Posted on 12/29/2010 4:22:43 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
It's the time of year when we push the boat out and when it comes to that Christmas spirit a good whisky is hard to beat.
Whether it's Scotch or Bourbon, Japanese or Irish, the world of the water of life is complex and varied - and it can be daunting for the novice tippler.
But help is at hand in the form of a book published by whisky expert Ian Buxton. 101 Whiskies to Try Before you Die is a distillation of years of his research into the spirit, and Buxton was in Canary Wharf recently to dispense his knowledge to lovers of a wee dram or two.
He said: "The book is about making whisky accessible for real people. Whisky has got very fashionable now, but I wanted to take some of the mystery out of it for people, to help them open their eyes to the things they might want to try.
"A lot of books are about whiskies that are no longer available, or are very expensive. £1,000 for a bottle is nothing these days, while £10,000 is commonplace. There's even a Highland Park that's available for £100,000. But what's the point of that? Most people would never be able to afford it.
"I've tried to be irreverent. The marketing of whisky is often a lot of nonsense. Whisky is simple stuff. It's for drinking and enjoying, not investing in or showing off.
"And a bottle of whisky is good value. People think nothing of paying £30 for a bottle of wine, but that's gone in an evening. A bottle of whisky will last a lot longer than that."
There is a serious side to the book. Whisky production plays a major part in the Scottish economy. And while many whisky drinkers are sniffy about blended brands, Buxton feels single malt snobs should be grateful for them.
He said: "That wonderful single malt would not have survived but for blending. 90 per cent of whisky produced is blended and then sold around the world. That's what keeps the industry going.
"It's a vital industry for Britain, a real success story. Distilling supports jobs in fragile rural economies, and brings in money through tourism. It should be celebrated."
Buxton's top tip for finding a whisky you like is to think small.
"There's no point buying a £30 bottle and finding you don't like it after a couple of glasses," he said.
"The best thing is buy some miniatures to try. You get to learn about several different whiskies for less than the price of a whole bottle, and when you find one you like, go to your local retailer and talk to them about it. They'll be able to guide you towards the perfect whisky for your palate.
"But one thing I would stress is you should always enjoy it responsibly."
Ian Buxton's top tips for enjoying a dram:
-Take time to sample different types of whisky to find the one you like. The variety is huge.
-Add water slowly and carefully to the glass to bring out the full flavour of the spirit. It will also give you a longer drink.
-Try different whiskies at different times of the day. A Talisker is good if you're out for a walk, while a more mature malt is better after a meal.
Whisky facts:
-Whisky is made by distilling fermented grain. Scotch is made from malted barley, while Bourbon is made from maize.
-The distillation process has been traced back to 2,000BC, although whisky production is a bit more modern than that, with the first Irish distilleries appearing in the 12th Century.
-Scotch is matured for at least three years, usually in oak casks.
-The first blended Scotch whisky was made by Glenlivet in 1853. Blends now account for 90 per cent of Scotch production.
-Whisky (or whiskey) is made all over the world, with distilleries as far afield as Sweden, Australia and India.
Five to try:
1. Highland Park 18-year-old (£60.59). Smooth and balanced single malt with a smoked finish.
2. Johnnie Walker Blue Label (£170). Old and rare whiskies blended for a complex finish.
3. Yamazaki 12-year-old single malt (£30.99). Sweet, delicate Japanese whisky with hints of vanilla and butterscotch.
4. Woodford Reserve Bourbon (£26.99) Triple distilled and aged for nine years for a full, rich flavour.
5. Bushmills Original (£18.95). Oldest Irish whiskey, smooth and light.
All available at Waitrose, Canary Wharf.
Try some Aardbeg. For economy, I love the Irish whisky Powers. And for anytime drinking Jack Daniels Black Label which of course is a sour mash whisky.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but since you say you are a beginner, you might as well start out right. In Scotland and Canada, its spelled “whisky”. In Ireland and the U.S. its “whiskey”.
OK, I did notice the article spelled it whisky. Since I’m in America, I added an “e” in my comment. I’m guessing the e doesn’t affect the taste?
ampu
The Macallan; best reasonably priced single malt I’ve ever had, with or without ice:
http://www.themacallan.com/home.aspx
BTW, the author’s taste in Bourbon is right on the money. Woodford Reserve is fabulous. Drink it neat.
Makers Mark is OK, but, in my view, Buffalo Trace is an outstanding bourbon for its price. Also, Makers Mark just obliterates my earlier post on how “whisky” is spelled. lol
In the current economy, if it's better than The Famous Grouse ... i can't afford it. ;o)
Balvenie Double Wood
Lagavulin
Laphroaig 15 Year
Johnny Walker Green
Caol Ila
I have recently finished off the Makers Mark and found no reason to replace it. It didn’t have the smokiness of JD nor the smoothness of Crown nor the complexity of Woodford Reserve. I couldn’t justify replacing it.
I have a business partner who always orders Famous Grouse.
[I have to qualify “partner” these days...]
Laphroaig!! Yes.
Scotch n00b needs input.
I concur.
More for us then.
I really like the Caol Ila. I used to put it on ice, but the only way to really get the full enjoyment is to take it neat and swish it around the sides of your tongue before swallowing.
Absolutely correct; Macallan 12- year.
Bushmills is good Irish whiskey especially their 16 year old which is aged in oak and sherry casks then finished in port pipes for a very complex taste.
I have some friends who do a tour of Scotland every year and they have been sharing their good scotch while I share my good bourbon. Good whiskey is best neat or with just a splash of water and shared with friends.
