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[Globehopper]

I did a little online review searching recently and I'm looking at these 4 as my next choices:
Dalwhinnie 15
Glenmorangie 12
The Balvenie 12
Glenfiddich 18

Any advice from GAF on these choices? I'm not big into really peaty whisky (or at least I don't believe I would like it based on my tastes).

I don't think I've ever actually had the Dalwhinnie. The Glenmorangie is good; light, inexpensive and a classic that you should definitely try at some point. For Balvenie I'd pick the Doublewood over the basic 12-year-old. The Glenfiddich 18 is OK but not so great for the price, even though it's cheap for an 18-year-old. It doesn't hold a candle to the Macallan 18 or the Highland Park 18, though it is much cheaper than both.

In addition to your list I'd recommend the Amrut single malt, a sometimes under-appreciated but amazing whisky. If you like sherry finishes, try a Glenfarclas 15 or a Glendronach 12 depending on how much you want to spend.

 

[chrisisawesome]

I saw a review of the Oban 14 that definitely had me considering it, but the guy was suggesting that it's more of a "dessert" whisky.

The Oban 14 is outta control! Its REALLY GOOD. I dont know if I'd say its a dessert whisky since its so smokey. It's a must try. Probably my favorite.

 

[gcubed]

I started my single malt drinking with the Glenfiddich 12, and there's still a bottle of that in my cabinet. I've had the Glenfiddich 15 as well, which is good.

Recently I was convinced by Whisky-GAF to pick up The Glenlivet 15, which I find incredibly smooth and has become my preference.

I did a little online review searching recently and I'm looking at these 4 as my next choices:
Dalwhinnie 15
Glenmorangie 12
The Balvenie 12
Glenfiddich 18

Any advice from GAF on these choices? I'm not big into really peaty whisky (or at least I don't believe I would like it based on my tastes).

i dont like something heavy on the peat either, i really do enjoy Glenmorangie... i have to venture out and try other non peat heavy whiskey's as well.

 

[ChryZ]

Cracked open a new one: Ledaig 10. It was a gift, never heard of it before. Pretty pale color, but tons of peat: such a wicked surprise! Light, floral, sweet, citrus, a little briny ... it's like a heavily peated speyside whisky!

 

[vitacola]

Just bought a bottle of Glenfarclas 12yo at the border of the Czech Republic to Germany.
It is a 1l bottle with 43% and I paid 23€ (internet price is around 34&#8364. Pretty good deal. Just poured a dram into the glass. That's what I think about it:

Nose: Sherry, fruits, reminds me a bit of the Glenrothes.
Taste: Again Sherry and sweetness, some smoke.
Finish: Warm, a bit woody, smooth and sweet.

I think it's a good whisky at this price. I would recommend it to whisky novices and if you want to show some of your friends how smooth real, good whisky is. It's not too boring but also not too overwhelming.

The "independent distillery" ranking:
Definitely better than the Edradour 10yo I tasted. Much better, in my opinion.

 

[Mystagogue]

I've only been drinking scotch since last November but so far I am loving the experiences I've had. To date, I have had the following:

Aberlour A'bunadh
Lagavulin 16
Bunnahabain 12
Ardmore Traditional Cask
Ardbeg 10
Highland Park 12
Laphroaig 10
Glenlivet 12
Isle of Jura 10
Johnnie Walker Red

I absolutely love the Aberlour. It's my most recent purchase, as well as my favorite scotch (so far). The Ardmore was a pleasant surprise. Smoky, peaty, and quite inexpensive ($25 US here in OKC). The only ones I really do not care for are the Glenlivet, Jura, and JWR. The Glenlivet 12 was just too standard and unexciting. The Jura tasted like an eskimo's butthole, in a good way, but I still would not purchase this again. The Johnnie Walker Red was as expected: cheap and brutal. I'd drink it if I had nothing else and it's the only one I poured over rocks, trying to find some way to tame its overall repulsiveness.

My next purchase will probably be Laphroaig Cask Strength. I also will be receiving a bottle for Father's Day so I need to come up with a few suggestions to relay to my wife for that.

 

[S. L.]

I've only been drinking scotch since last November but so far I am loving the experiences I've had. To date, I have had the following:

Aberlour A'bunadh
Lagavulin 16
Bunnahabain 12
Ardmore Traditional Cask
Ardbeg 10
Highland Park 12
Laphroaig 10
Glenlivet 12
Isle of Jura 10
Johnnie Walker Red

I absolutely love the Aberlour. It's my most recent purchase, as well as my favorite scotch (so far). The Ardmore was a pleasant surprise. Smoky, peaty, and quite inexpensive ($25 US here in OKC). The only ones I really do not care for are the Glenlivet, Jura, and JWR. The Glenlivet 12 was just too standard and unexciting. The Jura tasted like an eskimo's butthole, in a good way, but I still would not purchase this again. The Johnnie Walker Red was as expected: cheap and brutal. I'd drink it if I had nothing else and it's the only one I poured over rocks, trying to find some way to tame its overall repulsiveness.

My next purchase will probably be Laphroaig Cask Strength. I also will be receiving a bottle for Father's Day so I need to come up with a few suggestions to relay to my wife for that.

