Strength at 55.5% ABV and without a bottling date or batch number. Now, however, the Scotch Whisky Association has mandated that all cask strength single malt Scotch whiskies display the bottling date and batch number on each bottle.
So to that end, we are now going to bottle each batch individually, straight from the cask. This means the ABV will vary from batch to batch, changing the flavor slightly and making each batch a unique expression in its own right – each will impart a nose and taste no different than the very moment it was recovered from the barrel.
And the best news is, you're the first to know about the official arrival of Batch #1 to the U.S. It's from the very first batch we ever made this way. So it's very special to us and one of our most interesting batches to date.
Batch 1 Facts
ABV: 57.8%/115.6 proof
Batch Date: February 2007
Tasting Notes: A full blast of massive peat smoke and seashore salt leads to a fading sweetness at the finish.
Batch Quantity: 5,100 bottles
Availability: Wherever Cask Strength is sold.
I hope you get a chance to taste this historic bottling firsthand, and I'd love to hear what you think about it.
Sláinte,
Simon Brooking
Master Ambassador, Laphroaig"
-
Batch 1 Facts
ABV: 57.8%/115.6 proof
Batch Date: February 2007
Tasting Notes: A full blast of massive peat smoke and seashore salt leads to a fading sweetness at the finish.
Batch Quantity: 5,100 bottles
Availability: Wherever Cask Strength is sold.
That would be interesting to try. Last Saturday I was given a bottle (thanks Tyson!) of Lagavulin Distillers Edition, very nice indeed. I compared it to a "standard" 16yo Lagavulin and the DE was at a much higher level of refinement, at least for my palette.
-
I had some 12 year old/ Islay scotch with that smoked pete flavor. Wasn't bad for the money.
-
I'm currently nursing along a bottle of Murray McDavid 1967 Springbank, it's marvelous.
My regular is the Balvenie Doublewood 12. I've also enjoyed both Edradour (http://"http://www.edradour.com/index2.html"), and Aberlour (http://"http://www.aberlour.co.uk/welcome.asp"), the later of which I received as a gift from my father on my 21st birthday. It was a 1964 vintage, as am I, and I enjoyed that bottle of scotch for about 2 years. I still have the bottle and the wooden box it came in.
-
That would be interesting to try. Last Saturday I was given a bottle (thanks Tyson!) of Lagavulin Distillers Edition, very nice indeed. I compared it to a "standard" 16yo Lagavulin and the DE was at a much higher level of refinement, at least for my palette.
The 1993 Distillers Edition? Oh, man, that stuff is world class. After the first sip, I went and bought a couple more bottles. Much sweeter than any Lagavulin I've had, (and I've tried to find a bottle of everything Laphraoig and Lagavulin that makes it to the US), just heavenly.
Here are some notes I took on it:
Nose:
Medicinal/Iodine
Peat
Smoke
Black Licorice
Hint of fruit
Taste:
Sweet
Fruity--almost like a iced grape wine taste
Medicinal/Iodine
Smoke
Pear
Smooth mouthfeel, not aggressive at all
Cinnamon/Anise
Licorice
Chocolate
Nutty
Long finish
Very complex, I LOVE it. It is an outstanding whiskey.
Okay, back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Peace,
Lee
-
Has anybody compared the Laphroaig 10 to the Laphroaig Quarter Cask? I've had the 10 and like it but am thinking about trying out the Quarter Cask.
I know, old post...
I prefer the quarter cask, not quite as medicinal as the 10.
Peace,
Lee
-
Another great Japanese is Yamazaki. Very much as you described the Yoichi in the flavor department--one thing after another with a long aftertaste. It's a little rough as far as burn goes, but otherwise incredible.
Dan,
I have the Yamazaki 12 and 18, but cannot find the Yoichi anywhere. Where did you get yours, if you don't minds sharing the info?
Peace,
LEe
-
I think it was Tokyo Station, but don't remember exactly. Somewhere in Tokyo. :scratch:
-
The 1993 Distillers Edition? Oh, man, that stuff is world class. After the first sip, I went and bought a couple more bottles. Much sweeter than any Lagavulin I've had, (and I've tried to find a bottle of everything Laphraoig and Lagavulin that makes it to the US), just heavenly.
Lee, yes it is the 1993 Distillers Edition. I agree, it is lovely. Thankfully I just started the bottle so it will be around a while as I don't drink it very quickly and I have others that I like very much to switch off with.
mike
-
I'm glad to the see the love for the Lagavulin DE! IMO it's one of the very best scotches I've had in the last 2 years.
I picked up the Talisker DE recently, and after working through about a third of the bottle, I have to say it's pretty disappointing. I've had most of the DE bottlings from the various distilleries at this point all of them have been a letdown, except for the Lagavulin. Of course, the Lagavulin DE is so good, it makes up for all the rest!
-
I think it was Tokyo Station, but don't remember exactly. Somewhere in Tokyo. :scratch:
Ah...that explains it. It is really hard to find here in the US. Someday I'll find a bottle!
Peace,
Lee
-
Ah...that explains it. It is really hard to find here in the US. Someday I'll find a bottle!
Peace,
Lee
Yeah, the Lagavulin DE is fantastic! I think I'll have a dram right after I finish the wee dram of Laphroiag 15 sitting in front of me (which I had to take a road trip to find today--got the last three bottles in the state!)
I actually like the Talisiker DE very much, I have the 1998 distilled 2009 bottled, is that the same you have? However, I've never met a Talisker I haven't liked, so I have a predisposition to liking it.
If any of you live in States that can have liquor shipped into (consider yourself fortunate, first off...), or live in/around San Francisco, pick up a bottle of the Highland Park 19yo (distilled in 86, bottled 2005, cask #2498) at Beltramo's. Apparently, their buyer specially selected a cask and had it bottled for them. Crazy good. World class, and relatively inexpensive at ~$120.
Peace,
Lee
-
Lee, yes it is the 1993 Distillers Edition. I agree, it is lovely. Thankfully I just started the bottle so it will be around a while as I don't drink it very quickly and I have others that I like very much to switch off with.
mike
Enjoy every dram. In fact, go grab other bottle as backup, ha!
Peace,
Lee
-
I think it was Tokyo Station, but don't remember exactly. Somewhere in Tokyo. :scratch:
If you got it in Tokyo it probably cost as much as an audio note amp.
-
If you got it in Tokyo it probably cost as much as an audio note amp.
Ha! It's a Japanese single malt, so it's probably actually cheaper there.
Peace,
Lee
-
I think the bottle was around $35 at the previous exchange rate.
-
Pint's (a local scotch bar) has Yoichi, but it's $20 per shot. I'll try it eventually, but so many other interesting things are on the list too....
-
I think the bottle was around $35 at the previous exchange rate.
Oh, that's dirt cheap for good scotch.
-
Just picked up a bottle of Glenmorangie Lasanta. It's a little on the sweet side, but still very enjoyable. In fact, I think I might pour one now. :green:
-
I'm glad to the see the love for the Lagavulin DE! IMO it's one of the very best scotches I've had in the last 2 years.
