Scotch Info

[M.D. Holloway]

A few moths ago there was a thread on Scotch. Good discussion on single malt and blended. One thing that stuck was that there are Scotch that just plain burn going down while there are others that go down very very smooth and actually give you that warm filling. What scotch does that? I have tried all the different Glens over the past few years and they ain't them. Should I be looking to try the blended Scotches?

[Paul K]

Is this the thread?

Scotch drinkers unite!

I used to live near Dalwhinnie (Scottish Highlands)- reckoned to be some pretty good stuff, though I've never been much of a Scotch drinker myself...

[Joeaksa]

Try some of the 12 year old Balvinie.

[greglepore]

Try Dalmore Cigar malt-a pretty untraditional scotch, but very smooth for a single.

[Aerkuld]

I'll second the Dalwhinnie and suggest an 18yo Macallan (It's pricey though).
You know Lube, it's perfectly acceptable, and often preferable to add a few drops of water to the scotch to lessen the 'burn'. Don't add too much though.

There are some excellent blends out there though so I wouldn't rule them out. Some of the commonly available blends worth trying are Chivas Regal, Famous Grouse (If you can find the 12 yo try that), and Teachers.

When I get home I'll look and see what else I'd recommend both Single Malts and Blends.

[id10t]

If its old enough to vote, its gonna be smooooth. As a bonus, you wont be guilty of corrupting a minor.

[Aerkuld]

Originally posted by id10t
If its old enough to vote, its gonna be smooooth. As a bonus, you wont be guilty of corrupting a minor.

That said, I've spent many an enjoyable evening with a 16 year old.

[Rick Lee]

15 yr. old Balvenie is my favorite and it's distinctly smoother than the 12 yr. old stuff. Check out Talisker. Tastes like bbq smoke smells. So weird that they could capture that. It's very different.

[RallyJon]

Pinch is a nice blended Scotch. You can get the 15yo for a reasonable price and it's very drinkable even if you're not a hard-core aficionado.

[Hugh R]

There's nothing wrong with blended scotch. There are very good and very rough single malts. Blended is mostly done to get the same taste consistently year-after-year.

[alf]

I could care less if it was blended, as long as it tastes good

For singles I like Islay Malts...Lagavulin, Coal Ila, Laphroagh.

For blends JW Black, Blue or Green are all fine. Chivas and Jameson will also work

[cashflyer]

Originally posted by Aerkuld
You know Lube, it's perfectly acceptable, and often preferable to add a few drops of water to the scotch to lessen the 'burn'.

Nearly every pub I've been into has little pitchers of water available on the bar exactly for this purpose. I figure the natives know best on this subject.

And I don't think Jameson is a scotch. It's an Irish whiskey.

[rammstein]

I've found I can like almost any whiskey/scotch.

Glenfiddich is darn tasty. Pinch was good too.

For whiskeys, I like Bushmills. I also happen to like Beam, which is cheap as all hell.

I usually put it on ice.

For some of the whiskeys, I will take a lemon and shave off a strip of JUST the yellow, no white. I then roll is arould to get the oils to the surface, and drop it in the whiskey. I saw my uncle do that once, and its another way to enjoy it. Adds an interesting flavor. Not really proper for the pricier stuff though.

[Aerkuld]

Originally posted by rammstein
I've found I can like almost any whiskey/scotch.

Glenfiddich is darn tasty. Pinch was good too.

For whiskeys, I like Bushmills. I also happen to like Beam, which is cheap as all hell.

I usually put it on ice.

For some of the whiskeys, I will take a lemon and shave off a strip of JUST the yellow, no white. I then roll is arould to get the oils to the surface, and drop it in the whiskey. I saw my uncle do that once, and its another way to enjoy it. Adds an interesting flavor. Not really proper for the pricier stuff though.

You might be interested in this then.
Compass Box make an orange infused whisky, called Orangerie. It is usually a seasonal thing available around Christmas, but you may be able to find it. It's in a very slim, tall bottle. Very unusual, very tasty, and well worth a try. No burn either.

[Christien]

I have to disagree with some - if you want the best flavour and smoothness, ditch the blends. Sure, there are some good blends that make a fine drink after work, but if you really want the true flavour of Scotch, it has to be single malt. It's like fine wine vs. grocery store wine, IMO.

Lagavulin is always a top, nice and peaty, smooth, but expensive. I think Laphroaig is the best value out there, but then again I love it very peaty. Some don't. Most of the "glen"s are the lower end of the scale. Not bad, but not the best. Dalwhinnie is another personal favourite.

Best bet is to find a good liquor store that does sampling. Bring $20 and a ride home

[azasadny]

Lubby,
I drink Red Breast Single Malt, Pot Still 12 year old Irish whisky and it's the smoothest, best tasting whisky I have ever had. Try it!!

[M.D. Holloway]

I have a friend who hosts wine tasting parties. I told her she should also do cigar and scotch parties.

There is an Up In Smoke not a half a mile from me. Great place, they have plenty of different whiskeys and such to have for free provided you buy some stoogies and 'join the club'. They have plenty of soft leather chairs and plasma screens with racing and games on them.

I love the place - I have named it 'Guy Land'.

[Christien]

Sounds like a pretty nice place. Nothing like that around here - it'd be illegal due to smoking laws.

That's excellent that they offer free tastings. That's the perfect way to find what you like.

Nobody can afford to give it away for free north of the border. Alcohol taxes make it too expensive. The cheapest single malt around here starts at about $30-35. Lagavulin clocks in at $90.

[RickM]

Dalwhinnie Yum

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by Rick Lee
15 yr. old Balvenie is my favorite and it's distinctly smoother than the 12 yr. old stuff. Check out Talisker. Tastes like bbq smoke smells. So weird that they could capture that. It's very different.

I have a bottle of 21 year old Balvinie in the cabinet. Waiting for a good reason to open it!