Originally Posted by kklems (Post 26475591)

Stopped in my local liquor store and they are having a single malt sale. Picked up lava 16, tallister storm and ober 18. I want to get one more but I am torn between the Mac 18 and from reading a large chunk of this thread the tallister 18.

I am a little gun shy on the Mac 18. Have had a glass twice in the last six months (from the same place). The first time it was awesome. Probably my all time favorite. The next time I went back (last week) the Mac didn't taste the same- not sure if the place was playing games or it was a bad bottle. Much more overwhelming alcohol taste if that makes sense. (My wife agreed-she almost liked the 1st time, didn't like the second so I don't think it was in my mind).

I have had tallister Storm before and liked that. The tallister is almost half the cost of the Mac but I have never had it. If the Mac was like the 1st bottle than I really think that would be a great purchase but I disliked the 2nd pour. The tallister 18 seems to be very popular here.

Any thoughts? I don't drink scotch outside home very often so I don't mind splurging for home.

Originally Posted by DaveBlaine (Post 26475636)

Let us know how the Talisker Storm is.

I'm going on a cruise soon and I'm going to see what duty-free travel exclusive Scotch Whisky I can bring back.

Originally Posted by kklems (Post 26475756)

Will make that sacrifice :)

Bought the tallister Storm today. Was just try to decide what to get for a special occasion bottle Mac 18 versus tallister 18.

Alas I doubt I will every try the Mac 25 with the price being over $1000

Originally Posted by DaveBlaine (Post 26475782)

And at $1,000 per bottle. I really wonder how good it could be or if it's really a mental thing since it's supposed to be good at that age+price.

Originally Posted by zitsky (Post 26475616)

I had the same tasting experience with Macallan 25. First, maybe second time I tried it at a restaurant, it was great. But when I bought my own bottle it just wasn't as good. Maybe the bottle was in the light too long, it was a display bottle. I will never make that mistake again. I think Macallan 18 is overrated, but then again, it's probably true for the 25. I'm sticking to plain old Macallan 12 from now on.

Are you talking about Talisker Storm? I haven't tried that, at least not for a very long time. I think I bought a bottle of Talisker in grad school.

Originally Posted by zitsky (Post 26476022)

When you're buying a glass at $20 or more, you can enjoy it. But at $1,000 a bottle it isn't good enough in my opinion.

Originally Posted by CMK10 (Post 27550440)

It's in my office drawer so I can enjoy it after a long day and share it with clients.

Originally Posted by CMK10 (Post 27550440)

Some friends of mine went to Denver for Thanksgiving and they brought me back a bottle of Stranahan's

https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Fl...587587_n-M.jpg

It's in my office drawer so I can enjoy it after a long day and share it with clients.

Originally Posted by Duke787 (Post 27359945)

Went to the ABC Store in Hillsborough NC over the weekend. They had a Japanese Whisky I'd never seen before (and is apparently only sold in the US).

Suntory Toki, a blended . It was $29.99 which is a steal and the only time NC prices have ever been lower than national prevailing prices ever (which are ~$40).

I think my expectations were set a bit high (not surprising since the rest of my collection is Yamazaki / Hibki / Taketsuru with age statements) but it was a bit disappointing.

Decent nose and opening but it lacks the legs that the age statements have (not surprising). A quick google reveals that many see it as better suited for a traditional Japanese Highball (without sacrificing the good stuff) - will have to try that and see before deciding whether to buy another bottle.

Originally Posted by broadwayblue (Post 26081305)

I second this. Ardbeg 10 is a great one.