A few whisky recommendations

[IlDestriero]

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Here's a few recs for you guys at a few different price points.

Laphroaig Triple Wood. New, no age statement. I had not tried it before the other night and it did not disappoint. Well balanced peat with sweet smoke, oranges?, grass, sweet malt, and of course iodine and the briny finish. Tasted older and more balanced than it should for it's age. Nice.

Dalmore 18. It starts out as classic Dalmore, nice balance, a hint of tobacco smoke, orange peel, smooth, but a couple drops of water and the nose explodes. Great! Of note the Dalmore King Alexander III also exploded with a couple drops of water, but in a bad way, it got very winey and disappointing. The undiluted was far better. Not worth the extra money over the 18. The 18 is worth it for the nose alone.

Balvenie 17yr Peated Cask. I always like this one. Clean and tasty classic Balvenie profile with some light peat smoke and ash across the tongue and lingering in the finish, very subtle. If you don't like the heavy peat, but like some smoke, this is a good place to go. It was released in 2010, and is limited, so- now or never.

Laphroaig 25. Everything you want in Laphroaig at cask strength, but the peat heat is mellowed and allows for subtle aromas and flavor to percolate through. Don't get me wrong, it's still a heavy medicine and peat, but there's a lot going on behind the scenes. This got some bad reviews, but I'm not sure why. It's excellent, complex, and still classic Laphroaig. It used to be 40% ABV, but at reformulated cask strength, it delivers.

Cheers!

 

[TrojanGopher]

Great post IlDestriero. Add Aberlour A'bunadh if you are looking for a bit more of a sherried taste with a cast strength.

A note to the non-Scotch drinkers who are looking to develop the expensive but wonderful habit, the scotches listed by the OP are not for the faint of heart. They are more geared at the "purest" scotch consumer who really value the peat flavor. Might be better to ease into it with something like a bottle of Balvenie Doublewood or Macallan 12 yr.

That being said, I will spend most or all of my $150 liquor store gift card on one or more of these.

IlDestriero, if you could spend $100 on a "sherry > peat" flavored single malt, what would you buy?


A useful website: http://www.maltmadness.com/

 

[btbam]

Highland Park 18 is quite delicious.

 

[DreamLover]

I'm a Kentucky Bourbon girl through and through!! Give me some Booker's or Baker's, Woodford or Maker's...and I'm happy! Elijah Craig 18 yr! Nice and smokey-very smoothe

 

[IlDestriero]

Great post IlDestriero. Add Aberlour A'bunadh if you are looking for a bit more of a sherried taste with a cast strength.

A note to the non-Scotch drinkers who are looking to develop the expensive but wonderful habit, the scotches listed by the OP are not for the faint of heart. They are more geared at the "purest" scotch consumer who really value the peat flavor. Might be better to ease into it with something like a bottle of Balvenie Doublewood or Macallan 12 yr.

That being said, I will spend most or all of my $150 liquor store gift card on one or more of these.

IlDestriero, if you could spend $100 on a "sherry > peat" flavored single malt, what would you buy?


A useful website: http://www.maltmadness.com/

The malt maniacs and their MaltMonitor are a gold mine for info on limited release and rare whisky. Nothing comes close.

As for the recommendation, do you want sherry matured whisky specifically, or just not peated? If you don't want peat, but like a nice sweet vanilla, honeyed heather, with light balanced smoke, the Highland Park 18 is a great whisky. It's not sherried and is aged in all bourbon barrels. It's fantastic and worth every bit of the $90-100 price. The HP 12 is a perfect daily dram at about $50 as well. If you want a nice sherry aged option, The Macallan 18 is a bit above $100. Aberlour A'bunadh is probably unbeatable for a sherry bomb <$100. Macallan cask strength is no slouch either.
Cheers.
P.S. For those that may not know, the Dalmore that I mentioned above is not peated.👍 Give it a try.

 

[cfdavid]

The malt maniacs and their MaltMonitor are a gold mine for info on limited release and rare whisky. Nothing comes close.

As for the recommendation, do you want sherry matured whisky specifically, or just not peated? If you don't want peat, but like a nice sweet vanilla, honeyed heather, with light balanced smoke, the Highland Park 18 is a great whisky. It's not sherried and is aged in all bourbon barrels. It's fantastic and worth every bit of the $90-100 price. The HP 12 is a perfect daily dram at about $50 as well. If you want a nice sherry aged option, The Macallan 18 is a bit above $100. Aberlour A'bunadh is probably unbeatable for a sherry bomb <$100. Macallan cask strength is no slouch either.
Cheers.
P.S. For those that may not know, the Dalmore that I mentioned above is not peated.👍 Give it a try.

