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Uhhh, for less than $100, this is just off the top of my head, keeping the prices of each somewhat within range of each other: Bourbon - Elijah Craig 12 $25-30 Rye - Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof $22 (or Old Overholt if you can't find it) Scotch - This one is tricky because it's tough to find a really outstanding single malt for less than $40, so it depends if you want to put your money toward the bourbon\rye end or here. Glenlivet 12 is a safe but unintersting bet. You can get Old Pulteney 12 for around sub $40. Can't really recommend Glenfiddich. My personal reccomendation here would be to spring for Johhnie Walker Black (it's a blend, I know), but it's tasty, not as punchy as the Old Pulteney and has the Johnnie Walker name that makes people go "ooh" and "ahh." Irish Whiskey - Not a lot here for around $30. You could do the old standby of Jameson or Bushmills. Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey is also supposed to be good. Hope this helps, somewhat.
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Nov 20, 2012 05:09
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Looking for a Scotch as a Christmas present for my dad. He tends toward either Johnnie Walker Red or The Famous Grouse as his "every-day" whisky. (Firefox is telling me I have misspelled that.  )How is Johnnie Walker Green Label? It's a blend but it seems to have good reviews on the net. Budget is ~$80.00 max.
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Nov 20, 2012 05:54
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Previa_fun posted:Looking for a Scotch as a Christmas present for my dad. He tends toward either Johnnie Walker Red or The Famous Grouse as his "every-day" whisky. (Firefox is telling me I have misspelled that. Other generally available whiskies I like under $80: Oban 14, Balvenie Single Barrel, Glendronach 15, Clynelish 14, Compass Box Oak Cross, Compass Box Spice Tree, Springbank 10.
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Nov 20, 2012 06:12
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kidsafe posted:He may not like Green Label his preferred whiskies are any indication. Maybe just get him a bottle of Gold Label instead? Gold label was also on my list, thanks. I'm more of a bourbon drinker (other than a bottle of Glenlivet 18 y/o that I thoroughly enjoyed) and scotch intimidates me a bit but I'll check out those other bottles you mentioned.
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Nov 20, 2012 06:20
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NightConqueror posted:Scotch - This one is tricky because it's tough to find a really outstanding single malt for less than $40, so it depends if you want to put your money toward the bourbon\rye end or here. Highland Park 12 is $40, about $5 cheaper than Glenlivet 12 on astorwines.com. I wish it was that cheap here.
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Nov 20, 2012 06:59
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Previa_fun posted:How is Johnnie Walker Green Label? It's a blend but it seems to have good reviews on the net. Budget is ~$80.00 max. It's the best of the line, in my (and many others) opinion. The difference is that regular blended whisky has grain whisky and malt whisky, and JW green is what they call a "blended malt"* which is still a blend but only of malt whisky, and no.grain. I'm fairly certain he will like it, it's a good intro to malt whisky as opposed to (grain-based)blend. *note: It used to be called a "vatted" or "pure" malt but they changed the law surrounding the naming. If you ask me vatted malt makes more sense but whatever.
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Nov 20, 2012 08:34
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Let's taste: Ardbeg x 3 I tasted Airigh Nam Beist at a local whisky bar this summer and thought it was much better than the Supernova and Corryvreckan I sampled alongside it. In fact I thought it was good enough to warrant a purchase if I ever came across one, which unfortunately seemed unlikely since it's long out of stock almost everywhere. Thankfully The Whisky Exchange still has some bottles, so after paying their extortionate price for one I finally got a chance to know it better alongside two newer Ardbegs, the aforementioned Corryvreckan (bottled at a respectable 57% alc. vol.) and the excellently priced and delicious Uigeadail.  Colours Uigeadail: coppery with medium redness, remniscent of other sherry-matured whiskies Corryvreckan: sunglow Airigh Nam Beist: golden yellow, pale but yellower than the 10yo According to Ardbeg the Uigeadail smells like 'chocolate caramels, barley sugar, dates, raisins, leather, linseed oil', to which I'd add fried bacon with salt, the very specific smell of an old leather recliner, and, upon adding water, currant concentrate. The mouthfeel of the whisky is medium bodied, neither too watery or too oily. It bites the tongue a bit like young whisky (unsurprisingly Still Young comes to mind), but the palate is much richer than the 10yo's with the dates and oiliness promised by the nose. Slight sweetness like liquor-filled chocolates, but also the sooty smoke of a bonfire and the typical Ardbeg coastal salty aroma. The fried bacon impression returns in the aftertaste. The Corryvreckan has a much more medicinal smell to it than the Uigeadail. The aroma is saline but harsher than other Ardbegs, like rocksalt and seawater. Similar sooty smoke as the Uigeadail but none of the sweet notes. A smell