Consolidated "Scotch - Best & Worst, recommendations, questions" thread
Apr 15, 2011, 11:40 am
#196
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My recommendation for any scotch newbie is the Balvenie Doublewood. It's incredibly smooth and easy to drink, and still one of my all-time favourites, even as my tastes have migrated over to the big peaty beasts.
May 7, 2011, 9:49 am
#197
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We stopped at a liquor store last night. My wife picked out a bottle. She said that they didnt have much of a selection but this one looked interesting. She picked out a bottle of Ardbeg 1990 Special Reserve. It is really superb. Very rich flavor. I prefer the that group - Lagavoulin, Laphroaig, etc and this is an excellent example of the style.
May 14, 2011, 9:12 am
#199
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The brand is part of the Bowmore stables, a good
middle-of-the-road lowland product.
I didn't care for the 10, finding it harsh, though good value.
The 21 is one of the best food Scotches I've run across, but
by itself there's a hint of finnan haddie stench.
middle-of-the-road lowland product.
I didn't care for the 10, finding it harsh, though good value.
The 21 is one of the best food Scotches I've run across, but
by itself there's a hint of finnan haddie stench.
Aug 9, 2011, 11:05 pm
#200
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,564
Been a few months since the last update...has everyone been busy drinking?
I just got a bottle of Talisker 10 yr in the mail today. Looking forward to sampling it in the next few days. What's everyone else been enjoying lately?
I just got a bottle of Talisker 10 yr in the mail today. Looking forward to sampling it in the next few days. What's everyone else been enjoying lately?
Aug 10, 2011, 10:42 am
#201
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
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Posts: 31,593
Kentucky bourbon mostly. I usually don't get into Scotch until it gets cooler.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 10, 2011, 10:55 am
#202
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Somewhat offtopic, though amusing story.
At the JFK RCC last weekend I asked the bartender for a beer and a shot of whiskey. She asked me "is Dewers ok?" I said "that's Scotch" and she looked at me like I was crazy.
And back on topic, I'm still sticking with Glenlivet 12. Though I had some really good 15 year brand at a July 4th party (can't remember which one) and ended up getting into an indepth discussion about how Southern Gentleman deserved to win the Civil War. Now I just wish I could remember that brand!
At the JFK RCC last weekend I asked the bartender for a beer and a shot of whiskey. She asked me "is Dewers ok?" I said "that's Scotch" and she looked at me like I was crazy.
And back on topic, I'm still sticking with Glenlivet 12. Though I had some really good 15 year brand at a July 4th party (can't remember which one) and ended up getting into an indepth discussion about how Southern Gentleman deserved to win the Civil War. Now I just wish I could remember that brand!
Aug 10, 2011, 2:40 pm
#203
Join Date: May 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, SPG Gold, HH D
Posts: 1,130
I was recently introduced to Springbank, a traditional distillery in the Campbeltown region of Scotland.
This is now hands down my favourite distillery. I would buy any of their offerings without hesitation.
Over the past few weeks, I've added both the Hazelburn 12yo and the Springbank 10 yo 100 proof to my collection. Both are just amazing examples of Scotch, and rapidly disappearing already.
If you've never tried a Springbank offering, I highly recommend it.
This is a review I wrote recently for the Hazelburn 12yo:
I'm a recent convert to Springbank, the unique distillery in the Campbeltown region of Scotland. Springbank is an independent bottler with an obsession for traditional methods, with human involvement at every step. According to their website, they are the only distillery in Scotland to have never chill-filtered or added colour to their single malts.
All that to say this is an amazingly unique, special distillery that's well worth your attention.
Onto the review!
Hazelburn 12 yo
This is an unpeated scotch, triple distilled, 46% alcohol.
The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was how dark this scotch is. The colour is amazing, rich and deep, dark amber with hints of gold and red. When I opened and poured it into my glass I could smell the scent of butterscotch toffee wafting towards me.
Sitting in the glass, the colour continues to impress: amber and dark honey with those same hints of gold and red.
Straight:
Without water, the nose is complex. I get a little petrol from it, but mainly there's sweetness: toffee, caramel, nuts, sultanas, maybe a little fruit.
The taste follows that caramel note, with butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of coconut. There's a bit of brine and salt there too. Sweet, a bit of red fruit for sure. And given its strength at 46%, it doesn't feel harsh at all - it's got quite a lovely creamy texture.
The finish is long and lingers for ages. It's warm, smooth, and all around gorgeous. Definitely a hint of that salty caramel at the back of the tongue.
Added water, a few spoonfuls:
The nose becomes much stronger. Burnt sugar, and honey. Oak, a bit of smoke. Vanilla. Maybe a touch of citrus peel? Salt.