I picked up the Talisker DE recently, and after working through about a third of the bottle, I have to say it's pretty disappointing. I've had most of the DE bottlings from the various distilleries at this point all of them have been a letdown, except for the Lagavulin. Of course, the Lagavulin DE is so good, it makes up for all the rest!
I've tried all the DEs and the "only" one I thought worthwhile was the Laga. That might be better than the Laga 16, but I didn't have the two at the same time to test. I say "only" because some of the other DEs (Glenkinchie -- sp?, etc.) I've never had the original.
Currently, I have Cardhu 12 yo. This supposedly forms the basis for JW black and other JWs. Personally, had I known Michael Jackson rated it a 72, I wouldn't have bought it. He was right. It's an unremarkable whiskey and JW Black tastes better and is cheaper.
-
Just saw this story hit the press....
Just over a century ago, these whiskey crates were stored beneath the floor of a hut built by British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton during his 1908 Antarctic expedition.
(http://www.edinburghwhiskyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/shackletons-whisky-macki.jpg)
Apparently these crates of whiskey were discovered in 2006 by an Antarctic Heritage Trust team that was restoring the explorer's hut but they were buried too deep in the ice to get them out.
the AP story (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ixs7I4AX3tH0g-ZBQKyOENUrkndgD9H3PQC80)
Pretty cool find :thumb:
-
What does everyone think about a 1.75L bottle of Johnny Walker Gold for $99? The local store says they got a good deal and are passing along savings. I'm familiar with a lot of single malt, some of it very refined, but I've never made it into the world of blended whiskeys. I like the Islay whiskeys well (Laphroig Quarter Cask, Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 16, Caol Isla 18) but I also go for others (Bruichladdich 15, Springbank 10 & 12, Aberlour Abunadh...). Is Johnny Walker Gold on par as far as quality with some of these single malt scotches?
~Ben
-
Gold is not bad, it's more in the style of a light highland malt.
-
Gold is pretty good, and that's a good price (at least here). Some people prefer Black to Gold, though, and Black is a lot cheaper. There are a lot of good blended scotches. All the Compass Box varieties are worth a try. The regular Black Bottle isn't bad. I've had many more that I can't remember right now for some reason.
-
I think Teachers Highland Cream is almost on par with JW Gold, and for a LOT less money.
-
Well, I wouldn't want 1.75L of the stuff if it's only "not bad" :wink:
I have anywhere from 20-25 bottles in my collection at any given time, and I wouldn't want to spend that money on a large bottle that wouldn't enter the normal rotation for a good period. Of course, I could always use it for bowling nights with the guys :thumb:
Sounds like it would be a good idea for me to try some blendeds in restaurants and bars before I go for any big purchases like this.
-
You can usually find 50 ml bottles of Black and Gold in the stores. One store here even had Lagavulin 16 in 50 ml bottles for a while. The most disappointing blend to me was Dewars Signature. Definitely not worth anywhere near the $200/bottle they get for it.
-
Yeah, good point. I'll look for mini bottles, but I AM in KS after all... :duh: :lol: Who knows if I can find any (I usually completely ignore the mini bottles lying around).
Thanks for the input, guys!
-
I picked up a bottle of Laphroaig 18 yesterday, but haven't started into it yet. The nose on it is DELICIOUS though!
-
JW gold is a very good scotch. sounds to me like no one here bothered to try it? comparing it to Teachers is like comparing grape juice to a full-bodied red wine. no comparison. I have no idea if 99$ is a bargain in your area, but it does not seem expensive for a very nice blend that can hold its own with any single malt in the same price range. buy it. huge bottle will disappear when others give it a try.
JP
-
For 1.75L, that sounds like a deal (although I've never actually had JW Gold that I can remember, nor JW Blue. . . but JW Black is what I buy the most (typically, ~$35 for a 1/5)).
Paul
-
JW gold is a very good scotch. sounds to me like no one here bothered to try it? comparing it to Teachers is like comparing grape juice to a full-bodied red wine. no comparison. I have no idea if 99$ is a bargain in your area, but it does not seem expensive for a very nice blend that can hold its own with any single malt in the same price range. buy it. huge bottle will disappear when others give it a try.
JP
Personally, I think JW black is better than Gold and a heck of lot less expensive.
-
Gold is good if you like a real sweet, rich profile. It's totally different from Laphroaig 10 or Lagavulin 16, so it's hard to say whether you'll like it. For what it's worth Lagavulin is one of my favorites and I like gold, but I don't think I'd put it on par with Edradour, a single malt that I think has a similar flavor profile to gold.
Gold is worth a try though, imo. Another big and rich blend worth a try is Compass Box Hedonism, which I personally prefer to gold.
-
Re JW Gold, I'm just gonna have to try it.
On a related note, I did just polish off a bottle of JW Black this weekend. Didn't have it for too long. :?
I would love to experiment as much as Tyson and others have done over the years. Nevertheless, in a pinch, I have been content with my regular purchases. I do plan on getting a bottle of Macallen 12-year old in the next couple/few weeks, depending on my plans. Beyond a bit of a random tasting of it during a wedding party event back in May, I haven't had any in probably 3 to 4 years. . . and during that time, had some 10-year old maybe once. Hell, as I'm writing this, I'm thinking I should splurge and go with some even older Macallan.
Paul
-
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41m8nIsx6fL._SS500_.jpg)
......... In hardcover.... (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0755360834?ie=UTF8&tag=jaybrewernet9-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0755360834) :thumb:
-
Re JW Gold, I'm just gonna have to try it.
On a related note, I did just polish off a bottle of JW Black this weekend. Didn't have it for too long. :?
I would love to experiment as much as Tyson and others have done over the years. Nevertheless, in a pinch, I have been content with my regular purchases. I do plan on getting a bottle of Macallen 12-year old in the next couple/few weeks, depending on my plans. Beyond a bit of a random tasting of it during a wedding party event back in May, I haven't had any in probably 3 to 4 years. . . and during that time, had some 10-year old maybe once. Hell, as I'm writing this, I'm thinking I should splurge and go with some even older Macallan.
Paul
It's a very expensive "hobby". The only way I've been able to try as much as I have is by buying bottles and sharing them with a friend. Thus, the bottles cost effectively half of what they really do. He then buys bottles and shares them with me.
-
Hey guys, total novice here in need of some advice for a gift. My wife who is a court reporter is needs to buy her judge a gift. He is a Scotch aficianado. She would like to buy him a special bottle but we have no idea what to get him. She says that his favorite is Lagavulin and that he likes a "peaty" scotch. Something different, less than $100 that he would never buy for himself. Any ideas?
TIA
-
Drab,
Tyson's fave, the Ardbeg 10, would be a good choice for the judge.
-
Ardbeg Uigedail or Bruichladdich 3D are both very good highly peated scotches that would be good gifts.
-
Thanks guys for the quick replies! It's a parting gift and my wife wants to get it right. I'll be off to the local warehouse ASAP tomorrow. :thumb:
-
I've got a bottle of Dallas Dhu that I picked up in Scotland about 20 years ago and have never opened as it may be the last of its kind( They closed up shop back in the 80's). Has anyone ever tried it?