Ever try Belvenie Double Wood? I've also sampled the Carribean Cask and thought it was pretty good. Different, and definitely a sweeter taste to it, but worthwhile. And this is coming from a guy who generally likes the peatier stuff like Laphroaig. Frankly, it's been a while since most of the decent single malts aren't in the budget right now.

For a great blend, try Teachers Highland Cream. Good stuff.

Also, for a really interesting and fun way to learn about different single malts (but beyond that as well), try THIS GUY. He does a great job.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ralfystuff

 

[drccw]

I'm a Kentucky Bourbon girl through and through!! Give me some Booker's or Baker's, Woodford or Maker's...and I'm happy! Elijah Craig 18 yr! Nice and smokey-very smoothe

Elijah craig 18 for the money is one of the best...
I just finally got my hands on George T Stag... very very nice with a splash of water....

But, my favorite to date has been Willet 17....

drccw

 

[deleted109597]

For peatiness that is just a hair short of refined, I like many of Ardbeg's offerings. The Supernova is best.
Bunnahabhain has some excellent scotches once you get past 20 years. I actually prefer the independent bottlers for most of my older scotch, because a)it's cheaper, b)it's often cask strength or close, and c)has more options (years, casks) than the big bottlers provide.

 

[BADMD]

My wife bought me a Balvenie 21 for my birthday. Great scotch. And it is old enough to drink its own scotch.

My typical choice is the Macallan 15. It seems a bit more complex than the 12 and at a better price point than the 18.

 

[jetproppilot]

I'm a Kentucky Bourbon girl through and through!! Give me some Booker's or Baker's, Woodford or Maker's...and I'm happy! Elijah Craig 18 yr! Nice and smokey-very smoothe

Maker's Mark

is hard to beat in my book....love it but can only have a couple otherwise I need bail bond money.😀

 

[W222]

I know I am going to get crap from the purists but my day-to-day is glenlivet 12 year. Its what I will drink if nothing else is around.

I love Macallan 12 year. Great after dinner drink.

I have Ardbeg "Still young" that I haven't opened.

Another favorite is Oban. I also had a great cask strength last winter, can't remember the name though.

 

[MTGas2B]

I'm a Kentucky Bourbon girl through and through!! Give me some Booker's or Baker's, Woodford or Maker's...and I'm happy! Elijah Craig 18 yr! Nice and smokey-very smoothe

Mmm. Woodford. Just restocked the liquor cabinet yesterday.
A couple nights a week a small glass, neat, just before bedtime. Yummy yummy.

I do keep some Johnny black label around though.

 

[OB1🤙]

Anyone drink rye whiskey out there? As a fan of a good Sazerac, I'm always on the lookout for a good rye to have on its own. Old Overholt is where I'm starting at as far as drinking on a few rocks, so nowhere to go but up.

 

[cfdavid]

Anyone drink rye whiskey out there? As a fan of a good Sazerac, I'm always on the lookout for a good rye to have on its own. Old Overholt is where I'm starting at as far as drinking on a few rocks, so nowhere to go but up.

I like rye, but I only rarely drink it (it's been maybe over a year). I like the taste, but just don't seem to go back to it.

Here's something which may be of interest. Seems intriguing, and certainly it's new. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d4rnhWD7jY

I'd like to try this someday.

 

[lord_jeebus]

Anyone drink rye whiskey out there? As a fan of a good Sazerac, I'm always on the lookout for a good rye to have on its own. Old Overholt is where I'm starting at as far as drinking on a few rocks, so nowhere to go but up.

I use Wild Turkey Rye for my Manhattans and Sazeracs and I'm very happy with it. I had a Manhattan with Bulleit Rye recently and it was also very good.

 

[doctor712]

Sheeesh, I step away for a few weeks and I...

a) miss a thread on my favorite single malt, LAPHROIAG - YUMMMM. IlD, that is the real deal. Haven't tried the triple wood, but must now. ahhh, boston last year was so much fun....

b) miss a thread where Jet calls the forum out and it gets closed soooooo much earlier than any of mine were ever slammed shut....

c) am about to read a thread entitled bizarre and see what THAT puppy is all bout. for the record, that south park photo GERN, hilarious. Pics of Montana by periop, man, that's gorgeous... i wonder how many of those trails pictured in those photos with those 4X4s i could drive my 2011 XC90 Volvo on before breaking it in half. I'd say 2-3.

d) I second Jet's thoughts, it's been REALLY quiet here lately on a few (clinical, non-clinical, sensical, non-sensical) fronts...