of canned peaches occasionally, promising something fruity hidden somewhere behind all the sea tones. Ardbeg claims butteriness, creaminess and roast chicken crisp, but while a greasy roasted aroma is present, I couldn't place it as the distillery did. The taste is really unique, the saltiest whisky I've known. The strength of the taste is difficult to anticipate. Bitterness, charred wood, fruit cocktail - a viking funeral boat loaded with goods and food heading into a whirlpool. For once the 'quirky name from local history' gimmick pays off as the product delivers exactly what the label promises. Surprisingly for such a powerful dram the aftertaste is a little hollow. The Airigh Nam Beist greets me with the easily identifiable smell of vanilla, both a sweet sugarish aroma and a richer note more like ice cream. Sea air, pine soap, and some smoke although it's only fleeting compared to the two other expressions. The body is oily and soft like a Caol Ila, but only a wisp of smoke and very little soot or bitterness. Ardbeg claims the taste has a hint of bacon but compared to the Uigeadail I can't spot it; only delicate cream and a flowery aftertaste. An unusually subtle Ardbeg but after a few glasses I already remember why I fell in love with it in the first place and also why this expression gets so much praise from friends of the distillery. Each of the above whiskies is on its own a fine drink worthy of praise and I shall not insult them by grading, as that would be like trying to answer the question 'which one of your kids do you love the most'. If you come across any of these three, by all means try if you haven't yet. Detective Thompson posted:How long with an opened bottle last before it goes south? A week ago I finished the last three glasses of a Hakushu 18 that had been open since January, and couldn't complain at all. Still excellent. One of the folks that does Youtube reviews mentioned that the aroma of peat is the one that usually tends to mellow most as time passes so I'd guess the peatier the whisky the faster you want to finish it. CoderCat posted:I'm looking for a single malt Scotch that is as smoky as Black Label. I've tried Ardbeg Uigeadail and Laphroaig 10, and while both are very nice, I didn't find them as smoky. Any recommendations? 
Deleuzionist fucked around with this message at 20:25 on Nov 20, 2012 |
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Nov 20, 2012 20:03
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Virginia goons: the ABC is having a statewide Black Friday sale that looks like it's worth checking out:
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Nov 20, 2012 20:18
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Jahoodie posted:Is there a good beer-advocate type review site for whiskey? I've always kind of liked For Peat' Sake and have based a few purchases off of what I've read. Senf fucked around with this message at 04:59 on Nov 21, 2012 |
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Nov 21, 2012 04:51
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http://www.lawhiskeysociety.com/ has some reviews of less common stuff as well.
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Nov 21, 2012 07:12
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silvergoose posted:I tried the Knappogue Castle 12 year Irish whiskey last night; it was good, but very, very mellow. Like, there was barely a hint of burn. Is that others' reactions too? It was just so very different from the bourbon (Evan Williams) and scotch (Balvenie) that I have had. I've been working through a bottle of this as well, and I have a similar reaction. It's a nice whiskey, but it's so mellow it's almost boring.
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Nov 21, 2012 15:34
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Deleuzionist posted:Let's taste: Ardbeg x 3 Well, I'm jealous. Uigeadail is a definite must buy this Christmas.
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Nov 21, 2012 18:25
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My friend in Portland is buying me a bottle in exchange for an ereader I'm giving her. The choice of where it comes from is totally up to me. Any recommendations? I pretty much enjoy all whiskey and am always excited to try something new.
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Nov 21, 2012 19:15
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Got introduced to the products of the Craigellachie distillery for the first time, a sample bottling of 12yo from 2000 by Douglas Laing and another distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2012 by Gordon & Macphail. This is a highlander so no heavy peat or smoke aromas, but rather cream and heavy malt, citrus and a little bit of sea. Not an outstanding drink but quality/price ratio is spot on. The G & M bottling is nicely aged but the cask in question appears to have been chosen conservatively, playing it safe - no particularly bold flavours to be found in it but nothing to complain about either. Squarely beats Glenfiddich & co.renzor posted:My friend in Portland is buying me a bottle in exchange for an ereader I'm giving her. The choice of where it comes from is totally up to me. Any recommendations? I pretty much enjoy all whiskey and am always excited to try something new. Can you give a hint as to what the ereader cost or what would be the max price for the bottle? Would be easier to recommend something if the budget's known. NightConqueror posted:Well, I'm jealous. Uigeadail is a definite must buy this Christmas.
