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[walbertsmith]

Anyone try this wine preserver for scotch?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N6DE84/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Saw it utilized in this Ralfy video and he seems to be a fan. Kinda odd to be spraying chemicals into the scotch, but if it's designed for wine (which oxidizes WAY faster) then I wonder if it's a potentially cheap way to keep fresh all those bottles laying around.

 

[S. L.]

if you have 200€ bottles open that you know will be open longer than half a year/full year it maaaaaaaaaaaybe might be worth looking into, else it's a waste of money, time and sanity

 

[vitacola]

lol, I watched the episode yesterday and the most shocking moment was when he put the lighter into the bottle.

Most of the time my bottles won't be open longer than a year. And as long you keep them in the box and out of direct sun light, you won't get a problem with it. The Lagavulin 16yo still tasted and smelled awesome after a year. But I tend to "kill" the bottle as fast as possible, if there are just two or three drams left.

 

[S. L.]

got gifted some little whisky bottles, most delightful

 

[Sarcasm]

I just tasted a bit of scotch. I don't fully understand what I am drinking so whats is the difference between single malt whiskey and scotch?

 

[S. L.]

I just tasted a bit of scotch. I don't fully understand what I am drinking so whats is the difference between single malt whiskey and scotch?

single malt is whisky that comes from a single distillery (but comes from different casks)
single cask is whisky from a single cask
blend is whisky that is a mix from whiskies from different distilleries (ususally, but not necessarily cheaper stuff)
scotch is whisky from scotland

 

[Absinthe]

Been enjoying this lately

Very smooth

 

[S. L.]

since it's about a year that i started this whole whisky stuff, time to brag about my japanese whisky collection so far

ah the joys of watching them on the shelf

 

[Divius]

THAT'S A DUMB LOOKING SHELF

Spoiler

/jealousy

 

[POWERSPHERE]

since it's about a year that i started this whole whisky stuff, time to brag about my japanese whisky collection so far

ah the joys of watching them on the shelf

I don't think you understand what shelf means.

 

[StoOgE]

My collection is growing!

Got a replacement bottle of Balvienne doublewood.
And my GF got me Johnny Walker Gold. While not a single malt, it's good good stuff.

 

[S. L.]

I don't think you understand what shelf means.

-_-

i took them from the shelf for the pic, they stand in two rows otherwise with half of them not visible

-_-

 

[ChryZ]

-_-

i took them from the shelf for the pic, they stand in two rows otherwise with half of them not visible

-_-

Any plans to drink them or are they just decoration/collectibles?

 

[S. L.]

Any plans to drink them or are they just decoration/collectibles?

for now collectibles, but i tasted most of them from different/not my bottles

 

[walbertsmith]

Ho man, that's some serious self control. As soon as I get a bottle I gotta try it that night.

However, the amount of bottles I have doesn't equal the amount of Japanese single malts either, so there is that.

 

[vitacola]

Do you want to share some of the Yamazaki Sherry Cask?

Are those all of your whiskies or really just the "Japanese corner"?

 

[S. L.]

Do you want to share some of the Yamazaki Sherry Cask?

Are those all of your whiskies or really just the "Japanese corner"?

i have a few bottles open that are not pictured. i can mail you a sample of the sherry cask if you want

 

[Globehopper]

It always cracks me up when I see this thread updated at like 8am my local time

Hey BC guys, good news - it's coming into whisky festival season! Festivals are the best way (apart from a club) of trying out tons of different stuff and learning by talking to the distillers.

Vancouver has HopScotch, which is beer and whisky (with the odd rum, tequila etc). Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning (Sept 30) at 8.30am. To get in on the presale you need to join their mailing list. I highly recommend you do this as almost all the tickets sell out during the presale and it's well worth going, it's a fun night and this year they have a bunch of off-site masterclasses too (although sadly they cost $25 each, they used to be on during the show and were free/v cheap).

