Thread: Scotch Drinkers??

I think all of Walker stuff is kind of a joke to be honest. The fact that it isn't a single malt is really a turnoff.

Okay, I admit it. I don't know anything about the appreciation for a good single malt, let alone mixed malts whisky. But I would like to learn and this forum appears to be a great place for that. Anyone out there who can provide some good advice for a newbe? Honestly, I am really a vodka or gin person. Don't get off on beer. But would seriously like to try some good malts and develop an appreciation for them. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Senoreme, I'd be happy to help you discover some good single malts. In my opinion, a good place to start is Glenmorangie 10 "The Original." It has a golden label, and you should be able to find it at any reputable liquor store. You could also go for Cragganmore 12 Year, and Oban 14 Year. I'd say give one of those three a shot first. Of the three... Cragganmore would be the lightest. It has sortof a fragrant taste to it, and is really light. Oban is a decent scotch, but I would only consider it as a gateway into better things. I wouldn't purchase it anymore. Glenmorangie, in my opinion, makes good products all the way around. "The Original" is just a good, no nonsense single malt. All of these bottles will be roughly $45 a piece. Let me know what you try! Another question for you. Do you drink whiskey at all? Can you handle the bite that certain kinds give? Scotch can sometimes be pretty heavy hitting and it's a SIN to put a single malt on ice.

Keep us posted! - Jim

Originally Posted by JDCAL29

I think all of Walker stuff is kind of a joke to be honest. The fact that it isn't a single malt is really a turnoff.

I really don't understand this attitude about blended Scotch Whiskey. Some of them are fabulous tasting and to frown upon them just because they are blended is short sighted.

For many years, one of my favorites is the JW 18 year old. It is a fine, smooth, flavorful tasting whiskey with no bite at what I consider a very reasonable price. To find a single malt that compares you have to spend at least 30-40% more. (around here JW18 is about $80.)

I thoroughly enjoy all types of good whiskey. I don't snub anything until I have tasted the whiskey.

Originally Posted by JDCAL29

Senoreme, I'd be happy to help you discover some good single malts. In my opinion, a good place to start is Glenmorangie 10 "The Original." It has a golden label, and you should be able to find it at any reputable liquor store. You could also go for Cragganmore 12 Year, and Oban 14 Year. I'd say give one of those three a shot first. Of the three... Cragganmore would be the lightest. It has sortof a fragrant taste to it, and is really light. Oban is a decent scotch, but I would only consider it as a gateway into better things. I wouldn't purchase it anymore. Glenmorangie, in my opinion, makes good products all the way around. "The Original" is just a good, no nonsense single malt. All of these bottles will be roughly $45 a piece. Let me know what you try! Another question for you. Do you drink whiskey at all? Can you handle the bite that certain kinds give? Scotch can sometimes be pretty heavy hitting and it's a SIN to put a single malt on ice.

Keep us posted! - Jim

Good advice. You may want to look at the Glenfiddich line also.

Thank you so much Jim. Your information is very helpful. I have tried regular scotch like JW. A few others. I often have enjoyed a glass of it when out with friends. I do however wish to learn more and acquire a taste for the better scotch. I will definitely begin by purchasing a bottle of one of the scotch's which you suggested. I will get back to you. Again, thank you Jim.

Originally Posted by senoreme

Thank you so much Jim. Your information is very helpful. I have tried regular scotch like JW. A few others. I often have enjoyed a glass of it when out with friends. I do however wish to learn more and acquire a taste for the better scotch. I will definitely begin by purchasing a bottle of one of the scotch's which you suggested. I will get back to you. Again, thank you Jim.

I live about 5 miles from the Bronx. Come on over I have a bunch you can taste.

Jeff

No Problem! I'm curious to hear which bottle you choose and how it works out for you. As for blended scotch...it's not that I am totally against it and think it's worthless.... in fact, one of the first scotches I bought was Cutty Sark, which is decent. I have heard good things about The Famous Grouse. It's a 3 way between Macallan Single Malt, Highland Park Single Malt and The Glenrothes Single Malt. Those three single malts are real heavy hitters in the scotch world. I have not tried The Famous Grouse, but certainly would not turn a blind eye to it.
Scotch is like anything else... you can argue about what's best, what is bad, what is overpriced, but at the end of the day, as long as you are happy with it, that's all that matters.

- Jim

Originally Posted by JDCAL29

No Problem! I'm curious to hear which bottle you choose and how it works out for you. As for blended scotch...it's not that I am totally against it and think it's worthless.... in fact, one of the first scotches I bought was Cutty Sark, which is decent. I have heard good things about The Famous Grouse. It's a 3 way between Macallan Single Malt, Highland Park Single Malt and The Glenrothes Single Malt. Those three single malts are real heavy hitters in the scotch world. I have not tried The Famous Grouse, but certainly would not turn a blind eye to it.
Scotch is like anything else... you can argue about what's best, what is bad, what is overpriced, but at the end of the day, as long as you are happy with it, that's all that matters.

- Jim

Argue, heck I'd rather just have a a dram or 2 and discuss which one we liked best at the time.

Anyway, this afternoon I picked up a bottle of Highland Park 18. I'll go looking for the Signatory this weekend. By the way, the Macallan is a fabulous drink, one of my favorites.