Glendronach revival?
http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-9731.aspx

 

[Mystagogue]

A buddy of mine just brought me some Black Bottle. Not a single malt but it's probably my favorite blend I've tried so far, which admittedly, is not a huge sampling. Not nearly as peaty as I was expecting from a blend containing whisky from "all the Islay distilleries", but there is a hefty amount of smoke. I think I detect bananas in there too, which I found odd but welcome.

Glendronach revival?
http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-9731.aspx

I'm on a quest to locate a bottle of this after reading up on it. Sounds great!

 

[walbertsmith]

A buddy of mine just brought me some Black Bottle. Not a single malt but it's probably my favorite blend I've tried so far, which admittedly, is not a huge sampling. Not nearly as peaty as I was expecting from a blend containing whisky from "all the Islay distilleries", but there is a hefty amount of smoke. I think I detect bananas in there too, which I found odd but welcome.

The best thing about Black Bottle is that you get INSANE value for the price. Not the best out there but certainly not the worst and is very easily drinkable both neat or on the rocks (for the warm summer days). At about $17 a bottle in my area (after tax!) it's definitely one to keep on hand at all times.

 

[Keylime]

Just decided that I'm going to be a scotch drinker since I think it's a more distinguished social drink and seems to have tons of character.

Started out drinking JW Black on the rocks to get used to the taste and hated it at first. Super rough.

Did this a few times and eventually warmed to the flavor/burn.

Started drinking random scotches neat to take things all the way...sticking to JW Black and Glenfiddich 12 for the most part. I found the JW-B to be a lot smoother. Tried some JW-Blue just to know what a top-shelf scotch is like...super smooth.

Now I think I can actually handle this drink and want to refine my palette. Looking to find an "everyday" variety and a top shelf something.

Admittedly know next to nothing about what makes a good scotch beyond "older costs more and is generally considered to be better".

Any good resources you guys have to catch up on this stuff?

Edit: Holy balls, found this page and it seems to be great and breaking all of the nuance down. Shit there's a lot of take in here :lol

 

[walbertsmith]

Just decided that I'm going to be a scotch drinker since I think it's a more distinguished social drink and seems to have tons of character.

Started out drinking JW Black on the rocks to get used to the taste and hated it at first. Super rough.

Did this a few times and eventually warmed to the flavor/burn.

Started drinking random scotches neat to take things all the way...sticking to JW Black and Glenfiddich 12 for the most part. I found the JW-B to be a lot smoother. Tried some JW-Blue just to know what a top-shelf scotch is like...super smooth.

Now I think I can actually handle this drink and want to refine my palette. Looking to find an "everyday" variety and a top shelf something.

Admittedly know next to nothing about what makes a good scotch beyond "older costs more and is generally considered to be better".

Any good resources you guys have to catch up on this stuff?

Edit: Holy balls, found this page and it seems to be great and breaking all of the nuance down. Shit there's a lot of take in here :lol

Couple things:

- Older does typically cost more, but it isn't always better. Age typically does mean smoother and more complexity, but there are instances where younger expressions tend to be preferred. Kilchoman is a distillery making a lot of noise right now for its fantastic offerings... yet it's the newest on Islay and is only old enough to just barely start putting out 5 y/o expressions.

- If you're just starting out, I wouldn't go top shelf right away. It's better to discover your palate and find what flavors you prefer more. It would suck to be recommended a top shelf bottle then drop all this cash on something you really don't like (happens often with Islays). So do you like oak, with vanilla and honey notes? Or do you prefer sherry more? Are you drawn to peat and/or smoke? Or does it taste like burning?

Since you've tried Glenfiddich 12, here are some other, relatively cheap suggestions:

- Macallan 10: Macallan is king of the sherry distilleries
- Laphroaig 10: Heavy smoke, strong peat and an acquired taste. If you do pick it up though... Laphroaig tends to be one of an experienced scotch drinker's favorites.
- Highland Park 12: Most recognized all-around scotch with hints of honey, vanilla, smoke, and peat... good to test if you like smoke/peat without going full steam ahead into Laphroaig and Ardbeg.

 

[Keylime]

Couple things:

- Older does typically cost more, but it isn't always better. Age typically does mean smoother and more complexity, but there are instances where younger expressions tend to be preferred. Kilchoman is a distillery making a lot of noise right now for its fantastic offerings... yet it's the newest on Islay and is only old enough to just barely start putting out 5 y/o expressions.

- If you're just starting out, I wouldn't go top shelf right away. It's better to discover your palate and find what flavors you prefer more. It would suck to be recommended a top shelf bottle then drop all this cash on something you really don't like (happens often with Islays). So do you like oak, with vanilla and honey notes? Or do you prefer sherry more? Are you drawn to peat and/or smoke? Or does it taste like burning?

Since you've tried Glenfiddich 12, here are some other, relatively cheap suggestions:

- Macallan 10: Macallan is king of the sherry distilleries
- Laphroaig 10: Heavy smoke, strong peat and an acquired taste. If you do pick it up though... Laphroaig tends to be one of an experienced scotch drinker's favorites.
- Highland Park 12: Most recognized all-around scotch with hints of honey, vanilla, smoke, and peat... good to test if you like smoke/peat without going full steam ahead into Laphroaig and Ardbeg.