D712

 

[xaelia]

Welp, I've got open right now:
Bunnahabhain 1978 aged 27 years
Balvenie Portwood aged 21 years
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Port Charlotte An Turas Mor
Amrut Indian Peated Cask Strength
McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt

All very interesting. The McCarthy's is kind of oily and metallic, and it's about the only one I don't terribly enjoy. The top two are gift whiskeys appropriate for the final innings of Game 6 and Game 7 of the World Series, the bottom four are "everyday" beverages.

Helps to live six blocks away from the largest liquor store in the world.

 

[deleted109597]

As for the recommendation, do you want sherry matured whisky specifically, or just not peated? If you don't want peat, but like a nice sweet vanilla, honeyed heather, with light balanced smoke, the Highland Park 18 is a great whisky. It's not sherried and is aged in all bourbon barrels. It's fantastic and worth every bit of the $90-100 price. The HP 12 is a perfect daily dram at about $50 as well. If you want a nice sherry aged option, The Macallan 18 is a bit above $100. Aberlour A'bunadh is probably unbeatable for a sherry bomb <$100. Macallan cask strength is no slouch either.

I will add that Glenmorangie (for the record, it is pronounced as if it rhymes with orange-y) has a very good selection of different finishes that are all quite good. Nectar D'Or (french wine), Quinta Ruban (port), and Lasanta (sherry) are fairly cost effective. I haven't tried the Signet but would like to try it soon.

 

[Gas you down]

i tried Pinch 15yr blended scotch whiskey last night. i was amazed at how good it was!

 

[cfdavid]

Welp, I've got open right now:
Bunnahabhain 1978 aged 27 years
Balvenie Portwood aged 21 years
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Port Charlotte An Turas Mor
Amrut Indian Peated Cask Strength
McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt

All very interesting. The McCarthy's is kind of oily and metallic, and it's about the only one I don't terribly enjoy. The top two are gift whiskeys appropriate for the final innings of Game 6 and Game 7 of the World Series, the bottom four are "everyday" beverages.

Helps to live six blocks away from the largest liquor store in the world.

That Balvenie Portwood is seriously fantastic. Expensive as hell, but I got it as a part of a sampler kit which was actually a pretty good deal considering what it had in it.

I was recently talked into the 1998 Glennrothe's (for it's value). Didn't really like it too much, and my go-to Scotch whisky reviewer (ralfystuff) wasn't floored either. I watched the review while sipping a glass and just wasn't thrilled. He was much more articulate about it's mediocrity, however.

 

[IlDestriero]

That Balvenie Portwood is seriously fantastic. Expensive as hell, but I got it as a part of a sampler kit which was actually a pretty good deal considering what it had in it.

I was recently talked into the 1998 Glennrothe's (for it's value). Didn't really like it too much, and my go-to Scotch whisky reviewer (ralfystuff) wasn't floored either. I watched the review while sipping a glass and just wasn't thrilled. He was much more articulate about it's mediocrity, however.

Be cautious relying entirely on Ralfy's reviews. I watch them mostly for the entertainment value. He has an obvious and unchecked bias against the big groups, chill filtration and colorant. I'm all for non chill filtered and no caramel, but I wouldn't dock points off arbitrarily for it.
I trust Serge and the malt maniacs more. Unfortunately, they tend to drink the rare, old, and/or limited bottles. I wish I could get more of the 700cc only bottles that the rest of the world can order.👎

 

[cfdavid]

Be cautious relying entirely on Ralfy's reviews. I watch them mostly for the entertainment value. He has an obvious and unchecked bias against the big groups, chill filtration and colorant. I'm all for non chill filtered and no caramel, but I wouldn't dock points off arbitrarily for it.
I trust Serge and the malt maniacs more. Unfortunately, they tend to drink the rare, old, and/or limited bottles. I wish I could get more of the 700cc only bottles that the rest of the world can order.👎

Indeed he does. But, perhaps he's just too much of a purist, which I won't fault him for. I've also agreed with much of his reviews in the past.

I'll check out Serge et al tonight.

 

[cfdavid]

Be cautious relying entirely on Ralfy's reviews. I watch them mostly for the entertainment value. He has an obvious and unchecked bias against the big groups, chill filtration and colorant. I'm all for non chill filtered and no caramel, but I wouldn't dock points off arbitrarily for it.
I trust Serge and the malt maniacs more. Unfortunately, they tend to drink the rare, old, and/or limited bottles. I wish I could get more of the 700cc only bottles that the rest of the world can order.👎

Yo IlD, can you post a link to Serge and friends? Can't seem to find them on youtube.

Thanks.

 

[IlDestriero]

I'll check out Serge et al tonight.

Pure gold:
http://www.maltmaniacs.org/index.html ->monitor link is in the middle.
http://www.whiskyfun.com/
http://www.ralfy.com/ ->look at whisky reviews
And of course
Www.whiskycast.com for news, interviews, and reviews.

