Single Malts and other Whiskys

[mimbresman]

I am not a whisky drinker, but right now I am having a dram of 15 year old single malt I bought in Scotland last summer.

I gave a 21 year old single malt to a friend last summer and we drank it at the Signal Peak Challenge, and I gave this bottle to my step father.

I had to remember why I bought it...Oh yeah, it was good! Very tasty! Buttery...then slightly earthy. Smooth!

Single Malt...mmmmm!

[RandomDood]

I love myself a good single malt. The older the better. Scotch is the only booze I drink, other than Gods elixer, beer. :D

[KDWeb]

I'm a Jameson man myself.....the common man's whiskey:D

[jh4rt]

Old doesn't necessarily make it better, although it rarely makes it worse.

Treat yourself: Try Balvenie Doublewood.


MMMMMMM.....

[hophead]

I love the funky, peaty, smokey, unpronoucable malts of Islay:

Caol lla
Laphroaig
Ardbeg
Bunnahabhain
Bruichladdich
Bowmore

[phastey]

Single Malts are an expensive hobby. I only get to enjoy them once a quarter if the company makes it's numbers *or* I'm at a good steakhouse that has them on the shelf for under $20 a pour. :)

My favorite thus far is "Dalmore" ... you can get a 12 yr for around a $36 a bottle and it's rich, buttery, great finish. I've sampled nothing better for the price point. I also like "Macallans", it's very popular and easy to find but you spending around $46 a bottle for it.

I have tried various from Islay, but I can't recall if I liked them or not.

[davkatreb]

Wild Turkey when I'm flush. Jim Beam when I'm poor.

I've had a decent single malt or two. Holy crap, is that stuff good. Almost TOO smooth.:D Maybe Santa Baby will be good to me this year.

[hophead]

Wild Turkey when I'm flush. Jim Beam when I'm poor.
When I'm poor, I go to New Hampshire--no tax and Bowmore for 17 bucks a fifth!:)

[mimbresman]

I love the funky, peaty, smokey, unpronoucable malts of Islay:

Caol lla
Laphroaig
Ardbeg
Bunnahabhain
Bruichladdich
Bowmore

After sharing that bottle mentioned in my first post at last year's Signal Peak race, that got another one of the race volunteers to bring up his stash of single malt. He brought up a locked briefcase with 3 bottles, all from Islay. He allowed us to sample those fine whiskys. They were all very complex; smokey, peaty, buttery finish, and very good. Good post Hop.

[cMc]

Although I have cut waaaaay back on drinking, I enjoy a single malt scotch every now & then. I am looking across the room at a 12 yr. Glenmorangie Port Wood, which is a delish digestif with a splash of spring water. The Balveinie suggested above is also a nice one.

The funkly Islay malts are what "real whisky" should taste like, IMO.

Jameson is an Irish blend, but it will most certainly do in a pinch. ;)

[hophead]

All of a sudden, I'm getting really thirsty.

Only 2 hrs an 20 minutes 'till happy hour.:D

[hairygrump]

Talisker 12-year is my special occasion drink of choice. It tastes like you're drinking it from a chimney. In a good way.

[jh4rt]

Talisker 12-year is my special occasion drink of choice. It tastes like you're drinking it from a chimney. In a good way.

Whooo!!!!

Lagavulin ... in the same way !!!! From a buttered ash-tray ;-)

[wigger thomas]

There's always a big dangerous bottle at our x-mas party. Last year was Speybourne[sp?]

This year is McClellands.
http://www.mcclellands.co.uk/homepage.aspx

It is from Scotland but the m-c as opposed to
m-a-c makes me wonder.:confused:

Oh well. I'm sure it will do the trick. Just have to figure out who's going to escort our friend from down the street home if he decides to take a dip. Last year I had to talk his wife into letting im have a glass:D
You see,it really wasn't his fault the year before. Someone was filling his glass w/o seeing if he could still stand.
Y

[Ripp]

I am not a big whiskey drinker at all, but I was recently given a couple :) tastes of Jack Danials single barrel that was really good! I can't do regular Jack at all but the single barrel was really smooth! Not up on my whiskey terminology enough to know if this was a single malt or not, but it had single in the name so I thought I'd share.

[penelec]

...whisky ...

Hey, kudos for knowing how to spell it. I'm Welsh, but favor the Scot spellin'.

