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single malt whisky thread
- Thread starter nitewulf
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ok here is more tasting notes of outlandish expensive whisky
Yamazaki 1990 Cask 0N70645 - Spanish Oak sherry butt -18yo
Nose: Massive Sherry, Soy Sauce, red Berries, a bit balsamico vinegar, a tad beeswax
Taste: Red Fruit, Sherry, spices, chili
Finish: Loong, Sherry, Red fruit, Chili, Chcolate, leather
woowie, what a nose. absolute dream stuff. bottles go for 300+€ nowadays i believe (if you can find one - initial price was around 100 i think -_- )
Kagoshima - The Malt of Kagoshima 1984 - 25yo, Sherry Cask
you probably haven't heard of it *hipsterglasses*
it's a closed distillery in Kagoshima (japan, duh)
Nose: Vanilla, creamy, slight mineralic, a bit sherry, a tiny bit peat
Taste: arabic spices, banana and sweet grape
finish: Grape, chili, sherry, Maggi
very unusual and unique profile - like nothing else. also very enjoyable whisky. bottles still can be had at something less than 200€
well that was some good stuff. but also too expensive for me to afford a whole bottle ;_;
Yamazaki 1990 Cask 0N70645 - Spanish Oak sherry butt -18yo
Nose: Massive Sherry, Soy Sauce, red Berries, a bit balsamico vinegar, a tad beeswax
Taste: Red Fruit, Sherry, spices, chili
Finish: Loong, Sherry, Red fruit, Chili, Chcolate, leather
woowie, what a nose. absolute dream stuff. bottles go for 300+€ nowadays i believe (if you can find one - initial price was around 100 i think -_- )
Kagoshima - The Malt of Kagoshima 1984 - 25yo, Sherry Cask
you probably haven't heard of it *hipsterglasses*
it's a closed distillery in Kagoshima (japan, duh)
Nose: Vanilla, creamy, slight mineralic, a bit sherry, a tiny bit peat
Taste: arabic spices, banana and sweet grape
finish: Grape, chili, sherry, Maggi
very unusual and unique profile - like nothing else. also very enjoyable whisky. bottles still can be had at something less than 200€
well that was some good stuff. but also too expensive for me to afford a whole bottle ;_;
chrisisawesome
Member
Just wanted to bump this thread, it's been a while!
So I'm heading to NYC in a week, which means better prices on scotch (and Duty Free) anyone have any suggestions? I'm just about done my glenmorangie 10 and have loved it!
I was thinking maybe a Lagavulin 16? If I really disliked the Laphroaig 10 will the Lagavulin disappoint me?
I also like the smoke of the oban 14, anything else with that crazy smoke? Or should I give the Glenmorangie Nectar d'or a try?
So I'm heading to NYC in a week, which means better prices on scotch (and Duty Free) anyone have any suggestions? I'm just about done my glenmorangie 10 and have loved it!
I was thinking maybe a Lagavulin 16? If I really disliked the Laphroaig 10 will the Lagavulin disappoint me?
I also like the smoke of the oban 14, anything else with that crazy smoke? Or should I give the Glenmorangie Nectar d'or a try?
chrisisawesome
Member
That's the thing, I've heard lagavulin is amazing to the point of being the best peaty scotch, but laphroaig made me highly dislike peat to the point where I can almost pick out the slightest peat taste... It's obviously not the end of the world if I buy it and don't end up liking it, it's just I'd rather spend the money on something i may enjoy more, and not waste the lagavulin by not actually drinking it!
Decisions decisions
you will love Lagavulin. Also try Caol Illa, splurge a bit and get the 18 YO. However, you can never go wrong with a Talisker IMO.
Edit: also, just try out a drink at a bar first...I recommend DBA on 1st avenue, very nice Single Malt selection usually...then decide which bottle you will go for.
polyh3dron
Banned
I know it's not single malt, but Suntory Hibiki is amazing IMO.
It's what Bill Murray was doing an ad for in Lost In Translation.
