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spankmeister posted:gently caress I just found some Yellow Spot for €60, and they have the best price for Glencairn glasses too (I need a couple, I have just one left). You won't be disappointed, especially if you're into the single pot stilled varieties. It's the best Irish Whiskey I've ever had (I only drink Irish Whiskey and rye whiskey). I've still to make my way around to trying Redbreast 15 yr and cask strength Redbreast 12, but expense and availability make it a tough go here in the USA. Luckily, Powers John's Lane has been released stateside in Total Wine shops, so I got to try that. It's not really better than Redbreast 12 or Green Spot at the price, unfortunately.
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Apr 3, 2013 23:40
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GordonComstock posted:You won't be disappointed, especially if you're into the single pot stilled varieties. It's the best Irish Whiskey I've ever had (I only drink Irish Whiskey and rye whiskey). I've still to make my way around to trying Redbreast 15 yr and cask strength Redbreast 12, but expense and availability make it a tough go here in the USA. Luckily, Powers John's Lane has been released stateside in Total Wine shops, so I got to try that. It's not really better than Redbreast 12 or Green Spot at the price, unfortunately. Honestly, as far as Irish Whiskey goes, I've not found better than the Redbreast 12. Powers was never highly regarded when I lived over there, and I'd agree.
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Apr 4, 2013 13:58
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Why did nobody tell me about the Speyburn 10? It reminds me of a peatier Gold Label, and I got it for $17 before tax. You can't get a bottle of Jack for $17 before tax.
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Apr 5, 2013 03:27
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Speyburn usually gets pooped on in this thread, but I occasionally defend it. You just have to have a different set of expectations for $20 whisky. If you like Old Pulteney, AnCnoc, Balblair, etc. Speyburn will taste familiar.
TobinHatesYou fucked around with this message at 06:26 on Apr 5, 2013 |
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Apr 5, 2013 06:21
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kidsafe posted:Speyburn usually gets pooped on in this thread, but I occasionally defend it. You just have to have a different set of expectations for $20 whisky. If you like Old Pulteney, AnCnoc, Balblair, etc. Speyburn will taste familiar. I've seen you remark on this a few times before - what makes you say that those distilleries taste similar? They're all quite different.
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Apr 5, 2013 10:36
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I guess they're all a bit oily, IIRC.
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Apr 5, 2013 10:43
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spankmeister posted:I guess they're all a bit oily, IIRC. Obviously Pulteney might be a little more 'salty' (not savory,) AnCnoc more honey, Balblair more dark fruit, and Speyburn lighter than the rest, but one's tastebuds have to be numb not to taste the similarities underneath.
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Apr 5, 2013 11:01
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spankmeister posted:I guess they're all a bit oily, IIRC. I think the mouthfeel of whisky is a really under appreciated aspect of drinking whisky, I think it's one of the most important factors for me.
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Apr 5, 2013 11:02
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kidsafe posted:Not so much oily as in they have the same almost cloying, melon-like sweetness. I assume the mash/wort at each of these Inver House distilleries uses the same type of barley and yeast. There are considerably more factors at play than just barley and yeast. Between Balblair, Knockdhu and Speyburn they all have different specs for their malts, their peating levels are all different and their fermentation times vary hugely (Speyburn is much, much shorter than Balblair or Knockdhu). That's just the start of the differences between them, but if you find them similar in taste between them, that's fair enough, but none of the similarities you find are attributable to the fact they're owned by one company. What's your dram at the moment kidsafe? I'm trying out a 1992 Bruichladdich Valinch called 'El Classico'.
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Apr 5, 2013 11:14
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Hey thread, a few nights ago I went to Jack Rose's in Washington DC, which is a massive whisk(e)y bar. I didn't go completely nuts trying out the most expensive stuff but I did get to try out Hibiki 12, Willet (trying to figure out which one, maybe Origami or Montezuma) and Black Maple Hill. I really enjoyed the Black Maple Hill and am trying to find a place to grab some but I'm coming up empty. Does anyone know where I can find a bottle? I live in NYC, so I might have access to a store locally, but it seems like it's kind of rare, so maybe I have to get it online somewhere? Pretty new to all of this.
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Apr 5, 2013 15:58
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Doing a side by side of Green and Yellow Spot now. Results so far: inconclusive, further investigation required. 
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Apr 5, 2013 16:01
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Witchfinder General posted:Hey thread, a few nights ago I went to Jack Rose's in Washington DC, which is a massive whisk(e)y bar. I didn't go completely nuts trying out the most expensive stuff but I did get to try out Hibiki 12, Willet (trying to figure out which one, maybe Origami or Montezuma) and Black Maple Hill. What up NYC buddy? I can generally get most of my needs met between (in order of priority) Astor Wines and Spirits, Morell, and Union Square Wines. Flatiron Wines and Spirits also has a reasonable selection of wonkier stuff.
