View Full Version : Scotch whisky advice
julesd68
06-01-2013, 19:49
Greetings from a very cold and windy Greece, and a Happy New Year to all! :)
Do we have any scotch whisky afficionados in the house?
A couple of nights ago my father-in-law asked me what I wanted to drink and for some reason I said whisky. Not drunk the stuff in many years. He produced a bottle of Ballantines Finest and I have to say I really enjoyed it a lot! I appreciate it is a humble blended but in my opinion a very good one. It's very well balanced, light and easy drinking for an aperitif - just what I wanted.
Of course this has made me want to try something just a little more "exotic". Don't mind if it is blended or single malt, just needs to be quality and less than £35 a bottle. I would like a whisky that is nicely balanced - nothing overtly smoky, peaty, smoky or too heavy. Perhaps a Speyside or Lowlands whisky might be a good starting point?
I have started to read up on t'internet on the options but still not really sure where to start. :scratch:
That's a tough one Jules as Whiskey divides opinion. I really like the Irish ones which should suit your description, they are very smooth and not too peaty or smoky. Bushmills single malt is very good.
Dalwhinnie single malt is a nice highland whiskey, sweet and smooth, I also like The Macallan, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie and some of the Irish blends are good too, Paddy and Jameson. I tend to only drink single malt though and really like Bushmills.
Wakefield Turntables
06-01-2013, 20:04
Glenmorangie La Santa 12 year old or simple Glenmorangie 10/12 year old single malt is excellent, Dalwhinney 15 year old is one of my favourites. Good luck.
I'm no expert but Glen Moray is one of my favourites - very easy drinking
The Grand Wazoo
06-01-2013, 20:11
My general preference is for the peaty stuff though, so Laphroag Quarter Cask and Lagavulin are my 2 most favoured tipples.
But - Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood is rather fantastic and can be had for about 30 quid.
Tim is spot on with the Irish ones - as for the cheaper ones, I like The Paddy - cheapest of the lot!
Rare Bird
06-01-2013, 20:15
Mackmyra but that's Swedish
Jura Original 10yr beware there is a peaty version.
The Balvenie 12yr.
Ali Tait
06-01-2013, 21:04
That's a tough one Jules as Whiskey divides opinion. I really like the Irish ones which should suit your description, they are very smooth and not too peaty or smoky. Bushmills single malt is very good.
Dalwhinnie single malt is a nice highland whiskey, sweet and smooth, I also like The Macallan, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie and some of the Irish blends are good too, Paddy and Jameson. I tend to only drink single malt though and really like Bushmills.
How very dare you spell Scottish whisky with an "e"!
Rare Bird
06-01-2013, 21:05
:lolsign:
How very dare you spell Scottish whisky with an "e"!
Ha - I was just about to post the same thing!! Tim, I thought you'd have known better! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Richard Kimber
06-01-2013, 21:18
Royal Lochnagar
Talisker
The Dalmore
- A few of my favourite things: Richard.
Lol, well its because I'm Irish I guess, so I generally always spell it with an 'e', but yes, you are right when describing Scotch it should be 'whisky' and Irish it should be 'whiskey'.
Funny though, but I apologise profusely Ali . . . in fact as a result of this thread I poured myself a rather large Glenmorangie, that'll be a whicky . . . . hic, oops sorry :o
:D
Canadian Club Classic - Smooooooooth!!! :trust:
12 years of waiting to be consumed! :wow:
Lol, well its because I'm Irish I guess, so I generally always spell it with an 'e'...
Irish? I didn't know... Cool - it's usually the bloody Sassenachs who get it wrong! ;)
Marco.
I'm an O'Leary Marco - which explains why I'm slightly mad :mental: That's my excuse anyway :D
In my case, I'm just naturally, and thus effortlessly, schoopit! :D
Marco.
This is the very best in the world.
The Rolex of booze.
http://www.whisky.com/vip/macallan_55year.html
http://www.amazon.com/Macallan-Fine-Scotch-Single-750ML/dp/B005ZV7YWG
I used to drink the 21 year,a bottle each month 20 years ago when it was just under $75.00 a bottle.
since those days both scotch and cigar prices have made me stop as scotch prices have nearly tripled and cigar prices more than tripled.