The creaminess continues in the body. Vanilla, coconut, dried fruit. Balance -
this drink doesn't tip too far in any direction. Walnuts. Maybe a hint of cocoa. Brine.
The finish remains impressive, with coconut coming out a touch more. Spicy, cocoa, salty, lingering.
This is a contemplative drink, something you can savour for hours and find something new in every sip. Delicious, and well worth the high accolades it receives. If you find it, snap it up - you won't be disappointed.
This is now hands down my favourite distillery. I would buy any of their offerings without hesitation.
Over the past few weeks, I've added both the Hazelburn 12yo and the Springbank 10 yo 100 proof to my collection. Both are just amazing examples of Scotch, and rapidly disappearing already.
If you've never tried a Springbank offering, I highly recommend it.
This is a review I wrote recently for the Hazelburn 12yo:
I'm a recent convert to Springbank, the unique distillery in the Campbeltown region of Scotland. Springbank is an independent bottler with an obsession for traditional methods, with human involvement at every step. According to their website, they are the only distillery in Scotland to have never chill-filtered or added colour to their single malts.
All that to say this is an amazingly unique, special distillery that's well worth your attention.
Onto the review!
Hazelburn 12 yo
This is an unpeated scotch, triple distilled, 46% alcohol.
The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was how dark this scotch is. The colour is amazing, rich and deep, dark amber with hints of gold and red. When I opened and poured it into my glass I could smell the scent of butterscotch toffee wafting towards me.
Sitting in the glass, the colour continues to impress: amber and dark honey with those same hints of gold and red.
Straight:
Without water, the nose is complex. I get a little petrol from it, but mainly there's sweetness: toffee, caramel, nuts, sultanas, maybe a little fruit.
The taste follows that caramel note, with butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of coconut. There's a bit of brine and salt there too. Sweet, a bit of red fruit for sure. And given its strength at 46%, it doesn't feel harsh at all - it's got quite a lovely creamy texture.
The finish is long and lingers for ages. It's warm, smooth, and all around gorgeous. Definitely a hint of that salty caramel at the back of the tongue.
Added water, a few spoonfuls:
The nose becomes much stronger. Burnt sugar, and honey. Oak, a bit of smoke. Vanilla. Maybe a touch of citrus peel? Salt.
The creaminess continues in the body. Vanilla, coconut, dried fruit. Balance -
this drink doesn't tip too far in any direction. Walnuts. Maybe a hint of cocoa. Brine.
The finish remains impressive, with coconut coming out a touch more. Spicy, cocoa, salty, lingering.
This is a contemplative drink, something you can savour for hours and find something new in every sip. Delicious, and well worth the high accolades it receives. If you find it, snap it up - you won't be disappointed.
Aug 10, 2011, 5:55 pm
#204
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Was she latina by chance? When one wants a Scotch here in Central America or on Taca or Copa flights, one has to ask for Whisky. "Scotch" would get you a puzzled look the further away from the tourist areas you go. Whisky Rojo and Whisky Negro are the most common, but neither would belong in this thread.
Aug 10, 2011, 6:19 pm
#205
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I was recently introduced to Springbank, a traditional distillery in the Campbeltown region of Scotland.
This is now hands down my favourite distillery. I would buy any of their offerings without hesitation.
Over the past few weeks, I've added both the Hazelburn 12yo and the Springbank 10 yo 100 proof to my collection. Both are just amazing examples of Scotch, and rapidly disappearing already.
If you've never tried a Springbank offering, I highly recommend it.
This is a review I wrote recently for the Hazelburn 12yo:
I'm a recent convert to Springbank, the unique distillery in the Campbeltown region of Scotland. Springbank is an independent bottler with an obsession for traditional methods, with human involvement at every step. According to their website, they are the only distillery in Scotland to have never chill-filtered or added colour to their single malts.
All that to say this is an amazingly unique, special distillery that's well worth your attention.
Onto the review!
Hazelburn 12 yo
This is an unpeated scotch, triple distilled, 46% alcohol.
The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was how dark this scotch is. The colour is amazing, rich and deep, dark amber with hints of gold and red. When I opened and poured it into my glass I could smell the scent of butterscotch toffee wafting towards me.
Sitting in the glass, the colour continues to impress: amber and dark honey with those same hints of gold and red.
Straight:
Without water, the nose is complex. I get a little petrol from it, but mainly there's sweetness: toffee, caramel, nuts, sultanas, maybe a little fruit.