It's what Bill Murray was doing an ad for in Lost In Translation.
polyh3dron
Banned
Whoops DP
Globehopper
Member
I'd also recommend Highland Park 18 if you like a bit of smoke. Personally if you didn't like Laphroaig and dislike peat to that extent then I think you'd be much more likely to enjoy it than the Lagavulin.
ragemasher13
Banned
Gotta say that my favorite Scotch is Laphroaig, but it was definitely an acquired taste.
The best "sweet" bourbon I've ever had has got to be Bookers. Its casque-strength stuff, so the batch that I got was 128.6 proof, absolutely delicious with some strong vanilla tones in and surprisingly smooth for something nearly 65% alcohol.
The best "sweet" bourbon I've ever had has got to be Bookers. Its casque-strength stuff, so the batch that I got was 128.6 proof, absolutely delicious with some strong vanilla tones in and surprisingly smooth for something nearly 65% alcohol.
desertdroog
Member
Figured I would show off some paraphenelia.
Hand made lead free crystal from Poland half filled with Highland Park 12 yr.
My dad gave me the decanter and 4 matching heavy bottom old fashioned glasses. The Munk Tiki just keeps a bemused watch.
Hand made lead free crystal from Poland half filled with Highland Park 12 yr.
My dad gave me the decanter and 4 matching heavy bottom old fashioned glasses. The Munk Tiki just keeps a bemused watch.
None of the stores around here are carrying Yamazaki anymore. Some kind of problem with the distributor.
I love the Yamazaki 12yo, and I ended up having to go out of province, find one of the few stores that still had any in stock, and buying all of them. Stock piling 4 bottles of the stuff right now :3
I love the Yamazaki 12yo, and I ended up having to go out of province, find one of the few stores that still had any in stock, and buying all of them. Stock piling 4 bottles of the stuff right now :3
Stock is running low due to increased global demand
http://nonjatta.blogspot.com/2011/06/supplies-of-suntory-whisky-may-not-be.html
JasoNsider
Member
Thanks for the post. It had some really interesting related material on there. This one is great:
http://nonjatta.blogspot.com/2009/11/highballs.html
POWERSPHERE
Member
Not liking peat? I feel for you, man... Lagavulin is way more complex than Laphroaig though, so give it a shot.
Lagavulin 16 is easily one of the best Islay drams you can get. I'm not as keen on the 12, it's got a bit too much punch, not enough subtlety.
Laphoraig is one of the peatiest whiskeys around, so finding it a bit rough doesn't mean you should avoid Islays. Especially if your first try was the Quarter Cask. I love the QC, but even I'll admit that stuff is pretty brutal. It smells like a burning damp log, and it tastes like burnt driftwood.
If you're looking for something a bit less peaty, take a look at Ardbeg 10yr or something from Bowmore. And finally, give Jura Superstition a try. It's not an Islay, but it's close enough (Isle of Jura is right next to Islay).
I grabbed a bottle of it because of his declaration too. I thought it was a good dram; nice and smooth. But yeah, I'm not going to call it the best I've had all year. I don't typically like the 20+ stuff anyway; find the older they get the smoother they are. Lose a lot of the nice little complexities you find in a teen-bottle. Older isn't necessarily better.
Gives me an excuse to post my collection though:
L-R: The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14yo, Springbank 12yo Cask Strength, Marker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon, The Balvenie Signature 12yo, Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18yo, Glenfarclas 10yo, Macmyra Swedish Whiskey, Ardbeg 10yo, Yamazaki 12yo, Laphroaig Quarter Cask
L-R: Tullibardine 1993 Vintage, Laphroaig 10yo, Oban Distillers Edition 1995, Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18yo (I don't have 2, I just forgot to take it down), Old Pulteney 21yo, Highland Park 12, Jura Superstition, Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or
Good lord, I'm new to drinking so I didn't really realize that it was important, but I live in Victoria and didn't go to whiskey fest! Definitely marking it for next year.
I'm really into bourbon but I'm starting to be able to afford scotch more and I really like it. Favorite so far: Glenmorangie nectar d'or. Great caramel flavour.