Question: Why the feck is my hangover so fecking bad with Talisker, but never so much with Bowmore? Seriously? I like the taste of Talisker so much, but Jesus. It's like a migraine combined with an aborted trepane. I'm tempted to hit my head with a two-by-four to get some relief here. Do ye gotta pay more cash to drink something that will not seize up yer brains? Because my brains are seized. Completely.

Was a fun night, tho.

[hophead]

Hey, kudos for knowing how to spell it. I'm Welsh, but favor the Scot spellin'.

Question: Why the feck is my hangover so fecking bad with Talisker, but never so much with Bowmore? Seriously? I like the taste of Talisker so much, but Jesus. It's like a migraine combined with an aborted trepane. I'm tempted to hit my head with a two-by-four to get some relief here. Do ye gotta pay more cash to drink something that will not seize up yer brains? Because my brains are seized. Completely.

Was a fun night, tho.
I would venture a guess that maybe you knocked back a few more drams of Talisker than Bowmore which could account for your throbbin' noggin'.

Speaking of scotch--just got back from snowboarding in Maine and stopped in NH to refuel (vehicle & liquor cabinet). Much to my surprise, the "live free of die" state no longer seems to have cheap liquor. There's still no tax, which is sweet, especially since MD's sales tax just went up to 6%, but prices across the board are much higher. I did pick up a few choice bottles of scotch that were on sale. Among them was a 200ml bottle of Johnny Walker Blue. I've never tried it before, and the curiosity got the better of me. For those of you who have never sampled the ultra premium blend of Scotland's finest malts, save your cash. Now don't get me wrong, it's some mighty tastee stuff, but just not worth the astronomical price tag.

[robcycle]

I love a good single malt, though I haven't had one in a while.

A friend's dream:

Primer: He hates Laphroaig and loves Oben.

So he's visiting family. He has to go out and do something. On his way out the door, his brother-in-law (whom he doesn't like) ask to sample his Oben. Sure says he. Out he goes, does his thing, and returns some hours later. Upon entering the house he finds his brother-in-law and a friend about passed out on the floor, and an empty bottle of scotch. He kicks the bum and asked him why he drank all the booze. The BiL wakes up and tells him not to worry, they replaced it. In his dream he picks up the paper bag, peels it back, and finds a bottle of Laphroaig. He holds it up and screams "Laphroaig? Laphroaig! Laphroaig on both your houses!" :p

Funny.

-Rob.

[mscotch]

Rob,
you might be in luck come July.....anything special you may want?
Mark

[poison idea]

As a mick, i regret to say that i dislike irish whisky. I've got quite a taste for bourbon (maker's mark is tits), but the overwhelming smokiness of scotch turns me off. Had Walker Black & Red, J&B, Cutty but nothing turned my head. I want to like scotch, but just don't seem to. Any suggestions?

[robcycle]

Rob,
you might be in luck come July.....anything special you may want?
MarkI tend to like the booze flavored drinks. That is, the ones with alcohol :p

Seriously though, Scotch? Are you sure you got enough peat in there? I want to breath out smoke, spit out the dirt, and pick the peat from my teeth :D

-Rob.

[hophead]

As a mick, i regret to say that i dislike irish whisky. I've got quite a taste for bourbon (maker's mark is tits), but the overwhelming smokiness of scotch turns me off. Had Walker Black & Red, J&B, Cutty but nothing turned my head. I want to like scotch, but just don't seem to. Any suggestions?
Most scotch whisky is not very smoky. Avoid the offerings from the west coast & islands. Try something from the highlands and you'll be a happy camper.

[mscotch]

I tend to like the booze flavored drinks. That is, the ones with alcohol :p

-Rob.

ok, I see you're fussy, like me!:D

[mscotch]

As a mick, i regret to say that i dislike irish whisky. I've got quite a taste for bourbon (maker's mark is tits), but the overwhelming smokiness of scotch turns me off. Had Walker Black & Red, J&B, Cutty but nothing turned my head. I want to like scotch, but just don't seem to. Any suggestions?