-
I have at least one bottle of Dallas Dhu but I'm not sure if I have two. When I get back home next weekend I'll check and if I have two I'll open one and check it out. What age/year do you have? They closed the doors at Dallas Dhu in 1983 and I think my one or two bottles is a 1983 vintage.
-
Just found this thread. Scotch and Audio certainly make an interesting combined hobby. I have been collecting and imbibing Single Malts for more than 20 years. My current collection has more than 300 bottles from more than 50 distilleries. I currently have about 15 open bottles that I am working my way through. The Ardbeg's that are currently open, for example, include:
Ardbeg 10 year, 17 year, Uigeadail, 1990 vintage, and my personal favorite Ardbeg 1974 Provenance (bottled in 1998).
Now that I know this thread is here I will keep on the lookout and make a post from time to time.
Regards,
Gary
-
I have at least one bottle of Dallas Dhu but I'm not sure if I have two. When I get back home next weekend I'll check and if I have two I'll open one and check it out. What age/year do you have? They closed the doors at Dallas Dhu in 1983 and I think my one or two bottles is a 1983 vintage.
I'm not sure when my bottle was bottled. The label doesn't tell me. The label is printed in all gold on white. The '82s and '83s that I've seen have black lettering and gold illustration on white, so I assume it's not one of those,
-
Decided to have a few drams listening to some vinyl last night. I have to say that Bunnahabhain 12 goes really well with Count Basie on vinyl. :)
-
Just found this thread. Scotch and Audio certainly make an interesting combined hobby. I have been collecting and imbibing Single Malts for more than 20 years. My current collection has more than 300 bottles from more than 50 distilleries. I currently have about 15 open bottles that I am working my way through. The Ardbeg's that are currently open, for example, include:
Ardbeg 10 year, 17 year, Uigeadail, 1990 vintage, and my personal favorite Ardbeg 1974 Provenance (bottled in 1998).
Now that I know this thread is here I will keep on the lookout and make a post from time to time.
Regards,
Gary
I am with you, I probably have 300-400 bottles too. I am an avid Ardbeg fan/collector as well, I think I have these Ardbeg's open at the moment:
SN2009
SN2010
17
Lord of the Isles
Uigeadail
Still Young
Blasda
10
Corryvrekan
Airigh Nam Biest
Rollercoaster
...and others
No Provenance, though! I wish! :thumb:
Then there are the Lagavulin's, Laphroiag's, and Talisker's and HP's. I need someone to help me drink it all, ha!
Peace,
Lee
-
I did end up buying one of those 1.75's of JW Gold. I agree with many of you, very respectable and drinkable. Definitely not a waste, but certainly not the most refined I've had. A nice lighter, sweeter flavor than many of mine, so it complements my collection well. I'm about halfway through the bottle. Not sure I'll replace it immediately when it's gone, but I was fairly pleased with the purchase. I don't drink it when I want to truly savor the flavor, but when I want something light and soothing without being distracting (like when I want to pay more attention to the music!!), it's the perfect fit.
~Ben
-
Lee,
Man I thought I was crazy!
-
Lee,
Man I thought I was crazy!
Yeah, I tend to overdo it when it comes to scotch, especially if a somewhat rare Ardbeg comes up for sale...and, I tend to buy multiples, if I can get them.
Thanks for the tip on Argonaut, I picked up some nice stuff when I was in Denver for RMAF. Even got a bottle of Tally 175th, don't see those on the shelf very often!
Peace,
Lee
-
Anyone here try/is a fan of Tyrconnell? I just picked up a bottle of it on a friends recommendation, and have yet to try it. What should I expect? 8)
-
Yeah, I tend to overdo it when it comes to scotch, especially if a somewhat rare Ardbeg comes up for sale...and, I tend to buy multiples, if I can get them.
Lee
I also try to buy in multiples and then if it's not easily replaceable I generally don't consume the last bottle. I say generally because about 10 years ago I bought 6 bottles of Highland Park 1977 Bicentenary U.S. 750 ml. Alas I lost track and they're all gone. Now all I have left is one lonely empty bottle and fond memories.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Gary
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=39989)
"A Few of My Favorite Things"
Front and center we have a bottle of Ardbeg Provenance. This is #1134 bottled on 9 April 1974. It is flanked by a 1977 and a 1978 Ardbeg. In the background left is a Martin Logan CLX and background right is a Velodyne DD-18 sub. Sitting behind the CLX is a Bryston 28B-SST sq power amp.
Enjoy the holidays
Gary
-
Am currently enjoying the Laphroaig 10. Love it. Highly recommended for peat lovers. I picked this one up while traveling...$29 at a Palm Springs Costco. Also picked up another Ardbeg 10 there for $48. For my tastes, I prefer the Laphroaig...but the Ardbeg is good stuff too ; )
-
Any one try this?: Amrut "Fusion" Indian Single Malt Whiskey
From India and #3 on Jim Murray's 2010 Whisky Bible -- overall Whisky of the Year.
http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1057873&cid=TPV-Googlebase (http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1057873&cid=TPV-Googlebase)
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=41778)
Picked this up a few weeks ago. Pretty good from a newbie.
I know it's not Scotch but I always have a partner as I enjoy putting the lights on the tree.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=41779)
-
Tried Bruichladdich's standard bottling - the 12 year I guess? - but wasn't too impressed. Disappointed as I love Lagavulin and Laphroaig, and was hoping to find another Islay favorite. Just seemed too thin and a bit boring. Perhaps I would have liked it more if I didn't know it was an Islay...
Anyone have a good recommendation for a smoky, smooth/oily, and seaweedy scotch? Got Lagavulin in the cabinet and love it, but I wouldn't really characterize the dry Lagavulin as having a prominent seaweed/ocean flavor. Have had standard Laphroaig and that is probably closer, so I guess I'm wondering if I should go with Laphroaig CS, QC, Ardbeg, or Caol Ila?
Currently enjoying some Johnnie Walker Red Label. I know, I know, but we were entertaining some guests that enjoy scotch and soda. In any case, I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised with the Red Label, as I haven't had it in many years. Of course Black is better, and a good single malt is another league, but the Red Label is not as terrible as people make it out to be IMO.
-
Ethan, you might want to give the 12 yr Old Pulteney a try. It's not a peaty Islay, but it does have a nice briny thing going. The distillery is in the coastal village of Wick, and is the most northerly of any on the Scottish mainland. It's one of my faves.
-
iMalt iphone app 99 cents was $10 limited time only.
-
Tried Bruichladdich's standard bottling - the 12 year I guess? - but wasn't too impressed. Disappointed as I love Lagavulin and Laphroaig, and was hoping to find another Islay favorite. Just seemed too thin and a bit boring. Perhaps I would have liked it more if I didn't know it was an Islay...
Anyone have a good recommendation for a smoky, smooth/oily, and seaweedy scotch? Got Lagavulin in the cabinet and love it, but I wouldn't really characterize the dry Lagavulin as having a prominent seaweed/ocean flavor. Have had standard Laphroaig and that is probably closer, so I guess I'm wondering if I should go with Laphroaig CS, QC, Ardbeg, or Caol Ila?
