Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
I'm only about a year and a half into whisk(e)y and found that I definitely like peat. The 'band-aid' note doesn't put me off, so I'm even more hopeful now that you say that.
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The Scotch Whisky Thread (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Doctor Detroit
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AAABatteries
Footballguy
My “problem” is that while I don’t find that note offensive, I also don’t find it appetizing on any level. Several Scotch notes are like that for me. I like smoke but all the iodine, seaweed, bandaid notes just make me go
But I absolutely love the Lagavulin 16.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
When I tried Lagavulin 16 for the first time, I could only describe it as 'drinking a campfire' in a good way. I guess I was just so surprised by the taste that I overlooked that it reminded me of things I'd never associate with something one consumes. That's the curious thing about whiskey in general for me, and why I wouldn't let myself close the door on bourbon. Rye, on the other hand, that may be a bridge too far.My “problem” is that while I don’t find that note offensive, I also don’t find it appetizing on any level. Several Scotch notes are like that for me. I like smoke but all the iodine, seaweed, bandaid notes just make me go
But I absolutely love the Lagavulin 16.
Instinctive
Footballguy
You might also like the High West Campfire, which my wife describes the same way and is much more cost effective, if that matters.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
I've had Canadian Club and Seagram's V.O., which I lump into the generic rye category since they're Candian. I've sampled a couple of local distilleries (Sagamore, Catoctin Creek are the only names that jump to mind) as well, and actually didn't mind another local brand, Gray Wolf, who offer a rye that spends part of its aging process in a port cask. I know that as a rule, rye has more of a pepper note to it than other whiskies, and I know enough to know I'm not really a fan. The port aspect of the Gray Wolf blunts the pepper enough that I don't mind it, and adding a splash of water smoothed it out more as well, so maybe my comment was akin what I was feeling about bourbon when I first got into scotch. Probably in another year I'll be more open to rye like I am to bourbon now. My one caveat, though, is that I live in the low-rent district of whiskey (My 'go-to' scotches are both under $20 and ~$30 is splurging; the more expensive brands I've had are maybe once a year buys if I'm lucky or come as gifts), so my options are going to be limited and probably more peppery than I prefer.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
The cylinder wasn't for me, and it wasn't a bottle. However, a second box was snuck under the tree after I posted this. I was right about the Ardbeg 10 (though I thought it was in the cylinder), and the second box was Lagavulin 8. I also got 4 minis in my stocking: Wild Turkey American Honey (tried it last night, :X ), Yukon Jack Snakebite (anticipating another :X as it's a 'whiskey liqueur), Grangestone Bourbon Cask Finish, and Shieldaig "The Classic".Charlie Steiner said:
I tried the Ardbeg last night as well and found it to be taste-wise somewhere between Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16, but adding a splash of water only made it angry and pushed it more towards the Laphroaig.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
Meant to address this post earlier and forgot. This definitely popped up on my radar a while back, but unless I make it to their distillery in Utah, I probably won't get to try it.
Back to my Christmas haul:
The Grangestone Burbon Cask Finish wound up as advertised. Actually the bourbon was the dominant taste such that it could easily be mistaken for just bourbon and no trace of scotch.
Was disappointed in the Sheildaig "The Classic", no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Also got into the Lagavulin 8, found it a little sweeter than the 16 but still enjoyable.
The first year and a half of my whisky (and whiskey) journey has been a fun and educating ride. I never thought I would have given any of them a chance after my dalliance with Jack Daniels. At this point, I think I have a handle on what I like, and it's a broader range than I thought it would be when I started:
1. While my palate is far from educated, I know that my preference leans toward Islay, and I'm not biased towards blended brands. While the Lagavulin 16 is still my favorite, I also enjoy Scarabus and Smokehead. There are still more heavy hitters I'm hoping to get to, with Talisker next on the list, though I certainly won't pass up the opportunity to snag a lower hanging fruit if it presents itself, like when I found Laphroiag 10 for $40 instead of it's usual $55+.
2. I definitely feel that different types of whisk(e)y compliment different moods/settings/occasions better than others. For example, when I just feel the need to unwind after a long week, I don't mind having a heavy pour of the cheap brands I've found, Sir Edwards and Glen Logie, both of which seem to be dominated by malt, akin to having a fountain soda that's heavier on the carbonated water and lighter on the syrup.
3. Refusing to close my mind to bourbon has paid dividends, and forced me to re-open the door to rye, though I'm keeping it at arm's length until I get my bourbon preferences sorted out. The way some of you talk about rye in the bourbon thread has given me food for thought.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
How many bottles is too many to have at once?
