Consolidated "Scotch - Best & Worst, recommendations, questions" thread
#736
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i thought macallan 25 was stronger initially, more complex, and longer lasting
i didnt think it was not scotch like or not like macallan 18 ? but im an amateur
macallan has fine oak, what are some other regular barrel non-peaty ?
i didnt think it was not scotch like or not like macallan 18 ? but im an amateur
macallan has fine oak, what are some other regular barrel non-peaty ?
#737
Join Date: Oct 2001
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Have only a done a couple rum distillery tours in the Caribbean. Neither actually toured production facilities, although I did watch a lady labelling and polishing bottles at John Watlings in NAS. I have also attended many tastings at Ole Smoky Moonshine back home in TN.
How were the tours? I actually enjoy industrial tours and quite liked all the brewery tours we have taken. I assume you got a decent sampling from each. Any other high points?
How were the tours? I actually enjoy industrial tours and quite liked all the brewery tours we have taken. I assume you got a decent sampling from each. Any other high points?
Bushmills has a restaurant at its facility, so you can have a meal as well. We saw the distilling, but not bottling, process. I guess it's hit or miss as to whether you see bottling. Stranahan's says they produce about 30 barrels a week, so it's a smaller operation. But when they do bottle, they have a lottery system where volunteers are chosen to help. They said they get thousands of entrants, but only need a fraction of that.
Definitely a fun way to spend some vacation time. Next time I'm reading my m'bike in the Smokies I'll have to take a tour of Ole Smokey Moonshine. tls
#738
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Just don't make the mistake of trying the tasting at the winery in Gatlinburg. We swore off small state wine producers after we completed the ALabama wine trail about 6 years ago.
#740
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I'm good for an hour walking the Parkway in Gatlinburg, an hour browsing in Nantahala Outdoor Center, then off to the National Park for a walk in the woods. Plus there's 3 different distilleries in Gatlinburg. If you like flavored moonshine, you can get snockered on samples. I'm partial to the apple pie flavor. Least favorite is the lemonade - there's undissolved crystals at the bottom for some reason.
We're 9 hours away but manage to get back a couple times a year, since BamaVol Jr #3 still lives in Morristown. In fact, we are planning a long weekend for mid-July.
#741
Join Date: Oct 2001
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3 distilleries in one place!!! Gatlinburg is where I'll be headed. 9 hours is probably what it takes me too, maybe a bit less, assuming I take 81. But I used to go to the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, which took longer (but was much more enjoyable). I used to do this ride each summer, but got away from it for, oh, 7-8 years I guess. Then last year I had a reunion in Highlands, NC, which reminded me about how beautiful the area is. All the more so with some whiskey in your hand ....
I'd never heard of Ole Smoky until 2013. They had a booth at Sturgis, SD and were giving away free shots. Quite nice! tls
I'd never heard of Ole Smoky until 2013. They had a booth at Sturgis, SD and were giving away free shots. Quite nice! tls
#742
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Cragganmore (even 12yo) is another excellent choice similar in profile to Macallan but always cheaper.
I'm not as big a fan of Balvenie, but the Balvenie 21yo Portwood is another of my all-time faves.
Highland Park 18yo or older, Aberfeldy and Aberlour 21yo also are wonderful. Dalmore 21yo is as well especially if you like a hint of smoke.
Longmorn 15yo and Springbank 15yo are good ones, too, if you can find them.
#744
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: NYC
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ETA: The Glenfarclas 40 is an older expression that is outstanding. Usually 40 year old whisky is grossly over rated, and not worth your time or money. This is worth seeking out.
Last edited by NYCRuss; Jun 6, 2015 at 8:39 pm Reason: Glenfarclas 40
#746
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ETA: The Glenfarclas 40 is an older expression that is outstanding. Usually 40 year old whisky is grossly over rated, and not worth your time or money. This is worth seeking out.
#747
Join Date: Mar 2007
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It's argon gas that comes in a spray can. I haven't tried it on my Scotch collection but I've been using it with wines for years since I often only drink 1/2 bottle at a time. The argon displaces oxygen in the wine bottle to slow oxidation. Wine stores sell it for about $10/can.
#749
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#750
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