Thread: Scotch/whiskey of the day

Originally Posted by PigHog

Scotch whiskies and peat / smoke aren't synonymous—there are plenty of malts which don't have either. Speyside malts aren't really smokey; they tend to be lighter and fruitier, probably more like an Irish whiskey. I have a feeling lowland malts are similar, though I don't think I've had a whisky from that region as of yet.

My experience with Lowlands is they are very light, not smoky or peaty, but not as flavorful as Speysides.

Speysides still have some smoke, just not near as much

I've been rehoning (probably for about the third time) my Henkotsu kamisori because it's never been quite spot on, now I'm just about to have a bit of a test shave, accompanied by a dram of (appropriately) Yoichi 15 year old.

Originally Posted by PigHog

Scotch whiskies and peat / smoke aren't synonymous—there are plenty of malts which don't have either. Speyside malts aren't really smokey; they tend to be lighter and fruitier, probably more like an Irish whiskey. I have a feeling lowland malts are similar, though I don't think I've had a whisky from that region as of yet.

Most Scotch distilleries still use peat to dry the malt but you are right in the amount of peaty taste varies drastically.
Generally you do find whiskies from the Highlands and Islands to be much smokier the lowland whiskys. Of course this isn't a rule and there are many exceptions.

I'll have to go out and pick up a bottle of smokey smooth scotch now!

Here's a scotch story from 1977 that you may enjoy - or squirm about. I swung by the liquor store on the way home to pick up a few extra bottles for a party I was having that weekend with some of my Air Force buddies and their wives. Saw a bottle of 50 year old scotch and bought it, not thinking too much about the age. Don't know the maker but it was about twice as expensive as Johnny Walker Red at the time. Got home and after the first sip did a double take it was so smooth. The next night I put it up in a cabinet because I didn't want all my friends testing it out and draining it. Later that night not only had a few folks found it, but my buddy's wife said she'd really enjoyed it - mixed with Coke!!!!!! Apparently a few others like it as well because it was all gone except for about 3 shots. I've been looking for ANY 50 year old scotch since then with no luck at all.

Originally Posted by AirColorado

I'll have to go out and pick up a bottle of smokey smooth scotch now!

Here's a scotch story from 1977 that you may enjoy - or squirm about. I swung by the liquor store on the way home to pick up a few extra bottles for a party I was having that weekend with some of my Air Force buddies and their wives. Saw a bottle of 50 year old scotch and bought it, not thinking too much about the age. Don't know the maker but it was about twice as expensive as Johnny Walker Red at the time. Got home and after the first sip did a double take it was so smooth. The next night I put it up in a cabinet because I didn't want all my friends testing it out and draining it. Later that night not only had a few folks found it, but my buddy's wife said she'd really enjoyed it - mixed with Coke!!!!!! Apparently a few others like it as well because it was all gone except for about 3 shots. I've been looking for ANY 50 year old scotch since then with no luck at all.

Plenty of 50yo whiskys online if you've got the pockets for it. Most I've seen are around the £10k mark or more. You can pick some up for a couple of hundred. But really would I be worth it?
What's people's opinions on maturing time against smoothness?
Personally I find the 12yo from my local distillery to be smoother than their 18yo, 21yo or 25yo.
But I know your pain when you friends find you special occasion bottle

Yamazaki makes one, but I sure can't afford it.

My ex was a stress drinker, more than once I came home to discover that she had drank up my Aberlour A'Bunadh by doing shots of it.

I had a bottle of Master Distillers Reserve from Bushmills, nearly impossible to get. Usually given to you by the master himself, that's how I got it.
There was a party in my house one night but I was working late so it was already in full swing by the time I got there.
I was only in the door when I saw the empty bottle lying on the floor!
I nearly cried

As I was typing that post my wife walked by and read it. Don't know why it never occurred to me to just Google it! So I did. Seems it was Ambassador 50 year old. Wish i could remember what I'd paid for it in '77 but I can't find any historical info like that. But you're correct in that many many 15-25 year old scotches are outstanding.

I was in Chicago 3 years ago staying in a hotel on the Gold Coast and late one night got bored and walked down to the bar for a snort. After a chat with the bartender I decided to try out their oldest and best scotch. It went for about $100 or so a shot but really wasn't worth the price to me - I thought The Balvenie 12 year old was just as good!

Seeing that empty bottle of Master Distillers Reserve from Bushmills on the floor would have make me sick! I feel your pain man!