Consolidated "Scotch - Best & Worst, recommendations, questions" thread
Oct 5, 2019, 4:37 pm
#1096
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Rochester, NY USA
Programs: Hilton - Diamond, IHG - Platinum
Posts: 1,424
I just saw a news item that stated a 25% tariff will be added to single malts from the UK from October 18. When I was at a chain beverage store I checked some prices, and it doesn't look like the tariff has been added to their prices yet. I've been looking to get a high end bottle of whisky, but I was in no rush; that has changed a bit now.
Oct 9, 2019, 11:19 am
#1097
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,922
Managed to snag a seat at two of the sponsored Laphroaig events in Austin this week. A tasting at the Austin Shaker to sip drams including a rare bottle of Laphroaig 25 Year Old, hear shared stories, and perhaps to pick up a signed bottle on Thursday. Then, a happy hour with Distillery Manager John Campbell and Master Ambassador Simon Brooking at Here Nor There on Brazos Street for some end-of-the-week revelry featuring 10 Year Old Cask Strength, the 2019 Cairdeas and Lore on Friday.
Looking forward to it!
Looking forward to it!
Last edited by Pa Kettle; Oct 9, 2019 at 12:26 pm Reason: correct spelling
Oct 11, 2019, 6:17 am
#1098
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Scotland - ABZ
Programs: Qantas LTG, BA-Blue, KLM -Gold, SAS - Silver
Posts: 2,057
A bit premature though.
First grandchild due 2020!
And my son the expectant father just gave me ... a bottle of Bowmore.
Wife gave the usual Springbank 18yo which is becoming slightly more available than it was last few years.
Oct 11, 2019, 6:20 am
#1099
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Scotland - ABZ
Programs: Qantas LTG, BA-Blue, KLM -Gold, SAS - Silver
Posts: 2,057
KUL
Specifically, KLIA2 - LCC terminal DF.
Will be passing through in a few weeks en route to Australia.
Anyone know what their whisky range is like? Any bargains?
Specifically, KLIA2 - LCC terminal DF.
Will be passing through in a few weeks en route to Australia.
Anyone know what their whisky range is like? Any bargains?
Oct 22, 2019, 2:35 pm
#1100
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Programs: Amex Platinum, DL Diamond 2MM, PriorityPass, Hilton Honors Silver
Posts: 469
Looking for availability of JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL ORIGINS SERIES at IAD
Anyone passing through IAD, can you please see if the JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL ORIGINS SERIES is available at DutyFree?
They were available at JFK T4 on October 12.
They were available at JFK T4 on October 12.
Last edited by spc354; Oct 22, 2019 at 2:38 pm Reason: Adding info
Oct 29, 2019, 7:24 am
#1101
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 91
I just saw a news item that stated a 25% tariff will be added to single malts from the UK from October 18. When I was at a chain beverage store I checked some prices, and it doesn't look like the tariff has been added to their prices yet. I've been looking to get a high end bottle of whisky, but I was in no rush; that has changed a bit now.
It's a real shame.
I'm Scottish, and I work with many Americans in the Middle East. I have pointed this out to them, and have advised them when they travel through Dubai, to compare whisky prices in the USA, and to pick up a bottle that will obviously be far cheaper there than in the USA.
If anything, this may encourage more Americans to travel to "Scotch-land", and tour distilleries, taste, and pick up a bottle or two to take back with them.
I collect and I have 78 different whiskies, but over 80 if you include duplicates I have opened or I shall open.
I do now prefer Glenlivit over Glenfiddich now. Though I do enjoy many other whiskies, it does help I live up in the Highlands, near to many fine distilleries within 1 to 3 hours drive.
I do appreciate your pain, on the levy on whisky arriving into the USA.
Nov 11, 2019, 11:23 am
#1102
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 862
It's a real shame.
I'm Scottish, and I work with many Americans in the Middle East. I have pointed this out to them, and have advised them when they travel through Dubai, to compare whisky prices in the USA, and to pick up a bottle that will obviously be far cheaper there than in the USA.
If anything, this may encourage more Americans to travel to "Scotch-land", and tour distilleries, taste, and pick up a bottle or two to take back with them.
[...]
