Scotch/Whisky

[yummi4tunekookie]

I was on a date recently, and went to a bar, where my date got me some scotch. Single malt, I think. I really want to figure out what he got me, because I really enjoyed it. It was definitely fiery, but it was rich and had this awesome sweetness to it that was buttery and caramely. I'm no expert, and I really suck at descriptions, so this'll be all you guys have to go on! I figure that even if I don't find out exactly what I got, I'll get some great recommendations regardless.

I tried to order something else the last time I went out drinking. Glen...Something. It was nowhere near as good, and it was really salty and kind of sour. Blech.

The guy turned out to be a real asshole, so I can't go asking him. :evil:

[Zero]

Glen...something could be either

1) Glenmorangie : Very, very smoky flavour. It's a bold and very acquired taste, even for scotch drinkers.

2) Glenfiddich : A very easy drinking scotch. Smooth and approachable, aged in sherry casks -a good start into the world of scotch. I'd bet this is what it was.

There are a few different Glenfiddich scotches, mind you, aged differently for different times (12, 15, and 18 yrs) in different barrels - the Gran Reserva in Rum casks, for example, and the standard in sherry casks. If you're looking to dive in, the 12yo Glenfiddich would be a good place to start. Balvenie you might also like too - aged first in whiskey oak and then a second time in sherry. It's lovely - one of my favourites in the price range generally below Lagavulin (which is another *must* try for scotch lovers - omg, it is divine!)

[Zero]

Actually, I just read that again - the Glen-something you tried after...my bad. Could also be the Glenlivet that you had, I'd forgotten about that one.

For "buttery sweetness" I'd say start with maybe a MacAllan (12 or 18yo) or Lagavulin (It's expensive, mind you ) and see where that takes you.

[phish]

Lagavulin is my favourite It's uber fiery/peaty and sweet. There are so many whiskeys that could be described as butter/honey. In addition to zero's suggestions I would try highland park and dalwhinnie. Generally anything from the speyside area as well, which is defined by it's sweetness.

[CWC]

Opposite from most I know, I prefer Irish whiskey to Scotch all in all barley does make an excellent whiskey no need for mixer ice or anything. Remember if you cann't stand it straight, probably not that great to drink it at all

[eli]

Hurm, could a Balvenie scotch, the description hearkens me back to the double wood...

Unfortunatley around here scotch seems to have jumped up in price, where I could get a decent single malt for $35-$50 now it's $50-$80.

[Zero]

Hurm, could a Balvenie scotch, the description hearkens me back to the double wood...

Unfortunatley around here scotch seems to have jumped up in price, where I could get a decent single malt for $35-$50 now it's $50-$80.

That's largely because £30 used to be worth about $42 - now £30 is worth about $60.

[Zeno]

@Zero: sorry, but I think you are mixing some things up. I admit you are a snus expert, but you are definitively not a whisky drinker (no offense meant)

Glenmorangie has a round flavor, malty and rich, very little smoky. If you take the portwood finished it has a sweetness in it.

Forget the Glenfiddich, it's average unless you take the 30 year old variant (> $150 a bottle)

Glenlivet would be a very good recommendation, but make sure you take the 18 year old, it's really worth the extra money

Eradour is a rich, malty and sweet Whisky. It could be the one you are looking for.

Lagavulin is definitively nothing for female beginners. It is smoky, peaty and you taste the sea in it, of the coast where it has been matured.

Macallan could be a good one to try as well. Not as sweet as Eradour but with a rich body, if you take the 15 year old. Stay away from the 12 year old.

My personal favourite Speyside Whisky is Cragganmore >15 years and older

I could continue to write for hours, but in the above overview you should find something you like. But be prepared: Good Whisky costs good money :cry:

[yummi4tunekookie]

Hmm, I'll definitely look for MacAllan, Eradour, and Glenlivet next time I'm out drinking. Zero recommends the 12 yr MacAllan, but you say to stay away--why/why not, you guys? Also, is there a certain age of Eradour you're recommending?

Speyside? I'm assuming this is either a brand or the region it comes from? If it's a region, are particular places known for certain characteristics?

[Zero]

@Zero: sorry, but I think you are mixing some things up. I admit you are a snus expert, but you are definitively not a whisky drinker (no offense meant)

You're absolutely right on the first point, I did mix it up. I was thinking of Laphroaig, not Glenmorangie. Neither have ever been much to my taste, really, so I don't usually have them around. I do have a bottle of the Laphroaig at the moment, though, and had a taste of it recently which must still be stuck in my mind :lol:

[phish]

Hmm, I'll definitely look for MacAllan, Eradour, and Glenlivet next time I'm out drinking. Zero recommends the 12 yr MacAllan, but you say to stay away--why/why not, you guys? Also, is there a certain age of Eradour you're recommending?