Victoria has the best local one - Victoria Whisky Festival. They have far more exhibitors, more famous guests etc. I went last year and it was awesome (my writeup is here if you need convincing). Tickets go on sale in October, but bear in mind that if you're from out of town you have to get a hotel room together with the ticket.

 

[Clevinger]

Hey guys, I'm curious about something. If I hate all the whiskey I've tried, like Jack Daniels. If I think it tastes almost as bad as what I imagine rubbing alcohol tastes like. And even Jameson, which I'd always heard was a really smooth, decent (cheap) whiskey, tasted like fermented piss with a dash of ammonia to me. Is there any chance I might like scotch?

I'm thinking about getting a bottle of Laphroaig, since it seems to be the cheapest good scotch, but I'm just worried I'll be wasting my money. Or is there maybe some cheaper, good blended scotch that could get me started?

 

[walbertsmith]

Hey guys, I'm curious about something. If I hate all the whiskey I've tried, like Jack Daniels. If I think it tastes almost as bad as what I imagine rubbing alcohol tastes like. And even Jameson, which I'd always heard was a really smooth, decent (cheap) whiskey, tasted like fermented piss with a dash of ammonia to me. Is there any chance I might like scotch?

I'm thinking about getting a bottle of Laphroaig, since it seems to be the cheapest good scotch, but I'm just worried I'll be wasting my money. Or is there maybe some cheaper, good blended scotch that could get me started?

How do you feel about Johnnie Walker Black? That seems to be the "gateway" blend to single malts due to its ubiquity and popularity. Not one of my favorites, but just asking for a reference point.

I wouldn't suggest starting off your single-malt career with Laphroaig, as it's notorious for putting off new tasters to scotch from its powerful notes of smoke and peat (also why it's beloved by experienced drinkers).

Depending on where you're from, I'd start off with a dram of Glenfiddich or Glenlivet at a bar... both are very accessible Speysides that are characterized by honey and vanilla and are far more palatable than most of the Islays (the smoke and peat distilleries). You can find a bottle of Glenlivet in CA for about $20-$23 a bottle, and is a very respectable dram at that price. Don't be afraid to put a cube of ice or two when you start out (to help with the burn), but once you get used to the taste try taking the ice out and put in a few drops of water.

 

[vitacola]

The Cragganmore 12 years old is a good starter whisky too, I think. Not very complex and quite smooth. I would recommend you trying a dram of it. If there is no pub/bar with good whiskies in your area, try to find a shop selling samples or share a bottle with an interested friend.

 

[walbertsmith]

The Cragganmore is nice, but it's a tad pricey and hard to find (at least around my parts).

 

[vitacola]

In Germany it's easy to find and the price is the same as for the Laphroaig 10 years old. Just mentioning it, because I would have never started drinking whisky, if I had tried the Glenfiddich first

Is Clevinger from the US?

EDIT: Just looked it up. The Glenlivet and the Glenfiddich are the same price over here.

 

[fr4nz]

Ahh this is a thread I feel at home in...

Belgian Single malt, very special, soft and pleasant taste, won some prices last year...

well, I can't recommand this one enough ... only 4 years old and really great taste ... can't wait to taste an older one in a few years

 

[walbertsmith]

In Germany it's easy to find and the price is the same as for the Laphroaig 10 years old. Just mentioning it, because I would have never started drinking whisky, if I had tried the Glenfiddich first

Is Clevinger from the US?

EDIT: Just looked it up. The Glenlivet and the Glenfiddich are the same price over here.

Yeah, damn Americans haha... always think everyone's from here.

I'm from the US myself, and I figured Clevinger was from somewhere around here. And I do agree with you on the Glenfiddich... definitely not one of my favorites, but over here it (and Glenlivet) is available in almost every bar.

 

[edotherocket]

I remember reading somewhere that Glenfiddich accounts for something insane like 70% of the single malt whisky market.

 

[ChanHuk]

Went through a bottle of Glenlivet 12......not bad for $20, I rather sip on this than Jack.

 

[fr4nz]

here's my humble collection ... my next bottle will be a Lagavulin

 

[edotherocket]

What is the Lambertus? I never heard of it. What does it taste like?