I used to smoke Arturo Fuente Hemingway classics and drink 21 year old single malt Macallan on Friday and Saturday nights every week.
On rare occasions I was lucky to be treated to some very old Cuban Rum and cigars,My friend moved on to another state after a very nasty divorce so it's unlikely I will ever enjoy those again,but it was nice while it lasted.
Mc21
Cost was $4.25 per shot.
Bar prices $7.00 to $8.00 on most fine golf courses back then.
Those where good days.
Ali Tait
07-01-2013, 09:04
Not much wrong with a drop of 'morangie
I'm rather partial to a drop of Highland Park 12yo myself.
julesd68
07-01-2013, 14:30
I had a couple of glasses of Chivas Regal 12 year old blended last night. Apparently, it is the second biggest seller in the world after Black Label ...
Pleasant enough as a post-dinner tipple but really lacking any kind of complexity. For the same kind of price you can find some of the cheaper single malts which I imagine and hope will be much more satisfying.
spendorman
07-01-2013, 15:26
I have been told that the ones from Lidl are good.
julesd68
07-01-2013, 16:06
I have been told that the ones from Lidl are good.
Good call - just been reading on google that before Xmas they were selling a decent 33 yr old single malt for 40 quid :eek:
Haselsh1
07-01-2013, 16:19
If you like your whisky with no peat or smoke may I suggest Glengoyne. It is half way across the highland/lowland border and is truly gorgeous.
I'd recommend a Speyside malt called Glen Glaechitteuchterumshie - it's a rare wee dram!
Marco.
"I said Ma-Mama weer all crazee now........." Try playing that flat out while drinking some of your favourite tipple - preferably after a few - hic!! :lol: :o
Hi,
If you have very deep pockets, i would recomend some Dallas Dhu, its kind of a lowland malt, funny its still available, (at a price) though they stopped production i think in the 80s.
Another Vote for Glenmorangie (http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glenmorangie-original-10-year-old-whisky/), dosn't take the lining off yer throut either, nice Vanilla tast
The Glenmorangie is in the cupboard gathering dust because this one...
Bruichladdich - The Laddie 10 (http://www.bruichladdich.com/the-whisky/classic-whisky/classic-bruichladdich/the-laddie-10-year-old-whisky)
...I just want more of. It's non peated so that might be why :scratch: . Love the aftertaste. This one is available in Tesco too.
julesd68
07-01-2013, 20:26
Thanks Robert, Bruichladdich is now on the shopping list!
Check out the review here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdelFC4Kdqw
Great fun for anyone who hasn't seen Ralfy's reviews and he obviously knows his whisky too ...
archiesdad
07-01-2013, 21:26
Another vote for Highland Park, although I also like the Islay malts, peatier the better they are definitely an acquired taste and so not for everyone.
wee tee cee
08-01-2013, 20:00
I have been told that the ones from Lidl are good.yes, very good indeed its called -ben bracken....change from £20. tastes not a million miles away from an auchentoshan. both are lovely smooth easy going single malts with a fine honey colour and no predominant flavour characteristics.
julesd68
08-01-2013, 20:38
yes, very good indeed its called -ben bracken...
Oh dear - turned my nose up at a bottle of that today - thought it couldn't be any good:doh:
Bluedroog
08-01-2013, 20:44
I like all sorts of Whisky including peaty and smokey, two of my favourites at this end are Lagavulin and Talisker.
Johnnie Walker Black Lable is more mild and good value.
julesd68
09-01-2013, 20:37
Thought I would try Glenfiddich 12 yr old tonight - it's the only thing the mrs drinks so thought I would give it a go ...
Yuk! :spew:
I really don't like it at all - find it very thin and astringent indeed ... Maybe it's the slight peatiness that I don't like, not sure. Thank god I don't have to finish the bottle. Much happier with a bog-standard Ballantines ...