I think all of those flavor notes are going to be the bits that I need to refine. Now that I've mostly gotten over the "it stings my throat" phase, I can focus more on the flavors that each bring to the table.

The problem is that my ignorant ass doesn't know a lot of "go-to" brands of scotch since it seems like there are pet favorites everywhere. I hear about Johnnie Walker for guys in the office and I've seen Glenfiddich around enough in bars to know it exists...but not totally sure what is typically considered "good" brands and what is typically available in bars that I can order at weddings and social gatherings.

Need to find an "available in bars" brand and a "drink it at home" brand. Preferably these would be the same, but perhaps not.

More research...

 

[walbertsmith]

I think all of those flavor notes are going to be the bits that I need to refine. Now that I've mostly gotten over the "it stings my throat" phase, I can focus more on the flavors that each bring to the table.

The problem is that my ignorant ass doesn't know a lot of "go-to" brands of scotch since it seems like there are pet favorites everywhere. I hear about Johnnie Walker for guys in the office and I've seen Glenfiddich around enough in bars to know it exists...but not totally sure what is typically considered "good" brands and what is typically available in bars that I can order at weddings and social gatherings.

Need to find an "available in bars" brand and a "drink it at home" brand. Preferably these would be the same, but perhaps not.

More research...

Yeah, I hear you... it can definitely be daunting to get into, but the best way is to just jump in feet first. You don't have to be able to pick out all the individual tasting notes when starting out... like wine, people use more "advanced" descriptors to explain what the spirit reminds them of, versus knowing what that descriptor actually tastes like (what does a 'brisk autumn breeze' taste like, anyways?)

The reason I suggested those 3 offerings above is that they're fairly widely available in most areas. I don't know if you're in California or New York or Michigan (or even if you're in the U.S.), but most general liquor stores should have at least 2 of the 3. Macallan is widely available in bars, but Laphroaig and Highland Park are rarer.

Most people know Johnnie Walker because it's the most recognizable brand (hence the office talk). Most experienced scotch drinkers tend to outgrow it because single malts offer a wider variety of taste and because JW only bottles at 40% ABV, compared to the 43% and up for most standard single malt expressions.

Tasting in bars is great since you don't have to break the bank to get a taste, but also be wary. If the bar isn't known for being a big whisky/scotch bar, then if you're trying their most "exotic" scotch offering there's a good chance that the bottle has been sitting there (illuminated by bar lights) for a very long time. This can absolutely alter the flavor profile and may make you dislike something that you actually might enjoy. Be wary of bottles with a little liquid left, and don't be shy asking how long the bottle's been there.

 

[Keylime]

Yeah, I hear you... it can definitely be daunting to get into, but the best way is to just jump in feet first. You don't have to be able to pick out all the individual tasting notes when starting out... like wine, people use more "advanced" descriptors to explain what the spirit reminds them of, versus knowing what that descriptor actually tastes like (what does a 'brisk autumn breeze' taste like, anyways?)

The reason I suggested those 3 offerings above is that they're fairly widely available in most areas. I don't know if you're in California or New York or Michigan (or even if you're in the U.S.), but most general liquor stores should have at least 2 of the 3. Macallan is widely available in bars, but Laphroaig and Highland Park are rarer.

Most people know Johnnie Walker because it's the most recognizable brand (hence the office talk). Most experienced scotch drinkers tend to outgrow it because single malts offer a wider variety of taste and because JW only bottles at 40% ABV, compared to the 43% and up for most standard single malt expressions.

Tasting in bars is great since you don't have to break the bank to get a taste, but also be wary. If the bar isn't known for being a big whisky/scotch bar, then if you're trying their most "exotic" scotch offering there's a good chance that the bottle has been sitting there (illuminated by bar lights) for a very long time. This can absolutely alter the flavor profile and may make you dislike something that you actually might enjoy. Be wary of bottles with a little liquid left, and don't be shy asking how long the bottle's been there.

Awesome advice man...greatly appreciate it. Live in Philly btw, so I should have a solid offering available in a lot of the local bars that I need to get acclimated to.

What's the right way to order scotch in a bar, by the way? "Give me a Glenfiddich 12, neat"?

 

[walbertsmith]

What's the right way to order scotch in a bar, by the way? "Give me a Glenfiddich 12, neat"?

Yeah, that's totally fine. If you're just starting out tasting, I would also recommend asking for "water back"... so "Glenfiddich 12, neat, with water back."

Nose and sip your scotch a few times to get acclimated to the profile and what you can taste. Then use a cocktail straw to put a drop or two of water into the scotch, immediately cover the glass with your hand then swirl it (slowly) a few times to let the water mix. Remove your hand, immediately nose it then continue sipping... you should notice an intense bloom of aroma and taste from the addition of the water. This method helps you gain access to a fuller flavor profile from that particular scotch. Water not only helps certain notes open up but also suppresses some of the more overpowering flavors, allowing the muted flavors more room to breathe as well.

Also, try sipping in different ways: straight down, or swirl it slowly in your mouth, or move the tip of your tongue through the liquid. This also allows you to help "separate" the various notes in the scotch.