Currently enjoying some Johnnie Walker Red Label. I know, I know, but we were entertaining some guests that enjoy scotch and soda. In any case, I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised with the Red Label, as I haven't had it in many years. Of course Black is better, and a good single malt is another league, but the Red Label is not as terrible as people make it out to be IMO.
If you like Jhonny Walker, you may want to try a bottle of Cardhu. It is the Whisky that gives Jhonny Walker its chocolaty flavpr.
-
If you like Jhonny Walker, you may want to try a bottle of Cardhu. It is the Whisky that gives Jhonny Walker its chocolaty flavpr.
I've Cardhu, and you can definitely tell it forms part of the basis for JW Black. However, I like JW Black better and it's cheaper.
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=39989)
"A Few of My Favorite Things"
Front and center we have a bottle of Ardbeg Provenance. This is #1134 bottled on 9 April 1974. It is flanked by a 1977 and a 1978 Ardbeg. In the background left is a Martin Logan CLX and background right is a Velodyne DD-18 sub. Sitting behind the CLX is a Bryston 28B-SST sq power amp.
Enjoy the holidays
Gary
Ardbeg 10 ans being enjoyeed! I can't even imagine what a drop of those must be like!
Cheers!
Imp.
-
Finally got a bottle of Ardbeg 10yo. I almost got a different make as I was having trouble finding Ardbeg. Glad I hung out. OMG, I think smoke rolled out of the bottle upon opening. I like it. I have the Delmore 12 as recommended :thumb: A bottle of Crown Royal Black which was given to me as a gift :| now this Ardbeg 10 :thumb: :thumb:
this is becoming more fun than tube rolling. :P
Thanks so much for the suggestions in this thread. Any recs on what to get next??
-
If you like ardbeg, then Talisker or Laphroaig should be next!
-
Anyone had the 25 year Rittenhouse Rye? My local store seems to have gotten some by mistake and are selling for $50 a bottle. They claim it's a $160 dollar bottle. I'm much more of a scotch man than a bourbon or rye, but some of the online reviews seem to really like it. Not sure what kinds of vested interests they may have, though, and I thought you guys might be able to help me out with your opinions.
-
My sister has lived in Edinburgh Scotland for many years.
Shortly before Christmas, she brought me a bottle of Dalwhinnie 15 year.
I started sipping and wrapping presents, and before I knew it half of the bottle was gone. And at that point it had started tasting kind of like sweet tea.
And we like our sweet tea down here in Ole Virginny.
I have bought a bottle since of the 12 year, as that is all that I could find locally on a whim, to try and visit again that nice time.
James
-
If you like Dalwhinnie, you will love Oban.
-
If you like ardbeg, then Talisker or Laphroaig should be next!
Personally, I can't see comparing Ardbeg to Talisker. There's really no comparison. Ardbeg is like drinking an ashtray. Talisker is more peppery and much, much less smokey. Ardbeg to Laphroaig, I can see that.
I've had an Ardbeg 8 G&M that was fantastic, much better than they typical Ardbeg in my opinion. It had smoke but tons of flavor.
-
True, Talisker is more pepper than smoke, but I think Talisker is closer to ardbeg that to a highland malt like Macallan or Dalmore.
Another rec that's closer to the smoke profile that Ardbeg has is Lagavulin - sort of combines the flavors found in ardbeg and laphroaig with a bit more depth. Bowmore is another good choice in this category, but some people dislike the slight sulphur undertones in some of the bowmore bottlings. I used to dislike it too, but tried it again about 6 months ago and found it very tasty.
-
Yeah, all of the Islay whisky will have the peaty flavors to different degrees. It's kind of the Islay signature flavor. Some are smokier or have other additional flavors. I have always found Ardbeg to have a pretty clean and pure peaty flavor - not much else going into the flavor. Talisker, being outside the region, doesn't quite have the level of peat flavor as most Islays, but it does have some that is also well balanced with quite a few other flavors. I would agree it kind of blends the Islay flavors with those more typical of other regions. Talisker is definitely one of my favs.
-
If you like Dalwhinnie, you will love Oban.
Tyson,
I decided to try your suggestion as tomorrow is my birthday.
I just took my first sip of Oban. Man is that nice.
If I was versed enough in Scotches, I could give it a proper review.
But if first impressions count, it has a very smooth and mellow flavor,
with what appears to be a lightly sweet, smokey taste with the traditional hint of peat.
The warm feeling brought on by the first drink alone, is worth the price of admission.
Thanks again for the recommendation.
James
-
Anyone have a opportunity to try thus yet?
I did a search for it but didn't turn up any comments so I thought I would ask.
-
Had a few drams of dalwhinnie recently. I like dalwhinnie. Very prominent honey and cereal with a bit of wood smoke toward the finish. Easy drinking, very little burn. Not the most bombastic single malt, but a very pleasant one nonetheless.
I also had a dram of Macallan, not sure if it was the fine oak 10 or the regular 12, as I was at a bar. It was ok but to be honest it tasted like sherried bourbon to me, which I found to be a sort of odd flavor profile.
Also had some elijah craig 18 year - very wild stuff. I tasted lots of spice, vanilla, some coal, and a big weird flavor that I have not experienced in any scotch. Not very smooth. I liked it. Makes me want to try more bourbons.
I also just bought a bottle of HP12. I've tried this before a few years ago, but have never bought a bottle for some reason. I love HP18 (HP18 is a favorite up there with lagavulin 16 and talisker 18 for me), so I'm hoping that this will be a more affordable dram that I can truly love.
Question: anyone try the mcphail 8 year old stuff? I'm thinking about trying the bunnahabhain 8 or HP8, but can't find any tasting notes whatsoever on the bunna, and only very little on the HP.
-
The 8 year old stuff is too young, don't waste your money on it.
Also, good call on the HP 12!! One of my favorite drams, regardless of age. ALL of HP's bottlings are great, but I think the 12 offers the best balance between honey, peat, vanilla, and the tiniest hint of smoke.
If you are going down the bourbon path, check out the Bourbon! thread here in this circle, it has lots of tasting notes I did over time with a bunch of bottlings. Short version - the top bourbons worth trying are any of the Van Winkles, any of the Black Maple Hills, and most especially the George T Stagg, which is the best whiskey I've ever had of any type, including some very high end scotches. Stagg re-defines how good a whiskey can be, at least IMO.
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=53121)
-
Ya know, Springbank is my absolute favorite distillery in all of scotland - I've had pretty much every bottling they've put out. But they are one of the examples of really having a "sweet spot" in their range. 10 years is too young, and the 18 is too old. The 12 and the 15 are absolutely phenomenal, IMO. Any older than that and the wood seems to dominate too much. Actually, one thing I've noted about springbank is that they seem to age "faster" than other distilleries. By that I mean that their 12 year old is equivalent to other distilleries' 15 year olds. And the 15 at springbank is equivalent to other distilleries' 18 or even 20 year old scotches.
