Posted on 05/20/2010 1:52:56 PM PDT by erod
Hi Friends, I am a Scotch and Whiskey novice for the most part. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy Jack Daniels and Johnny Walker, but I’m limited in my knowledge of these two great liquors. The other day I realized that if the euro continues its fall and the dollar strengthens I will be able to buy more imported booze at cheaper prices (I know what you’re thinking, thanks Captain Obvious). So if this is the case (and hopefully it is) what would FReepers recommend as good imported liquor particularly in the Scotch and Whiskey categories? Best, -Erod
Most afficionados prefer the single-malt scotches, of which GlenLivet is probably the best known & most widely distributed. It’s darn good, but few single malt gurus would call it the best. There are probably 2 dozen single malt whiskeys, Laphroaig is another. Of course, there is a hierarchy of cost and rarity.
I would just caution you, that once you taste these, ordinary blended scotch is gonna taste like cheap beer!
LAGAVULIN
Lagavulin. Nectar of the gods.
Fortunately, I don't drink enough of the good stuff to put a serious dent in my budget. A bottle or two a year does me just fine. :-)
First off, I’d say the best scotch is the one you like the best. Unfortunately it’s not that simple for me as I like different scotchs at different times. Depends on where I am, the weather, what I’m eating. etc. If I could only have one scotch the rest of my life I’d go with Highland Park.
I would just caution you, that once you taste these, ordinary blended scotch is gonna taste like cheap beer!
As a recent college grad I think I’ll get a steady job first (which could be a while) before I start making this investment, it could get dangerous.
Laphroaig, it’s like Lagavulin with the training wheels off. ;P
You're right, it's expensive enough that I had to give up the exotic scotch habit when I discovered the custon side by side shotgun habit.
I’m a recovering alcoholic so it’s been a while since I indulged, but during my career I became intimately familiar with a number of fine single malts. Among my favorites were the various finishes (imparted by the type of wood they are aged in) from Glen Morangie. They were very smooth...
I don’t drink the stuff myself, but my husband is very partial to Aberlour a’bunadh.
FAMOUS GROUSE! Smooth and delicious!
On the whiskey side, Jack Daniels is crap.
Try Woodford Reserve
I’m not an expert..but, why is no one saying Macallan?
My domestic passion lies with American Craft Beer, which I prefer over the euro stuff. But I have been known to induldge in Maker’s Mark when I want to go a notch above Jack. ;)
I will defintley check this link out thanks.
Drink a blended snake wine or homemade Buku Juice.
bflr
The Glenlivet & Glenfiddich.
Priced about the same as Dewar's. How would you compare it?
Craft Beer, huh?
My current float includes:
New Begium - 2 Below
New Glarus - Spotted Cow
Bell’s - Oberon
And my favoritest BBQ beer - Goose Island IPA.
I enjoy The Macallan. I went to a Johnnie Walker tasting one time, and the guy in charge (kilts and all) asked me what kind of Scotch I enjoyed. I mentioned The Macallan, and he said that means I must enjoy a sweeter taste, like a Toasted Almond ice cream bar. I had never thought of it that way (and actually, still don’t) but it is damned good Scotch, and a tad more approachable than some of the others mentioned.
My kids just got me a bottle of GlenMorangie Astar for my birthday, and it tastes like Scotch that wants to be Brandy. It is a startling 57.1% alcohol (times two for the Proof, which is 114.2) and must be taken in small, delicious doses.
YES!
One of the best blends I've ever had is Balvenie, available in several different styles. Just excellent Scotch. Johnnie Walker Black ain't too shabby, either.
Bushmill’s Single Malt 21 year Madeira Cask aged. After thorough imbibing, you may use the wooden box in which in comes as a casket for the leprechauns you may see.
Me? I like 12 yr old Glenlivet.
GlenLivet the best, but expensive. JMO
*Freeper kitchen Ping*
Many, many, many more then 10 Scotch Whisky’s out there. Note there is no “e” in Scotch Whisky.
Take a look at what they carry, your head will spin without the wee dram.
Gunner
Izzat a “yes” for the ping list, also?
true!
Try Glen Rothes if you can find it. My husband is in love!!!
Single Malt is blended from several different casks of the same malt while Single Cask is just what its name means: Taken from only one cask.
I have a friend who belongs to a Scotch club and gets these via the mail at about $200 to $400 per bottle.
My pocket book is not that generous so I go with Single Malt but when I get a chance to drink a glass of his I can really taste the difference.
Good Choices in my private reserve I have
The Basics:
SN Pale Ale
Fat Tire
Seasonal Sam Adams
Rotating
Goose Island IPA
Left Hand: Milk Stout (awesome brew way better than Guiness)
DogFish Head: Brown Ale
Rogue: Dead Guy Ale
GLB: Edmund Fitzgerald
Btw I’m extremely jealous of the New Glarus stuff you Wisconsinites have, being in IL I have no way of getting my beloved Crackd’ Wheat.
Mmmmm; mother’s milk.
Bookmarking.
Makers Mark is OK. For the money, I’d go with Buffalo Trace or Wild Turkey 101, if I am going bourbon.
Dude...I live in Chicago area.
I make a run once or twice a year, drop a couple $$ for 2 mix-n-match cases and enjoy! It’s only about 3-4 hours away.
!!!
Give Austen’s “Rare Breed” a try. Barrel proof but smooth and tatsty.
Great Lakes Brewery Blackout Stout is very tasty, if you like’m with lots of flavour. Highly recommended.
Remember, Black and White Scotch is Kennedy money.
Glenmorangie Port Wood (important that it says “port wood” or “port cask” on the bottle, not “sherry cask”)
It is a single malt and if you have the time, you can just sit and smell it for an hour or so. Tumbler glass, 1 ice cube. Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!
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