I'm really into bourbon but I'm starting to be able to afford scotch more and I really like it. Favorite so far: Glenmorangie nectar d'or. Great caramel flavour.
you guys should really pick up the Old Pulteney 17 if you find it though. it is top notch. I'm not a huge fan of ancient whiskeys either...i have a 35 yr old scotch which is tooooo smooth, it has no bite. but Old Pulteney 17 is tasty as hell, as is the 12 for regular drinking. it is a great brand.
Hibiki 12 is smooth...but i hate the bitter caramel after taste. looks like i have to pick up a bottle of Yamazaki soon.
Globehopper
Member
So I went to a Jim Murray evening at a local liquor store (I should write a post about it really, it was crazy, long story though...) and he told a story about the Old Pulteney 21. According to him, this particular batch that he tasted for the 2012 Bible rating was as good as he said it was. When he asked for more from the same batch, they couldn't deliver any, and what he's tasted since wasn't as good - still up there but not a winner.
I'm still a bit sceptical but he seemed genuinely annoyed about it.
mr stroke
Member
Gotta say that my favorite Scotch is Laphroaig, but it was definitely an acquired taste.
The best "sweet" bourbon I've ever had has got to be Bookers. Its casque-strength stuff, so the batch that I got was 128.6 proof, absolutely delicious with some strong vanilla tones in and surprisingly smooth for something nearly 65% alcohol.
Always wanted to give Bookers a shot, but its always been pretty pricey($70+) at my local store..
Will give it shot next pay day if its as good as you say. Love a sweet bourbon
talking of peat, just got a sample of the Octomore Comus.
While the standard Laphroaig and Ardbeg come with 40-50ppm ((peat)parts per million)
the Octomore Comus comes with a whopping 167ppm
too bad i have a bad cold right now so i have to wait with tasting
but i've tasted some others lately
Ledaig 10 (new nonchill version) - peat, ashy, pepper, toffee
a good peaty non-islay whisky, goes a bit into the ardbeg direction i'd say
Longrow CV - peaty, malty, a tad mineralic, a bit yellow fruit
too expensive for what it offers imo, springbank 10 is much better
Bruichladdich the laddie 10 - a bit peat and smoke, citric, grassy, a bit mineralic, rather dry?
great whisky for an excellent price!
While the standard Laphroaig and Ardbeg come with 40-50ppm ((peat)parts per million)
the Octomore Comus comes with a whopping 167ppm
too bad i have a bad cold right now so i have to wait with tasting
but i've tasted some others lately
Ledaig 10 (new nonchill version) - peat, ashy, pepper, toffee
a good peaty non-islay whisky, goes a bit into the ardbeg direction i'd say
Longrow CV - peaty, malty, a tad mineralic, a bit yellow fruit
too expensive for what it offers imo, springbank 10 is much better
Bruichladdich the laddie 10 - a bit peat and smoke, citric, grassy, a bit mineralic, rather dry?
great whisky for an excellent price!
walbertsmith
Member
I've always tasted more smoke than peat in Laphroiag's line and more peat than smoke in Lagavulin... could just be me though.
So im new to single malts and want to get a feel for where I should go next.
I had this over the holidays and really enjoyed it:
Where do I go from here? I don't mind spending the money on single malts(to an extent) but I'm afraid of buying a 80 dollar bottle and not liking what I bought.
I had this over the holidays and really enjoyed it:
Where do I go from here? I don't mind spending the money on single malts(to an extent) but I'm afraid of buying a 80 dollar bottle and not liking what I bought.
I bought the Ardbeg 10yo for my Dad on Christmas, and having never heard of the brand before he absolutely loved it. I've tried it myself, and drinking it straight is a very pleasant experience.
I will keep an eye on this thread when his birthday comes; gotta make sure I one up myself and get something a level higher!
I will keep an eye on this thread when his birthday comes; gotta make sure I one up myself and get something a level higher!
The way I'd branch out if I were you is start with the stuff that's somewhat similar. Glenmorangie's a Highland malt, so you could look at other whiskeys from the region. They're not going to be the same, but it's just somewhere to start. Some of the better Highland malts imo are Oban, Dalwhinnie, Dalmore, Old Pulteney, and Tullibardine.