 

[Keylime]

Yeah, that's totally fine. If you're just starting out tasting, I would also recommend asking for "water back"... so "Glenfiddich 12, neat, with water back."

Nose and sip your scotch a few times to get acclimated to the profile and what you can taste. Then use a cocktail straw to put a drop or two of water into the scotch, immediately cover the glass with your hand then swirl it (slowly) a few times to let the water mix. Remove your hand, immediately nose it then continue sipping... you should notice an intense bloom of aroma and taste from the addition of the water. This method helps you gain access to a fuller flavor profile from that particular scotch. Water not only helps certain notes open up but also suppresses some of the more overpowering flavors, allowing the muted flavors more room to breathe as well.

Also, try sipping in different ways: straight down, or swirl it slowly in your mouth, or move the tip of your tongue through the liquid. This also allows you to help "separate" the various notes in the scotch.

Such an art... :lol

I'd just read about this water concept. Are most/all bars familiar with the concept of "water back" (which I take it just means, "and bring me a cup of water to go with it")?

Right now when I've been drinking scotch, I fill my mouth with what is probably about a thimble's worth of scotch, roll it over my tongue for a bit, then swallow it back. It's cool how there's no harshness at all when you're rolling it around on your tongue, and it's only when it hits your throat do you get that sharp alcohol burning. The burning part has been getting less and less severe...and I don't know if that's because I'm getting used to it or if I'm deadening my sense or something....but it's getting easier either way.

Think I just need to take all this knowledge out on the town! I've got a 200ml bottle of JW:Blue that I bought when out in the Carribean that I could play with in the house...but I need to buy a proper scotch glass. Seems like the consensus is that a more curved glass is preferred over the straight varieties...need to do it up right!

 

[walbertsmith]

Such an art... :lol

I'd just read about this water concept. Are most/all bars familiar with the concept of "water back" (which I take it just means, "and bring me a cup of water to go with it")?

Right now when I've been drinking scotch, I fill my mouth with what is probably about a thimble's worth of scotch, roll it over my tongue for a bit, then swallow it back. It's cool how there's no harshness at all when you're rolling it around on your tongue, and it's only when it hits your throat do you get that sharp alcohol burning. The burning part has been getting less and less severe...and I don't know if that's because I'm getting used to it or if I'm deadening my sense or something....but it's getting easier either way.

Think I just need to take all this knowledge out on the town! I've got a 200ml bottle of JW:Blue that I bought when out in the Carribean that I could play with in the house...but I need to buy a proper scotch glass. Seems like the consensus is that a more curved glass is preferred over the straight varieties...need to do it up right!

Haha yeah, it sounds all hoitey toitey (and really, if you're drinking single malts the vast majority of the population thinks you're already that) but it's all worth it.

As far as "water back" yeah, it's actually a general bartending term, not specific to scotch. It's basically a request for a chaser (like requesting "pineapple back" with that shot of tequila).

And yeah, the harshness definitely goes away with more experience. I've trained my SO to get used to the alcohol burn with great success, and she's grown to be an experienced scotch drinker herself.

For glasses, I recommend the Glencairn:

It's cheap, reasonably durable and the tulip shape is designed specifically for whisky. Bonus practical points: the widest point on the bulb is exactly 1.5oz of fluid.

Others prefer the longer stem on other glasses for ease of holding, but in general the tulip shape is more desirable than the standard tumbler (nosing the same whisky in different glasses really highlights the difference).

 

[Mystagogue]

Such an art... :lol

I'd just read about this water concept. Are most/all bars familiar with the concept of "water back" (which I take it just means, "and bring me a cup of water to go with it")?

Right now when I've been drinking scotch, I fill my mouth with what is probably about a thimble's worth of scotch, roll it over my tongue for a bit, then swallow it back. It's cool how there's no harshness at all when you're rolling it around on your tongue, and it's only when it hits your throat do you get that sharp alcohol burning. The burning part has been getting less and less severe...and I don't know if that's because I'm getting used to it or if I'm deadening my sense or something....but it's getting easier either way.

Think I just need to take all this knowledge out on the town! I've got a 200ml bottle of JW:Blue that I bought when out in the Carribean that I could play with in the house...but I need to buy a proper scotch glass. Seems like the consensus is that a more curved glass is preferred over the straight varieties...need to do it up right!

You sound like me 5 months ago! I highly recommend reading this thread from start to finish and checking out some youtube reviews from Ralfy Mitchell. Those reviews are fun and educational and really taught me a lot about scotch whisky. I'm as experienced as a 5-month old scotch drinker can be, but I can confirm that once the burn goes away, your experience will really open up.

I actually started off with the Islay (smoky/peaty) offerings, and really took a liking to those. Some would call that jumping off the deep end, but it really wasn't all that intimidating. I knew from the second I removed the cork from my bottle of Ardbeg 10, that I was gonna love the Islays. Currently, I'm exploring the Highland and Speyside regions, the latter containing an absolute stunner of a dram, Aberlour A'bunadh. So, welcome to the party...you're going to love it here!