I have the 7 I mentioned in this thread, but in my cart right now I added Talisker 10 year and Dalmore Port Wood.
Talk me in or out of it
I have the 7 I mentioned in this thread, but in my cart right now I added Talisker 10 year and Dalmore Port Wood.
Talk me in or out of it
AAABatteries
Footballguy
I have about 115 bottles with about 50 bourbon, 25 rye, 25 Scotch/Irish/Gin/Tequila/Vodka, 15 liqueurs.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
My answer is: as many as you can get away with before your wife complains about them.
In my case, I have 3 super cheap blends; one with just enough left for my infinity bottle, one is going to be my infinity bottle once I've finished it, and the other is just bad but I can't bring myself to pour it out. I also have 3 higher-end single malts I take a dram of every now and then, 4 low to mid range blends and 2 bourbons that make up the bulk of my Friday and Saturday night drinking. Any more than that I have to sneak them in, and I don't want to do that for my wife's or my sake.
As for the specific brands you listed, I haven't had either but Talisker 10 is next one I want to get.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
OK, you convinced me.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Dalmore Port Wood:
On the nose I am getting cherries and plum and alcohol. Palate really was like a wine. Finish was not long or anything more than boozy to me. Not bad but nothing really special in my view.
Talisker 10:
This is right up there with Lagavulin 16 imo, but a hair behind it. Smells like a beach bonfire — sea air and smoke. And that carries the whole way through palate and a long smoky finish.
I really like this as well as the distiller’s edition. Brand is moving up my list!
On the nose I am getting cherries and plum and alcohol. Palate really was like a wine. Finish was not long or anything more than boozy to me. Not bad but nothing really special in my view.
Talisker 10:
This is right up there with Lagavulin 16 imo, but a hair behind it. Smells like a beach bonfire — sea air and smoke. And that carries the whole way through palate and a long smoky finish.
I really like this as well as the distiller’s edition. Brand is moving up my list!
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
The Talisker had some underlying sweetness to it as well, but more in the background. I wasn’t getting green apple or honey like some other reviews I read noted.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
My father's side of the family traces their roots back to Skye, where Talisker is made, so there's a sentimental reason for wanting to try it to begin with, but your review sounds like it's in my wheelhouse anyway.
Out of curiosity, how does it differ from the distiller's edition?
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
I would say the 10 has more smoke to it with that subtle sweetness. The Distiller Edition has some bitterness that I didn't get here and was not quite as peaty on the nose or taste as the 10. I like both though.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
I'm guessing I was surprised by the bitter note and that's probably what turned me off if it.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
If you like the Lagavulin 16, you will like this I think. The Ardbeg 10 was harsher than the Talisker 10, as far as peaty scotches go (in my new limited experience).
I didn't really care for the Laphroaig 10 or the Port Charlotte really -- though I will try them again with some drops of water at some point.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
The Lagavulin is definitely my favorite. Not as much a fan of Ardbeg 10, so I'm glad to hear I should like the Talisker more. As for the Laphroaig 10, I was disappointed when I tried it neat, but a splash water made it more interesting. Port Charlotte is on my radar as well. Now I just need the revenue stream to match my interests.
MrJimiT
Footballguy
I'm definitely a bourbon/rye person from the other thread...but I decided to venture out and try Lagavulin 16 based on yours (and others) opinions. While I am not to the point of where I love it yet, it certainly was VERY interesting in taste and palate. Got a bottle for $99 in Michigan. So it's not a cheap bottle.
Anyhow thanks for your opinions (in this thread and the bourbon thread).
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
OK, so I just ordered Highland Park 18 Viking Pride. I have a problem.
FishTacoTuesday
Footballguy
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
I really liked this.
Smooth and subtle.
Nose: Light smoke, hints of cherry and chocolate
Palate: Smooth with a little peat and fruit. Discreet.
Finish: Some light smoke and bitterness (dark chocolate hint?).
Interestingly, as the glass emptied, I got more of a smell of burnt matches, but not a strong one. I found that as a pleasant smell.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
1. There is no Irish whiskey thread and I don't feel like starting one, so I'll put it here that I've tried and recommend Jameson Black Barrel. Regular Jameson isn't bad, just a little more bland than what I normally like to have, and the Black Barrel has just enough char and sweetness that it's a nice middle ground between scotch and bourbon.