30 some years ago an uncle who drank Scotch told me it was an "acquired taste"....seemed to me then and now if you don't like it straight off, why bother? stick to what you like, maybe?
Sometimes Scotch is like wine me thinks, some folks use it to show off.
All that being said, I do like to explore with it, that's fun! Hope you enjoy your journey.:)

[hophead]

30 some years ago an uncle who drank Scotch told me it was an "acquired taste."
Hey lookie, it's happy hour! Time for me to go acquire some tastee scotch! Maybe some sushi too. Mmmmmmmmmmm.......Mercury, my favorite heavy metal.:D

[robcycle]

My favorite metal is definately Unobtanium :p

And I'm off now, so some scotch would do nicely :D

-Rob.

[hophead]

My favorite metal is definately Unobtanium :p

That's one of the 2 elements that make up Johnnie Walker Blue. The other is Inafordium.

[mimbresman]

Most scotch whisky is not very smoky. Avoid the offerings from the west coast & islands. Try something from the highlands and you'll be a happy camper.

The single malts I bought in the Highlands have a buttery taste with just a hint of an earthy aftertaste. Very nice stuff.

[davkatreb]

Jim Beam flows at mi casa tonight. If that don't suit you, there's a can of Pabst in the fridge. It's alkyhaul, duh. Are ya gonna talk, or are ya gonna get shitfaced?

F*ckin' lightweights...

[hophead]

I'm thinkin' Ardbeg tonight. Last night it was 75 minute IPA's and Wednesday night was Laphroaig. If ya don't like that, I think there's some Corona in the fridge. God only knows where the hell that crap came from.

[robcycle]

Are ya gonna talk, or are ya gonna get shitfaced?Dave, I've always liked your style :cool:

-Rob.

[CT-CT-CT]

It is a sure sign of old age when you become a Scotch whisky drinker.

I couldn't stomach it until I was 30 years old. . . . now it is most of my alcohol intake. I've been on a limited diet due to possible lactose intolerance - Doc said no beer or spirits, but Whisky and Whiskey are both on the menu.

recently drinking:
Bruichladdich WMDII Yellow Submarine
Balvenie 15 yr old Single Barrel
Glenfiddich 18 yr old
Glenrothes 1987
Compass Box Eleuthera
Johnnie Walker Black

I also tried the Glenrothes 1991 and found it to be mediocre, at least compared to the 1987 which I loved. The Glenrothes "Select Reserve" had an odd "burned licorice" taste element I just couldn't get past.

looking to buy:
Grant's Family Reserve blend
Johnnie Walker Green Label - anyone tried this yet?


www.compassboxwhisky.com

old man Dave

[hophead]

Ahhhhh, this is a thread disserving of revival!!!

Yeah, I've had the Green. I even remember the first time I tasted it. I was driving to the Maryland renaissance festival. Traffic was completely stopped. My gf was freakin' out. She wanted to get out and walk. Then I remembered that I had a liter of JW Green in my bag in the back. She immediatly ripped off her seatbelt, snagged the bottle, and cracked it open. I was driving, so I only had a sip or two ;). Not bad stuff. She was a happy camper for the remainder of the drive.

Ok, this will make your mouth water. Here's a 26 year old bottle of Glenlivit. It's a cask strength private bottling circa 1976. Oh how I've had to resist the temptation. Gotta wait for the right occasion. Slainte!!!

[CT-CT-CT]

My favorite thus far is "Dalmore" ... you can get a 12 yr for around a $36 a bottle and it's rich, buttery, great finish. I've sampled nothing better for the price point. I also like "Macallans", it's very popular and easy to find but you spending around $46 a bottle for it.

I agree,the Dalmore is a fantastic value. It is not just a great whisky at that price point...it's a great whisky. a co-worker brought some in to sample. I definitely did not drink it while on the clock. OK, I did.

[CT-CT-CT]

Ok, this will make your mouth water. Here's a 26 year old bottle of Glenlivit. It's a cask strength private bottling circa 1976. Oh how I've had to resist the temptation. Gotta wait for the right occasion. Slainte!!!

Shite! Did you take out a second mortgage to buy that 'un?

[mimbresman]

It is a sure sign of old age when you become a Scotch whisky drinker.