 

[S. L.]

got a Amrut 40% today

The entry level whisky from the Indian malt distillery. There also is a 46% version which i think is the newer version. Anyways this is for the 40% vol. bottle. From the back label i think this is batch 6.
Nose: alcohol, thick sweetness, very malty, molasses, a bit young
Mouth: malty, fruity, grassy
Finish: sweet, malt, mango fruit juice, a bit bitter at the end, alcoholic at the end, pretty short
Comments: I had a peated Amrut last year which was pretty good, great fruitiness (which I always enjoy!) & rounded and it might have even been better without the peat. This one is not so great, tastes too young, alcoholic and just not very rounded. I hear the 46% version is quite a bit better.

--------------------------------

and as a bonus my notes on the Ardbeg Alligator I did last month or so
The Alligator is a NAS bottling from the famous islay distillery, but internet rumblings suggest it's around 10years old. The special thing about the Alligator is that it was finished(?) in heavily charred casks. Bottled at cask strength with 51.2% vol.
Anyway my tasting impressions:
Nose: Peat, smoke, peat-sweetness, ash and charred oak, a bit maritime, vanilla, honey
Mouth: Ash- massive, peaty, creamy?
Finish: overpowering ash, peatsweetness, smoke, peat
Comments: Suprisingly tame and sweet. I'd describe it as an Ardbeg 10 with an volcano erruption where all the ashes rained into your glass. Unfortunately the ashes are too strong and overpowering some of the more delicate flavors. It's interesting but the 10 is just better.

 

[Keylime]

Went to the local liquor store and checked out their scotch selection yesterday...ended up getting a Highland Park 12 at the recommendation of a lot of random folks online it seems.

In retrospect, this probably isn't the best starting scotch, although it probably is a good representation of what scotch tastes like if that makes any sense.

What I'm trying to do now is learn to distinguish flavor notes with nosing and tasting, but this Highland Park is admittedly a mix of all the regions in one way or another. I think it would make more sense to start out with a representative bottle of Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands and Islay, learn what makes them unique from the other regions...then start expanding from there.

A little more one dimensional vs. this Highland Park 12 which appears to be commonly understood to be multi-dimensional. I was able to get the honey and the smokey flavor notes, but wasn't really getting the sweet. Not sophisticated enough of a drinker yet.

Picked up of brandy snifter glasses to use for my nosing/tasting as well. No Glencairn glasses that I could find nearby, but I may end up just getting them off Amazon anyways.

Have been watching a lot of whisky reviews and walkthroughs to get more familiar with the terms and the tastes.

I need to understand what certain tastes/smells actually mean, though.

Malty? Peaty? What?! :lol More research required!

 

[S. L.]

Nikka All Malt

A (supposedly) blended malt/pure malt from Nikka which means it would consist of Yoichi and Miyagikyo. It's pretty damn cheap in Japan and still fairly cheap here in Europe. Bottled at 40% vol. with no age statement.

• Nose: floral, a bit smoke, acrylic paint tamiya brand (not negative), slighty pear juice in the background
• Mouth: mild, a bit smokey, malty
• Finish: peppery, herbs, malty, a tiny tad bitter in the background
• Comment: Very drinkable, malty & smooth. For less than 25€ this is a good buy, but for almost the same money you can get the "From the Barrel" Nikka as well which would be a much better buy imo.

if you are interested, I archived all my Japanese whisky tasting notes here
http://japanwhisky.blogspot.com/

 

[ChanHuk]

Costco is clearing out single malts again. Bought a bottle of Lagavulin for $54, I'm happy, yet sad. I can't afford to drink it. It's just sitting there, teasing me.......

 

[Mystagogue]

Purchased a bottle of Laphroaig 10yr Cask Strength and Old Pulteney 12yr last weekend. Holy mother of god...the Laphroaig is amazing! An absolute explosion of peat, smoke, earth, brine, and charred oak. I really wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. The closest thing I've had to this was Ardbeg 10yr and Lagavulin 16yr, both of which I find inferior to the Laphroaig 10yr CS. The Old Pulteney was quite good as well. I get strong notes of saltiness and fruit in that one. Extremely pleased with both purchases!

 

[Keylime]

Man...I'm stocked at this point from my birthday. Tell your family and friends that you're getting into the world of scotch drinking and they deliver all over the place it seems.

Got full bottles of:

- Johnnie Walker Blue Label
- Johnnie Walker Green Label
- Lagavulin 16

At the bar my wife got me a Glenlivet 18 to try at dinner last night.

Add that to my bottles of Glenlivet 12 and Highland Park 12 that I was sampling myself prior to this and now I have WAY WAY WAY too much scotch in the house :lol

Wife also got me 4 of those Glencairn glasses so I can do proper tastings.

Going to have to start drinking this stuff daily or something to get it all down...oh problems!

 

[Mystagogue]

Man...I'm stocked at this point from my birthday. Tell your family and friends that you're getting into the world of scotch drinking and they deliver all over the place it seems.

Got full bottles of:

- Johnnie Walker Blue Label
- Johnnie Walker Green Label
- Lagavulin 16

At the bar my wife got me a Glenlivet 18 to try at dinner last night.

Add that to my bottles of Glenlivet 12 and Highland Park 12 that I was sampling myself prior to this and now I have WAY WAY WAY too much scotch in the house :lol

Wife also got me 4 of those Glencairn glasses so I can do proper tastings.