I'm Scottish, and I work with many Americans in the Middle East. I have pointed this out to them, and have advised them when they travel through Dubai, to compare whisky prices in the USA, and to pick up a bottle that will obviously be far cheaper there than in the USA.
If anything, this may encourage more Americans to travel to "Scotch-land", and tour distilleries, taste, and pick up a bottle or two to take back with them.
[...]
Dec 22, 2019, 7:11 am
#1103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,248
I received a bottle of The Balvenie Doublewood for Christmas (celebrated a week early). It’s a 12 year old whisky aged in 2 different casks: traditional oak followed by oak sherry. With the surplus of new beverages around the house, it may be a while before I get a chance to taste it. Anyone tried it?
Dec 22, 2019, 9:00 am
#1104
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,638
I received a bottle of The Balvenie Doublewood for Christmas (celebrated a week early). It’s a 12 year old whisky aged in 2 different casks: traditional oak followed by oak sherry. With the surplus of new beverages around the house, it may be a while before I get a chance to taste it. Anyone tried it?
It's rich, smooth and mellow with a floral nose, just a hint of smoke and notes of sherry and vanilla.
Dec 22, 2019, 9:32 am
#1105
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Rochester, NY USA
Programs: Hilton - Diamond, IHG - Platinum
Posts: 1,424
I received a bottle of The Balvenie Doublewood for Christmas (celebrated a week early). It’s a 12 year old whisky aged in 2 different casks: traditional oak followed by oak sherry. With the surplus of new beverages around the house, it may be a while before I get a chance to taste it. Anyone tried it?
Dec 22, 2019, 2:07 pm
#1106
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,248
Oct 31, 2022, 6:51 am
#1107
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SAN
Programs: Nothing, nowhere!
Posts: 23,304
I hope the mod doesn't mind me bumping an old thread but figured this rather than starting a new one.
I bought a bottle of Project XX Glenfiddich which I plan to open tomorrow night. Review to follow!
I've been drinking Dalwhinnie Winters Gold, Singleton Nectar and Old Pulteney recently - all good. From that list you can see I'm not a huge fan of peated whiskys.
I plan to buy a bottle of Macalan as soon as I can justify spending the £60.
I bought a bottle of Project XX Glenfiddich which I plan to open tomorrow night. Review to follow!
I've been drinking Dalwhinnie Winters Gold, Singleton Nectar and Old Pulteney recently - all good. From that list you can see I'm not a huge fan of peated whiskys.
I plan to buy a bottle of Macalan as soon as I can justify spending the £60.
Oct 31, 2022, 9:54 am
#1108
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,242
I hope the mod doesn't mind me bumping an old thread but figured this rather than starting a new one.
I bought a bottle of Project XX Glenfiddich which I plan to open tomorrow night. Review to follow!
I've been drinking Dalwhinnie Winters Gold, Singleton Nectar and Old Pulteney recently - all good. From that list you can see I'm not a huge fan of peated whiskys.
I plan to buy a bottle of Macalan as soon as I can justify spending the £60.
I bought a bottle of Project XX Glenfiddich which I plan to open tomorrow night. Review to follow!
I've been drinking Dalwhinnie Winters Gold, Singleton Nectar and Old Pulteney recently - all good. From that list you can see I'm not a huge fan of peated whiskys.
I plan to buy a bottle of Macalan as soon as I can justify spending the £60.
Oct 31, 2022, 10:19 am
#1109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SAN
Programs: Nothing, nowhere!
Posts: 23,304
Jan 30, 2024, 9:41 am
#1110
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,374
A colleague bought a few rounds of Macallan 18 recently, and while I thought it was really nice, I tried to buy a bottle and learned it's way out of my budget. 
I bought the 12 sherry cask instead and I'm quite happy with it. It's still pricey in my area at $90, so I'll be looking for something else the next time around.
I've seen a few recommendations for Bunnahabhain 12, as an alternative. At $65, it's more in line with my budget. Any thoughts on that?
I bought the 12 sherry cask instead and I'm quite happy with it. It's still pricey in my area at $90, so I'll be looking for something else the next time around.
I've seen a few recommendations for Bunnahabhain 12, as an alternative. At $65, it's more in line with my budget. Any thoughts on that?