 

[deleted109597]

Bought 3 bottles of Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix tonight. I must say, it is everything it was reported to be. Especially for $84 a bottle.

 

[Pooh & Annie]

Johnnie Walker green label 3:1 whiskey to water. Tastes REAL good.

 

[E Dubble]

J. Walker gold is always on the shelf for consumption. I'll occasionally buy blue label. Blue is crazy smooth. Recently tried macallan 25. Not as good as blue label in my IMHO.

 

[Pooh & Annie]

J. Walker gold is always on the shelf for consumption. I'll occasionally buy blue label. Blue is crazy smooth. Recently tried macallan 25. Not as good as blue label in my IMHO.

I haven't had the blue yet. I hear it's better than green or gold, but not $150 better

 

[Salt Creep]

I'm a Kentucky Bourbon girl through and through!! Give me some Booker's or Baker's, Woodford or Maker's...and I'm happy! Elijah Craig 18 yr! Nice and smokey-very smoothe

Try Four Roses Single Barrel. Can't be beat for the money. About $30 will buy a gift set of a bottle and 2 glasses. Very nearly as smooth as Pappy Van Winkle, and much softer finish than anything I've tried for double its price.

 

[Frank Rizzo]

I second the four roses single barrel. I love woodford, love makers... lately I've been enjoying buffalo trace.

 

[RabbMD]

LOL... I was coming onto this thread to recommend... You guessed it four roses single barrel. If you are in Kentucky it has an awesome tour as well at the distillery. For sipping four roses single beats anything near it in price IMHO. For mixed cocktails I also have been using buffalo trace $18ish a bottle.

 

[DMBFan61]

 

[Frank Rizzo]

LOL... I was coming onto this thread to recommend... You guessed it four roses single barrel. If you are in Kentucky it has an awesome tour as well at the distillery. For sipping four roses single beats anything near it in price IMHO. For mixed cocktails I also have been using buffalo trace $18ish a bottle.

Ha! Nice tastes! Buffalo Trace is definitely my go-to mixer at the moment. Its unbelievably smooth for the price.

 

[deleted109597]

I haven't had the blue yet. I hear it's better than green or gold, but not $150 better

For my money, certainly, there are better whiskies available at $200 a bottle. You can get 30 year old bottles of independent bottler single malt for that much.

 

[TrojanGopher]

If you've got $100 to spend, Yamazaki 18. The first time I tried it, it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

 

[imfrankie]

How on earth do you drink that stuff?

 

[deleted109597]

How on earth do you drink that stuff?

Yamakazi, or scotch in general?


Either, the answer is slowly.

 

[IlDestriero]

For anyone taking notes, the Yamazaki 12 and 18 and the old Sherry Cask are excellent, at increasing complexity and price. I am hoping that Suntory brings more over this year. Also on the Japanese front, Nikka is debuting in the US this year. They are also highly regarded in Japan.
Cheers!

 

[deleted109597]

A friend (xaelia) bought me the Octomore 3.

I always wondered how Scotland tasted to a plowshare. It's quite peaty. The Octomore 4 is going to be even more.

 

[Oggg]

Wild Turkey makes a 55%? Rye whiskey that is actually really good. Not always easy to find. Very affordable. IMHO less sweet than old overholt

 

[deleted109597]

 

[gasattack3]

anyone try Whistle Pig?? I know it has a limited distribution right now, but I did see a product placement a few episodes back on Breaking Bad.....

 

[IlDestriero]

anyone try Whistle Pig?? I know it has a limited distribution right now, but I did see a product placement a few episodes back on Breaking Bad.....

I've heard nothing but good things about Whistle Pig, and they have a new batch coming out soon, as well as a new edition. I'll be ordering a bottle, it's something I should have done already. I really like the fresh ginger spiciness of Bulleit Rye. It's 95%rye, and doesn't have the corn sweetness that I dislike. Nothing very complex, but very good, and cheap.🙂 It's widely available, check it out.👍

 

[IlDestriero]

I heard about this, have you tried it? I'm not a bourbon fan, but I'd try a dram. Interesting idea.

 

[deleted109597]

I heard about this, have you tried it? I'm not a bourbon fan, but I'd try a dram. Interesting idea.

I'm trying to source a bottle. Generally anything Whisky Advocate rec's is at least worth a taste.
Unfortunately, only 250 bottles (so they say). Specs in Houston might be my best shot.

I'm waiting for Ranger Creek to have more than the small barrel stuff. It's just too young. With enough money, you can buy your own barrel. Not sure what you do with it afterwards, but still.

Balcones Baby Blue is good in a pinch as well.

That damn magazine is what got me into Bourbons in the first place. All this Pappy van winkles, etc.