Going to have to start drinking this stuff daily or something to get it all down...oh problems!

That's a pretty good haul for just starting out. JWG is a pretty good blend. I've heard many prefer it over the pricey Blue Label (which I haven't tried). But the Lagavulin 16 is undoubtedly the star of your collection at this point. I have developed a pattern of the more scotch I buy, the less scotch I consume. At first, I was moving through bottles fairly quickly. Now I have about a dozen on my shelf, sitting there begging to be admired. Part of this is probably an illusion, as I just have more available to go through. But I really think I've cut back on the drinking, and am doing more "experiencing." Or something. Anyway...congrats!

 

[Keylime]

That's a pretty good haul for just starting out. JWG is a pretty good blend. I've heard many prefer it over the pricey Blue Label (which I haven't tried). But the Lagavulin 16 is undoubtedly the star of your collection at this point. I have developed a pattern of the more scotch I buy, the less scotch I consume. At first, I was moving through bottles fairly quickly. Now I have about a dozen on my shelf, sitting there begging to be admired. Part of this is probably an illusion, as I just have more available to go through. But I really think I've cut back on the drinking, and am doing more "experiencing." Or something. Anyway...congrats!

The Lagavulin 16 has such a distinct smokey taste, and is really my first introduction to the Islay scotches. I'm hoping that between the Glenlivet 12 representing Speyside and Lagavulin 16 representing Islay, I've got a pretty good picture of how different scotches can bring unique flavors.

The Lagavulin's smoke is so distinct...and I actually kind of like it. Previously when I had Blue label it was extremely smooth without much alcohol burn on the finish. I've also heard great things about Green label and am excited to give that a go.

Bunch of friends decided that it'd probably be good to have a whisky party/game night to help dig through all the new haul. I won't be sharing much/any of my Blue label or my Lagavulin (maybe a glass as a prize for winning or something), but my Highland Park, Glenlivet and JWG all need to get drank!

 

[systemfehler]

I now tried various (affordable - 15-30€) brands of irish and scotish whiskey and none of them seemed to convince me. Bourbon on the other hand like Wild Turkey Proof 101 or Jack Daniels Single barrel (even though they say it is not Bourbon) feel like nectar of the gods on my tongue. I guess I will never be a whiskey pro who notices hundreds of different tastes but I still feel great with a glass of Bourbon and a cigar on my balcony watching the sun go down.

 

[Mystagogue]

I now tried various (affordable - 15-30€) brands of irish and scotish whiskey and none of them seemed to convince me. Bourbon on the other hand like Wild Turkey Proof 101 or Jack Daniels Single barrel (even though they say it is not Bourbon) feel like nectar of the gods on my tongue. I guess I will never be a whiskey pro who notices hundreds of different tastes but I still feel great with a glass of Bourbon and a cigar on my balcony watching the sun go down.

Ain't nothin wrong with that!

On a bourbon side-note. I admittedly have little knowledge when it comes to bourbon but my local liquor store has Knob Creek 9yr on sale for $34 for the 1.75 L bottle. Want to try some bourbons, but not sure if this is A) a good deal, or B) a good bourbon.

They also have the Balvenie 15yr on sale for $54 (750ml). Haven't heard much about that one either. Most discussion in here seems to revolve around the Doublewood, Portwood, or the Signature Cask (12yr).

 

[TheExodu5]

Not a single malt, but my goodness this is one of the best whiskies (if not the best) I have tried to date:

Nikka Taketsuru 17. Absolutely wonderful stuff.

 

[Mystagogue]

Just got finished with a quick trip to the local booze shop to pick up something on the cheap side of the spectrum. Got this for $29:

First impressions are that this is very winey...which was expected. But the port finish is much more prevalent than I thought it would be. Enjoying it, especially for the price! Have not tried the Original ($23 BTW), so not sure how they compare. By far not the best single malt I've tried but works well for what it is. This makes me even more interested in the Balvenie 21yr Portwood. Just need to save a few more pennies for that one.

 

[S. L.]

Not a single malt, but my goodness this is one of the best whiskies (if not the best) I have tried to date:

http://m.vcst.net/wines/whisky-nikka-taketsuru-17-years-434333.jpg[img]

Nikka Taketsuru 17. Absolutely wonderful stuff.[/QUOTE]

you aren't that guy that just reviewed it on the scotch subreddit no?

 

[TheExodu5]

you aren't that guy that just reviewed it on the scotch subreddit no?

Nope. I'm still a newbie...I wouldn't be able to properly review a whisky.

 

[fancimus]

Not a single malt, but my goodness this is one of the best whiskies (if not the best) I have tried to date:

Nikka Taketsuru 17. Absolutely wonderful stuff.

Aweeome, I've been wanting to try Nikka. The Yoichi 15 year has a great review from whisky advocate.

 

[TheExodu5]

Aweeome, I've been wanting to try Nikka. The Yoichi 15 year has a great review from whisky advocate.

Yoichi 10 was my first Japanese whisky. I liked it quite a bit. I'd love to try the 15.

 

[fancimus]

Yoichi 10 was my first Japanese whisky. I liked it quite a bit. I'd love to try the 15.

