Let's talk Scotch
by blanx73 on Aug 26, 2010 11:09 AM EDT
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PrintBefore the season starts, and we commit to killing the liver in earnest, let's discuss another option for self medication when your team is starting nothing but freshmen at DB: scotch. Many people are afraid of scotch, because it can seem like an intimidating beverage, with a dizzying array of choices. I once was where you are now, scotch neophyte, and I have seen the mountaintop. I am here to help guide the way.
Here's the most important thing: Drink what you like. Drink the kind of scotch you like, because you like it. You don't have to impress me, or anyone else.
Scotch is mostly 40% alcohol (although it does vary). If it is a malt whisky, it is made only from malted barley. (There is grain whisky, but that's more rare, and not part of what I'd call classic scotch.
Let's talk about the divisions of scotch.
Blends, and single malts.
There are those that also include single grain scotch or blended grain scotch, but those are the two big divisions. By and large, blends are cheaper, and also more consistent. Examples of blends:
And our good friend Mr. Johnnie Walker, for instance. The advantage to a blend is that you'll generally get the same product in each bottle. Johnnie Walker comes in a variety of styles, from cheapest to more expensive: Red, Black, Swing, Green, Gold, and Blue. What explains the price increases? Well, the age of the scotch used in the blend, and the type of scotch used in making the blend. To my palate, the best of the bunch is:
Green. They use a variety of scotch from the four corners of Scotland, and age each one at least 15 years. I prefer it to Blue, price notwithstanding. If you buy a bottle of Blue, will I drink it? Bet your ass, but I'd prefer to buy 4 bottles of Green.
Now, let's talk about the regions. This matters, and will influence your purchase. There are generally speaking, 4 whisky producing regions: Islay, Speyside, Highlands, and Lowlands. There are other regions, but those are where the majority of the booze will come from.
Islay single malts: Laphroaig, Bunnahabhain, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, and Ardbeg, to name a few. Common characteristics for Islay (pronounced eye-lah): peat, iodine, seaweed. Why? Well, Islay is an island. They didn't have a ton of trees to burn, so they used peat fires. Also, you tend to get strong sea flavors, as well. There are exceptions, like Bowmore, which is in part sherry cask aged, so it is sweeter, but in general, when you buy an Islay scotch, you are looking for peat.
The Ardbeg Supernova
Is a bad motherfucker. There is a ton of peat in this whisky. Their Uigeadail (oog a dal) is very iodiney, and is at higher alcohol than other whiskys.
Many people like Islay single malts with cigars.
Highland Single Malts: My favorite single malt comes from this region, (Oban), but it is not a classic Highland malt. It's a cross between Islay style, and Highland style. Highland Single Malts tend to be lighter, and sweeter. The Dalmore is a classic Highland Single Malt, as is Glenmorangie. (Tip: the 16 Men of Tain, the distillers for Glenmorangie, are said to be the basis for the movie Highlander.) Glenmorangie's La Santa, aged in sherry casks, is sublime, and also reasonably priced.
Speyside Single Malts The big boys come from here: Glenfiddich, the Glenlivet, the Macallan. These are often good beginner single malts- not overly aggressive, etc. The Glenlivet is aged in French Oak bourbon barrels. Drunkard's tip: there's a really delicious 12 year old Tomatin that is a Speyside Single Malt, that isn't very expensive- 30 bucks or so. Highly recommended.
Lowland Single Malts: There are only 3 left- Auchentoshan, Glenkirchie, and Bladnoch. I honestly don't know a ton about these, as I usually spend my liver in the Highlands, or on Islay. According to the web, these are traditionally lighter, because they are triple distilled. These also generally minimize peatiness.
Random thoughts:
You may prefer certain barrels for aging over others. I find that sherry aging is much sweeter than what results from bourbon bottles. The bottle should tell you where it was aged, if you buy it in a store. The older the scotch, the more mellow it will be. Laphroaig 10 year old is much harsher than the 15, and harsher by far than the sublime Laphroaig 25. With age comes price, obvs.