2. I'm in the early stages of creating my infinity bottle. It's not going to be pretty and all I can hope for is that it's better than the sum of its parts:
Sir Edwards (cheap, very malty but a nice butterscotch note peaks out)
Early Times (not bad but not interesting to me)
Black Eagle (pretty sure it's a Total Wine brand bourbon that wasn't bad for $12.99 for a handle but not memorable)
Glen Logie (It came in a 1.75L glass bottle for $19.99. It's also malt-heavy with an interesting taste. Everything else will go into this bottle)
I'll probably be adding the remnants of my Christmas haul (Lagavulin 8 and Ardbeg 10, as well as the Smokehead I got for my birthday)in the next few weeks.
Here is a preview of the tasting notes I expect:
2. I'm in the early stages of creating my infinity bottle. It's not going to be pretty and all I can hope for is that it's better than the sum of its parts:
Sir Edwards (cheap, very malty but a nice butterscotch note peaks out)
Early Times (not bad but not interesting to me)
Black Eagle (pretty sure it's a Total Wine brand bourbon that wasn't bad for $12.99 for a handle but not memorable)
Glen Logie (It came in a 1.75L glass bottle for $19.99. It's also malt-heavy with an interesting taste. Everything else will go into this bottle)
I'll probably be adding the remnants of my Christmas haul (Lagavulin 8 and Ardbeg 10, as well as the Smokehead I got for my birthday)in the next few weeks.
Here is a preview of the tasting notes I expect:
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
1. There is no Irish whiskey thread and I don't feel like starting one, so I'll put it here that I've tried and recommend Jameson Black Barrel. Regular Jameson isn't bad, just a little more bland than what I normally like to have, and the Black Barrel has just enough char and sweetness that it's a nice middle ground between scotch and bourbon.
2. I'm in the early stages of creating my infinity bottle. It's not going to be pretty and all I can hope for is that it's better than the sum of its parts:
Sir Edwards (cheap, very malty but a nice butterscotch note peaks out)
Early Times (not bad but not interesting to me)
Black Eagle (pretty sure it's a Total Wine brand bourbon that wasn't bad for $12.99 for a handle but not memorable)
Glen Logie (It came in a 1.75L glass bottle for $19.99. It's also malt-heavy with an interesting taste. Everything else will go into this bottle)
I'll probably be adding the remnants of my Christmas haul (Lagavulin 8 and Ardbeg 10, as well as the Smokehead I got for my birthday)in the next few weeks.
Here is a preview of the tasting notes I expect:
Are you just dumping your bottle kills or are you pouring a few ounces from select bottles regardless of how full they are?
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
I'm doing just the former right now, never thought of doing the latter. The 'holdup' so far has been getting through the Glen Logie so that it's low enough to start adding to it without it being the dominant brand.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
1. I’ve had a few of the Jameson offerings but not Black Barrel. Regular label is an ok warmup whiskey but that’s about it for me. I’ve enjoyed the Caskmates Stout edition. I’ve gotten in to some Irish whiskeys as of late. I’ve bought Red Breast 12, West Cork CS, Teeling Small Batch, Green Spot and Red Breast Lustau this year.1. There is no Irish whiskey thread and I don't feel like starting one, so I'll put it here that I've tried and recommend Jameson Black Barrel. Regular Jameson isn't bad, just a little more bland than what I normally like to have, and the Black Barrel has just enough char and sweetness that it's a nice middle ground between scotch and bourbon.
2. I'm in the early stages of creating my infinity bottle. It's not going to be pretty and all I can hope for is that it's better than the sum of its parts:
Sir Edwards (cheap, very malty but a nice butterscotch note peaks out)
Early Times (not bad but not interesting to me)
Black Eagle (pretty sure it's a Total Wine brand bourbon that wasn't bad for $12.99 for a handle but not memorable)
Glen Logie (It came in a 1.75L glass bottle for $19.99. It's also malt-heavy with an interesting taste. Everything else will go into this bottle)
I'll probably be adding the remnants of my Christmas haul (Lagavulin 8 and Ardbeg 10, as well as the Smokehead I got for my birthday)in the next few weeks.
Here is a preview of the tasting notes I expect:
2. I haven’t had the guts to do much cross-style blending. I really enjoy bouryes I’ve had so I should try it more.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
I don't think I have tried a "good" Irish Whiskey. What are the differences between them and scotch?