The best Japanese whisky I've had so far is the Yamazaki 1984, which i got to try at a tasting. I also like the blended Hibiki 12 year, but haven't seen any of the older versions of it in the states. Where did you find the Nikka? I've never seen the older Hibikis or Nikka in NY. Ideally I'd like having a glass or taste it first before committing to purchasing an entire bottle.

 

[S. L.]

This Yamazaki has been distilled in 1986 and bottled in 2006 (20 years old) as part of Suntroy's Owners Cask series for La Maison Du Whisky in France.
This has been aged in Japanese Mizunara oak which still is a bit of a rarity. Bottled at 60.0% vol. cask strength. Worth noting is the beautiful golden-orange color.

Nose: A lot of oriental spices, juicy sweet oak, sandalwood, a tiny bit oak in the background, thick and rich, with water a bit more oak and a tad pepper

Mouth: Spiced syrup, light whiffs of Japanese curry rice, oak, some sweetness but generally more dry

Finish: Very long, warm, spices, sweet oak, a bit flower nectar, soy sauce in the background but without saltiness

Comments: Amazing! Loaded with flavors on different layers. A lot to discover everywhere and just a pleasure to drink. One of my, if not my favorite whisky that I tasted so far!
linky for more japan reviews from me.

 

[fancimus]

Comments: Amazing! Loaded with flavors on different layers. A lot to discover everywhere and just a pleasure to drink. One of my, if not my favorite whisky that I tasted so far!
linky for more japan reviews from me.

Thanks, great site! I see you've had the Hibiki 17...I'd really like to try that!

 

[nitewulf]

Need to find an "available in bars" brand and a "drink it at home" brand. Preferably these would be the same, but perhaps not.

available = Macallan 12
at home = Highland Park 18, Talisker 18, Lagavulin

Costco is clearing out single malts again. Bought a bottle of Lagavulin for $54, I'm happy, yet sad. I can't afford to drink it. It's just sitting there, teasing me.......

hmmmm....

Ain't nothin wrong with that!

On a bourbon side-note. I admittedly have little knowledge when it comes to bourbon but my local liquor store has Knob Creek 9yr on sale for $34 for the 1.75 L bottle. Want to try some bourbons, but not sure if this is A) a good deal, or B) a good bourbon.

They also have the Balvenie 15yr on sale for $54 (750ml). Haven't heard much about that one either. Most discussion in here seems to revolve around the Doublewood, Portwood, or the Signature Cask (12yr).

I finally tried the Hudson Baby Bourbon, it is ultra expensive...but it is very good. Strong, its a young whiskey, not too sweet like other bourbons, and goes down pretty smooth. But If I were you, I would try some Sazerac Rye, try in a bar, see if you like it.

I would buy the Balvenie Doublewood over the 15yr, the Portwood is my favorite whisky of all time, so always recommended.

I have to get myself a bottle of Amrut...

 

[ChanHuk]

I'm enjoying a dram of Lagavulin 16. This is seriously an amazing way to end a day.

 

[TheExodu5]

A friend brought me back a small sample of Bunnahabhain 12 from Scotland. Wow. This is seriously awesome stuff. I'd rank this my second favorite of the Islay whiskies, just after the Lagavulin 16. The nose is incredible. Sweet, caramel, vanilla, and maybe a touch of cinnamon. Love it. I wish this stuff was available locally.

edit: I just realized this is the first time I describe specific flavours to the nose...it's funny how much more I'm getting out of these whiskies now that a year has gone by since I've started sampling.

The best Japanese whisky I've had so far is the Yamazaki 1984, which i got to try at a tasting. I also like the blended Hibiki 12 year, but haven't seen any of the older versions of it in the states. Where did you find the Nikka? I've never seen the older Hibikis or Nikka in NY. Ideally I'd like having a glass or taste it first before committing to purchasing an entire bottle.

A coworker was visiting Japan. He brought me back a small bottling of it. I still have a bit left...going to save it for a special occasion.

 

[Doorman]

Ah, I've missed this thread...even if it is potentially bad for my health.

I made the decision to go alcohol-free during the month of June while correcting a minor health issue, and with the month changing over last night I decided to celebrate my return. Unfortunately...I also started catching back up on this thread back on Thursday, which meant the itch to start adding to my scotch collection returned again. With the little bottles of Macallan 12 and Glenfiddich 12 that I started this journey on pretty much gone, a gap opened up for me to hunt down something a bit on the lighter side of the scale. So, with all the talk in the thread here and not really looking to break the bank I went out and got myself a new bottle of Glenmorangie Original (and, for the bourbon-heads around here, some Woodford Reserve that I intend to try out on the 4th of July).

I'm still not nearly sophisticated enough at this to pull out enough scents and flavors for legitimate tasting notes, but I certainly see what people meant when I've heard GO described as being very drinkable! It lacks the butterscotchy notes that I grew to discover in the Macallan, but still light and sweet, and the flavor lingered on my mouth in a good way even after I finished the glass. For the price and for its relative ease of availability, I could definitely see something like this as a "go-to dram" over some of the stronger malts, and it joins my Caol Ila and Aberlour A'Bunadh to form a nice triad of contrasting styles. All three bottles are still fairly full, which means it'll likely be quite some time before I go scotch-hunting again.