How to order:
I prefer my scotch neat, with water alongside. I learned this from a friend of the family who came from Scotland. He says that a bit of watter dribbled into the scotch will open up the flavors. There're chemical reasons why this works, but it does. Also, I find that the lighter malts are good with a cube of ice, like Tomatin. Do not let anyone bust your chops for drinking it on ice. Remember, drink what you like, how you like.
How to get started?
Pick a good scotch bar. They will have a large selection, and should have friendly waitstaff. If you like one, then ask the bartender for something similar to compare. The web has a wealth of information on scotch, and the bible to me is the late Michael Jackson's (not that one) The Malt Whisky Companion. If you have questions, ask me! I love scotch, and I'll help if I can. Happy drinking.
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Agreed
You can never go wrong with Green Label. Smooth, comforting, predictable and not outrageous in price. Had two glasses two nights ago, which is just the right amount to take the edge off of a hard day of cocaine-fueled whore-mongering. Or a day without football.
by Jack Fact on Aug 26, 2010 12:03 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
My first Scotch experience....
I was at a conference in Switzerland with a bunch of folks from all over the world. At dinner one night, I sat next to a guy from Scotland. He ordered an expensive Scotch (everything in Switzerland is expensive), so since I was on the company dime, I followed suit. Scotsman says to me “Oh, ya like Scotch, do ya?” When I told him it was my first time trying it, his eyes lit up, and he told me we were going to “tour Scotland” that night.
I don’t know how many I ended up drinking- all I know is I woke up about 3pm the next day in my hotel room, with a wicked hangover, and a complete blackout of the entire evening.
Lesson? Never drink Scotch with a Scotsman.
Glenlivet is my drink of choice...will try the Speyside
Although I do think there is something to being at least over 30 to enjoy Scotch. Something about allowing your “taste” to change every 7yrs, getting past the beer stage/cheap bourbon/vodka/wine of teenage years to drinking better wine/whiskey/vodka in college to allowing your palate to mature enough to enjoy Scotch, and the fine smell of mahogany. I have tried to let my younger relatives try Scotch, and to them it tastes like rubbing alcohol in a fancy bottle, so MORE FOR ME! And do not go drink for drink with freakin full blooded Irish, or real American Indians, or hell, native americans in any form.
I have learned you never go drink for drink with the “home team” of their drink of choice,i.e, drinking Saki with Japanese, or Tequila with Mexicans.
"THE DAY I CAN'T GET YOU GUYS TO GET IT RIGHT I'M GONNA GO TO THE LAKE SIT ON THE DOCKS AND WATCH THE DUCKS Sh*t IN THE YARD!"
by mrpelicanpants on Aug 26, 2010 12:58 PM EDT reply actions
Let me know what you think of the Tomatin- it’s a good “regular drinking” scotch.
I think there’s something to your “over 30” theory. I didn’t get really into scotch until my late 20’s. (36 now).
And never try to go drink for drink with Slavs, in anything.
Agree on the age thing
I’m 27 and just getting into Scotch. My brother-in-law is just 21, likes some of the better stuff, but can’t wrap his tongue around scotch.
Probably for the best
If you cared about him, you’d just hook him up with a crack dealer. Scotch can be more expensive, and a lifelong habit.
... or beer with Germans...
… or Golden Grain with southern rednecks.
by vineyarddawg on Aug 27, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Being over 30:
I think part of that, from the perspective of someone with a 22-year-old godson, is that in order to properly appreciate good scotch, you have to have gotten past the stage where your reason for drinking is to get drunk. I was trying to enlighten the boy this last spring, and he was too busy asking me what proof the stuff was. Man, was that annoying.
And, of course, I was 28 when I first fell headlong into scotch snobbery.
I am now channeling Will McDonald's optimism.
You might try some of these more obscure Speysides
Glen Grant (do not confuse with Grants)
Glendronach (my favorite — real old school distillery)
Imperial — if you can find it.
My entry into scotch was Glenlivet/ Johnny Walker I just like the flavor profile of Speyside. For cheap stuff try Famous Grouse — I think its just as good as Johnny Black and its like 17 bucks for a liter at TJ’s in Cali.
Good read
I prefer bourbon – because of the flavor, it’s Amurricn, and I before today I knew nothing about scotch. Gonna have to try some Green Label. I’ve never been disappointed with a drank recommendation seen on EDSBS!