 

[Micerider]

What is the Lambertus? I never heard of it. What does it taste like?

It's a Belgian Single Grain (Rye) Whisky, aged 10 years. Quite an exceptionnal one if you ask me. In the "soft & Silky" department, I can hardly find much better. It tastes a bit like a Complex Bourbon which would have gained some "class".

Bottles are quite scarce...even in Belgium, which is a bit sad but it's worth a try.

 

[edotherocket]

Sounds interesting. All these Belgian whiskies being posted on here have peaked my interest. I'll keep an eye out for them the next time I go to a boutique liquour store.

I've had a few new additions to my own collection since I last posted a picture back in July or so. Unfortunately I havent had a chance to try them yet so the tasting notes will be forthcoming.

New additions: 12 Yr old Caol Ila, 16 yr old Scapa, 25 yr old Port Ellen, Cask Aged Lark (Australian!), 12 Yr Old Highland Park, 12 Yr Old Glen Moray.

Looking forward to opening a few bottles soon

 

[Micerider]

Sounds interesting. All these Belgian whiskies being posted on here have peaked my interest

You mean AALLLL three of them ?. Yeah, Belgium ain't exactly a whisky country yet, but it's nice to see those three distilleries -The Belgian Owl, Lambertus and...on a lesser note Goldlys- taking it seriously. We have some skilled distillers taking a lot of interest in the making a using quality source-material to make their products. So, the potential is there to have a "name" building up, but never a sizy production.

Goldlys will most probably remain in the easy blend market, so not much to look for (They however had an anniversary cask, with only a few thousands bottles aged for 18 years that was quite interesting for a blend).

Lambertus is the only one in the process to have a whisky that reached it's full potential. Quite an amazing one too, might be slitghtly disregarded as it's a rye-based distillery leaning toward the "silky" whiskies (often regarded as less "complex" than smoky, mineral or "herbous" and peated ones, although I beg to differ).

The Belgian Owl has certainly the most potential, with a single malt already bearing a rich panel of aroma in it's 4 year old cask...can't wait to see it ageing. Despite it's young age, they already fledged a decent production, so it might be "THE" Belgian whisky in a few year time.

25 yr old Port Ellen,

Yeeeee lacky baasterd! I've been dreaming of tasting that one. The only time I came close to purchase one of the scarce remaining bottles, the reason caught up and told me that it might not be wise to spend 300 euros on a whisky. Just out of curiosity, what kind of dime did you have to pay to get your hands on it?

 

[dentoomw]

Just got back from a trip from Edinburgh and had a chance to visit the Scotch Whisky Experience. It's well worth the entrance fee, especially for beginners who are just learning about Single Malts. There's a short tour which showcases the process of distillation, a short workshop which showcases the distinctions between the different Whisky producing regions in Scotland (with taste tests of course) and a massive store after the tour with just about any brand you can think of, as well as the world's largest collection of Scotch Whiskys. I believe it was valued at over 3 million UK pounds.

Anyways, some photos of the collection

btw thats just a cut-out cat in the 3rd photo

 

[edotherocket]

Yeeeee lacky baasterd! I've been dreaming of tasting that one. The only time I came close to purchase one of the scarce remaining bottles, the reason caught up and told me that it might not be wise to spend 300 euros on a whisky. Just out of curiosity, what kind of dime did you have to pay to get your hands on it?

My wife picked it up for me at a Dan Murphys in Brisbane (a large liquor chain over here). It cost AUS $250 which is a pretty decent price by my reckoning.

 

[Micerider]

My wife picked it up for me at a Dan Murphys in Brisbane (a large liquor chain over here). It cost AUS $250 which is a pretty decent price by my reckoning.

Nice, not a bad price indeed. Quite astonished to have it available "on shelve" in a liquor shop as well.

Well, enjoy it sir, the only "Port Ellen" I'll be tasting tonight is that good ol' Lagavullin (still one of my favorites, the distillery is located in Port Ellen as well if I'm correct?)