On the other hand, some distilleries are the reverse and taste very "immature" for their age. Balvenie is a classic example - their 15 year old tastes about like a 10 year old from other places, to me. Glenfiddich is another - the 18 year old I am drinking right this minute seems to be about the same as a 12 year old from other places. If that makes any sense...
Anyway, there are a few distilleries that are consistently at the top of the heap, and Springbank is certainly one of them!! :thumb:
-
I'm not a Scotch drinker, don't know diddle about them, I prefer Bourbon. But here is a gift bottle I did enjoy, I took the pics.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=53123)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=53124)
-
I'm not a Scotch drinker, don't know diddle about them, I prefer Bourbon. But here is a gift bottle I did enjoy, I took the pics.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=53123)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=53124)
You have to try their 18 year, scrumptious! :thumb:
-
You have to try their 18 year, scrumptious! :thumb:
I read a ways back that someone didn't like the 18 year, gave it a lesser rating.
-
I think it takes three or four drinks to really get a good feel for a whisky, but after one dram I'm very pleased with the HP12. My initial impression is sweet, chewy peat, very malty, big sherry, bit of honey, smoke and a hint of maritime flavor. Quite full bodied for a 12 year old whisky.
What's neat about highland park is that you get a number of very big, distinct flavors that sort of co-exist from start to finish. Very different from, say, a whisky like dalwhinnie 15 (i.e., here is the honey, now here is the cereal, now here is some tea, now here is some dry wood smoke, and now here is some more honey). Not to say one approach is better than the other, but an interesting juxtaposition nonetheless.
Cragganmore 12 seems to have gotten shit on in the tastings on page 1, but I'm wondering if that is the consensus. I'm thinking about getting a bottle for my friend who is just starting to get a taste for scotch (a few years ago he downed a dram of my lagavulin like it was cheap tequila - wanted to strike him about the head and face). He likes JWR and JWB, so I think he needs something not too peaty with minimal burn. Of course whatever I get needs to be good enough for me to drink as well 8). Any suggestions?
-
Added a new one to my collection
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=53144)
Almost went with the Woodford reserve burbon or Talisker 10.
What can one expect with a Woodford burbon vs. the HP 12 (or any scotch)? Haven't found GT Stagg yet.
Cheers (imagine a scotch smilie here)
-
Recently bought a bottle of Ardbeg 10. This is my first Ardbeg, and I like it quite a bit. Of course it is very peaty and smokey, but it has very little alcohol burn, especially considering that it's bottled at 46%. It smells very smokey, starts a bit sweet (more of a burnt sugar sweetness than dried fruit sweetness like Lagavulin), then the smokey and maritime flavors quickly take over. Under all the smoke a punch of eucalyptus/menthol hits briefly and then fades out as the smokey flavors take over again. The finish is bonfire-on-the-beach-smokey and moderately long.
In contrast to Laphroaig 10 I find it less industrial and meaty, yet more coastal and smokey. Also, the smoke is drier in comparison to Laphroaig's more "boggy" smoke. Compared to Lagavulin I'd say it is more intense but less complex and rich. Mouth feel is good, smooth and a bit oily, probably due to the non-chill filtration.
Overall I like it very much! :thumb:
-
Never understood this thread before, but I took up drinking Scotch and Irish whiskey recently. More of the prior, but I do like Jamison 12 year on the rocks. That said, I like all scotch on the rocks. I don't like it room temp. That might not be kosher, but that is the way I like it, and not watered down.
I've tried Grant's Mixed Red label, Oban's, Jamison 12 year in memory. I tried a few others in a Scotch Library and like them but didn't remember the names.
-
Recently bought a bottle of Ardbeg 10. This is my first Ardbeg, and I like it quite a bit. Of course it is very peaty and smokey, but it has very little alcohol burn, especially considering that it's bottled at 46%. It smells very smokey, starts a bit sweet (more of a burnt sugar sweetness than dried fruit sweetness like Lagavulin), then the smokey and maritime flavors quickly take over. Under all the smoke a punch of eucalyptus/menthol hits briefly and then fades out as the smokey flavors take over again. The finish is bonfire-on-the-beach-smokey and moderately long.
In contrast to Laphroaig 10 I find it less industrial and meaty, yet more coastal and smokey. Also, the smoke is drier in comparison to Laphroaig's more "boggy" smoke. Compared to Lagavulin I'd say it is more intense but less complex and rich. Mouth feel is good, smooth and a bit oily, probably due to the non-chill filtration.
Overall I like it very much! :thumb:
Thanks for this comparo. I too found the pronounced smoke taste a nice deviation from the less smoky. The laphroaig sounds different enough to give it a shot.
-
Never understood this thread before, but I took up drinking Scotch and Irish whiskey recently. More of the prior, but I do like Jamison 12 year on the rocks. That said, I like all scotch on the rocks. I don't like it room temp. That might not be kosher, but that is the way I like it, and not watered down.
I've tried Grant's Mixed Red label, Oban's, Jamison 12 year in memory. I tried a few others in a Scotch Library and like them but didn't remember the names.
Ive been guessing scotching is kind of like sex. There really isn't bad sex.
Haven't had it on the rocks yet but have added a drop of water when I wanted to.
-
Got a Bowmore 12 on a whim and am enjoying it now. Not as much as I like the Oban. Haven't decided whether I like it better than Jamison 12 yet.
-
Try the Bowmore 15 Darkest - it's delicious. I'm having a glass right now!
-
Unfortunately, liquor is quite expensive here in Canada. Oban costs $100/btl and Bowmore 12 is $60/btl.
-
Canada? What the hell, last I saw you were in NY?????
-
Yeah I left NYC for Toronto in July. Took a portfolio manager position up here for Canada Pension.
-
Congrats! You should treat yourself to some better Scotches :) Highland Park 16, Bowmore 15, Lagavulin 15, Macallan 12 (or 18), all are very rich, deeply flavorful scotches, and worth the $$.
-
Just and FYI, the latest Bowmore 12 has gotten even better. One of the very few remaining bargains in scotch.
-
Try the Bowmore 15 Darkest - it's delicious. I'm having a glass right now!
Had a dram of Bowmore "Voyage" Port Casked @56% last week. It's sublime.
-
Due to work, I'm often sipping on Japanese whiskey with colleagues. I'm a Santori man for life. The Yamazaki 18 remains my favorite, though the (rye) Hakushu 18 is also pretty awesome stuff.
-
Try the Laphroaig 18, not very expensive and quite good for the money.
-
Most of my favorite drams come from independent bottlers. Signatory Vintage has put out some exceptional cask strength Highland Parks: a 21 year old sherry butt and 24 year old hogshead bottling most recently. I also have a couple of bottles of 1975 Tomatin from Mackillop's Choice that's quite excellent if you like tropical fruit bombs. For the even older stuff I have a 1972 37 year old Caperdonich from Duncan Taylor and a 1970 38 year old Glen Grant also from Duncan Taylor that I have been slowly nursing for over a year. The most recent independent I bought was a cask strength 20 year old Caol Ila from A.D. Rattray from a ex bourbon cask. Outstanding stuff that.