Nick Saban is my BFF
Here's how I take my scotch:
1) Put scotch bottle down
2) Drink bourbon instead
Scotch tastes like 7 parts bourbon, 2 parts tequila, and 1 part randomass spices soaked in cardboard (single piece, of course) for 18 years, then squeezed out and consumed.
My palette isn’t developed enough to handle scotch, so I prefer 4-5 bold flavors that you get in bourbon to the eleventy billion complexities found in scotch. And, you know, Kentucky, etc.
The new year approaching, click in. Let’s facelift bar! Open the wardrobe is not yet found love after another the right clothes? So, also waiting for? Immediate action bar!
Glenkinchie is very drinkable
Like the Macallan, it’s a good gateway whisky, especially for the nervous. Tomatin’s the only distillery I’ve ever visited and you’re right, it’s good for the money.
"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea"
My booze purveyor
Recommended the Tomatin as something to take on my recent golf trip, to share with the guys. I got a bottle of that, and a bottle of the Auchentoshan 12 yr old, but I never made it over to the Auchentoshan. Tomatin’s now in my rota of booze.
Great overview.
After tasting more than a few scotchs, from a bartender at a scotch bar, I’ve pretty much stuck with Bowmore 12year. For the price it really is very nice, and I like to have a cigar with it since it is so very smokey.
Dr. Ausgiano schools me in the classroom and on the field of battle
by MarioVanPeebles Republic of China on Aug 26, 2010 1:25 PM EDT reply actions
Skye whiskeys are pretty good
I find Glenmorangie (mutilated that name, I think) easy to drink for beginners.
"Voetbal is pas totaal als je wint"- Coach Adun
"The greatest sin is to spurn the gift"- Coach Alistair
Well then, someone outta start a Cigar Thread....
to go along with this informative Scotch thread….such as , which Cigars
do you prefer to smoke and sip with? Real Cohibas only?
"THE DAY I CAN'T GET YOU GUYS TO GET IT RIGHT I'M GONNA GO TO THE LAKE SIT ON THE DOCKS AND WATCH THE DUCKS Sh*t IN THE YARD!"
Can't get into Scotch
Try me in 5 years, I guess (I’m 27). I love Bourbon and Irish (though I’m on a sabbatical from Irish due to a fairly significant puking incident a month ago), but to my tastebuds Scotch lacks the sweetness/spiciness of a Bourbon and it doesn’t really have the smooth mellowness of a decent Irish whiskey, either.
I’ve tried Johnny Walker Black a few times and own a bottle of Glenlivet 12, but haven’t been able to get into either. Is there something hugely different from either of those two I should try to give me a different perspective on scotch?
I can help with this.
Johnnie Black is, well, meh. The older the scotch, the more mellow it will be. If you like sweetness, I’d recommend anything aged in a sherry cask- has that kind of finish to it. F’rinstance the Glenmorangie La Santa listed in my post.
Try Johnnie Green- at a bar, preferably, to see if it meets your taste.
How are you on the idea of smoke as a flavor?
Smoke
Not anti-smoke but I like other flavors as well. The few times I’ve tried Scotch the smokiness has overwhelmed everything else.
How’s Laphroaig? I’ve heard it compared to rye, and I’m quite fond of ryed-bourbons.
Laphroaig
It’s pretty fucking delicious, I tell you what. I think that Laphroaig will be too strongly flavored for you- it tastes like peat, and the sea, to me. It’s a smoky seaweedy flavor, that condenses as it ages. The 10yr old is a bit harsh, the 15 is delicious, and the 30 yr old was perhaps the best thing I’ve ever drank.
Dr. Whisky describes the taste of 10 yr old Laphroag as: “A peaty medicinal veil, but you can sense more behind it. Oil paints, prawn crackers, cakey sweetness, seaweed and horse stables. Melon and ash, bubblegum sweetness and iodine.”
Instead, try the Bowmore, or that Balvenie DoubleWood. I think you’ll be much happier there.
Unfortunately, the Laphroaig 15 has been discontinued....
I was heartbroken when I found out.
"I think so, Brain, but how are we going to get the bacon flavoring into the pencils?"
YES!
I had a bottle of that…..note the past tense “had” in there. It was glorious!