 

[walbertsmith]

Nice interview with the Johnnie Walker master blender:

http://www.drinkspirits.com/scotch-whisky/interview-jonnie-walker-master-blender-jim-beveridge/

 

[S. L.]

whelp, look what i got gifted!
1.8Liter Whisky from Japan.

Wakatsuru Shunshine Extra Special (Blended) Whisky

GT5 as size comparison

 

[chrisisawesome]

Been lurking this thread for a while and decided to try a Glenmorangie 10 based on recommendations. I must say I really really enjoyed it.

Here's my collection and what i prefer from best to least:

glenmorangie 10 > talisker 10 = glenlivet 15 > balvenie 12

anyone have other recommendations?
I remember trying an Oban a while ago and loving it, anything else??

 

[glaurung]

This little beauty was delivered to office a few minutes ago:

Most likely going to have a dram tonight.

 

[edotherocket]

Been lurking this thread for a while and decided to try a Glenmorangie 10 based on recommendations. I must say I really really enjoyed it.

Here's my collection and what i prefer from best to least:

glenmorangie 10 > talisker 10 = glenlivet 15 > balvenie 12

anyone have other recommendations?
I remember trying an Oban a while ago and loving it, anything else??

I'm a fan of Glen Morangie and Talisker too. Can I recommend the Scapa 16 year old?

My tasting notes:

DISTILLERY Scapa

TYPE Single Malt

ALCOHOL 40%

REGION Orkney

COLOR Amber gold

NOSE Caramel, heather, sweetness.

PALATE Impeccably balanced. This is somehow peaty and warm yet smooth and has all the flavours the nose would suggest – it has a linger taste of sweet caramel.

FINISH Long, warm and lasting.

 

[Sumidor]

This little beauty was delivered to office a few minutes ago:

http://glaurung.planet.ee/img/loot/alligator.jpg

Most likely going to have a dram tonight.

Oooh, I love this stuff. It has a nice smokey, almost bbq like bite to it. I've already gone through two bottles, and i'm so happy that they've released it for general release.

Also, I have a question for anyone that's tried the Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix, is it actually worthy buying? I found a liquor store that has it and i'm debating if I should buy it or not.

 

[chrisisawesome]

I'm a fan of Glen Morangie and Talisker too. Can I recommend the Scapa 16 year old?

My tasting notes:

DISTILLERY Scapa

TYPE Single Malt

ALCOHOL 40%

REGION Orkney

COLOR Amber gold

NOSE Caramel, heather, sweetness.

PALATE Impeccably balanced. This is somehow peaty and warm yet smooth and has all the flavours the nose would suggest – it has a linger taste of sweet caramel.

FINISH Long, warm and lasting.

Thanks! I will definitely look into it, especially since i'm heading to the States and can find it cheaper than in Canada!

 

[TheExodu5]

How do you feel about Johnnie Walker Black? That seems to be the "gateway" blend to single malts due to its ubiquity and popularity. Not one of my favorites, but just asking for a reference point.

I wouldn't suggest starting off your single-malt career with Laphroaig, as it's notorious for putting off new tasters to scotch from its powerful notes of smoke and peat (also why it's beloved by experienced drinkers).

Depending on where you're from, I'd start off with a dram of Glenfiddich or Glenlivet at a bar... both are very accessible Speysides that are characterized by honey and vanilla and are far more palatable than most of the Islays (the smoke and peat distilleries). You can find a bottle of Glenlivet in CA for about $20-$23 a bottle, and is a very respectable dram at that price. Don't be afraid to put a cube of ice or two when you start out (to help with the burn), but once you get used to the taste try taking the ice out and put in a few drops of water.

I'll add to this: definitely try something else after Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivelt 12. Personally, they turned me off whisky, and Yoichi 10 and Lagavulin 16 brought me back! Not every whisky suites everyone.

Been lurking this thread for a while and decided to try a Glenmorangie 10 based on recommendations. I must say I really really enjoyed it.