It's not scotch but regular Crown Royal whisky is pretty affordable and makes a nice Daly drink.
julesd68
11-01-2013, 09:41
Well instead of chancing my arm on 70cl of single malt that I'm not sure I'll like, I've bought a selection of miniatures to get myself started from here -
http://www.justminiatures.co.uk/miniature-spirits-liqueurs-c-2.html
The best selection I have seen on-line and with discounted prices. I bought six quality malts for £24 including delivery.
julesd68
11-01-2013, 09:48
And if you fancy a set of new glasses to drink your whisky or anything else in, I can highly recommend the Dartington Crystal sale -
http://www.dartington.co.uk/outlet/
I bought four superb heavy tumblers for £20, instead of £80. They are sold as seconds but I have so far only managed to spot one tiny imperfection on one of them ...
icehockeyboy
15-01-2013, 11:38
Glenlivet single malt is my Scotch of choice, mainly because the wife buys it for me on board.
Oddly the 12 yr old tastes nicer to me than the 15 yr old.
Westyman
15-01-2013, 17:34
Highland Park, Dalwhinnie and Laphroaig are in my whisky cupboard and come the end of the January purdah the door will be opened!!
If you visit the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh and "do" the tour, you get a whisky tasting glass. We got four when we went because one couple didn't want theirs to go with our two. And the bar has more malts then you ever knew existed.....:stalks:
Nice restaurant too.
bobbasrah
15-01-2013, 17:47
Glenlivet single malt is my Scotch of choice, mainly because the wife buys it for me on board.
Oddly the 12 yr old tastes nicer to me than the 15 yr old.
Ditto, and even the 18 :scratch:
This is my favourite,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailie_Nicol_Jarvie
I only seem to be able to find it in Waitrose but it must be available elsewhere.
JC
Quality, James - and a favourite of our very own Grand Wazoo!
Marco.
Two of my all time favorites are Lagavulin 16yo and Ardbeg Uigeadail. These are not cheap single malts (at least here in Finland) but still have good price to quality ratio, and the best part - they taste reallyreallyreally good.. :D
julesd68
15-01-2013, 18:01
This is my favourite,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailie_Nicol_Jarvie
I only seem to be able to find it in Waitrose but it must be available elsewhere.
JC
If you have problems finding it you can buy on-line from one of the whisky specialists like this -
http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/product.asp?pf_id=0010000002324
The Grand Wazoo
15-01-2013, 19:31
I can get BNJ at Booths but you'll have to go a bit north and a little west from Oxon for that!
Believe it or not, you can get it on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/BAILIE-NICOL-JARVIE-Blended-Whisky/dp/B002WN1GX8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358278241&sr=8-1
archiesdad
15-01-2013, 22:05
A little advice I've been given a couple of times- do not add ice to a nice malt! a little fresh water to taste if required is allowed, I find it makes my drink last longer too.:cool:
..........................Believe it or not, you can get it on Amazon!......................
Mail Order Whisky, whatever next?:stalks:
You'll be telling me next that you spin a piece of Shellac, touching a steel pin to the grooves on it and sound will be emitted from a large horn connected to the whole thing!!!
JC
julesd68
16-01-2013, 09:40
A couple of recommendations based on recent drinking - Old Pultney 12yo & Aberlour 10yo. Both delicious, rich and easy-drinking malts.
Only real dissapointment was Highland Park 12yo which I found quite coarse and bitter.
julesd68
26-01-2013, 17:20
ooooohhh - I'm so excited!
Have just bought a bottle of legendary ABERLOUR A'BUNADH Batch 42 - non chill-filtered and cask strength at 60.3%! :eek:
Can't wait to try it ...
The Grand Wazoo
26-01-2013, 17:32
Nice!
Even if you don't add a little water to your whisky normally, it's very interesting to compare the difference in flavour by doing so with this one. It becomes a totally different (for the better) drink by adding literally just a few drops. Nice either way though!
archiesdad
26-01-2013, 17:32
ooooohhh - I'm so excited!
Have just bought a bottle of legendary ABERLOUR A'BUNADH Batch 42 - non chill-filtered and cask strength at 60.3%! :eek:
Can't wait to try it ...