Dr. Ausgiano schools me in the classroom and on the field of battle
by MarioVanPeebles Republic of China on Aug 26, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Let it not be said that I don't take advice
I skipped working out (priorities) to order a Balvenie 12 at a bar and it was certainly the best Scotch I’ve had in my limited tasting experience. I was absolutely blown away by how smooth it was. My throat and tongue were all prepped for a burn, but there was none to be had, even before I added the requisite splash of water. Is this smoothness typical of aged Scotches, or does Balvenie stand out? There was a bit of smokiness but it didn’t really dominate the flavor. This is certainly a Scotch I wouldn’t feel hesitant to recommend to novice drinkers.
A little too expensive to be anything other than an occasion pour right now, sadly, but maybe in ten years – I could certainly see myself drinking something like this several times a week.
Balvenie
Doublewood is great stuff, that’s my standard Scotch. I also highly recommend the Balvenie 15 year single barrel, massive flavors, to my tongue as good as Macallan 18 at 1/3 the price. Also check out Talisker, smokey & peaty, but with an alluring sweetness.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
Fantastic!
I’m glad you liked it. Generally, all the aged Scotches are more smooth than a blend, particularly a young blend like the Black. Balvenie DoubleWood is particularly smooth, I find. The next time you have an extra $30 bucks, try to find a bottle of that Tomatin. I think you’ll like it as well.
How peaty is the Tomatin?
I’m thinking peat just isn’t for me – I drank a Glenlivet a few hours later and I just can’t get over the medicinal taste.
Not very. It’s on the sweeter side.
You should find a rich friend to buy you a Laphroaig 15, or better yet 30, before you swear off of peat forever. Not saying you won’t decide against peat, but be fully informed before you make your choice. Hell, ask the bartender if you can smell the bottle the next time you go in. NOT the 10- you will hate that.
Tomatin
I’m going to keep this thread alive, dammit!
I bought a bottle of the Tomatin 12 (only $23) and it’s solid. It’s not the Balvenie, but I like it better than most of the other Speysides I’ve tasted – much less bitter than say Glenfiddich.
I definitely did NOT hate the Laphroaig 10, by the way.
Balvenie!
I think the best scotch for the money is Glenlivit 12. That’s my go to scotch. However, all the Balvenie’s are absolutely delicious. The 12 is very smooth but the 15, oh my. The McCallan series are all a bit smoky for my liking; something to do with the casks they use to finish. I do like the experimentation Glenmorangie is doing with various casks and flavoring; nice change.
I can’t get into the peaty one’s so no comment there. JWB and Green label are both solid, and the Blue is downright awesome. I’m looking forward to the fall, aka scotch season. I drink bourbon in the summer; just can’t drink scotch when it’s 95 outside.
excellent post
I have been drinking single malts of various assortments for several years now. I had never taken the time to learn about the differences, though I had figured out the sweetness from a sherry cask. I will try Tomatin once my current bottle has expired. I love smoking a pipe, and scotch is a perfect compliment.
Cheers
If you win all your fights, you're pickin em
Lagavulin.
From Islay. Famous for peat overtones and peaty finish. Could have a peaty aftertaste and result in your firstborn being named Peat.
Best served with a cigar the size of Central America (including Belize) and an ice cube waved over the top from orbit.
If you like peat
You absolutely have to try the Ardbeg Supernova. Oh my dear sweet peaty God, it’s a peat bomb.
Bowmore = Know More
As I was casting the 6wt for brownies against the bonny banks of Loch Awe, my ghillie observed that the Bowmore was his choice after a lifetime of sampling. I took his advice and have never looked back.
We did have a wee dram to “Toast the aters” after landing the boat…Oban it was…and also highly adequate.
In fleeting moments of honesty one is also compelled to acknowledge that as blends go, the Johnnie Walkers suffice when the wallet is lighter.
Vandy football - challenging the sanity of even the most stoic of philosophers
At the moment, I'm stocking
a 12 YO Glenmorangie finished in a port pipe, and a bottle of J&B. I would recommend the Glenmorangie to anyone.
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
Tomatin
Picked up a bottle earlier this evening based on your recommendation, but I’m heading out of town early tomorrow and couldn’t find the time to try it. Looking forward to it!