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Nov 22, 2012 00:50
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I have a random question about sunlight. I have a rather well-stocked bar in my kitchen, which is normally well away from any direct sunlight. However, depending on the season and the time of day, I've noticed that sunlight from adjacent windows (one about 10 ft away and the other about 15 ft away) will shine on my whiskies. If I had to guess, I would say they get about 15 minutes of afternoon sun every day, depending on the weather and the season. Is this something I should worry about, or is it low enough not to cause problems?
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Nov 22, 2012 01:00
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As a general thing, UV light is never good for food or beverages. It may not make a difference, or it may degrade things, but it's never beneficial. Cool, dark places are best, IMO.
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Nov 22, 2012 02:29
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Deleuzionist posted:G Max $50
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Nov 22, 2012 03:00
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renzor posted:Max $50 Woodford double oaked.
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Nov 22, 2012 07:24
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renzor posted:Max $50 Single malts in that price range Mellow highlanders & speysiders: Glenkinchie 12, Glengoyne 10, Balvenie doublewood Islay peat & smoke brigade: Laphroaig 10, Caol Ila 12, Ardbeg 10
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Nov 22, 2012 09:11
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Does anyone have any experience with hopped whiskeys? I've got one of these on order: http://www.corsairartisan.com/spirits/experimental/rasputin-hopped-whiskey/ Corsair Rasputin Hopped Whiskey posted:To make our experimental Rasputin whiskey, we first brew a traditional Imperial stout beer. When we distill, we pass the new whiskey vapors through hops, adding spicy floral notes to the big malt and chocolate flavors of the stout. Aging in charred oak barrels adds vanilla and caramel. The end result is a rich, very complex hopped whiskey. http://dandm.com/corsair-experimental-rasputin-american-malt-whiskey.html Seems to run in the $50-$60 range.
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Nov 23, 2012 11:26
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So I picked up a bottle of Highland Park the day before Thanksgiving based on reading this thread. I cracked it open Thanksgiving Day and sweet jebus is it glorious (especially for the price). It's changed my outlook on how I have been going about my drinking of Scotch. I've been drinking Scotch for a while, but stayed with the same 3-4 brands and never really branched out (Speyburn, Talisker, Lagavulin, Johhny Walker if I am in the mood for blended). I guess it is time to get serious and start to explore what is out there. Same goes for Bourbon and Rye too I suppose, since I don't just stick to Scotch.
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Nov 25, 2012 03:31
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Anyone had the Balvenie 15yr Single barrel? I just can't get into it. Maybe its the higher ABV then i'm used to but man. Tried it 3 times so far and still not feeling it. Should I trade it or save it and try to learn to like it? Picked up a Glenrothes 1998 for my desk at work. Its good. Like it. Though not experienced enough to give a legit review.
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Nov 25, 2012 05:16
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MasterColin posted:Anyone had the Balvenie 15yr Single barrel? I just can't get into it. Maybe its the higher ABV then i'm used to but man. Tried it 3 times so far and still not feeling it. Should I trade it or save it and try to learn to like it? In general if you want something utterly smooth with very little alcohol burn, you're going to need to step up to the 18-21yr range for single malts. Glenrothes and Balblair are a bit unique because they use vintages. Casks of '1998' get progressively older and rarer as time goes by so what you have could be anywhere between 10 and 14 years old.
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Nov 25, 2012 06:43
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Got some Old Overholt because I ran across it at the liquor store and I never really tried rye before other than an odd glass here or there. It's not Rittenhouse but it's what I can get (and it was really cheap). Als got a bottle of Naked Grouse, only €1 more expensive than online so I snagged it. Haven't been able to try either yet though. 
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Nov 25, 2012 10:21
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Small Business Saturday included some liquor stores! Picked up a bottle of WT 101 for 25.99, which is to say a dollar after Amex gives back $25 of it. Good deal, I'd say. Having only had Evan Williams for bourbon, anything special to note when drinking, or just don't worry about the higher proof?
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Nov 25, 2012 13:19
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silvergoose posted:Having only had Evan Williams for bourbon, anything special to note when drinking, or just don't worry about the higher proof? If you are using it for mixing I wouldn't worry about it, other than you are going to get drunk faster. WT 101 is one of my favorites for mixing. It's not a bad sipper for the price, other than it might be spicier than some are used to. If you are sipping and are used to drinking bourbon neat the extra kick might be a bit of a shock.