Delicious ping for later.
I don’t really care much for Maker’s but tried their Maker’s 46 a few months ago and really liked it. Still the same flavor but with a bit more character.
Bulleit
Maker's Mark
Bookers
Bakers
Crown Royal, especially Crown Royal Black
Jameson
Powers
Tullamore Dew
Black Bush
Jack Daniels Single Barrel
Glenlivet
Glenfiddich
Woodford Reserve
and of course, the king of them all ...
The Wife likes Famous Grouse in her “Rob Roy’s”.
Make mine Highland Park neat, ( No Ice )
“Freedom an Whisky Gang th’giver.”
I buy The Famous Grouse by the 1.75l for about $32 plus tax. That’s for “every day” drinking, not that I drink every day. The distinction is between a common Scotch and a Scotch for an occasion.
When I want to splurge, it’s Glenlivet.
I’m considering purchasing a 250ml bottle of JW Blue, just to see if it lives up to its rep. A Christmas present to myself.
My nephew gifted me a bottle of Bushmills 16 yr. single malt this Christmas. I’ll crack the bottle on New Year’s Eve.
No one has mentioned Glenrothes yet...
Any fans?
Not much of a whiskey drinking lady, but I had some Bushmills at my son’s house on Christmas. ‘Twas bonny.
Famous Grouse is somewhat hard to find, but it’s a great value for a blend.
If money were no object, I would go for a single malt - and that malt would be Lagavulin. I am partial to Islay malts.
Had some Knob Creek bourbon over Christmas..tastes great but at 100 proof it’s a bit strong heh.
I’ve been wanting to try scotch..
This blog has lots of good reviews for lots of different whisky’s..scotch bourbon etc.
WEB Griffin's books are where I learned about Famous Grouse.....been drinking it since 1997.
Also found an Irish Whisky...real original name
“The Irishman”...that, IMHO, is much better than Jamison's or Bushmill’s.
Glenfiddich or Dimple PINCH 15 yr. old, and a fine Dominican or Honduran cigar.
Back in the day, when it paid me to know where journos drank, the big kahuna television news director drank Dewar’s. I’ve also enjoyed Cutty Sark and Glenfiddich.
These days, I’m partial to Irish Whiskey. Doesn’t matter if it’s Jameson’s, Old Bushmills, Powers, or Tullamore Dew (though drinking the wrong one might get you into trouble with real Irishmen...).
Buffalo Trace is my bourbon of choice these days. Jim Beam is okay. I think Jack Daniels and Maker’s Mark are good but overrated.
For something more exotic, try some rye whiskey. Wild Turkey Rye was out in the Pennsylvania state liquor stores for a while. Excellent sipping whiskey, but admittedly an acquired taste. Never got around to trying the Jim Beam Rye.
If you like MM, make sure to try the new Maker’s 46.
I have a bottle of that Oban that my wife got me for my birthday a couple of years ago. It’s the one I bring out to sip on special occasions. I fell in love with it when I spent a memorable Easter weekend in Oban many years ago.
>>Crown Royal, especially Crown Royal Black<<
A jug of Crown Royal sits on my desk in case I should develop a cough. My wife hides the Black at my request because I would become an out and out alcoholic if I had free access to it. Smoother than iced tea and so much better. She brings the Black out only for special occasions. Oh, that stuff is soooo good!
And for anytime drinking Jack Daniels Black Label which of course is a sour mash whisky.
And which has been watered down in recent years to improve profits
Bourbons: Bulliet, Woodford Reserve.
Blended Scotch: Johny Black.
Single Malt: Talisker
Blue is the best I have ever had. Treat yourself.
Does anyone know of one that is even close to Blue?
Tullamore Dew -- didn't like it
Irish Mist -- kind of light and sweet
Bushmills -- the stanadard
Jamesons -- another everyday, a bit sweeter than Bushmills
Balvenie -- very nice
Laphroaig -- like drinking woodsmoke. I love it.
Glenmorangie -- not peaty like Laphroaig, I like its finish.
Jim Beam -- good in pecan-chocolate pie.
Chivas Regal -- nice sipping scotch.
Cheers!
Yes I hate that. I love the flavor though. Not much one can do about what corporate America does.
I enjoy Evan Williams 1783... but I’m a cheap date.
Laphroaig - How is it pronounced? Is it “Laff-rogue” or “Laff-ro-aig?”
La-fro (kinda like the sound in Freud’s name) -gah
At least that’s what I’ve heard.
Summary of every name mentioned on this thread,
if anyone is interested:
Aardbeg
Bakers
Balvenie
Balvenie Double Wood
Black Bush
Blue
Bookers
Buffalo Trace
Bulliet
Bushmills Original
Caol Ila
Chivas Regal
Crown Royal, especially Crown Royal Black
Cutty Sark
Dewar’s
Dimple PINCH
Elijah Craig Single Barrel
Evan Williams 1783
Famous Grouse
Four Roses Single Barrel
Glenfiddich
Glenlivet.
Glenmorangie
Highland Park 18-year-old
Irish Mist
Jack Daniels Black Label
Jack Daniels Single Barrel
Jamesons
Jim Beam
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnny Walker Green
Johny Black
JW Blue
Labrott Graham
Lagavulin
Laphroaig 15 Year
Macallan 12- year
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s 46
Oban
Old Bushmills
Powers
Talisker
The Irishman
The Macallan
Tullamore Dew
Wild Turkey Rye
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Yamazaki 12-year-old single malt
I'm envious! You've been to Scottish Mecca.
I will do my pilgrimage some day ...
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