Oh, gawd, A Michigan fan and a Domer Guy
getting chummy over whiskey?
Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies!
Rivers and seas boilng!
Earthquakes! volcanoes!
The dead rising from the grave!
Cats and dogs living together!
Masshysteria!
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
by MtnEer_in_SC on Aug 27, 2010 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Booze
It brings us together, my friend.
You’d snuggle up to a Marshall fan, or a Pitt fan over a bottle of the right booze.
A Marshall fan, maybe
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
by MtnEer_in_SC on Aug 27, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Herd's family.
At my grandmother’s funeral, the Marshall branch of the family and the WVU side of the family took great joy in tagging their opposite numbers with the “wrong” bumper stickers.
Grief’s one thing, but footbaw’s serious business.
Great stuff, blanx
I’m pretty much sold on scotch as the go-to liquor at this point.
My first bottle was a Dalwhinnie. Good stuff. Otherwise, I’ll go with Macallan or Chivas (if I’m feeling American, Jack or Maker’s).
Haven’t really expanded, so I’ll be using your handy reference tool in the near future.
I don't always watch football, but when I do, I prefer Dos Achos. Stay thirsty, my friends.
Jack isn't a scotch
but I feel absolutely compelled to note my love for it. Without further ado:
I love Jack Daniel’s
What do we do if somehow Colt McCoy ends up on an NFL team starting against Vince Young?
Vince, I know
When I’m feeling “American.”
I don't always watch football, but when I do, I prefer Dos Achos. Stay thirsty, my friends.
I was mainly stating it was a sideoff
from the main topic. I mean no insult, good sir.
I also am a pretty big Maker’s fan. Actually, I’m pretty sure most whiskeys float my boat.
What do we do if somehow Colt McCoy ends up on an NFL team starting against Vince Young?
Balvenie... but really Islay
Glad I’m not the only Balvenie fan. It really is a great scotch, and good for the novice Scotch drinker. It’s the gateway drug. I highly recommened the 15 year.
But Islay is where it’s at. Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroiag are like my personal holy trinity of scotches. Particularly the Ardbeg. There’s no need to go to their specialty brands, the 10 year is outstanding if incredibly distinct (really, if you don’t drink scoth, do not start with Ardbeg). However, I do love the Airigh Nam Beist which, translated to English means, “Shelter of the Beast”. Damn right.
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
Count this Domer on this Wolverine's Bandwagon as well.
Great site and comments. Generally I am partial to Islays as well.
Bowmore is another Islay worth trying as well. I would particularly recommend Bowmore “Dawn” a Port finished product which has peaty and port characteristics.
Generally it is around 100 proof.
The Aberlour distillery is known for its Sherry finished whiskies. A particular favorite of mine is its A’bunadh product. Very sherried and cake like with a nice long finish. It weighs in at around 120 proof. A great after dinner treat..
Here are two for Macallan fans
A very close approximation to the Macallan 12 year old and quite a bit less expensive is
The Naked Grouse, a blend put out by the Famous Grouse. A very sherried blend.
80 proof.
In addition to The Macallan ,a worthy option is Glenfarclas. It is equal in price and at times the 10 or 12 year can exceed The Macallan. It can be a toss up.
I like the occasional Scotch
but I never knew much about it. One thing I learned the hard way though, don’t drink it as a tailgate beverage. That will result in bad things happening that I don’t remember at all.
Tailgate hazards
The two biggest hazardsof tailgating are very early games and evening games.
Early tailgating can lead to issues, because it is likely consumption began in the AM witl plenty of time left over for celebration/drowning sorrows.
Evening games are more obvious with all day celebrations. In my younger days , I solved that issue by taking a mid afternoon nap.
Early games get the edge I think.
The day in question had hazards of all kinds.
It was a road game, a night game, AND a rivalry game so I insisted on being on-site at 8 am. I’m pretty sure I started drinking the Scotch around 2pm MST, and the only way I estimate that is because the 2008 SECCG was on tv. During the game there was a Rudy Carpenter INT returned for a touchdown and I don’t remember anything else, I just woke up on a couch in Tempe the next morning with a significant hangover and wing sauce all over my shirt. Good times.
