Let's talk about Scotch Whiskey

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

I now own some land on Scotland West Coast. Until I finish building I'll stay at the B&B down the road from one of my favorite distillery

I spent a fun afternoon cutting peat for those guys last spring. It should be dry enough by now to be used.

[RWebb]

in Wash.?? don't tell me they are importing peat!

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by RWebb

big difference, yes

Monkey Shoulder is a good gateway drug into Scotch (it's blended)

there are various categories of single malt, just like Burgundy for wine

an easy rule is "Glen-whatever and as many years old as you can afford"

I like Talisker - tho the state of Orygun almost doubles the price (over Calf. prices) with their taxes - it comes out to about $60 to $70

also like Lagavulin

those are all single malts which are usually better than blended Scotch HOWEVER the best I ever had was a blend by an Italian guy - I thought the el cheap sale price was high ($80) until I priced it a retail ($200)

so either stay away or give it a try

I love my Talisker as well. They are currently the only distillery on the island of Skye, and are truly unique. Really buttery, toffee like, and smoooooth.

One of the key takeaways from spending time with those guys last spring (along with all of the distilleries on Islay as well) is that age is really irrelevant. Scotch can be left in the barrel too long. This is where the right guys make the big bucks - determining when it is "right", based upon sampling. An eight year old may very well be far "better" than a 16 year old, or older. This is, of course, like many things, often a matter of personal preference. Many of the top distilleries are moving away from "age declared" products in an effort to rid themselves of the onus that misperception has placed upon them.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by RWebb

in Wash.?? don't tell me they are importing peat!

I spent about five weeks between Scotland and Ireland last spring. My wife and I rented a car and drove all around both islands, and hit all of the southwest islands off of Scotland as well. I would highly recommend going - we had a ball. And came home with a whole suitcase of "distillery exclusive" bottles...

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I spent a fun afternoon cutting peat for those guys last spring. It should be dry enough by now to be used.

Sound as much fun as picking picking frozen grape at 18°F for Ice Wine; Ontario Ice Wine Harvest |

[JJ 911SC]

What a nice Daughter...

Thanks Socks.

[JJ 911SC]

B.D. gift from Tiger, wife and neighbours...

[astrochex]

^Very nice. I really enjoy Glenmorangie.

[NY65912]

I received a bottle of Chivas Regal 18YO (blue box).

I'm not a big Scotch guy unless its the Balvenie.

I would try it but I will probably work a trade deal with my cousin for a bourbon.

What say the great scotch aficionados here on the BBS, interested in opinions regarding flavor, notes and finish.

Cheers!

[JJ 911SC]

Just in time replenishment... From my DD to my favorite one . Never had any from the 2 in the middle.

[unclebilly]

If you want to learn about scotch, spend a couple evenings in The Grill on Union Street in Aberdeen. They have hundreds of spirits to sample and you choose from the pages in an old binder... they are knowledgeable and can steer you to a whiskey you will like. Remember what it was and you have your new favourite.

Beware the stairs to the bathroom...

[billybek]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

Beware the stairs to the bathroom...

That sounds like "the voice of experience"....

Bunnahabhain 12 going down right now....

[ledhedsymbols]

The Old Fat Man in the red suit left me a delicious treat under the tree this morning.

I love the smoky Islay scotches, but this one is a nice sipping Scotch with a couple of rocks.

[MBAtarga]

This one was on my Christmas wish list. I'm usually a Macallan drinker, but I'd had this one in the not to distant past and thought I'd give it another try. My son and his fiance bought it for me.

[unclebilly]

It’s claimed that The Grill has over 500 different Scottish Malt Whisky’s to try. I’ve gone through the binder and believe it. This is a whisky bar that also serves beer. You don’t go there to drink beer.

https://www.thegrillaberdeen.co.uk/

[JJ 911SC]

Good timing as I finished the one from Xmas bottle last night.