To Any Scotch or Bourbon drinkers.....

[pakalolo]

Neither did I until I starting sniffin' and sippin' single malts.

I don't even sip, really. I take in just enough to get the flavour, no more than a couple of drops. I can make a shot last all night this way, and I don't feel guilty about buying single malts in the $75-100 a bottle range.

 

[Symbolik]

T

I don't even sip, really. I take in just enough to get the flavour, no more than a couple of drops. I can make a shot last all night this way, and I don't feel guilty about buying single malts in the $75-100 dollar a bottle range.

That's not a bad idea.. that definitely justifies buying something of that price.

I msy not be able to drink it regularly but I do love the smell. Sailor's has this really nice vanilla scent to it. ive kept a handle in my room and whenever I see it I like to take a sniff of it.. YUM!

 

[lwien]

I don't even sip, really. I take in just enough to get the flavour, no more than a couple of drops. I can make a shot last all night this way, and I don't feel guilty about buying single malts in the $75-100 a bottle range.

Yeah, I do what you do. Maybe "sip" was an inaccurate word to use here. A shot lasts me for about 2 to 3 hours as well.

 

[Buildozer]

I really enjoyed all of these.. The Highland Park 12 was good stuff, very smokey, but it grew on me.. it's probably not one I'll get again very soon though.. I really, really liked the Macallan 12.. I just picked up the Glenmorangie 12 last night, and I Love it! I think it's my favorite so far.. The bottle says it's first matured in bourbon casks then matured in sherry casks.. I don't feel I know enough to try and analyze it, but I really like it! I'll definitely be getting it again.. probably again next time.. And I Love my Glencairn glass! Thanks for bringing it up lwien.

 

[Hashassin]

irish whiskey drinker here. saw pyrate rum mentioned a few posts up. occasionally i get a taste for rum and pyrate is the best i've had. i was genuinely surprised how smooth and flavorful they got it. comes with a pendant of the buddhist patron saint of bartenders too. neat.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Was introduced to Scotch recently with a Glenfiddich 15. Despite being a regular drinker of alcohol, and Bourbon in particular, I'd not developed a taste for Scotch until now.

Well, this made my taste buds really come alive ... and now I'm hooked. Why must a poor man have expensive tastes?

Maybe next I'll try a Dimple Pinch - I know where I could find a free sample:

Thanks for all the info, fellas.

 

[fft]

Just found this thread. I have the house to myself this weekend, and with the weather warming up I've been able to open up the windows and enjoy a cigar with a glass of cognac or scotch.

Today's lineup:

In action:

Shaping up to be a good day.

 

[grokit]

Was introduced to Scotch recently with a Glenfiddich 15. Despite being a regular drinker of alcohol, and Bourbon in particular, I'd not developed a taste for Scotch until now.

Well, this made my taste buds really come alive ... and now I'm hooked. Why must a poor man have expensive tastes?

Maybe next I'll try a Dimple Pinch

The latter's a blend and the former's a single malt, but you just named my two favorite scotches

 

[arf777]

Just got a bottle of Talisker 18. One of the best there is IMO.

 

[VegNVape]

Y'know, I'm thinking:
What the FuckCombustion! It's Monday, the work is done for the day & my goals have been achieved. And actually, I don't even think that I really need to invent anymore excuses . . . I'm gonna get my blend on

Chosen by my Poppa himself, this was a most gratefully received gift for my Birthday this year, & it has quickly become a firm favorite.

It's a Limited Edition Christmas Reserve blend from Ballantine's. I know we're no longer in the festive season but personally I'm thinking this one will be good the whole year through. But we'll see how that goes

Anyway, this is how my evening is going to start to take form . . .
Mix and Blend ya'll. Mix and Blend

Have a good 1 everybody.

 

[Wahiker]

Just got a bottle of Talisker 18. One of the best there is IMO.

Agree. Talisker is an acquired taste, even if a bit "peatty" for some. After trying it, the comparison that springs to mind is like comparing a microbrew IPA with budweiser. Ok, that was a bit harsh, but you get the idea...

 

[arf777]

Agree. Talisker is an acquired taste, even if a bit "peatty" for some. After trying it, the comparison that springs to mind is like comparing a microbrew IPA with budweiser. Ok, that was a bit harsh, but you get the idea...

It is less peatty than many other Island scotches, like Laphroaig. But it is peatier (and more seaweedy) than most highlands and lowlands.