Just FYI for the Big Ten Scotch Drinkers...
Try to vist and the Dundee Dell in Omaha if you road trip to Nebraska. They have one of the largest single-malt selctions in the world.
Seconded!
I lived in Omaha and only found out about the Dell a few months before I moved! Luckily, I’m moving back to the area soon. Huge scotch selection and knowledgable bar tenders. Definitely a must visit.
One for the just-lost-training-wheels intermediate drinker
BenRiach Curiositas. It’s from Speyside, but for God’s sake don’t expect it to taste like anything else on Speyside. If anything, it’s a good warmup before you start tackling some Islays.
Bonus points are also earned by its being from an independent distillery, and it always feels good to support independent distillers rather than pouring more money into the gaping maw of Anheuser-Busch or Pernod Ricard.
by George T. Zebra on Aug 30, 2010 3:11 PM EDT reply actions
Other Islay type Scotches
Clynelish distillery in Northeast Scotland, has a 14 year old with a crisp smoky character.
Tastewise it approximates Oban 14 year old with a less cloying character with a bit more oaky character, In fact for Oban fans this would be a good one to try.
My college allegiance notwithstanding ,I generally prefer Scots to Irish Whiskies,
A big reason I think is that most Irish only go up to 80proof. Greater alcohol begets greater favor.
An outstanding exception is the Connemara cask strength whiskey.
Connemara is the only peated Irish whisky and while the 12 year old 80 proof is fine the Cask strength at 120 proof or thereabouts, is outstanding
It has the smokiness of an Islay . Probably analogous to Laphroig 15year old with a nice Irish flavor profile.
I would go so far as to say it behooves every Islay fan to try Connemara Cask strength.
Lastly football fans venturing to the Twin Cities will find an outstanding whiskey
scene. Two in Minneapolis ,are Surdyks about 3 miles from the U of M campus.
The second about 2 miles north of the River in the blue collar town of Columbia Heights called TOP VALU liquor has an outstanding malt selection.
Glenlivet 18 please
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 30, 2010 5:53 PM EDT reply actions
That's my personal well scotch, too.
Also usually keep a bottle of Isle of Jura and a bottle of Talisker around just to change things up, and I also have a bottle each of Glenlivet 15 French Oak Reserve and Glenlivet Nadurra sitting on the shelf at the moment.
I am now channeling Will McDonald's optimism.
Tried Glenmorangie 12 an hour ago...
…and I am BUZZED. It was good, but seriously, the only other single drink I’ve ever had hit me so hard was Booker’s. I’m buzzed to the point where logging in and making this post was a minor challenge. I don’t know what happened, I’m not exactly a heavyweight but I’ve had more booze do far less before.
And of course, the bar in Atlanta I went to just HAD to have a $40 scotch tasting tonight with a glass of Balvenie 12, 15 and 17 included with a nice dinner and cigar. If I didn’t have a 12 hour flight tomorrow…
Joey D's Oak Room
Right by Perimeter Mall. They have a huge bar and it’s close to work, I try to drop by once and week and treat myself to a good single malt.
As a Vol fan...
…I will be drinking Scotch early and often this season. The best Scotch is the one in my hand and I prefer mine on the rocks. Thanks for the tutorial!
You can take the boy out of Tennessee, but you can't take make him stop wearing Orange.
Cheer up
At least you aren’t in Tequila mode like Phil’s last year.
What do we do if somehow Colt McCoy ends up on an NFL team starting against Vince Young?
Melikes the Island Style
Specifically, Talisker from Skye and Highland Park from Orkney. The Talisker is rather peppery, while the Highland Park is layered with heather, and is as smooth as a prom queen’s thighs (and just about as risky).
For something completely different, try Suntori Yamakazi 12-year. Not a scotch, but really damn tasty.
True story: when Hurricane Frances had Florida in her sights in 2004, a friend asked me what my plans were for storm preparation. I replied that I’d be getting two bags of charcoal and a bottle of Talisker. Getting a quizzical look from him, I told him, "If the power goes out for a few days, I’ll have to smoke everything in the freezer… and the Talisker doesn’t need ice.’
