Consolidated "Scotch - Best & Worst, recommendations, questions" thread
Oct 30, 2011, 11:01 pm
#226
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,564
So I'm still pretty new to the world of single malts and have been putting together a small collection to do tastings with friends/family when they visit. What would you consider must haves in any collection?
Oct 30, 2011, 11:20 pm
#227
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 5
I agree with much of these comments. Lagavulin gets lots of support.^
The single malts are the best. If a Whisky is not a single malt then it means the taste was unacceptable, so it had to be mixed, and so should be used as a mixer. Of course the proper way to drink Scotch is on the rocks without anything else, or if you must - weaken it a drop of spring water. For the older generation, the best time to drink Scotch is not all day! - But as a night cap.
Many golfers on cold days bring a hip flask of whisky to 'warm' themselves.
Whisky (or in the U.S. Whiskey) is also for colds, called a "Hot Toddie" - Whisky and hot water - with honey if you must have it sweet! (This has never worked for me though.
)
Few Scots-owned distilleries survive, many are Japanese owned.
I have to complement the FTers for their good taste, many average Whisky drinkers can't discern much of a taste difference between brands, obviously those people are drinking Scotch the wrong way! Whereas FTers know how to use taste buds
The single malts are the best. If a Whisky is not a single malt then it means the taste was unacceptable, so it had to be mixed, and so should be used as a mixer. Of course the proper way to drink Scotch is on the rocks without anything else, or if you must - weaken it a drop of spring water. For the older generation, the best time to drink Scotch is not all day! - But as a night cap.
Many golfers on cold days bring a hip flask of whisky to 'warm' themselves.
Whisky (or in the U.S. Whiskey) is also for colds, called a "Hot Toddie" - Whisky and hot water - with honey if you must have it sweet! (This has never worked for me though.
)Few Scots-owned distilleries survive, many are Japanese owned.
I have to complement the FTers for their good taste, many average Whisky drinkers can't discern much of a taste difference between brands, obviously those people are drinking Scotch the wrong way! Whereas FTers know how to use taste buds
Anyway - my favourite scotches are the Peaty/smoky variety!
Oct 31, 2011, 2:33 pm
#228
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,237
I would include Macallan 12, that's my personal favorite and not expensive.
Oct 31, 2011, 2:45 pm
#229
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Snooky
Posts: 2,508
Many scotch-nazis will have a tiny (bar sized) cube or 2 with their whiskey. Serves the same purpose as the spring water - opening up the nose. On the rocks is an abomination. They put enough water in it when they made it ! wj
Oct 31, 2011, 2:54 pm
#230
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,237
I'll admit. I like my Macallan 12 on the rocks. But I'll have my Macallan 25 (or any other really good scotch) neat. I'll try the one ice cube trick next time with my Macallan 12.
Oct 31, 2011, 7:55 pm
#231
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Central Texas
Programs: Many, slipping beneath the horizon
Posts: 9,859
My California and over-sophisticated (in her eyes) daughter sent me a little bag with 6 gray stone cubes (about 1"), left in freezer then into glass, whisky poured over. A lot less "cold' than ice, no melting, and seems to bring the whisky to a pleasant temp, but allowing the 'nose' to grow.
Oct 31, 2011, 9:32 pm
#232
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Snooky
Posts: 2,508
My California and over-sophisticated (in her eyes) daughter sent me a little bag with 6 gray stone cubes (about 1"), left in freezer then into glass, whisky poured over. A lot less "cold' than ice, no melting, and seems to bring the whisky to a pleasant temp, but allowing the 'nose' to grow.
Oct 31, 2011, 9:39 pm
#233
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,564
I did have a shipment arrive today:
Laphroaig 10yr
Ardbeg 10yr
Oban 14yr
A few classics I've read about but never tasted. Looking forward to sampling them this weekend.
Nov 2, 2011, 2:37 pm
#234
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Macallan is great, but it's the name brand highland malt and I think it's a bit overpriced. Macallan 18 is one of my usual favorites.
My dad has a bottle of The Glenrothes 1994 that is sublime (about $75).
Nov 2, 2011, 3:35 pm
#235
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
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For people in the Triangle, check this bar out. They have a great scotch and whiskey selection and it's the only place in Durham one can smoke inside at. I was there Monday for a double Glenlivet and a cigar:
http://whiskeydurham.com/
http://whiskeydurham.com/
Nov 6, 2011, 1:57 pm
#236
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: SPG Gold, AA PM
Posts: 287
My California and over-sophisticated (in her eyes) daughter sent me a little bag with 6 gray stone cubes (about 1"), left in freezer then into glass, whisky poured over. A lot less "cold' than ice, no melting, and seems to bring the whisky to a pleasant temp, but allowing the 'nose' to grow.
Nov 23, 2011, 2:40 pm
#237
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,564
So it's just about time for holiday shopping to begin...what do you experts recommend in an older single malt (let's say 17 years and up) that you feel is worth the price or perhaps even an excellent value?
Nov 24, 2011, 12:13 pm
#238
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Costco's house brand, Kirkland Signature - $50-80ish for 12-18 yr if you can find it. It's generally available only in small quantities, and around this time of year. It's made by Macallan.
Old Pulteney 21 - about $110 online. Recently rated the best scotch around by some critic on PRI
Nov 28, 2011, 3:09 pm
#240
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Join Date: Jun 2006
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