The older Taliskers have kind of ruined me for other scotch. Can't drink Laproaig, Lagavulin, or Balvenie anymore. Though I do still like the Glenlivet aged in Madeira casks.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

I have found this one to be a decent blend that won't break your bank (or your balls, for that matter):

Works well in cocktails, too. And it comes with the seal of approval from professional Scotch drinker @Seren

Like, I don't always have $65+ to spend on Scotch, you know!

 

[Seren]

Ahhh....... so you decided to try it @EveryDayAmnesiac I'm just drinking the last of my bottle funnily enough, as a rusty nail - it's delicious! I'll be picking up another bottle tomorrow no doubt. It's the best blended I've tried so far - I guess that's because it's a blend of three malts, with no grains in the mix. I like it alone or as a mixer. I love the caged edition! This is how I keep mine....

I bought my first bottle of this a couple of days back.....

..... it's nice and smoky - not as peaty as:

....it's a real nice change to my usual go to - Glenfiddich 15 (which I ). I'm afraid to try any older Glenfiddich malts - in case my tastes just keep getting more expensive!!​

 

[arf777]

Never had the Jura Superstition, but I love the Jura 21. Can't recall having any Isle of Jura that wasn't enjoyable. More subtle than Islay malts.

 

[Seren]

I'm sure it's not a patch on the 21 @arf777 - but it's a pleasant enough every day drink, that won't break the bank. It's pretty sweet and less medicinal tasting that some Islays. I doesn't give you that 'omg I just swallowed a campfire' reaction upon first taste - but has a pleasant, distinct smokiness to it.

EDIT: In case anyone is wondering, the Monkey Shoulder whisky is a blend of three Speyside single malts - Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie.

 

[Vapinghole]

I'm enjoying the Laphroaig 10 year. Need to cut it with a drop or two of water. Otherwise, I'm all over my Van Winkle Family Reserve 12 yr Lot B. Bourbon perfection, in my view. But I'm just a humble Kentucky boy...

 

[Seren]

Laphroig is so very distinctive @Vapinghole - it's like the marmite of whiskies I reckon - you love it or hate it! I love it - but couldn't drink it every day.

It's hard to come by good bourbons easily over here, in the brick and mortar shops anyhow. I'll have to have a look around online to see what I can get hold of.

 

[lwien]

So I was watching 60 Minutes last night and they did a segment on some Single Malt Scotch Distillers and if ya like your Single Malts, you gotta see this. Great segment:

 

[grokit]

The latter's a blend and the former's a single malt, but you just named my two favorite scotches

When I want something more special, I've found this to be a real treat (and a great value)

But I haven't had it in a while, and when I look on costco's website this seems to be its replacement:

Looks pretty good
Costco/kirkland also used to market/brand a 20-year old islay as I recall.

 

[Vapinghole]

Laphroig is so very distinctive @Vapinghole - it's like the marmite of whiskies I reckon - you love it or hate it! I love it - but couldn't drink it every day.

Exactly how I feel. I enjoy it perhaps twice per month. But perhaps I'd have another dram or two per month if I didn't love Bourbon so much.

Cheers!

 

[Mr Mellish]

I'm easing into the whole whiskey/whisky scene. A friend just received this from the UK.

http://www.glenfarclas.co.uk/en/pages/78,105-Cask-Strength.html

Wow. This is an aggressive swig. No hiding the alcohol burn but there is a lot going on in terms of flavor. I tasted vanilla/orange/caramel. Smoother than you would expect.

 

[Wahiker]

Wow. This is an aggressive swig. No hiding the alcohol burn but there is a lot going on in terms of flavor.

In Scotland, seasoned whiskey imbibers (they don't call it "Scotch" in Scotland) often add a small amount of water (like a teaspoon) to "sweeten" it, especially the cask strength ones.

 

[Snappo]

I
EDIT: In case anyone is wondering, the Monkey Shoulder whisky is a blend of three Speyside single malts - Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie.

Just bought a bottle of Monkey Shoulder on your recommendation, and I must say that for one who is very hard to impress re single malts & blends, I AM IMPRESSED! I usually order my scotch straight out of Scotland or Ireland where the difference in product is huge compared to our regular store bought off the shelf brands ...BUT, Monkey Shoulder is SURPRISINGLY SMOOTH with wonderful flavors with no lack in strength! Well worth 4X the price!!! Highly recommended! ...and thanks for the heads-up @Seren on this one!!!

 

[RUDE BOY]

I thought Monkey Shoulder is from Scotland and actually sold/made by Glenfiddich.

I usually order my scotch straight out of Scotland or Ireland where the difference in product is huge compared to our regular store bought off the shelf brands ...BUT, Monkey Shoulder is SURPRISINGLY SMOOTH