... I got a weird thing for girls who say "aboot"
by Shpip on Sep 2, 2010 12:43 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Tried Laphroaig last night
New CFB season… new drink.
Laphroaig
Wow that is unlike any whisky I’ve had before. The medicinal smell, which my wife characterized as smelling like an ER, took me back a bit. She didn’t drink any.. it was just in my glass.. across the room from her. Once I got past that first whiff it was all great. I wanted something that wasn’t “smooth” and had lots of complexity. This certainly fits the bill.
fantastic stuff
like whiskey filtered through the wet dirt underneath a camp fire…. but is a good way. One of my bottles at home is the Laphroaig Original Cask Strength – 10 yr old. Excellent stuff.
Highland Park 12, Laphroaig, Caol Ila
Thought I would add my two cents. I’m a huge fan of Laphroaig, but it is an acquired taste. Very smokey and very peaty (and over powering for some).
I’m also fond of Highland Park 12. It may be the right weight for new scotch drinkers.
I picked up a bottle of Caol Ila 12 at a duty free shop. It has been too hot to drink it… looking forward to giving it a try this weekend. Any Caol Ila drinkers out there?
Johnnie Walker Black
Main component Scotches are Talisker and Cardhu.
Cardhu is a single malt that focuses purely on a malt character without peat sherry or other distractions , this is worth a try.
It is a key base part of Johnnie Walker Black.
A little late on this thread
OK, after a week-long sojourn in Italy where good bourbon was nowhere to be found (I found Maker’s in one liquor store in Rome) I am a thoroughly committed Scotch drinker. Scotch rules and smoke is great. A quick rundown of what I drank with thoughts:
J&B – Not notably smooth, as I might have expected from a relatively inexpensive blended scotch, but acquits itself quite well due to the nice smoky aftertaste – would probably go well over ice, and not too expensive that I’d feel guilty about drinking it on the rocks. Could be a nice everyday pour.
Laphroaig 10 – Wow, this totally kicks butt. The Italian bartender spilled a bit on her hands and giggled at the smokiness. I can see how this would be intimidating for a newcomer, but I found it surprisingly smooth and the smoky finish was right up my alley. I can’t wait to get a bottle.
Macallan 12 – Meh. Better than the Glenlivet 12, but nothing strikes me as being particularly wonderful about this scotch. It doesn’t have the unbelievable smoothness of something like the Balvenie nor the smoky assault of Laphroaig. I feel like there’s something I’m missing about this scotch and the Glenlivet, given their popularity, but there’s just nothing here that really did much for me.
Lagavulin 16 – Ordered this after drinking a glass of champage and red wine, and the Italian waiter, bless his heart, did not know the value of what he was pouring and poured me a triple for the price of one. This tasted delicious on the tongue and while the smoky finish wasn’t quite as satisfying as the Laphroaig it was still pretty damned good. May buy a bottle someday.
Talisker 18 – Pretty good – not as good as the two Islays I tried, but this went down nicely. No particularly strong opinions.
So, in summary, Islays kick ass and I’m not sure what the fuss is over Macallan and Glenlivet. Thoughts?
Buy Lagavulin
J&B was my training Scotch many years ago, so it was perhaps natural I prefer Islays in general
You owe it to yourself to buy a bottle of Lagavulin 16. After a bottle, it will be your favorite Scotch..and I’ve had a bunch of them.
Oddly enough while I am not a big Glenlivet guy, the 15 year old is very good with a rich long rich finish. It is very well worth ordering neat at a bar…..
One that slightly disappointed me was Lapphroig 15. A very muted and less peated version of the 10.
Oh, man, the Lagavulin 16
I don’t know if it was the wine and champagne I had already drank, but I nearly swooned when I took the first sip. Absolutely sublime.
Congrats blanx73
…on your win. Robinson makes any coach look brilliant.
Had some Balvenie 12 after the close loss.
Glen Garioch for Peat lovers
About 8 years ago I bought either a 10 or 12 year bottle of Glen Garioch It had a very high peat profile.
From a curiosity standpoint it could have passed for an Ardbeg.10 year old.
Glen Garioch is located northwest of Aberdeen,…southeast of Huntly.
I read that Morrison Bowmore runs the operation now, and on that basis would expect good things.
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