For distillerly bottlings perhaps my favorite is Talisker 25 year old, 57.2% ABV, 2005 release. Last year I lucked into an opportunity to buy a case for very cheap and I took it. A few months later Diageo announced price increases for Talisker. The 10yr old only went up a little, but the 18yr old shot up to $149 list and the 25 year old went up to $279. They also reduced the strength of the 25 year old to 45.8% ABV. I'm sure it is still good whisky but it just is not going to compare to the older releases bottled at cask strength. What a shame.
For daily sippers my tastes are not so expensive. Glenlivet Nadurra IMO is the best value going in scotch whisky today. Where else can you get a 16 year old cask strength single malt matured in first fill bourbon casks for less than $70? I'm also a big fan of Old Pulteney, and like the 12, 17, and 21 year olds a great deal. And there is Macallan. It has become fashionable among whisky anoraks to bash Macallan, but I still love their 12 year old sherry oak, the price is still quite reasonable at about $50, and I consider it to be among the best budget sherried malts on the market. But that said I do like the Macallan 10 year old cask strength and Aberlour A'bunadh better (I generally prefer cask strength bottlings to those reduced to below 50% ABV by the distillery). For Islay drams my go to malts are Laphroaig 10 year old cask strength, and Lagavulin 12 year old cask strength, 16 year old, and the 16 year old distiller's edition. I like Caol Ila as well but don't like any of the distillery bottlings as much as the stuff I have from independents. The same holds for Bowmore. The distillery Bowmores that I really like are the 15 year old darkest, the 18 year old, and the 10 year old cask strength Tempest. Most of the best Bowmores I have come from independent bottlers. I'm not a huge Ardbeg fan. Ardbeg is putting a lot of young whisky into its NAS bottlings and it shows. But I really do like the Uigeadail.
Here is a link to my whisky collection. I went through a period when I did a lot of buying and have accumulated far more whisky than I could ever drink.
http://www.whiskybase.com/collection.php?userviewid=6744
--Jerome
-
WOW, what a collection. I also love the Signatory bottling's . The 79 Dallas Dhu and the Clynelish in the Cask Strength Collection were in the top 5 of scotch that I have ever tried and the Highland Park in that collection was the best ever! I can only imagine what the 83 Caol Ila tastes like. Cheers!
-
I am a new whiskey drinker. I have taken a shine to Burbon. I like Johnny Drum, Bullit, Blantons and Knob Creek. I would like to try out scotch. What is good quality beginners scotch? I have a good store but the selection is overwhelming. The prices range from $50 to $1500. What would be a good bottle for less then $100? Thanks for the recs.
-
make it easy on yourself...
PINCH for a decent Blend.
(Johnny Walker 18 GOLD-
for a unique blend or Swing )
Single malts....again go easy OBAN
or Glenlivet-perhaps Nadurra.
If you can buy some small Airplane bottles...try a variety.
-
How about a bourbon, with some scotch mixed in???
Check out this stuff, it's very tasty:
http://www.highwest.com/spirits/new-campfire/ (http://www.highwest.com/spirits/new-campfire/)
(http://www.highwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Campfire_6.png)
-
I am a new whiskey drinker. I have taken a shine to Burbon. I like Johnny Drum, Bullit, Blantons and Knob Creek. I would like to try out scotch. What is good quality beginners scotch? I have a good store but the selection is overwhelming. The prices range from $50 to $1500. What would be a good bottle for less then $100? Thanks for the recs.
I would suggest any of the following as very good and affordable entry level single malts:
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
Tomatin 12 Year Old
Glen Grant 10 Year Old
Aberlour 12 Year Old
Glenmorangie 10 Year Old
--Jerome
-
Thanks for the recs!
-
Your price limit of $100 or less brings a number of single malts into play that I hadn't considered. So I would add a number of cask strength malts such as:
Glenlivet Nadurra 16 Year Old (bottled at cask strength and matured in first fill bourbon casks)
Aberlour A'Bunadh (this is a vatting of whiskies matured in ex sherry casks and bottled at cask strength)
Macallan Cask Strength (another sherry bomb bottled at cask strength)
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength (an annual release bottled at cask strength)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (a limited edition release from Diageo, matured in ex bourbon casks)
Glenfarclas 105 (another sherry bomb bottled at cask strength)
I tend to favor single malts bottled at cask strength over those that are diluted to less than 50% ABV. The flavor is more intense at higher strength, and you can always add water to a whisky to reduce alcohol burn if that turns out to be a problem for you. Of those above, I would highly recommend Glenlivet Nadurra. You can usually find it for about $65 and it's a real cracker of a whisky.
Laphroaig and Lagavulin are very smoky and phenolic, since the barley is dried in a kiln fired by peat. I happen to like peaty whisky but it isn't for everyone.
Have fun!
--Jerome
-
I grabbed a bottle of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength. Whaoh! I was not prepared for the intense flavor! Working into it. Not sure it's a beginners bottle! So far so good.
-
I did say that Laphroaig and Lagavulin were smoky and phenolic due to the peat. :D
You seem to be getting on well with it. You can always add a few drops of water to tone it down. After a time you get used to it. I seldom add water to whisky. Some malts don't take water very well and tend to fall apart, but Laphroaig can take a little water so don't be bashful about adding a little if it is too much for you neat. I believe that Batch 4 was bottled at about 57% ABV so adding a teaspoon of water to a dram will bring it down to about 50% ABV or so.
I should have mentioned that the cask strength whiskies I suggested above aren't usually considered good choices for beginners unless they plan to add water to bring the strength down.
--Jerome
-
Being a whiskey rookie I can only do neat once my palet is "conditioned" as my boss says.
I drank ~1oz with lots of ice. Very slow sipping. Was very good and quite a palate destroyer.
Gotta try something less smokey. So they smoke the grain? I know nothing about how scotch is made.
-
Here's a couple of youtube videos about Laphroaig and how they make their whisky.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9Xo900woaU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVJztcYA-CY
If you prefer your whisky with ice then by all means, enjoy. But one thing to be aware of is that ice closes the aroma of the whisky down and makes it harder to smell. Nosing a whisky is a large part of the experience if you really want to appreciate it.
If you would like a single malt that is not smoky then any of the entry level malts I recommended would qualify. My personal favorite among the budget malts is Old Pulteney 12 Year Old. It is bottled at 43% ABV and isn't peated. It is vatted mostly from ex-bourbon casks so it has a fair amount of vanilla in the flavor profile, with a very mild touch of sea air -- the distillery is located in Wick, Scotland which is on the coast of the North Sea.
--Jerome
-
sts9fan, you may want to try this one. It was my first and I find it quite smooth at 40% abv.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=41778)
-
I grabbed a bottle of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength. Whaoh! I was not prepared for the intense flavor! Working into it. Not sure it's a beginners bottle! So far so good.
I despise Laphroaig 10 CS. Can't get past the band aid taste.
-
Being a whiskey rookie I can only do neat once my palet is "conditioned" as my boss says.