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
I've only had Tullamore Dew and Jameson, but they were very similar to me in that they both weren't very interesting; not bad, just not much going on taste-wise, so I think calling it a 'warmup' is accurate. With the Black Barrell, you get just the right amount of the barrel char and a touch of a sweetness that reminds me of bourbon. To me, it's like a bridge between scotch and bourbon. I actually tried it because like I was with bourbon a year ago, I didn't want to write off Irish completely and felt like Jameson could do with a little punching up. I'm presuming that like with the scotches and bourbons I've tried, the pricier brands are probably more interesting, but I still have to stick to the lower end of the price spectrum. The Black Barrel was an impulse buy, as I found it for $8 less than my go-to store charges, and down the road, Total Wine does have the 1L size for $50, which is by size at the top end of my spending comfort zone.
As for your second point, I don't know if it's guts so much as having paid the price enough times for underestimating how much was left in a bottle and had too heavy a pour yet not wanting to waste any. I think my tolerance is creeping up and I want to put in place a way to moderate my drinking. With my infinity bottle, I can pour anything beyond a dram into it and not worry about that extra amount going to waste.
MrJimiT
Footballguy
I'm a bourbon/rye whiskey snob. But...the best Irish Whiskey I've ever had was Redbreast 15 Year and equally Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength. There's just something about Irish Whiskey made in Single Pot Still versions that is really nice. I wish I knew the specifics and the how's...but I do know that I REALLY enjoy those Redbreast pours.Leeroy Jenkins said:
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Almost pulled the trigger this week on RB 15. The 12 is great and like you said, the 12CS is outstanding. My favorite by just a hair I think is the Blue Spot I managed to find 2 years ago. It’s unbelievable whiskey.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
The Glens are Speyside scotches, for what that's worth. They are the most popular scotches there are. You have a very high price range so can definitely get something very special for him by spending that much. You can get really nice 18 yr versions of these for about $125. If you get into the 21 yr+ versions or other special / rare bottles and you can easily get above $200. My recommendation would be to find a smaller, high quality liquor store and ask, or go to a larger discount store and just poke around in the high-end scotch section. I've never had one of these super expensive rare bottles and doubt I could tell the difference, but here is an example of a Speyside that looks good in your range --> https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/scotch/single-malt/glen-fohdry-29yr-oloroso-cask-speyside-single-malt/p/230281750
Galileo
Footballguy
The Balvenie Portwood 21 yr is around your price point and is damn good. This is also a Speyside scotch like the Glenlivet and Glenfiddich you mentioned.
If you are lucky, you might be able to find a Macallan 18 yr around the top end of your price range which is also excellent. I still see it on some price lists for under $300, but anyone actually selling it seems to have it over that amount.
MrJimiT
Footballguy
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Crazy timing that you bumped this - last night I had a couple hours to kill and was planning to finish buying some whiskeys as my "reward" from my yearly work bonus. The were really good this year so was looking for either something very special - which essentially never happens in my area - or pick up 2-3 things I've been wanting in the moderate to moderate-high range.
Anyway, I hit up one store that had the Redbreast CS for the cheapest I had seen it anywhere in a year. Pulled the trigger on it. Then, went to the one store where I thought they might have the Blue Spot - score! They had the Blue and Yellow - both marked up about 10% but I was happy to pay it for the Blue because 1. I didn't want to keep searching for it and 2. It's freaking delicious.
Basically paid ~$330 for the 3 bottles but I'm stoked. If you can find the Blue Spot do yourself a favor and get it. With the caveat that you like/love whiskey and are a fan of Irish in general. It's a unique Irish though.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
To take things back to Scotch - I mentioned in the bourbon thread that I found a fantastic liquor store in Tampa while on vacation. Gaspar's Liquor Shoppe. Definitely check it out to see an incredible Scotch selection.
Some pics at Gaspar's
Some very high end stuff that you don't normally see in person. The thing that interested me the most and I did buy for my buddy was a Compass Box store pick. Wasn't even aware they had a barrel pick program. As you can see in the pictures this store had an insane number of store picks (I think it was 35 including an Angel's Envy sp - another one I had never seen. Anyway, felt like I had to buy it after sampling it at the store and really enjoying it. Their try it and buy philosophy is how all the stores should do it.
Some pics at Gaspar's
Some very high end stuff that you don't normally see in person. The thing that interested me the most and I did buy for my buddy was a Compass Box store pick. Wasn't even aware they had a barrel pick program. As you can see in the pictures this store had an insane number of store picks (I think it was 35 including an Angel's Envy sp - another one I had never seen. Anyway, felt like I had to buy it after sampling it at the store and really enjoying it. Their try it and buy philosophy is how all the stores should do it.
