Whisky writer shares his tips to keep out the cold

Wharf.co.uk ^ | 12/15/10 | Simon Hayes

[aMorePerfectUnion]

I'm new to scotch whiskey. Please get me up to speed and share your favorites!

[BipolarBob]

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.

[fhayek]

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”.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

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

[Kolokotronis]

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.

[iowamark]

[fhayek]

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

[Liberty Valance]

In the current economy, if it's better than The Famous Grouse ... i can't afford it. ;o)

[GQuagmire]

I'm running out to the packy right now.... Who has the bourbon ping list?

[Tijeras_Slim]

Balvenie Double Wood

Lagavulin

Laphroaig 15 Year

Johnny Walker Green

Caol Ila

[BipolarBob]

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.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

I have a business partner who always orders Famous Grouse.
[I have to qualify “partner” these days...]

[BipolarBob]

Laphroaig!! Yes.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Scotch n00b needs input.

[fhayek]

Balvenie Double Wood

I concur.

[GQuagmire]

More for us then.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

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.

[Aldebert]

Absolutely correct; Macallan 12- year.

[eggman]

I'm more a bourbon drinker but like a good scotch or Irish whiskey on occasion. I've been trying different whiskeys for a few years and keep finding new ones that I like. There are a lot of good choices some are worth the extra money and some aren't. My favorite bourbons right now are Elijah Craig Single Barrel, Four Roses Single Barrel, and Bookers. All are around $35-$50. Some good less expensive ones are Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve. Labrott Graham, the makers of Woodford Reserve, do a special release every year they call their Master's Collection. This year they did a maple wood finish which is very good but a bit pricey. Last year I had their Sonoma Cutrer finish that was even better.

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.

[andyk]

Delicious ping for later.