I drank ~1oz with lots of ice. Very slow sipping. Was very good and quite a palate destroyer.
Gotta try something less smokey. So they smoke the grain? I know nothing about how scotch is made.
I may catch some flak here, but I happen to like Johnny Walker Green (their only single malt), and Gold. I rather enjoy Gold. You may like the flavors of those a bit better than the peat (smoky) types. I like those as well, but they are an acquired taste.
-
Nothing wrong with Johnny Walker Green, though it isn't a single malt...rather, it is a malt blend (or what used to be referred to as a vatted malt).
--Jerome
-
You are right, I stand corrected. The Wiki also states that the Green and Gold have both been discontinued. Guess I better stock up! :lol:
-
As a general rule I usually will buy single malt whisky bottled at 43% ABV or higher. Some malts, like Cragganmore 12 Year Old, is fine at 40%. Others, like Dalmore 12 Year Old is a little weak to my taste buds at 40%. I have a couple of single cask Dalmore bottlings from Duncan Taylor and Signatory that are much better IMO. However, everyone is a little bit different in what they are looking for in a whisky. For example, I know someone who will only buy cask strength single malts that are matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks and are unpeated.
I prefer more intense and concentrated flavors, so I tend to buy cask strength single malts. If a whisky is too strong for my tastes or has too much alcohol burn I can always add water. If the whisky is excessively diluted at the distillery and too weak, well, there is very little you can do about that.
I have a couple of single malts that I feel are too weak at 40% ABV, so I have taken to making my own home blends in order to get more enjoyment from them. For instance, I add about a teaspoon full of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength to a dram of Dalmore 12 Year Old. It adds a wee touch of smoke to the Dalmore and enhances the flavors. I have also blended Dalmore with a little bit of Aberlour A'Bunadh (as cask strength sherried single malt) or Glenlivet Nadurra and those have worked well for me too. I call these creations "frankendrams" :lol: While some whiskies might not work too well together there is no real harm in trying it. But home blending probably isn't for the beginner. It helps to be familiar with the whiskies you are blending so you have some idea of what the outcome will be, and that experience also helps you to determine the blending ratio. For example, I would not blend too much Laphroaig cask strength with Dalmore 12 Year Old. The Laphroaig can quickly overpower the Dalmore and obscure its character, so what you end up with is something that does justice to neither of the component whiskies.
--Jerome
-
I have a couple of single malts that I feel are too weak at 40% ABV, so I have taken to making my own home blends in order to get more enjoyment from them. For instance, I add about a teaspoon full of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength to a dram of Dalmore 12 Year Old. It adds a wee touch of smoke to the Dalmore and enhances the flavors. I have also blended Dalmore with a little bit of Aberlour A'Bunadh (as cask strength sherried single malt) or Glenlivet Nadurra and those have worked well for me too. I call these creations "frankendrams" :lol:
Jerome, thank you for saying this !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was going to ask if it is ok to do something like this. I have an Ardbeg 10 that I bought because of the smoke flavor (which I like) but have grown to see that it is a BIT much. Never had Laphroaig, if you have had Ardbeg how would you compare the two ie, is one smokier than the other?
-
Ardbeg is drier and more in your face. Laphroaig is richer and more organic tasting. Both are peat monsters, but in different ways.
-
The Laphroaig is a bit much for me. Could not drink more then on. Had to switch back to Burbon tonight.
Need to try a less or no smoke scotch next.
-
Highland Park is, IMO, the perfect beginner scotch - it has everything in almost perfect balance. 12 year old, 15, 18, doesn't matter, they are all great.
-
Great, I have seen that at all my stores. I will grab a bottle.
Thanks!
-
While I agree with Tyson about Highland Park, you should be aware that it is lightly peated and therefore does have a touch of smoke. It's nothing like Laphroaig mind you, and the distillery bottlings come in at 43% ABV so they won't slap you about the face as hard as a cask strength whisky.
--Jerome
-
Yes, malty sweetness, oak, honey, and smoke all in perfect balance. Great stuff!
-
Ardbeg is drier and more in your face. Laphroaig is richer and more organic tasting. Both are peat monsters, but in different ways.
+1
--Jerome
-
Highland Park is, IMO, the perfect beginner scotch - it has everything in almost perfect balance. 12 year old, 15, 18, doesn't matter, they are all great.
Got to try the Highland Park. I do like the smoky flavor some. I did try the Oban you recommended last year Tyson.
Good but not for me.
Still like the Dahlwhinnie though my nephew brought some Glenkinchie 12 back from Edinborough and it was a nice
Lowland flavor.
James
-
Yes, malty sweetness, oak, honey, and smoke all in perfect balance. Great stuff!
You don't need to convince me. I'm a big fan of Highland Park.
(http://www.indierockfan.net/pics/HighlandParks.jpg)
--Jerome
-
The Laphroaig is a bit much for me. Could not drink more then on. Had to switch back to Burbon tonight.
Need to try a less or no smoke scotch next.
I sincerely hope you don't give up on it. By all means don't force yourself to drink a whisky that isn't to your liking. However, you might be able to use it to blend with other single malts that might benefit from a few drops of peaty whisky. The Dalmore 12 Year Old distillery bottling doesn't do much for me, but it's quite nice with about a teaspoon of Laphroaig CS in it.
(http://www.indierockfan.net/pics/FrankenDram.jpg)
--Jerome
-
For something halfway between Laphroaig and Ardbed, Lagavulin is a good choice. It's a peaty scotch too, but has been aged in sherry barrels, so has more complexity and a richer overall flavor.
-
In don't give up that easy...
-
For something halfway between Laphroaig and Ardbed, Lagavulin is a good choice. It's a peaty scotch too, but has been aged in sherry barrels, so has more complexity and a richer overall flavor.
I agree. And to my taste buds Lagavullin Distiller's Edition is one the best distillerly bottlings of any single malt I have ever tasted. I love what the PX finish does to their whisky. The bad news is that prices for it have climbed to about $115 for a bottle. Several months ago I found 4 bottles of the 1991 for $90 each, so I snapped them up.
--Jerome
-
Definitely, a big step up over the regular distiller's bottling, and the regular bottling ain't bad! I've tried the Distiller's Editions for a few other single malts and was always underwhelmed, so much so that I almost passed on the Lagavulin DE I found for $80 a while back. Glad I decided to give it one more try!
-
(http://www.indierockfan.net/pics/Talisker18.jpg)
Talisker, along with Highland Park, Pulteney, Bladnoch, and Lagavulin are my favorite distilleries in Scotland. One of my favorite single malts is Talisker 25 Year Old 2005 release. But the 18 Year Old is a great whisky too. I can get lost for hours just nosing the aromas in a dram of Talisker 18 Year Old. Sadly, Diageo raised the price of Talisker across the board: the 18 Year Old increased in price by a staggering 60%, from $89 list to $149 list. I had two bottles of the 18 Year Old on hand when the price increase hit, and I was fortunate enough to find another bottle at a local store at the old price so I took it. These will probably be the last bottles of Talisker 18 Year Old I will ever enjoy, because I refuse to pay the obscene price of $149. But such is the trend in the whisky market -- prices are going up and up, and will not recover until the growth bubble bursts.