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Psychopav
Help us, Joebi-Wan Brynobi, you're our only ho
I haven't had a ton of Irish Whiskey. I had the blue spot and seem to recall liking it. I have purchased Jameson's Cooper's Croze a couple different times. It's my favorite Irish Whiskey
I really like standard issue Jameson's straight (to sip) with a beer chaser (usually a lager). Kind of a deconstructed boilermaker. Good times.
I really like standard issue Jameson's straight (to sip) with a beer chaser (usually a lager). Kind of a deconstructed boilermaker. Good times.
Psychopav
Help us, Joebi-Wan Brynobi, you're our only ho
Actually, come to think of it, I think it was a green spot. Is that a thing? Which one is better?
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Theoretically
Red > Yellow <> Blue > Green.
this is mostly based on cost. Green is their low end offering. Yellow is aged like 12 years I think. Blue is finished and I think 7 years. Red is most expensive and I think 15 years.
jdoggydogg
Footballguy
Need some rye recommendations under $50. I tried some Michter's, and that was about the smoothest brown liquor I ever tasted. Thoughts?
Gawain
Footballguy
EH Taylor BIB Straight Rye, but almost impossible to find at retail. This might be over $50 on the shelf.
Michters also makes a Rye, which you may like.
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AAABatteries
Footballguy
High West Double Rye
Wild Turkey 101
Old Forester - this is the best bang for your buck, IMO. Can be found around here for $22 for a 750.
jdoggydogg
Footballguy
Yeah, I found Michter's for $49, but it's not easy to find in stores here.Gawain said:
jdoggydogg
Footballguy
Thanks!AAABatteries said:
jdoggydogg
Footballguy
I will 2nd the portwood. I splurged on a bottle last week for my bachelor party. I don't often pick it up but it is nectar of the gods smooth
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Just ordered the Ardbeg Ardcore Committee Release:
As one of the most iconic and revered distilleries in Scotland, Ardbeg has some of the most highly sought-after limited-edition releases. Those designated “Committee Releases” — created specifically for Ardbeg’s most loyal enthusiasts — are the most limited and highly anticipated of all.
The first Ardbeg distilled from a groundbreaking black malt barley. The liquid is impacted by this unique distilling innovation, whereas cask maturation was the key innovative element used in previous releases. Spicy, fiery, smoky tastes collide to create a defiant anti-flavor that Dr. Bill describes as “biting a spiky ball.” Black malt is one of the most roasted malts you could get, with kiln temperatures so high it needs to be tightly monitored. If it rises above 480° F, the malt can turn to charcoal and catch fire! So, one can truly say it has been roasted to within an inch of its life.
The nose is spicy, savory and grippy, with an explosion of savory marmite/yeast, burnt toast and charcoal and chicory-infused coffee grounds. The classic Ardbeg herbal/fennel top note is present but very much in the background of all the swirling, smoky bonfire and molasses notes.
An astonishing, spicy, fiery palate leads into an explosion of rich, powerful flavors — cocoa powder, rich dark chocolate, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime and a suggestion of soot and bonfire embers. It finishes with lots of licorice/aniseed, along with some altogether sweeter, malty/biscuit flavors, and a long, lingering treacle toffee aftertaste.
— Distiller’s notes
As one of the most iconic and revered distilleries in Scotland, Ardbeg has some of the most highly sought-after limited-edition releases. Those designated “Committee Releases” — created specifically for Ardbeg’s most loyal enthusiasts — are the most limited and highly anticipated of all.
The first Ardbeg distilled from a groundbreaking black malt barley. The liquid is impacted by this unique distilling innovation, whereas cask maturation was the key innovative element used in previous releases. Spicy, fiery, smoky tastes collide to create a defiant anti-flavor that Dr. Bill describes as “biting a spiky ball.” Black malt is one of the most roasted malts you could get, with kiln temperatures so high it needs to be tightly monitored. If it rises above 480° F, the malt can turn to charcoal and catch fire! So, one can truly say it has been roasted to within an inch of its life.
The nose is spicy, savory and grippy, with an explosion of savory marmite/yeast, burnt toast and charcoal and chicory-infused coffee grounds. The classic Ardbeg herbal/fennel top note is present but very much in the background of all the swirling, smoky bonfire and molasses notes.
An astonishing, spicy, fiery palate leads into an explosion of rich, powerful flavors — cocoa powder, rich dark chocolate, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime and a suggestion of soot and bonfire embers. It finishes with lots of licorice/aniseed, along with some altogether sweeter, malty/biscuit flavors, and a long, lingering treacle toffee aftertaste.
— Distiller’s notes
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