Scotch and Whiskey

[Fortis]

Lol, check this one out. Classic Ron Swanson!
[ame]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-XepXmESQ4k[/ame]

[f0rge]

Picked up a Talisker 10 a couple of weeks ago...so good. Never thought I'd like something this aggressively smokey/peaty (even though it's still nowhere close to an Islay) but one sip and I was in flavor country.

My buddy is organizing a scotch tasting night in late May, we're going to have some really nice stuff to try. Can't wait. I'll be sure to take some pics.

[serialk11r]

Well, I have some "Grant's" blended scotch from Trader Joe's (13 bucks a bottle lol, I aint ballin yet), and I like the taste. I got one of the single malt scotches from Trader Joe's that was like 20 bucks a bottle for a friend's birthday and the flavor wasn't as rich and smoky as this cheapo one. I also like it more than Jack Daniels and Maker's Mark. But I have no clue what anything else tastes like besides Jameson, Wild Turkey, etc. lol.

[mothespaceman]

I'm a pretty big bourbon fan, I've recently been on a big Woodford Reserve kick.

[robwbright]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Well, I have some "Grant's" blended scotch from Trader Joe's (13 bucks a bottle lol, I aint ballin yet), and I like the taste. I got one of the single malt scotches from Trader Joe's that was like 20 bucks a bottle for a friend's birthday and the flavor wasn't as rich and smoky as this cheapo one. I also like it more than Jack Daniels and Maker's Mark. But I have no clue what anything else tastes like besides Jameson, Wild Turkey, etc. lol.

The best value in a 12 year old is the Old Pulteney... if you can find it.

[Flow]

Anyone here ever do a whiskey tour in Scotland? Any suggestions? I've got a week to kick about England/Scotland, and was considering doing something like it (mixed in with a lot of historical sight-seeing).

[VTR]

I like Ballantines as my regular scotch though also like Chivas Regal from time to time.

[fooddude]

+1 for Laphroaig

[Fortis]

Laphroaig will change your life My go to Scotch was Highland Park 12 for the longest time until I tried Laphroaig. Although still a great whiskey, it just feels like there's something lacking when I drink it now. Laphroaig and other Islays will change your palate indefinitely.

[colHolm]

I enjoyed that French Oak Reserve Glenlivet.

Lately, I've been drinking 17 yr old Bowmore, and a 14 yr old Signatory Vintage that is quite nice. Also, If you can find it, give Connemara a try. IIRC, it's the only peated Irish whiskey. It's not heavy peat/smoke flavour, but just enough to make it interesting.

[DoomsdayJesus]

Originally Posted by asdf

a fan of islays here-- laphroaig, lagavulin, ardbeg

The smokier the better. Just finished a bottle of Ardbeg, disappointed that Laphroaig has grown so ridiculously expensive. A regular bottle now costs what the quarter cask used to.

I have been on a big bourbon and rye kick for the last year. Russel's Reserve is hands-down my favorite. Smooth sipping whiskey, neat no ice. Woodford Reserve was ok, I'm just about thoroughly done with Maker's Mark. Maker's Mark 46 wasn't worth the price premium.

My regulars are Bulleit and Wild Turkey 101 (actually pretty decent for the proof and price as a daily sipper with an ice cube or two).

Love Bulleit Rye as well. Templeton Rye was disappointing and tasted watered down.

My wife, the enabler, also got me a killer set of whiskey stones for Christmas, they are absolutely awesome as long as you let the glass sit a few minutes to cool down. Chilling the glass helps as well, sometimes I'll just wet the glass with filtered water with a good whiskey to bring out the flavor.

[Fortis]

Originally Posted by DoomsdayJesus

The smokier the better. Just finished a bottle of Ardbeg, disappointed that Laphroaig has grown so ridiculously expensive. A regular bottle now costs what the quarter cask used to.

Have you every tried Bowmore Legend? I found that it's a good, inexpensive alternative to Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Ardbeg, etc. You can find it for around $28/bottle at BevMo. It's kind of a young whiskey so the flavour doesn't stick around in your mouth like the more expensive Islays but it's still tasty and quite smooth.

[AllDayJonRay]

Originally Posted by DoomsdayJesus

My regulars are Bulleit and Wild Turkey 101 (actually pretty decent for the proof and price as a daily sipper with an ice cube or two).

I have to agree re: Bulleit. Their bourbon is excellent considering the price point. Yummy.

[DoomsdayJesus]

Originally Posted by Fortis

Have you every tried Bowmore Legend? I found that it's a good, inexpensive alternative to Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Ardbeg, etc. You can find it for around $28/bottle at BevMo. It's kind of a young whiskey so the flavour doesn't stick around in your mouth like the more expensive Islays but it's still tasty and quite smooth.

I've had regular Bowmore, but for some reason the Class 6 here doesn't carry it.

Originally Posted by AllDayJonRay

I have to agree re: Bulleit. Their bourbon is excellent considering the price point. Yummy.

Yeah, $22-$24 a bottle at the Class 6 can't be beat, especially that quality. I easily prefer it to Maker's or even Woodford.

The big bummer is here in WA, the liquor tax is asinine. I love that they killed the state run stores, I hate hate hate the new taxes. Total wine, where I get good beer, kegs, wine, etc. at a good price, has an incredible whiskey selection, better even than what i've seen at BevMo. But with the liter tax and 20% plus sales tax, it's not even worth considering. On a decent bottle of scotch you're easily looking at $15 in taxes, usually more. I buy what I can get or order tax free at the Class 6 on Fort Lewis. I always keep my eyes peeled if I happen to be in Oregon, too.