The taste follows that caramel note, with butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of coconut. There's a bit of brine and salt there too. Sweet, a bit of red fruit for sure. And given its strength at 46%, it doesn't feel harsh at all - it's got quite a lovely creamy texture.
The finish is long and lingers for ages. It's warm, smooth, and all around gorgeous. Definitely a hint of that salty caramel at the back of the tongue.
Added water, a few spoonfuls:
The nose becomes much stronger. Burnt sugar, and honey. Oak, a bit of smoke. Vanilla. Maybe a touch of citrus peel? Salt.
The creaminess continues in the body. Vanilla, coconut, dried fruit. Balance -
this drink doesn't tip too far in any direction. Walnuts. Maybe a hint of cocoa. Brine.
The finish remains impressive, with coconut coming out a touch more. Spicy, cocoa, salty, lingering.
This is a contemplative drink, something you can savour for hours and find something new in every sip. Delicious, and well worth the high accolades it receives. If you find it, snap it up - you won't be disappointed.
This is now hands down my favourite distillery. I would buy any of their offerings without hesitation.
Over the past few weeks, I've added both the Hazelburn 12yo and the Springbank 10 yo 100 proof to my collection. Both are just amazing examples of Scotch, and rapidly disappearing already.
If you've never tried a Springbank offering, I highly recommend it.
This is a review I wrote recently for the Hazelburn 12yo:
I'm a recent convert to Springbank, the unique distillery in the Campbeltown region of Scotland. Springbank is an independent bottler with an obsession for traditional methods, with human involvement at every step. According to their website, they are the only distillery in Scotland to have never chill-filtered or added colour to their single malts.
All that to say this is an amazingly unique, special distillery that's well worth your attention.
Onto the review!
Hazelburn 12 yo
This is an unpeated scotch, triple distilled, 46% alcohol.
The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was how dark this scotch is. The colour is amazing, rich and deep, dark amber with hints of gold and red. When I opened and poured it into my glass I could smell the scent of butterscotch toffee wafting towards me.
Sitting in the glass, the colour continues to impress: amber and dark honey with those same hints of gold and red.
Straight:
Without water, the nose is complex. I get a little petrol from it, but mainly there's sweetness: toffee, caramel, nuts, sultanas, maybe a little fruit.
The taste follows that caramel note, with butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of coconut. There's a bit of brine and salt there too. Sweet, a bit of red fruit for sure. And given its strength at 46%, it doesn't feel harsh at all - it's got quite a lovely creamy texture.
The finish is long and lingers for ages. It's warm, smooth, and all around gorgeous. Definitely a hint of that salty caramel at the back of the tongue.
Added water, a few spoonfuls:
The nose becomes much stronger. Burnt sugar, and honey. Oak, a bit of smoke. Vanilla. Maybe a touch of citrus peel? Salt.
The creaminess continues in the body. Vanilla, coconut, dried fruit. Balance -
this drink doesn't tip too far in any direction. Walnuts. Maybe a hint of cocoa. Brine.
The finish remains impressive, with coconut coming out a touch more. Spicy, cocoa, salty, lingering.
This is a contemplative drink, something you can savour for hours and find something new in every sip. Delicious, and well worth the high accolades it receives. If you find it, snap it up - you won't be disappointed.
Are these on the LCBO list or did you "Imported" them?
Aug 15, 2011, 1:52 pm
#207
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United Kingdom
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Posts: 2,531
Tried the snow Grouse for the first time and its okay. Its the first time I have had a whisky that has to be chilled before drinking. Nice in Summer. The whisky purists might look down upon it though
http://www.thesnowgrouse.co.uk/
http://www.thesnowgrouse.co.uk/
Aug 15, 2011, 5:55 pm
#208
Join Date: May 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, SPG Gold, HH D
Posts: 1,130
But there are some Springbanks available via the LCBO.The 18yo is supposed to be outstanding. Longrow is the peated Springbank if you like that kind of scotch, and the Hazelburn 8yo is also reputedly excellent, though a bit rougher around the edges than the 12yo. I've never tasted any of these personally, but most scotch reviewers agree that you can't go wrong with anything Springbank offers.
Sep 14, 2011, 2:25 pm
#210
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What are peoples' recommendations for the best cheap scotch? I usually use Chivas for this but am looking for alternatives.
To give an idea of what I like, my favorite scotch is probably Macallan 18 but I also like Glenlivet. I just don't like smoky peat bombs like Laphraoig...it tastes like I salvaged the bottle from my burnt down house.
To give an idea of what I like, my favorite scotch is probably Macallan 18 but I also like Glenlivet. I just don't like smoky peat bombs like Laphraoig...it tastes like I salvaged the bottle from my burnt down house.