I used to get cask strength from someone, aha here
http://www.ianmacleod.com/brands/
60.3%, is that by volume or proof?
julesd68
26-01-2013, 17:38
60.3 ABV - this stuff is STRONG!
And yes, although it goes against my gut instinct, I'll try one measure with a few drops of water to see how it opens the whisky up ...
hoopsontoast
26-01-2013, 20:22
ooooohhh - I'm so excited!
Have just bought a bottle of legendary ABERLOUR A'BUNADH Batch 42 - non chill-filtered and cask strength at 60.3%! :eek:
Can't wait to try it ...
I have a bottle of this (Batch 41), does not taste quite as strong as you would expect.
Caol ila is another fav, just the standard one, not tried any of the others. Talisker is a good cheaper option, then the belvenie double wood and jura as more accesable single malts.
Never really got into glenmorangie, always a bit dull and lifeless, like the nectar'd'or for example and the standard 12 yr.
julesd68
26-01-2013, 20:55
Just poured my first dram 15 mins ago.
Massive on the nose. Caramel, chocolate and raisins. Reminds me of a Cadbury's chocolate bar I used to buy 30 odd years ago ... My 7 year old son found notes of grapes, apple and mango.
Flavour still developing in the glass. Viscous and slightly oily on the palate. Darkly and profusely flavoursome - sherried caramel and raisin predominant with notes of rich seville orange. Mmmmm! :D
And before you ask, no, my boy didn't get to taste it aswell, but he wanted to he has asked me to tell you ... :eek:
hoopsontoast
26-01-2013, 21:30
Just poured my first dram 15 mins ago.
Massive on the nose. Caramel, chocolate and raisins. Reminds me of a Cadbury's chocolate bar I used to buy 30 odd years ago ... My 7 year old son found notes of grapes, apple and mango.
Flavour still developing in the glass. Viscous and slightly oily on the palate. Darkly and profusely flavoursome - sherried caramel and raisin predominant with notes of rich seville orange. Mmmmm! :D
And before you ask, no, my boy didn't get to taste it aswell, but he wanted to he has asked me to tell you ... :eek:
feck me, I have some batch 41 here and not getting all that on the nose. Maybe I need a bit of rasins, only possibly as you mentioned it....
Tis a lovely drop though
I was once given a technical explanation as to why adding a few drops of water to whiskey improves it, at the Jameson distillery in Ireland (so yes it's whiskey ;)). I wish I could remember what they said, but they were right.
The Grand Wazoo
26-01-2013, 22:09
The technical explanation: It 'opens up' the spirit by breaking down the ester chains and freeing the volatile aromatics.
The Wazoo version: Put a few drops in and watch the swirly whirly patterns as the real flavour is released .
Haselsh1
26-01-2013, 22:47
Here's a must have supplier of only the finest malts:
http://www.lfw.co.uk/
archiesdad
27-01-2013, 14:23
I was once given a technical explanation as to why adding a few drops of water to whiskey improves it, at the Jameson distillery in Ireland (so yes it's whiskey ;)). I wish I could remember what they said, but they were right.
It also makes it last longer, but only by a SMALL time.:lol: I guy I know who sells whisky suggests that you add a little to a dram and taste on a "rolled/curled" tongue, when it doesn't burn? that's the right amount to add, otherwise I agree with The Grand Wazoo in his reasoning.
julesd68
13-02-2013, 14:27
Bought a bottle of Glenfarclas 15 YO last week. One of the most widely praised sherried malts around but amazingly enough I just don't get on with it! If anyone wants it, drop me a line - just poured one double and don't want the rest ...
http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/product.asp?pf_id=0010000001051
archiesdad
26-02-2013, 19:49
Bought a bottle of Glenfarclas 15 YO last week. One of the most widely praised sherried malts around but amazingly enough I just don't get on with it! If anyone wants it, drop me a line - just poured one double and don't want the rest ...
http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/product.asp?pf_id=0010000001051
This arrived "home" today, will check it's health later, many thanks to jules, top bloke.
julesd68
26-02-2013, 20:27
It's a pleasure old boy. I hope you enjoy it.
I can't decide what to buy next! My problem is eyes bigger than wallet, as ever ... :D
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