Speyside? I'm assuming this is either a brand or the region it comes from? If it's a region, are particular places known for certain characteristics?

Scotch whiskey 101 The main regions and typical tastes are,

lowlands: lighter floral/fruity flavours
highlands: lots of variation, biggest whiskey region
speyside: typically sweet but both floral and peaty
islay: tar, peat, salt, smoke and medicine (my favourite)
islands: Again lots of variation, spread all over the west/north coast

That how I see it (others may disagree!) and there are always exceptions.

check out this for a great diagram for different whiskey tastes - http://www.whiskymag.com/gfx/nosing/Whiskywheel-Big.jpg

[lxskllr]

Hmm, I'll definitely look for MacAllan, Eradour, and Glenlivet next time I'm out drinking. Zero recommends the 12 yr MacAllan, but you say to stay away--why/why not, you guys? Also, is there a certain age of Eradour you're recommending?

Speyside? I'm assuming this is either a brand or the region it comes from? If it's a region, are particular places known for certain characteristics?

Edradour's not that great. It's Scotland's smallest distillery, so it's cool for the novelty, but there's much better scotches out there. Also, you're not likely to find it at the pub.

For whiskey's you'll likely find at and American pub, here are my recommendations...

The Macallan- anything 18yrs old and under, and really I prefer the 15 and the 12. The younger whishys are a little more fiery, but they have a nice sweetness I think you'd like. The older whiskys are a bit dryer.

Glen Livet- Is over rated imo. It's not bad by any means, but nothing really exceptional. If a bar carries any single malt, it'll be this one. The General snus of the single malt world.

Glenfiddich- has gotten better over the last 10 years or so, but still not that great. I'd only buy this if you really get into scotch.

Glen Devron?? Not the best whiskey, but it matches the description you gave, at least it sometimes does :^P It's fairly uneven in flavor profile year to year so it's hard to get right, also not the most common in America, but I have found it before, so maybe this was it.

Highland Park- Not the most common, but better than Macallan probably. The 12yr is the most common, and the best. Don't buy anything older.

The Dalmore 12yr- Not likely to find at the pub, but you won't break the bank getting it at the liquor store. About $28 a bottle here, and the greatest value in single malt scotch. The Cigar Malt is quite good also.

Laphroaig- You may not like this, but it's a must try if want to see the wild side of scotch. I can recommend better in an Isley whisky, but this is the one you're likely to find at a pub. Can be an acquired taste, but people who like Isleys really like Isleys(me)

Black Bush- Irish whiskey. You'll love this if you find it. Any decent pub will have this on the shelf so it's a must try :^)

Dewars 12yr- This is a blend. Moderate smokiness, and robust flavor. Great whisky for a moderate price.

Chivas Regal- Another blend. A bit more refined than the Dewars, as well as smokier, but less sweet also. Get this if you find yourself really getting into scotches.

Johnny Walker Black Label- The best Blend you'll typically find imo. This is my goto scotch if they don't have a good selection. I'll pick this over many singles.

One more Blend... Famous Grouse, even their low end product's fantastic. This is a good one to have for a big party. Tastes great neat, and you won't be throwing money away mixing it in drinks. The 12yr is even better, but at a higher cost of course.

That's it for a quicky. If you like many of these, come on back. We can refine the list more, but you'll have to go to the liquor store, or at least come back from a good pub with a list :^)

[victoryredchevy]

How about Jackie D, Jim Beam or Johnny Walker Red? Ha...high class, huh?

[lxskllr]

How about Jackie D, Jim Beam or Johnny Walker Red? Ha...high class, huh?

Knob Creek, and Blantons are pretty damned tasty :^) bourbon doesn't sit well on my stomach, so I don't drink a lot, but I like a good bourbon on occasion.

[itchystiches]

I'll echo the comments on JW Black Label.... really is fantastic stuff for the money.

But then I too am more of a cheap whiskey fan Give me some bourbon (either Bullit/JD/Jim Beam) and I'm a very happy man indeed. Single malts tend to more of an acquired taste and are unlikely to please the pallet of many drinkers successfully. This said, if you do find one you like... you will really like it