Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007, 5:21pm Subject: Who likes Scotch?
I do! I do!
I thank a friend for getting me into single malts. Just like espresso, it's developed into an all or nothing kind of thing for me.
Who else?
I'm an Islay single malt guy. Lagavulin 16 years is my current house favourite. Ardbeg 10 year old is runner up. My dear old friend is Laphroaig 10 year old but currently it's hard to get for me so I have to do with the Laphroaig quater cask with a few drops of filtered water. Nice punch.
I take it neat. Only way to go.
I like to try different whiskies. Highland Park 18year(?) wasnt' bad. I've got a bit of a Ledaig 15 year and it's not bad either. Ardbeg Uigeadail is a good concentrated treat. Currently I'm trying the Arran malt 100 proof single malt. It's o.k. A little too sweet for me but Arran is just starting out as of 1995, I believe, and I'm biased in favour of Islay single malts so bring it on.
Canadian whiskeys are pretty good too but there's nothing like the smokey sweet peatiness of a salty Islay.
Labrot & Graham Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Bourbon was more complex than I expected. A very pleasant alternative. Heavy peach and vanilla with a good sweetness that wasn't cloying or tiring.
I've been building up a reserve of good scotches and putting it on the credit card. With what I spend on espresso it's a bit extravagant to indulge in scotch as well and I have to sneak it past my significant other but life is short and I work hard enough. You only live once. The water of life needs to be enjoyed.
One of the coolest presents from my wife was a good whisky glass. Straight sides and coming up to a fluted opening like a thistle. To excellent espresso and excellent scotch, cheers to you!
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007, 5:42pm Subject: Re: Who likes Scotch?
Hey Kirk,
I love Lagavulin 16 year old, Laphroaig 10 year old too. I agree with what ya said there: "nothing like the smokey sweet peatiness of a salty Islay". Have you ever tried the Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 year old single malt?
These are the Glenfiddich's tasting notes:"A full & fragrant nose, with delicate honey & vanilla notes. It is wonderfully smooth, with a great depth of flavor, combining fruit, gentle spice & a touch of oakiness."
Glenfiddich also has an Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve 18 years old, & a 30 year old too., for Canada. I could never afford them, so I've neve tried or sampled them.
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007, 6:21pm Subject: Re: Who likes Scotch?
Hey Craig,
I haven't tried the Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 year old single malt. Is it available through the LCBO?
I've tried the stock Glenfiddich. It was o.k. but my tastes definitely tend to big peat smoke Islay's.
I've tried the Peat Monster blend. It was o.k. too but I think it's blended for smokiness and not so much quality. It has a raw edge for my taste, and for raw edged smokiness I prefer the Laphroaig.
Yeah, some of the prices on the specialty stuff is pretty high. I can get some good stuff past the missus but a specialty reserve...
The_Mighty_Bean Senior Member Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 465 Location: Bowie, MD Expertise: I love coffee
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Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007, 6:28pm Subject: Re: Who likes Scotch?
I am not yet wealthy enough to have tasting notes on single malts, and all my "under the radar" expenses these days go to coffee or music. But I hope that day comes soon.
In the meantime I do get to taste some nice scotches and bourbons from time to time.
I had an Oban 10-year that was very nice. And I did try some Woodford Reserve- I think it was 15 year, and enjoyed that as well.
By the way, I think a cheapo bottle of Cutty Sark compares much better against fancy Scotches than does a can of Folgers against a good espresso. My grandfather-in-law, a native of Pittsburgh by way of Wales, introduced me to the stuff. It's smooth and sweet.
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007, 6:29pm Subject: Re: Who likes Scotch?
I was at my local LCBO (liquor store) a while back with an English visitor who I think recommended Balvenie as a fine scotch. I think it was Balvenie. Is it Balvenie who uses extra long distillation pipes to draw off their scotch?
I tried the stock Balvenie. It was o.k. but I still prefer a single malt Islay.
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007, 6:35pm Subject: Re: Who likes Scotch?
Yeah, the frugal side of me shutters a bit when the last pour of a $100 CND bottle of Lagavulin 16 year (our taxes here are a bit stupid) goes down. It's not cheap but like espresso you find a way to justify the expense.
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