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Nov 25, 2012 17:34
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Lagavulin on sale for $56 at Costco this month. Also, Bulleit and several other cheap ones are back
Steve Yun fucked around with this message at 01:45 on Nov 26, 2012 |
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Nov 26, 2012 01:42
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Steve Yun posted:Lagavulin on sale for $56 at Costco this month. Also, Bulleit and several other cheap ones are back On that note, has anyone had a Lagavulin 16 lately? I've never had it before and have been giving it some consideration for a buy this holiday season. However, I have heard that its quality has somewhat diminished in the past few years. How does it compare to the other big Islay names like Laphroaig and Ardbeg?
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Nov 26, 2012 04:09
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NightConqueror posted:On that note, has anyone had a Lagavulin 16 lately? I've never had it before and have been giving it some consideration for a buy this holiday season. However, I have heard that its quality has somewhat diminished in the past few years. How does it compare to the other big Islay names like Laphroaig and Ardbeg? Lagavulin 16 is more complex than any Laphroaig in that price range. The only major competitor for those subtle fruit hints would be Ardbeg Uigeadail, which is a similar vatting of some sherry, but mostly bourbon cask matured whisky. I say more complex and not better because I love Laphroaig's simple formula of sweet, peat and especially their take on wood influence. I always have a bottle of Lagavulin 16 and Laphroaig Quarter Cask handy, they are dissimilar outside of the peating level, but both enjoyable. TobinHatesYou fucked around with this message at 07:22 on Nov 26, 2012 |
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Nov 26, 2012 05:36
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So as I'm nearing the end of my first whiskey (Four Roses Small Batch) and I'm going to the UK I'm thinking that I should cease the opportunity and get some whiskeys that aren't available over here. First on my list to get is a bottle of Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof. The reviews are just so good that I have to try it. Maybe I should get a bottle of scotch whisky as well? Any good, "cheap" ones that are "good for a beginner" in particular that I should look out for?
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Nov 26, 2012 22:15
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If you can't find Rittenhouse stateside I seriously doubt you'll find it in the UK, seeing as it's made in Kentucky and I don't know how much the British are into rye. Just have to wait until next year's release.
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Nov 27, 2012 01:45
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Kenning posted:If you can't find Rittenhouse stateside I seriously doubt you'll find it in the UK, seeing as it's made in Kentucky and I don't know how much the British are into rye. Just have to wait until next year's release. I just ordered some Rittenhouse through K&L Wines, though they have a really limited quantity. Also picked up some Vya and Miracle Mile Forbidden bitters because why not, I'm curious 
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Nov 27, 2012 02:02
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I was skeptical about it when I bought it, since I'm a peat hound, but I highly recommend Caol Ila's Unpeated Style. It has HUGE pepper taste to it, I don't know what kind of oak they used, but it's imparted a massive flavor profile. It's very clean tasting. I'm a big fan of it, now.
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Nov 27, 2012 09:06
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Yeah and to add to that, don't buy the Ardbeg Blasda, it may be the presentation (40%, chillfiltered) but its bland as heck.
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Nov 27, 2012 11:23
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dug fin posted:I was skeptical about it when I bought it, since I'm a peat hound, but I highly recommend Caol Ila's Unpeated Style. It has HUGE pepper taste to it, I don't know what kind of oak they used, but it's imparted a massive flavor profile. It's very clean tasting. I'm a big fan of it, now. If you can still find one, get a bottle of the 2009 release. TobinHatesYou fucked around with this message at 13:01 on Nov 27, 2012 |
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Nov 27, 2012 12:56
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Kenning posted:If you can't find Rittenhouse stateside I seriously doubt you'll find it in the UK, seeing as it's made in Kentucky and I don't know how much the British are into rye. Just have to wait until next year's release. Going from Sweden to UK. I know they have it there since I can order it online. I don't want to do that though because of the tax + shipping cost. Way cheaper for me to just get it while I'm visiting.
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Nov 27, 2012 18:58
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Ah hah, I was confused. Well good luck in your quest! Rittenhouse is really an excellent rye, and it'll probably still be relatively cheap, even after import and excise taxes and all that.
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Nov 27, 2012 22:05
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All right guys, I know a bunch of you have a bunch of pretty bottles. Let's see your collections. Here's my very modest collection, that I hope to round out with a few new ones soon. 
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Nov 29, 2012 01:07
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Terrible lighting aside, this is my collection. This tells me I clearly need more whisky. 
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Nov 29, 2012 09:11
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After having it a couple times, I bit the bullet and picked up a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 20 year. I popped it open Tuesday night and it's delicious as ever. If anyone can get their hands on a bottle I highly recommend it. I also have an unopened bottle of the 15 that I bought before they switched over to Buffalo Trace that I may hang on to for a bit more.
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Nov 29, 2012 21:34
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