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Apr 5, 2013 16:55
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duckstab posted:I think the mouthfeel of whisky is a really under appreciated aspect of drinking whisky, I think it's one of the most important factors for me. Agreed. IMO the mouthfeel is the most distinctive thing about quality old whisky and there is little point in putting money into 25yo or older drams if one hasn't developed any sense of what it should feel like on the tongue and in the cheeks.
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Apr 5, 2013 17:17
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Anyone have any suggestions for whiskeys that might be readily available in London/UK but not the U.S.? When I flew through LHR two weeks ago, I was quite surprised by their extensive whiskey selection at duty free, so I'd like to pick up one or two nice ones on my way back through in a week. I tend to like really smokey Islays, Unfortunately, the list on the Heathrow web site isn't close to comprehensive. The current favorite I've had is Ardbeg Uigeadail. I may just pick up some of that, but it's easy to find back home too. I'll also keep an eye out for the Green/Yellow Spot although I know that's not an Islay.
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Apr 5, 2013 17:35
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A little spring cleaning of the old whisky cabinet. 
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Apr 5, 2013 17:37
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spankmeister posted:Doing a side by side of Green and Yellow Spot now. Results so far: inconclusive, further investigation required. I'm interested in hearing about any noticeable differences between Green Spot before and after the bottling change/makeover. I think you said earlier you'd had the pre-change Green Spot. I've heard people accusing them of "New Coke" style shenanigans in altering it (I'm guessing in the length of the aging process). I've only had the post-makeover Green Spot. I actually own an unopened bottle of the pre-change, but for personal reasons will never open it. So I'm a bit curious.
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Apr 5, 2013 19:11
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KhyrosFinalCut posted:What up NYC buddy? I can generally get most of my needs met between (in order of priority) Astor Wines and Spirits, Morell, and Union Square Wines. Flatiron Wines and Spirits also has a reasonable selection of wonkier stuff.
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Apr 5, 2013 19:38
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Bought this today for a special occasion and now I have to wait a week to open it. Pure torture.
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Apr 6, 2013 00:22
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spankmeister posted:A little spring cleaning of the old whisky cabinet. Now all you need to do is mix 1 oz of each into an empty bottle and *voila*, you have your own wonderful blend.
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Apr 6, 2013 01:18
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I bought a bottle of Hibiki 12 the other day. It's my first Japanese whisky and is a completely different animal than the Islay malts that I've been drinking lately. It's incredibly delicate and floral with lots of honey and fruit. The nose is almost like sticking your face in a bunch of honeysuckle. Supposedly it's a blend of over 30 single malts, and partly aged in plum liqueur barrels, which I'm sure contributes to it being so fragrant. I'm going to keep an eye out for other Japanese malts now since I'm enjoying this one so much.
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Apr 6, 2013 03:34
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Chuck Biscuits posted:I bought a bottle of Hibiki 12 the other day. It's my first Japanese whisky and is a completely different animal than the Islay malts that I've been drinking lately. It's incredibly delicate and floral with lots of honey and fruit. The nose is almost like sticking your face in a bunch of honeysuckle. Supposedly it's a blend of over 30 single malts, and partly aged in plum liqueur barrels, which I'm sure contributes to it being so fragrant. I'm going to keep an eye out for other Japanese malts now since I'm enjoying this one so much. 30 single malts? There are only 9 or so single malt producers in Japan, you've got to wonder how they came up with that number... The Hibiki 17 is well worth the jump in price if you can find it.
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Apr 6, 2013 06:12
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JaredBS posted:Bought this today for a special occasion and now I have to wait a week to open it. Pure torture. Oh man. That's pretty exciting.
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Apr 6, 2013 06:37
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spankmeister posted:A little spring cleaning of the old whisky cabinet. That's a pretty high class fraternity you've got there.
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Apr 6, 2013 16:48
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Worthleast posted:I've made some fantastic purchases based off the recommendations on this thread. I like to have a bit of a spectrum of tastes rather than just one bottle, to suit mood/guests. If you like delicious campfire, check out Arbeg. The standard 10 is great. Uigeadail is incredible. Most of the Port Charlotte's from Bruichladdich are great too. My favorite Speysider lately has been Glenfarclas. Would recommend the 12, 15 and the 105 if you can find it for a decent price. I have been enjoying single malt Scotches for a while now, but I'm eager to check out some good bourbons. Any suggestions for a good first bourbon that showcases what bourbon whiskey is all about?
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Apr 7, 2013 04:21
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Tonight is the first whiskey I've had since October... oh bourbon, how I've missed thee.
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Apr 7, 2013 07:32
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NightConqueror posted:That Kavalan is pretty interesting. Is most of their stock still pretty young, but ages quickly like Amrut? Other notable spirits... I really liked Jefferson's Straight Rye. Very drinkable for 100% rye, probably moreso than any of the LDI stuff. Affordable too. And I know this isn't a whisky, but Crater Lake's Hazelnut Espresso infused 'vodka' was a great little liqueur. They call it vodka, but it is most definitely liqueur in my book (only 50 proof.) TobinHatesYou fucked around with this message at 08:33 on Apr 7, 2013 |
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Apr 7, 2013 08:23
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Had an impromptu tasting on Friday.