...But when that time does come, I'm looking at you, Yamazaki 12 and Lagavulin 16. Be ready!

 

[brightroar]

Wow how did I miss this thread?

Just got a hold of a bottle of Yamazaki 12, might replace Glenfidich as my new favourite! Have only had a sample so far, so looking forward to getting into it next poker night!

 

[Doorman]

Wow how did I miss this thread?

Just got a hold of a bottle of Yamazaki 12, might replace Glenfidich as my new favourite! Have only had a sample so far, so looking forward to getting into it next poker night!

Argh, this in conjunction with my problems adequately getting myself a bottle of Yamazaki 12 is frustrating, though it does remind me of a question I've had for the delivery side of Whisky-GAF for a while now. Having never attempted to order Whisky online before, what is the general process like? Considering it's alcohol I was never sure if there would be some sort of nonstandard process involved, especially for someone like myself who lives in an apartment building and would be at work when anything is most likely to be delivered. Somehow I doubt that my office would just be able to sign off on a bottle of scotch like it was any other package, but I could be pleasantly wrong about that.

 

[AngmarsKing701]

My incredible wife picked me up a bottle of The Glenlivet 18 for my birthday.

 

[chrisisawesome]

Have I missed this thread! It's been a little harder looking for more recommendations since I last checked it out!
I bought bottles of :
glenmorangie original (my go-to)
Glenmorangie Quinta-Ruban
Glenmorangie Artein
Yamazaki 12
AnCnoc 12
And I tried the Nikka pure malt 12 years.

Honestly they have similar characteristics; light floral fruity, smooth, and are all fantastic.
The real stunner is the Artein; darker and has a Porto-like taste and finish. Really excellent!

To rate them:
Artein, Quinta Ruban, Nikka, ancnoc = original glenmorangie, Yamazaki.

Now to try more sherry whisky... Maybe a glendronach 12? Any suggestions?

 

[Sumidor]

Argh, this in conjunction with my problems adequately getting myself a bottle of Yamazaki 12 is frustrating, though it does remind me of a question I've had for the delivery side of Whisky-GAF for a while now. Having never attempted to order Whisky online before, what is the general process like? Considering it's alcohol I was never sure if there would be some sort of nonstandard process involved, especially for someone like myself who lives in an apartment building and would be at work when anything is most likely to be delivered. Somehow I doubt that my office would just be able to sign off on a bottle of scotch like it was any other package, but I could be pleasantly wrong about that.

Where do you live? I order liquor about once a month and always have it shipped to my work. Usually they'll make someone who is at least 21 to sign for it, but they never specify what it is. So I can't see it being a huge deal at your work.

 

[Doorman]

Where do you live? I order liquor about once a month and always have it shipped to my work. Usually they'll make someone who is at least 21 to sign for it, but they never specify what it is. So I can't see it being a huge deal at your work.

Oh, I meant my apartment office, not work. My apartment complex is made up of multiple buildings that deliver folk can't typically access, so leaving it right on my doorstep isn't an option and most often they take it to the main office to sign off, and I pick packages up once I return home. Everyone at the office is above 21 so it's possible I'm making much ado about nothing. Otherwise I may just see if one of my local liquor shops is capable of special-ordering, because nobody at all carries any Japanese whiskies around here.

 

[Telosfortelos]

I hope the scotch community will forgive a slight digression into the broader whiskey topic (edit: err, nm, this isn't just a scotch thread, I'm just blind), and even further into the realm of whiskey cocktails.

I've been in an Old Fashioned mood lately, particularly rye old fashioneds. Willet Rye is, so far, my favorite whiskey to mix with. Are there any other recommended whiskeys for the drink?

Also, what are your favorite bitters for old fashioneds?

 

[chrisisawesome]

I hope the scotch community will forgive a slight digression into the broader whiskey topic (edit: err, nm, this isn't just a scotch thread, I'm just blind), and even further into the realm of whiskey cocktails.

I've been in an Old Fashioned mood lately, particularly rye old fashioneds. Willet Rye is, so far, my favorite whiskey to mix with. Are there any other recommended whiskeys for the drink?

Also, what are your favorite bitters for old fashioneds?

I'm a big fan of the Old Fashioned as well. I've had it with a few different whisky's (Jim beam rye was good), but I really liked it when made with Makers Mark bourbon...dont know if that answered your question since bourbon has a different taste, but it's worth a try!

I'm also liking Manhattans (Rye, Sweet vermouth, angostura)

 

[StMeph]

Just wanted to pop in and say hello.

I've had enough bottles -- 19, by last count -- to now consider myself an enthusiast. But because there are so many new bottles to try, there's only a small handful of favorites that I keep picking up between new ones. Now, I kind of find myself second-guessing my earlier experiences because it's been such a long time, and since I don't keep notes or anything, I wonder if inexperience may have colored my earlier impressions. But I don't really want to go back to an earlier bottle I disliked. :<

Just to add my favorites to the pile, my current favorites are Laphroaig 10, Talisker 18, and Hibiki 21 (a blended Japanese). Currently drinking Edradour 10 and Hibiki 21.