I couldn't stomach it until I was 30 years old. . . . now it is most of my alcohol intake. I've been on a limited diet due to possible lactose intolerance - Doc said no beer or spirits, but Whisky and Whiskey are both on the menu.

recently drinking:
Bruichladdich WMDII Yellow Submarine
Balvenie 15 yr old Single Barrel
Glenfiddich 18 yr old
Glenrothes 1987
Compass Box Eleuthera
Johnnie Walker Black

I also tried the Glenrothes 1991 and found it to be mediocre, at least compared to the 1987 which I loved. The Glenrothes "Select Reserve" had an odd "burned licorice" taste element I just couldn't get past.

looking to buy:
Grant's Family Reserve blend
Johnnie Walker Green Label - anyone tried this yet?


www.compassboxwhisky.com

old man Dave

In the school provided apartment I am in, the previous tenet left a half bottle of Grant's Family Reserve blend in the lower cabinet. I found it the other day, found a low-ball glass they also left, and poured myself a glass on the rocks. I found it very smooth and tasty. Way better than the standard Grants. It was so good, I poured a second glass, then a third...I stopped at three. ;)

Haven't tried Johnny Walker green. I heard from people here (Venezuelans are HUGE scotch drinkers...second per capita to Scotland) that it is not worth the money. I did have a glass of black label the other day while visiting an old friend (my former boss). Black is a smooth classic.

[hophead]

Shite! Did you take out a second mortgage to buy that 'un?

Actually, it wasn't that bad. I paid 160.00 for it about 5 years ago. That seems like a lot, but consider that many 18 yo malts fetch over 100 bones for the watered down to 80 proof stuff.

[robcycle]

So, its really hot outside. How does the scotch do? I like it with ice, but I'm worried that it will taste flat in this heat. Anyone have experience in this area?

-Rob.

[mimbresman]

So, its really hot outside. How does the scotch do? I like it with ice, but I'm worried that it will taste flat in this heat. Anyone have experience in this area?

-Rob.
Its the drink of choice for a lot of beach going Venezuelans. They pack an insulated travel mug full of ice and fill it with scotch and a little soda. Its kind of status thing to have a cool stainless steel travel "mug" (usually without the handle) for your scotch. Try some Old Parr (http://www.boozelover.com/2008/01/grand-old-parr-unknown-blended-whisky.html) if you can find it. Its a good one.

BTW I was going to bring a bottle of Old Parr for the DR Forum ride, but now I can't make it. So sorry Dav. I was really looking forward to a drink and ride together.

[robcycle]

Mimbs, I will PM you my address and bear the huge burden of bringing your scotch in your abscence. :p

-Rob.

[mimbresman]

I could do that.
A couple of people here at the school are heading back to the states next week. I will try and buy a bottle or two (they come in two packs sometimes) and have them forward it to you. PM me your address and I'll see that it is done. :cool:

[robcycle]

LOL, I was just joking, but I will humbly oblige. :o

-Rob.

[davkatreb]

Whiskey is distilled from corn and aged in oak barrels in Kentucky.

We're done here.

[mimbresman]

Having a glass of Old Parr 12-year old scotch (not available in the USA) on the rocks. Very tasty. Starts with a slight earthy buttery-ness and finishes with a nice lingering aftertaste. I am not a scotch expert, but I like this one. :)

[CT-CT-CT]

last two weeks have been hot, humid, and generally miserable up here in CT. at the end of the day I wanted a drink, but something lighter than what I typically pour. at the back of the cabinet I found a 3/4 full bottle of Dewar's White Label. I never really considered myself a fan of Dewar's, but three days later the bottle is empty.

[BrevCampagnolo]

I love Scotch. In fact, I love all whiskeys. The taste, the aroma, the fire against my tongue, the feel of the bottle in my hands. But I especially love Scotch.

All that keeps me from being an alky is that Scotch gives me a miserable buzz. And a worse hangover.

But I think 99.9999999532% of all single malt devotees are scotch (with a little "s") snobs who couldn't tell a gil of Laphroaig from blended bilge water.





Discuss.

[mimbresman]

I love Scotch. In fact, I love all whiskeys. The taste, the aroma, the fire against my tongue, the feel of the bottle in my hands. But I especially love Scotch.

All that keeps me from being an alky is that Scotch gives me a miserable buzz. And a worse hangover.

But I think 99.9999999532% of all single malt devotees are scotch (with a little "s") snobs who couldn't tell a gil of Laphroaig from blended bilge water.





Discuss.

