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***THE OFFICIAL OT WHISK(E)Y DRINKERS THREAD***

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/19/2019 at 19:33
Sandeman's Fine Tawny Port... is "fine" no more.  Used to be the absolute best deal on the market for tawny port (longer aged... takes on a tawny (or golden/yellowish color)... no longer exists.  It is now just a mediocre ruby port... no tawny color at all.  Complete misnomer/false advertising.  However, that has become typical of tawny ports lately... maybe no one really knows what a tawny port is supposed to look or taste like anymore.  I don't know what the problem is, but the last 4 versions of "tawny port" i've purchased have merely been poor ruby ports.  
What I am seeing is that to get a "real" tawny, moderately tasty, price has increased two to three times... a true "fine" tawny port is now the price of a 20 year old scotch.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/19/2019 at 19:46
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/19/2019 at 19:48
Originally posted by Son of Ed Son of Ed wrote:

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Yeah, you have to get a good Rye Whiskey to find a good tawny port... drink a lot of Rye and any port tastes good...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2019 at 09:50
Any excuse????
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdaddy0381 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2019 at 19:31
What is your "GO TO"? 

I have and keep trying different stuff and my go to is Evan Williams. I just finished off a bottle of WoodFord reserve and it was good and the angels envey was good but keep going back to EW. 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2019 at 19:56
Originally posted by Bigdaddy0381 Bigdaddy0381 wrote:

What is your "GO TO"? 

I have and keep trying different stuff and my go to is Evan Williams. I just finished off a bottle of WoodFord reserve and it was good and the angels envey was good but keep going back to EW. 



With American wiskeys, it is Hillrock.

With Scotches, Springbank.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdaddy0381 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2019 at 20:30
I'll give Hillrock a try. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/06/2019 at 09:48
My go to bourbon is Basil Hayden's.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/06/2019 at 19:52
It's been awhile since I've posted in this thread, and have tried several new (to me) whiskies since my last post. In the order I tried them, they are:

- The Arran 18 (single malt Scotch):

The Arran is the only current distillery on Scotland's Isle of Arran. It is a very young distillery compared to most in Scotland, being in existence only 21 years. As such, this one is unique in that it is from their very first release of 18 year old in 2016. It was reasonably priced for an 18 year old single malt.

On the nose, I get brown sugar, butterscotch, vanilla.

On the tastebuds, it follows the nose with brown sugar, vanilla, butterscotch, fruit jam, with the addition of toffee, chocolate, citrus fruit, and sweet malted barley.

On the finish, I get chocolate covered cherries and citrus, maybe mandarin oranges.

I REALLY like this one! I think it ranks right up there with some of the better 18 year old single malts. I wasn't initially blown away by it, but it grew on me. If this is any indication of what The Arran is capable of, they show a lot of promise, and it makes me want to try their 14 year old version. 

- Kaiyo "The Peated" (Japanese whisky):

I haven't tried many Japanese whiskies, but have enjoyed those I have tried. For the most part, they seem to share a lot of similarity to Scotch whisky, both in distilling method and flavors.

Ilya brought me this during his most recent visit to Texas. Thanks again Ilya!

I've read about this whisky, and I don't really know it's proper classification. It isn't a single malt, and I'm not certain it's a blend either. I'm not even certain it's legally classified as a Japanese whisky because not all of its maturation occurs in Japan. It's a "no age statement, peated whisky originally distilled, but not entirely aged in Japan. Part of its aging period is spent in Japanese Mizunara oak, which is supposed to impart unique flavors. The big gimmick here is after however many years it spent maturing in the Mizunara oak barrels, the last month of maturation is spent aboard a ship traveling from Japan to...wherever. Indeed, the word Kaiyo is Japanese for "ocean." Supposedly, this month on the ocean does something special to the flavors. I don't know about that, but I do know I like it.