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Apr 7, 2013 16:03
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Finally got some laphroaig 10 to celebrate my one billionth second  I'm not disappointed. Smells a lot like iodine and the ocean, maybe a hospital by the sea. The taste, like many have said, is like drinking a campfire. Maybe a fire somebody threw some seaweed in. It's also got some really earthy flavors that i like a lot. The finish seems to last forever and is a really comfortable flavor to have hanging around in my mouth. Really happy with it!
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Apr 8, 2013 01:49
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KhyrosFinalCut posted:Had an impromptu tasting on Friday. How is the Corsair Triple Smoke? I just learned about its existence a few days ago and I am highly intrigued.
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Apr 8, 2013 02:42
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door Door door posted:How is the Corsair Triple Smoke? I just learned about its existence a few days ago and I am highly intrigued. Very american in sweetness/overall character, but you get a scotchy peat. Think black bottle + some nice sweet-ish bourbon
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Apr 8, 2013 07:49
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Worthleast posted:That's a pretty high class fraternity you've got there.  I need a new cabinet though, the one I have now doesn't have a door. Dusty whisky as a result. 
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Apr 8, 2013 08:46
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GordonComstock posted:I'm interested in hearing about any noticeable differences between Green Spot before and after the bottling change/makeover. I think you said earlier you'd had the pre-change Green Spot. I've heard people accusing them of "New Coke" style shenanigans in altering it (I'm guessing in the length of the aging process). I've only had the post-makeover Green Spot. I actually own an unopened bottle of the pre-change, but for personal reasons will never open it. So I'm a bit curious. Going by memory on how it used to taste I can definitely say that it has lost some quality. Mostly in the nose. It's still very good stuff though. I do have to bump Redbreast to my personal no1 now, and make Green Spot my no2 Irish whiskey. I have to say that I may come around on that because I have only had a glass or two, and I enjoyed the second one more than the first. If I change my mind I'll post about it. Yellow Spot is pretty nice stuff too but I don't feel it was worth 60 euros. I think it has too much youthful character to justify that price point. It's just a bit too alcohol-spicy. It's not that it tastes too young for it's age, it's pretty much on par for a 12yo whiskey, but I expect a bit more from a €60 whiskey than being on par. spankmeister fucked around with this message at 08:57 on Apr 8, 2013 |
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Apr 8, 2013 08:54
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Recommendation time! I'm looking (for a present) for a single bottle of single malt Scotch, on the lighter end of peatiness, and I know he likes Lagavulin and Balvenie double wood. And poo poo like Dewers but let's not go there. Budget is circa 80 bucks, and I've never actually bought a bottle that expensive for myself, so I'm definitely out of my comfort range here! I'm pondering one of the older Glenlivets (I know he has had 12 before), or just rereading the last few pages and going "Oh someone liked x, let's see how much it is", but I wouldn't mind some direction.
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Apr 8, 2013 14:25
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silvergoose posted:Recommendation time! I'm looking (for a present) for a single bottle of single malt Scotch, on the lighter end of peatiness, and I know he likes Lagavulin and Balvenie double wood. And poo poo like Dewers but let's not go there. Budget is circa 80 bucks, and I've never actually bought a bottle that expensive for myself, so I'm definitely out of my comfort range here! If you can find Ledaig 10 that'll do you right and probably pretty well under budget.
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Apr 8, 2013 15:53
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In celebration at the death of Margaret Thatcher, I am having a dram of Glendronach. 19 y/o from a Pedro Ximenez Butt at 57.1%. Cheers 
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Apr 8, 2013 19:32
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http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2013/04/03/diageo-announces-new-scotch-distillery-expanded-production-at-other-distilleries/ Good lord... They just started up at the 14-still Roseisle mega-distillery last year. Now they're building an even bigger distillery near Teaninich, while also expanding that distillery to double its capacity. In addition they're putting another 30M GBP into expanding a couple other Speyside distilleries like Mortlach. GG China/India.
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Apr 9, 2013 06:40
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And all of those distilleries that get expanded will lose in quality.
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Apr 9, 2013 06:57
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spankmeister posted:And all of those distilleries that get expanded will lose in quality. TobinHatesYou fucked around with this message at 08:35 on Apr 9, 2013 |
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Apr 9, 2013 07:26
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spankmeister posted:And all of those distilleries that get expanded will lose in quality. What makes you say that?
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Apr 9, 2013 08:06
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I think I'm in love with the Highland Park 12... the smokier scotches are really starting to grow on me. Where should I go from here? Are the older HPs a huge step up from the 12?
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Apr 9, 2013 15:59
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