Brev,
Last summer in Scotland, one of my most memorable and favorite times was in a dive-bar in Stirling. This was a place I stumbled upon, a place were the regulars are guys with missing teeth and talked with such a thick accent, I could barely understand them. They were going to give me shit if I was English, but when they found that I was a "yank", they thought that was okay, then they included me in their conversation around the bar. Anyway, these guys were drinking Scottish boiler-makers; Tenents lager with Famous Grouse scotch. Hard-core!
MM

[BrevCampagnolo]

...Anyway, these guys were drinking Scottish boiler-makers; Tenents lager with Famous Grouse scotch. Hard-core!
MM
The Grouse is my favorite "daily" Scotch. My first trip to the highlands, I took an impromptu poll in a bar in Inverness. The winners were Bells and Famous Grouse, and they no longer import Bells to the US. :(

In fact, at one point when they weren't importing The Grouse, I was so desperate for it I smuggled home two cases from the Class 6 store at Roosevelt Roads NAS, Puerto Rico, in the avionics compartment of my army helicopter.

[mimbresman]

The Grouse is my favorite "daily" Scotch. My first trip to the highlands, I took an impromptu poll in a bar in Inverness. The winners were Bells and Famous Grouse, and they no longer import Bells to the US. :(

In fact, at one point when they weren't importing The Grouse, I was so desperate for it I smuggled home two cases from the Class 6 store at Roosevelt Roads NAS, Puerto Rico, in the avionics compartment of my army helicopter.

I saw Famous Grouse at Albertson's yesterday. I think I'll buy a couple of bottles to donate (since I am a sponsor...my name is on the fliers and T-shirts) to this year's Signal Peak Challenge (Battle O' the Gilanders!). Since I can't be there (I fly back to Venezuela on Friday), I'll leave a note saying it is what real Scotsmen drink. Believe me...it won't go to waste...Eey laddies! :p

[robcycle]

I saw Famous Grouse at Albertson's yesterday. I think I'll buy a couple of bottles to donate (since I am a sponsor...my name is on the fliers and T-shirts) to this year's Signal Peak Challenge (Battle O' the Gilanders!). Since I can't be there (I fly back to Venezuela on Friday), I'll leave a note saying it is what real Scotsmen drink. Believe me...it won't go to waste...Eey laddies! :p A most hospitable man. Mimbs, if your ever in my neck of the woods, the drinks are on me. :)

-Rob.

[mimbresman]

Two teaching colleagues and I finished off a bottle of Old Parr (http://www.boozelover.com/2008/01/grand-old-parr-unknown-blended-whisky.html) tonight. Killer stuff!

[mimbresman]

Monday, a friend and I enjoyed a bottle of The Famous Grouse Gold Reserve (http://www.whiskymag.com/whisky/brand/famous_grouse/whisky4331.html) (12-year old).
We liked it. My buddy is a Johnny Walker drinker, and we both like this one. It was a smooth scotch whisky, nothing harsh. On par with Johnny Walker Black Label. Of course, we drank it Venezuelan style; on the rocks with water.

[jh4rt]

...
But I think 99.9999999532% of all single malt devotees are scotch (with a little "s") snobs who couldn't tell a gil of Laphroaig from blended bilge water.... That leaves me fair little space in which to work there Brev. I hate the singleton for the same reason i hate Chivas. I cut my teeth on J&B, not a fan of Johnny Walker. Macalan is always nice, but... it's like Chardonnay...something is missing. But the Laphroaig and the Lagavulin. That's like drinking whiskey from a cigar... Yumm... But, if I could only have one for the rest of time... I'll stick with the Famous Grouse... It's a blend, but it has all the good stuff and it won't break the bank. If I can afford it, the Balvenie DoubleWood would be ok too.

[BrevCampagnolo]

...But the Laphroaig and the Lagavulin. That's like drinking whiskey from a cigar... Yumm....
Some of us like a Scotch that reminds us of licking a block of peat. ;)

[leebo]

Scotch is good but bourbon is better. Rye even better still. More affordable and bigger flavors.

[jh4rt]

Went to my local (wine) bar.. but they have started creating some neat shit.... So, tonight tried one that was Famous Grouse, Ginger, Honey, Lemon and a (SPRAY) of Laphroaig ... like from a mister.... Shaken and served in a martini glass. Sounds a bit off, right, but... It was AWESOME!!!