Another option is to expand within the Glenmorangie line; they have a number of other expressions that are all worth looking at. Glenmorangie Original is imo one of the best places to start with Single Malt Whiskey. It's light, little sweet, little spicy.
The absolute best way to branch out though without having to plunk down a chunk of change on a bottle is go to a bar. Ask around, find the best whiskey bar, and just experiment.
[edit] Drams to avoid, imo:
- Johnnie Walker: Blended stuff. The Red Label is awful swill, the rest is drinkable but imo over priced for what you're getting.
- McCelland's: These guys sell young single malt whiskey from different regions. it's really cheap, and it might seem enticing to get a bottle of single malt for $30. Don't fall for it. This stuff is absolute swill.
chrisisawesome
Member
Lagavulin 16 is easily one of the best Islay drams you can get. I'm not as keen on the 12, it's got a bit too much punch, not enough subtlety.
Laphoraig is one of the peatiest whiskeys around, so finding it a bit rough doesn't mean you should avoid Islays. Especially if your first try was the Quarter Cask. I love the QC, but even I'll admit that stuff is pretty brutal. It smells like a burning damp log, and it tastes like burnt driftwood.
If you're looking for something a bit less peaty, take a look at Ardbeg 10yr or something from Bowmore. And finally, give Jura Superstition a try. It's not an Islay, but it's close enough (Isle of Jura is right next to Islay).
I grabbed a bottle of it because of his declaration too. I thought it was a good dram; nice and smooth. But yeah, I'm not going to call it the best I've had all year. I don't typically like the 20+ stuff anyway; find the older they get the smoother they are. Lose a lot of the nice little complexities you find in a teen-bottle. Older isn't necessarily better.
Gives me an excuse to post my collection though:
L-R: The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14yo, Springbank 12yo Cask Strength, Marker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon, The Balvenie Signature 12yo, Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18yo, Glenfarclas 10yo, Macmyra Swedish Whiskey, Ardbeg 10yo, Yamazaki 12yo, Laphroaig Quarter Cask
L-R: Tullibardine 1993 Vintage, Laphroaig 10yo, Oban Distillers Edition 1995, Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18yo (I don't have 2, I just forgot to take it down), Old Pulteney 21yo, Highland Park 12, Jura Superstition, Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or
Sounds good to me! I'll be picking up a bottle of lagavulin 16 if I can find it! Nothing to lose
Also, just want to say, Johnnie Walker green label is great! Its made with a blend of 4 single malts including Talisker and Cragganmore (forget the other 2) but it has a really smooth and smokey taste, especially when chilled in the freezer
blame space
Banned
the rich man's drunk thread huh
Sounds good to me! I'll be picking up a bottle of lagavulin 16 if I can find it! Nothing to lose
Also, just want to say, Johnnie Walker green label is great! Its made with a blend of 4 single malts including Talisker and Cragganmore (forget the other 2) but it has a really smooth and smokey taste, especially when chilled in the freezer
Oh god. Don't chill whiskey. Chilling whiskey actually removes a lot of the flavour. Don't put it in the fridge or freezer, don't put in ice, and don't put in whiskey stones (literally, they're rocks). You only chill stuff if you don't want to taste it. Whiskey is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature.
So I went to the local wine shop to pick up one of the recommendations and the guy helping me saw I was indesicive so he said that he had about four bottles he could let me taste from.
He let me try glenmorangie Original, ardberg 10, Caol ila 12, and Balvenie double wood.
I liked the glenmorangie, ardberg and Balvenie.
I ended up grabbing the ardberg.
It tasted smokey and since I hate smokey beers I figured I'd hate this but I loved it.
Any recommendations on how best to drink it? I won't be able to crack it open til Sunday night but was curious.
He let me try glenmorangie Original, ardberg 10, Caol ila 12, and Balvenie double wood.
I liked the glenmorangie, ardberg and Balvenie.
I ended up grabbing the ardberg.
