Thread: Scotch Drinkers??

Originally Posted by JDCAL29

SRP,
Are there any scotch drinkers out there? I would imagine this topic has been hit on before, but I'm still new I used to be a fan of good quality Bourbon, but once I was turned onto the world of single malt, there really is no comparison. Right now, I have a bottle of Lagavulin 16, a Glenmorangie 10, and a Glenmorangie 12 Sherry Wood Finish. I have tried many single malts, and love to share my experiences with gentlemen such as yourselves. Let the comments roll! - JDCAL29 (Jim)

Lagavulin is probably my favorite, followed closely by Laphroaig. Not for the meek. Very peaty. Indeed a manly scotch - much like straight razor shaving

Lagavulin and Laphroaig are definitely manly and highly respected Islay malts. Have you had Ardbeg? It packs a punch too!

I know, I know. It's only Tuesday... For me it is since I live in New Zealand.
Last night my wife and I had our regular catchup get together with the principal of her school and this time it was at his house.
Let me start this by saying he is Scotish... enough said. He and I got through 1.5 bottles of French red wine before he decides to break out the Single Malt's. Yes, plural. The first was some 18 year old, absolutely stunning (not a chick fellas) something or other. I can't remember it's name. He proceeded to follow that up with a 31 year old, cask strength, limited edition Bunnahabhain.
It was nothing short of liquid gold. I can't describe how good it was.
Of course when something is that good and I am offered another glass, how could I be so rude as to say "no thank you". So, the next nosing glass was poured and finally at 11:30 my wife drives us home.
Brilliant night.

However, this morning was another story. Let's just say my head has been better.

Not that it's for everyone, and I posted some of the same in an earlier post - but if you want something with a sweeter note -

1. MacAallan 12 year - aged in sherry casks so it is pretty heavy on the sherry. Can be a little overwhelming at times if you don't have a taste for it.

2. Glenfarclas 12 year - just a hint of sherry. So it has a sweeter finish, but isn't over the top. I just tried it for the first time about a month ago, and quickly picked up a bottle.

For something a little smokey and earthy - a ton of the Islays are good. Also - Irish Whisky.... Connemara. Any of them are at the top of my list if I'm looking for something on a crappy, cold, rainy day. Seems to fit the mood just right.

Just my two pennies.

For something lighter, I really like Cragganmore. It has a really light and fragrant taste to it. Another gem, in my opinion, is Glendronach 12. I had one glass of it at a friends house in Duluth, MN., but had trouble trying to order it from a local liquor store. Glendronach's distillery, as I understand, went under for awhile and is now getting back in business. There is also a Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival, which I haven't tried. I guess that's what we have the internet for these days!

A few that I've tried and now will probably stay away from are:
Oban 14, Dalwhinnie 15, and Tomatin 12. They certainly weren't bad, but I'm really getting selective with my taste.

I've given up drinking scotch...

You see I have this cold from hell and can't taste a thing so why waste the marvels of flavor that we delight in? I'm thinking of laying in a supply of Everclear for the duration and return to the delights of barbequed barley if my senses of taste and smell ever return.

Pardon the pictures, but I recently opened these bottles and enjoyed them. More to follow.

There's not one of the above-named scotches that I don't enjoy....just enjoy some more. Lagavulin is a good go-to scotch for me as is the Macallan Cask Strength (sherry cask aged). The only marginal single malt I've tried I bought for the name....Sheep Dip.

I agree that there are some blends that should not be snubbed.

Lastly, I suggest tasting from a good glass made for sipping single malts....slender, rounded bottom, straight sides, with an out-turned lip....well, here's a good one to check one out:

The creme de la creme of luxury glass. The Riedel Sommeliers Single Malt Scotch Glass brings forward the pure malt character of whiskies concentrating their aromas and accentuating their softness, roundness and silkiness. The small, slightly out-turned lip directs the spirit onto the tip of the tongue, where sweetness is perceived, and serves to bring out the elegant creaminess of a top-quality single malt. A far superior glass for drinking fine whiskies than traditional spirits tumblers (subtle aromas of the whisky are lost) and brandy balloons (emphasize the alcohol at the expense of finesse). Mouth blown 24% leaded glass. Recommend to hand wash.

Recommended for: Single Malt Whisky, Malt Whisky, Whisky/Whiskey

Size: 4-1/2"H, 7 oz.

Riedel Model # 4400/80

Ok, the description is over the top and I have certainly enjoyed single malts from a sierra cup but.....why not.