Even more disturbing is that Diageo decided to reduce the strength of the Talisker 25 and 30 year olds from cask strength to 45.8% ABV. They also raised the price to $269 list for the 25 Year Old and $429 for the 30 Year Old. Fortunately for me, I was able to by 6 bottles of the 25 Year Old 2005 release, bottled at 57.2% ABV for $120/bottle. I don't have the 30 Year Old but would love to try it...though not at current prices and not reduced to 45.8% ABV.
--Jerome
-
OK, check out the first post in this thread, all my tasting notes are back! 24 pages worth of tasting notes done over several years. Check it out if you haven't already seen it!
-
Got a bottle of The Dalmore 12. I like it better. I have not tried it blended yet. So far I still think I like Burbon better. We shall see.
-
I have an employee who recently discovered that he likes Scotch, thanks to me. As a reward for closing a major deal, I just sent him a 25 year old Springbank.
-
21 YR Spring Bank, last bottle. This is my very favorite bottle of Spring Bank. If I had to pick one distillery to drink it would be Spring Bank.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110542)
PC10 - my next bottle to open, usually not a fan of this style but this stuff rocks
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110543)
-
I tried Redbreast 12 the other day, and while I do not have a very refined palate, I could see this was a special whiskey. The finish is buttery smooth and to me.. That stands out more than anything. Just for the finish, you feel like having one more. It is of course not peaty at all.. But I did think it had a fair amount of flavor.
-
Been awhile for this thread but here's one to try
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=138195)
Very distinctive flavor, granted I haven't tried very many single malts but this is my current favorite
Mike
-
I’ve been on this forum since 2005 and don’t know how I missed this thread. Tyson I have only had a handful of Scotches, but from your descriptions of all the different Scotches in the first post your impressions are very similar to mine. I now have a list to work through.
Thank you,
Brad
-
This is an awesome thread and I'm so glad it popped up! To be honest, I hardly drink whiskey/whisky but I'm spending two weeks in Scotland this summer and I'm just getting started with my training. Based on my son's recommendation, first up is...Oban 14. I'm on a very steep learning curve but I have to do my best so I know just how good the Scotch is at the source. We are staying on the Isle of Skye for 3 days and we'd already decided to visit Talisker so maybe that should be next on my training list.
What should I try after Oban and Talisker? Our other stops include Glencoe, Inverness, Stirling and Edinburgh plus one night in Oban. The area east of Inverness has so many distilleries!
Lastly, what do you think the Scots will say or do if I add water (3:1) to their Scotch whisky? My first thought is: I'm not sure I want to find out!
-
I’ve been on this forum since 2005 and don’t know how I missed this thread.
I can't believe I missed this entire thread, either :o
What I really can't believe (don't want to believe) is how much Scotch prices have skyrocketed in last few years :oops:
-
I can't believe I missed this entire thread, either :o
What I really can't believe (don't want to believe) is how much Scotch prices have skyrocketed in last few years :oops:
Its crazy how the prices has gone up and if it gets popular it really goes up.
-
Since the thread has come back to life, maybe we can post some of our favorites again. I do know from year to year you have deviations from very little to a whole lot. These scotch gift packs are cool, not much money and you get three good samples. Its unbelievable how many whiskey distilleries are in the US now.
https://www.malts.com/en-us/whisky-gift-guide/gift-packs/ (https://www.malts.com/en-us/whisky-gift-guide/gift-packs/)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=194861)
-
It took some work to find one in California but worth it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48010363021_550e34ccb6.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2g9vEgF)0605191629 (https://flic.kr/p/2g9vEgF) by drjlo2 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/60017347@N03/), on Flickr
-
Need some advice from y'all since I don't drink scotch.
One of my clients states he loves good Scotch. Got him an
expensive bottle last year and he tells me later that he has it in the freezer
chilling. Found out he gave it to his partner cause he thought it was crap.
Can't remember the name but it has the deer head on it and cost me just
over a hundred bucks. Based on what I just stated what would be a decent
Scotch for somebody like this?
Thanks guys
Don
-
You may have bough him a nice bottle of Dalmore, which is a nice scotch.
(https://cdn2.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/dalmore-15-year-old-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0)
But individual taste are hard to predict. Try buying him one of the many Japanese scotches malt whiskys. Some are excellent, and it may be something outside his usual taste experience.
-
The deer head Scotch is The Dalmore. I'll guess it was the 12-year-old? In Oregon it costs about $65 and closer to $100 in WA.
Scotch drinkers' preferences are all over the map. I personally quite like The Dalmore 12 because the Scotch was stored in Sherry casks before bottling. It's not peaty. I like that flavor. Someone once highly recommended I try a really peaty Scotch that I just could not drink. I ended up giving it to a buddy of mine. I guess you want to avoid any Scotch that was stored in sherry casks.
Michael
-
I have the 15 year Dalmore and really enjoy it.
-
The deer head Scotch is The Dalmore. I'll guess it was the 12-year-old? In Oregon it costs about $65 and closer to $100 in WA.
Scotch drinkers' preferences are all over the map. I personally quite like The Dalmore 12 because the Scotch was stored in Sherry casks before bottling. It's not peaty. I like that flavor. Someone once highly recommended I try a really peaty Scotch that I just could not drink. I ended up giving it to a buddy of mine. I guess you want to avoid any Scotch that was stored in sherry casks.
Michael
Michael, if you enjoyed the Dalmore 12 that was 'finished' aging in sherry why would you say to avoid such(last sentence) ?
For the record Scotch whisky to the best of my knowledge is rarely ever solely aged in sherry casks, it's a finished casking process. In the case of Dalmore 12 it's first 9 years are spent in the traditional white oak (ex bourbon barrels)
-
Need some advice from y'all since I don't drink scotch.
One of my clients states he loves good Scotch. Got him an
expensive bottle last year and he tells me later that he has it in the freezer
chilling. Found out he gave it to his partner cause he thought it was crap.
Can't remember the name but it has the deer head on it and cost me just
over a hundred bucks. Based on what I just stated what would be a decent
Scotch for somebody like this?
Thanks guys
Don
Michael, if you enjoyed the Dalmore 12 that was 'finished' aging in sherry why would you say to avoid such(last sentence) ?
For the record Scotch whisky to the best of my knowledge is rarely ever solely aged in sherry casks, it's a finished casking process. In the case of Dalmore 12 it's first 9 years are spent in the traditional white oak (ex bourbon barrels)
Hi, Twitch.
If you reference Don's post above, you will see that he presented a bottle of what is likely The Dalmore 12 to a business client. The client did not like it and gave it to his partner. My comment about avoiding sherry finished Scotch was based on my assumption that Don's client does not like that sort of Scotch. I think it's great stuff personally, and I do recommend people try it. When my wife's number three sister got married (in Taiwan), I bought something like a case and a half of 12 year-old Dalmore and placed one bottle on each table for guests' enjoyment.
Michael