It tasted smokey and since I hate smokey beers I figured I'd hate this but I loved it.
Any recommendations on how best to drink it? I won't be able to crack it open til Sunday night but was curious.
I just drink it neat, but a little bit of water can open up the flavour. Just don't add ice, it ruins everything.
chrisisawesome
Member
I definitely agree with the ice and to a certain degree the whiskey stones. Is it just me or does adding the stones make the drink feel "dry"? Can't really describe it but it leaves a more dry feeling in your mouth.
As for the freezer what I tried was just pouring a bit of JW Green in a glass and freezing it for 10 mins, didn't taste too bad! But I agree straight scotch is where it's at!
Chittagong
Gold Member
Christmas gift from my wife, a start up selection for whisky tasting. These should cover the different ends of the spectrum for me to learn. Finally today had the time to clear the space they deserve.
So I went to the local wine shop to pick up one of the recommendations and the guy helping me saw I was indesicive so he said that he had about four bottles he could let me taste from.
He let me try glenmorangie Original, ardberg 10, Caol ila 12, and Balvenie double wood.
I liked the glenmorangie, ardberg and Balvenie.
I ended up grabbing the ardberg.
It tasted smokey and since I hate smokey beers I figured I'd hate this but I loved it.
Any recommendations on how best to drink it? I won't be able to crack it open til Sunday night but was curious.
just neat, not even water IMO. some whiskeys open up...but some opens up too much and loses the nose. this is a young whiskey, taste it neat first. then maybe try a few drops of water.
Took your advice and got my hands on the OP 12yo. Not bad, a bit light, and there's still that salt taste and smell in it. I know that's their "thing", but it's interesting. Surprisingly smooth for a 12yo that's for sure. Water opened up the flavour a bit.
Also got a chance to sample Bunnahabhain's duty free exclusive, Darach Ur. It was advertised as a "natural colour" and matured in new oak casks. It was interesting, especially the mouth feel. It sort of just... exploded. Nose is a bit of sweet oak (surprise), and I thought I smelled some dry fruit.
bonesmccoy
Banned
I usually stick to the Irish, but lately I've found myself enjoying the Laphroaig Quarter Cask again.
I've yet to spend more than $100 (CAN) on a bottle.
I've yet to spend more than $100 (CAN) on a bottle.
I'm not a big fan of The Macallan in general :/ I don't know why but I haven't had a dram of it I really enjoyed. The 10 and 12 are both a bit harsher than I like, and after that it starts getting a bit too expensive for my blood.
Globehopper
Member
Agreed that Macallan pricing is off the chain. Everything's expensive here in BC, but the Macallan 18 is $250, almost double the price of the Highland Park 18. I like it a lot as it happens, but not enough to pay that!
Had a meeting of our Scotch Club last night. It was a special occasion where everyone brings a bottle, rather than only a single bottle per week which is the norm. Pretty interesting lineup I think!
L to R:
Alberta Premium (Canadian Whisky of the year four years running)
Balvenie Golden Cask 14 year old (finished in rum casks)
Yamazaki 12
Mackinlay's Shackleton whisky (lots of marketing hype but genuinely really good)
Douglas Laing Glen Mhor 27 year old single cask
Highland Park Leif Eriksson (gets mediocre reviews but we all liked it)
Laphroaig 18
Balvenie Madeira Cask 17 year old
My favourite was a tie between the Glen Mhor and the Laphroaig 18, with the Shackleton coming in third and the Yamazaki right behind.
I encourage everyone to get into a scotch club, start one with your friends, it's an awesome way to try tons of stuff fairly cheaply!
I've been looking for a bottle of that Shackleton whiskey for a while. Still haven't found it. Do you know how much it cost?
In a word, "yes". Glencarins are the eminent whiskey glass. Maybe it's all marketing BS, but most of us with Glencarin glasses will swear by them. The tulip shape and small mouth focus the aromas as they rise out of the glass: whiskey will actually smell better with these things.