Kaiyo offers several different whiskies, this one being their "peated" version. It supposedly starts out being as heavily peated as Ardbeg and Laphroaig, but something about the aging process "mellows" the peatiness. My tastebuds tell me that it definitely doesn't have the level of peat smoke flavor as Ardbeg and Laphroaig.

Nose: Pineapple, honey, peat smoke
Taste: Honey, smoke, toasted almonds, green tea, savory, salty note (soy sauce?)
Finish: Malted barley, saltiness, oak, berries, sweet fading to dry

Regardless of it's origin or how it's classified, this is good stuff! A nice change of pace. Like an Islay single malt scotch with an Asian flair (given the green tea and savory notes)

- Compass Box Hedonism (blended Scotch grain whisky):

Compass Box kinda beats to its own drum. They are masters of unusual, complex blending and maturing processes, and so far, I really love their creations. This one is unique in that it isn't a blend of malt whiskies, it's a blend of grain whiskies (whiskies distilled from grain other than malted barley).

Ilya gave me this one as well. Again, thank you so much Ilya!

This is unlike any whisky I've ever tasted. It's a great "dessert" whisky, as its sweet and creamy overall, like creme brulee in a bottle. 

Nose: Vanilla ice cream, shortbread cookies
Taste: Vanilla ice cream and shortbread cookies again, vanilla cake frosting, cream, cinnamon, toffee, caramel
Finish: Vanilla, spice, cloves, milk chocolate

I do like this one, but I wouldn't always be in the mood for it. It's quite sweet. That said, I was surprised they were able to coax so much flavor out of grain whiskies.

- High West American Prairie (blended bourbon):

This was the 3rd bottle that Ilya brought me. Helluva guy, that Ilya!

I recall that Dan posted about this one several months ago. I agree with his assessment; this has a very "single malt Scotch - like" flavor profile. 

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon
Taste: Vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon, rye spice, cherries, caramel
Finish: Spicy rye, caramel, oak

I thought this was excellent! Among the upper tier of bourbons I've tried, and it's priced very reasonably. I can't say I've ever tried another blended bourbon before, but I really enjoy this one!

- Laphroaig Cairdeas 2018 (single malt Scotch):

This is a "no age statement" annual release from Laphroaig that supposedly changes a bit from year to year. It's aged in multiple barrel types.

Nose: Typical Laphroaig peat smoke, BBQ, brown sugar, toffee
Taste: Peat smoke, bacon, orange peel, dark chocolate, vanilla
Nose: Smoke, citrus, almonds, saltiness/briny, sweet fading to dry

I like this one pretty well. In general, I prefer Ardbeg over Laphroaig in the "in your face heavily peated" category. I also think I prefer Lagavulin to Laphroaig in this category. I still prefer Kilchoman the most of the Islay peated malts, but Kilchoman has a different peat character than Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin. I place this one slightly above Laphroaig's Quarter Cask, which it shares some similarities with. It's good stuff, though I don't know I would buy it again at its price tag.

- Laphroaig Lore (single malt Scotch):

Another "no age statement" single malt. This is without a doubt the richest tasting Laphroaig I've tried, and also without a doubt my favorite Laphroaig I've tried. It has a more complex aging process than other whiskies from them, blending whisky aged in multiple different cask types. Whatever they did, I really like it! I'd place it roughly on par with Ardbeg Corryvreckan, both in quality and complexity of flavors.

Nose: Smoky peat, smoked meats, chocolate, malted barley, brown sugar, BBQ sauce
Taste: Fudge, tobacco, black pepper, creme brulee, salted caramel, toffee
Finish: Campfire smoke, honey, sweet fading to dry

Good stuff! I would rather spend the extra for this over Cairdeas, though if I'm in the mood for something along these lines, I like Ardbeg Uigeadail and Corryvrecken just as well, and they are more readily available in stores in my area thus far.

- Whistlepig 10 Y.O. (straight rye whiskey):

This one is bold and spicy. Nothing subtle about it! It's a lot like Basil Haydens with the volume turned up to 10. 