Here's my collection and what i prefer from best to least:

glenmorangie 10 > talisker 10 = glenlivet 15 > balvenie 12

anyone have other recommendations?
I remember trying an Oban a while ago and loving it, anything else??

Well I'll recommend Yoichi 10, if you can find it. It's a really interesting whisky, and still probably my favorite so far. Lagavulin 16 is nice as well, venturing into the peatier side of things.

 

[arotator]

Bourbon talk, those of you who are prone to squint and turn your nose can stop reading now .

My friend got Four Roses Single Barrel last night. It had been on my radar for a while, as it got good reviews in Whisky Advocate and elsewhere. And I am certainly getting some after last night! One of my favorite bourbons, next to Knob Creek's Single Barrel, and Bakers. I didn't take notes, but from what I remember:

Nose: Smells like a classically sweet bourbon, very corny . Not too spicy.
Tongue: Holy hell, first things I noticed was the texture, its pretty thick, maybe oily, almost creamy - I love creamy whiskies! Not too surprising as its bottled at 50% (I tend to have this reaction to cask or near cask strength bottles). Then you get a bit of spice, didn't notice it too much at first, but it was definitely there. The reason I didn't notice it was the vanilla and caramel, but very vanilla-ie, finish.

Just took one sip and I knew I had a competitor for my favorite bourbon. Can be had for about $40-45.

 

[chrisisawesome]

Well I'll recommend Yoichi 10, if you can find it. It's a really interesting whisky, and still probably my favorite so far. Lagavulin 16 is nice as well, venturing into the peatier side of things.

I've definitely heard good things about the lagavulin 16 and will be on the lookout for it!
Hopefully I can find a good wine/spirits store around the area otherwise I will be left browsing the duty free - which still has some very solid selections!

 

[chrisisawesome]

I'm pretty excited about my latest purchase! I got a Yamasaki 12 Japanese single malt seeing as its been plastered all over this thread! Can't wait to get back home and crack open the bottle! I went in wanting either an Oban or Lagavulin 16, but the store stopped carrying oban and I couldn't justify $95 for a bottle of lagavulin just yet.
Also, there was a Johnny walker double black which I tried for the first time. Initial impressions were that it's pretty good. Then I bought a glenlivet 12 because I heard its a nice smooth everyday scotch, and at 35$ I was impressed. What stunned me even more was trying the Johnny back to back with the glenlivet. I really like the glenlivet more!

 

[Jamesfrom818]

So my favorite everyday nightcap scotch is Macallan 12 with a splash of water. Is the Macallan 18 or 30 significantly better because I can't see the justification in their prices since the 12 is pretty damn good.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

I recommended a talisker 10 year to my colleague.

He said that it had a funny metallic taste and he tried mixing it with coke to improve it, it didn't improve and his father tipped it down the sink.

I'm drinking a highland park 16 year just now. It's solid, not spectacular like a lagavulin.

 

[walbertsmith]

So my favorite everyday nightcap scotch is Macallan 12 with a splash of water. Is the Macallan 18 or 30 significantly better because I can't see the justification in their prices since the 12 is pretty damn good.

Typically with age they get much smoother. I haven't tried the 30 but the 18 is really nice. If you like Macallan's style but don't want to break the bank, try the Cask Strength. The sherry REALLY establishes itself with a warm, rich feel, and it's not that much more than the 12. It's about $50 near me in California.

He said that it had a funny metallic taste and he tried mixing it with coke to improve it, it didn't improve and his father tipped it down the sink.

Just.... wow. Was it a fresh bottle? Or did he buy it at a bar? That's just all kinds of sigh.

 

[S. L.]

So my favorite everyday nightcap scotch is Macallan 12 with a splash of water. Is the Macallan 18 or 30 significantly better because I can't see the justification in their prices since the 12 is pretty damn good.

generally you will get more wood influence with age, more complexity and maaybe more smoothness.
thou before you go the age route i would try different whiskys. similar styles that come to my mind would be Tomatin, Mortlach (could be hard to find) or if you want more sherry influence Glenfarclas