The cut edge spreads the whiskey out in your mouth, improving the tasting. Depending on how you hold the glass, you can change the temperature of the whiskey slightly. Hold it by the bulb will warm the whiskey, while holding it fro the base will not.
Tumblers by comparison are straight walled and have rolled edges. The aromas will just raise straight from the glass, some of them will just go right past your nose entirely. The rolled edge actually makes fluid dribble over the side rather than flow evenly. It doesn't matter how you hold the glass, you'll be touching the whiskey no matter what.
Like I said, maybe it's BS that it makes whiskey smell and taste better. Or maybe it's true. Glencarin glasses aren't expensive, so it's not like I'm trying to sell you on something crazily expensive because I've deluded myself into believing they're worth the money. To be honest, pretty much any tulip shaped glass will work well with whiskey. Glencarins are nice because tthey weren't made for conosseurs specifically: they are barware. As Glencarin said, they made the glass robust and inexpensive so Joe Punter can enjoy whiskey properly.
A note re: care for the glass: wash them by hand in warm water, no soap. Soap residue can cling to the glass, and now your whiskey will smell like Dawn.
I have one, but I didn't choose it. It's my first whisky glass, and the only one they had in store when I went to buy one. For my standards(I'm a beginning whisky-taster) it works brilliant. If I let the whisky stand for 15 minutes, the smells just flourish.
I recently(about 6 months ago) turned 18, and I bought 3 whiskies. I bought the Glenfiddich 10, the Talisker 10 and a blended: Vat 69.
I thought the Glenfiddich was quite good, but also somewhat lacking. It's like Heineken for beers, it's okay, but it needs something special, which I think Glenfiddich is lacking.
The Talisker 10 suprised me somewhat. I think this might be my favourite so far. It's rich and full, and has so many tastes.
And I know this is a Single Malt Whisky thread, but I just needed to say that Vat 69 is simply brilliant. It's surprisingly smooth, and (or at least according to me) much more enjoyable than any other blended whisky I've tried.
Do you have any suggestions for my next bottle of whisky? I can't afford much, but I really enjoyed the Talisker 10, and Laphroaig 10. I would like to try Glen Moray, Dalmore or Aberlour. But because I'm kind of on a budget, I can't afford all three. What experience do you guys have with these?
walbertsmith
Member
Definitely agree with you here, except for the notion that it might be BS. Just try nosing the glasses side by side... there's definitely a marked difference when nosing through a tulip shape.
A neat side benefit of using the glencairn is that when you fill it to the widest point in the bulb, it's exactly 1.5 fl oz.
I agree with you entirely on the Glenfiddich. It's a very drinkable whiskey, but it's not interesting. It's inoffensive, and I think that's probably the worst thing you can say about a whiskey.
Haven't tried Glen Moray or Dalmore yet. Of Aberlour, the only one I've tried is the Aberlour A'Bunadh. It's their cask strength expression with ~60% ABV. Anyone who hasn't had it is probably looking at that 60% ABV and making a cringey face. I did too, believe me. For a cask strength whiskey this thing is amazingly smooth. It's a sherry monster, and a great dessert whiskey. For a cask strength, it really doesn't smell strongly of alcohol. Watering it to ~50% doesn't even really help the nose or taste, so you might as well just drink this beast neat.
I think the best way to describe Aberlour A'Bunadh is "Christmas morning". It tastes like Christmas morning.
AngmarsKing701
Member
My wife picked up a set of 4 for me for Christmas. These are my first whiskey glasses and they're great.
Chittagong
Gold Member
Would you reckon these are worth it for me, given the shape of my current glasses (see pic above on this page)? I have been tempted, then figured I am fine, but now the desire has been awakened again by this thread
Tapered tumblers are not bad glasses provided they have cut edges. Personally I think the mouth is a bit wide on them. Like I said, it's hard to go wrong with Glencarin glasses and they're pretty inexpensive I think. You can get them from Amazon.com for like ~$7/ea.
Augemitbutter
Member
just use a regular nosing glass if you don't want to search and shell out the money for the glen glasses, they're perfect for my tastes. sometimes you can find them with the standard bottlings at no additional cost.
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