Nose: Mint, herbal spices, vanilla
Taste: Spicy herbs, clove, nutmeg, mint, cinnamon, pepper, syrup, oak
Finish: Warm spices, nutmeg, sweet maltiness

This seems like a good "Christmas holidays" whiskey, as it has many of the flavors I associate with holiday desserts. It has some warming heat to it. I think it would also go well with some smoked meats and cheeses. I haven't tried many rye whiskies, but I much prefer this to Bulleit Rye.
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/06/2019 at 20:01
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:


With Scotches, Springbank.




Which Springbank, Ilya? The only whisky of theirs I've tried is Springbank 15. I liked it pretty well as I recall, but it's been a long time since I've tasted it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/06/2019 at 20:07
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

My go to bourbon is Basil Hayden's.

Near the top of my bourbon list as well. Very good stuff!

So far, I think my favorite bourbon is Eagle Rare 10, but Basil Hayden's is close.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/23/2019 at 08:09
I just scored a bottle of Eagle Rare from the local liquor store of all places (a Bud lite, Heaven Hill kinda place). I tried the Eagle Rare and the last of my bottle of Basil Hayden's, and I think I prefer the Eagle Rare.
A friend of mine, who like me and Mrs BF is not a Scotch fan, let us try a Scotch he had. Can't remember the exact name, but I think it was MacMillan. It was $60+ a bottle. We liked it.....a lot. Mrs BF is looking for a bottle. I think Scotch just has to be expensive to be good,
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/23/2019 at 19:50
Originally posted by BeltFed BeltFed wrote:

I just scored a bottle of Eagle Rare from the local liquor store of all places (a Bud lite, Heaven Hill kinda place). I tried the Eagle Rare and the last of my bottle of Basil Hayden's, and I think I prefer the Eagle Rare.
A friend of mine, who like me and Mrs BF is not a Scotch fan, let us try a Scotch he had. Can't remember the exact name, but I think it was MacMillan. It was $60+ a bottle. We liked it.....a lot. Mrs BF is looking for a bottle. I think Scotch just has to be expensive to be good,

Yeah, Eagle Rare is really good stuff. It's essentially Buffalo Trace that was aged a little longer (10 years minimum). Basil Hayden's is really good, but I too think Eagle Rare is a little bit better.

I think the Scotch you're referring to is most likely Macallan based on the spelling you used. If it was $60 a bottle, it was probably Macallan 12 year, as anything older will cost way more than $60. Mac 12 is available in most liquor stores. Their 15 year old offerings start at $100 or so. I like Macallan pretty well, but I think their stuff is overpriced compared to other brands.

In general, Scotch is more expensive than bourbon because it's usually aged for a longer period of time and it's imported. That said, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get good Scotch. You just have to try a variety of different brands, ages, and styles to see what you like. There is way more variety in flavors of Scotch than bourbon by far.

If you liked Macallan 12, I would recommend you try Glen Garioch 12, Cardhu 12, Glenmorangie Original 10, and Aberlour 12. All of those can be found for between $35 - $50 a bottle if you shop around. A lot of people new to Scotch seem to like Balvenie Double Wood 12, which is around $35 / bottle. I think it's a little bland for my taste... not bad, just nothing to write home about in my opinion.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/24/2019 at 10:26
Thanks Ted.
It was a 12 year old Scotch, and that was the name of the Scotch.
My friend said he had tried the 15 year old Macallan, but liked the 12 year old more.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/24/2019 at 11:50
It’s all a matter of personal taste. Older isn’t always better, just typically more expensive.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/24/2019 at 20:23
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/25/2019 at 07:28
Why Eduardo would even sell his beloved 22LR wheel gun for one....
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/25/2019 at 08:17
Nothing taste that good.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/25/2019 at 13:20
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/25/2019 at 16:51
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

It’s all a matter of personal taste. Older isn’t always better, just typically more expensive.
I quote Damon Runyon... "the race is not always to the swift... the battle to the strong... but that's the way to bet".
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