OT: Scotch thread

[billybud]

No shame in McCallan 12.

Unless it’s one of my kids’ 21st birthdays though, I don’t do shots of anything anymore. I sip.

I sip a double shot when out with friends for dinner...my favorite place knows me well and the bartender double pours...neat. My neighbor like his on ice.

 

[Fishy]

It seems I avoid all bourbon that tastes like bourbon.

I just do not like bourbon.

I accept that other people do, but I have zero need to ever try another.

 

[storrsroars]

No shame in McCallan 12.

Unless it’s one of my kids’ 21st birthdays though, I don’t do shots of anything anymore. I sip.

The reason I started drinking scotch in the first place was in the first years post-college, whenever my college buddies and I would go out and start to get buzzed earlier than expected, we'd order a scotch to slow down. We all actually hated the stuff at first, probably because we weren't calling, and likely getting whatever was on the bottom shelf, or worse, the well.

 

[storrsroars]

I just do not like bourbon.

I accept that other people do, but I have zero need to ever try another.

I've found that it is, however, essential as a mixer. And regular old Evan Williams works fine in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

 

[Fishy]

I've found that it is, however, essential as a mixer. And regular old Evan Williams works fine in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

I won’t drink them - there’s something about bourbon, the oak, I think, that I just do not like.

 

[8893]

I won’t drink them - there’s something about bourbon, the oak, I think, that I just do not like.

That’s why I think that Breckinridge Rum Barrel is the first one I’ve remotely liked; it doesn’t taste like bourbon.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I won’t drink them - there’s something about bourbon, the oak, I think, that I just do not like.

That’s why I think that Breckinridge Rum Barrel is the first one I’ve remotely liked; it doesn’t taste like bourbon.

It‘s a guess, but bourbon is unique in that it must be aged in new charred oak. New barrels. Which is why the Scots use the old ones, along with breweries and rum distillers. That char level is pretty distinctive, I suppose you like it or not. Also 51% corn, which is certainly different than malted barley.

I don’t know if Bunnahabhain 12 has been mentioned, it’s one of my favorite entry level Scotches. I tend to like at least some sherry cask.

 

[Fishy]

It‘s a guess, but bourbon is unique in that it must be aged in new charred oak. New barrels. Which is why the Scots use the old ones, along with breweries and rum distillers. That char level is pretty distinctive, I suppose you like it or not. Also 51% corn, which is certainly different than malted barley.

I don’t know if Bunnahabhain 12 has been mentioned, it’s one of my favorite entry level Scotches. I tend to like at least some sherry cask.

We know about the oak....it’s what imparts the awful freaking flavor that makes bourbon bourbon.

Most distillers use more than 51% corn - generally 70% or so with maybe 10% rye. Breckenridge uses the absolute minimum corn at 51% and uses 38% rye, so it starts off a lil different and then they put it in something other than an awful piece of new oak tree.

I actually have a bottle of Bunnahabhain...eh, not crazy about it. It’s not bad, but I’m never moved to open it again. It’s in the swap box - friend of mine and I are going to swap bottles that we’re not crazy about. I might like the stuff he hates and vice versa.

 

[HuskyHawk]

We know about the oak....it’s what imparts the awful freaking flavor that makes bourbon bourbon.

Most distillers use more than 51% corn - generally 70% or so with maybe 10% rye. Breckenridge uses the absolute minimum corn at 51% and uses 38% rye, so it starts off a lil different and then they put it in something other than an awful piece of new oak tree.

I actually have a bottle of Bunnahabhain...eh, not crazy about it. It’s not bad, but I’m never moved to open it again. It’s in the swap box - friend of mine and I are going to swap bottles that we’re not crazy about. I might like the stuff he hates and vice versa.

Lots of high rye bourbons out there. Breckenridge does put it in new charred oak, they only finish it in rum casks (or PX casks etc). Can‘t call it bourbon otherwise.

Scotch is highly individualistic. My neighbor loves Dahlwhinnie and I think it’s boring as hell.

I quite like Edradour (including Ballechin), Springbank (including Longrow), Talisker, Bruichladdich (including Port Charlotte). But often independent bottlings.

 

[Fishy]

Good news, bad news....

Nikka Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt should both be coming back into stock.

Bad news...the price seems to have gone nuts. Saw the Grain today at 58.99 (normal) and 89.99. The malt was 82.99 and 89.99.

There’s simply not enough difference to warrant $30 extra for the malt and neither one is worth $90.

 

[August_West]

Good news, bad news....

Nikka Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt should both be coming back into stock.

Bad news...the price seems to have gone nuts. Saw the Grain today at 58.99 (normal) and 89.99. The malt was 82.99 and 89.99.

There’s simply not enough difference to warrant $30 extra for the malt and neither one is worth $90.

I think there was an import tax that just kicked in.

 

[Fishy]

I’ve done it. Your new bible.

Scotch:

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 - Port cask; quite good. Will Replace.
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 - Sampler, replaced by the 14.
Glenmorangie The Original - Unremarkable.
Glenmorangie Lasanta - Good, but not buying again.
Glenmorangie Nector Dor - Same.
Glendronach Revival 15 - Very good, but no longer my taste.
Glendronach Original 12 - Nothing special.
Lagavulin 16 - Enjoyed it, but am over the peated scotches. Not replacing.
Laphroaig Triple Wood - Same. Tastes like a sweet complex ashtray.
Balvenie Caribbean Cask - Loved the first bottle, hated the second.
Balvenie Double Wood 12 - Oak. Nuff said.
Bunnahabhain 12 - Not offensive but the bottle is being swapped.
Aberlour 12 - Really disappointing. Also being swapped.
Aberlour A’Bunadh - Spend more and buy this over the 12. Very nice.
Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve - Deck scotch.
Johnny Walker Black Label - Fine.
Monkey Shoulder - Buy this instead of the last two. Quite a bargain.
Macallan 12 - Amazed anyone likes this. Just beyond dull.
Glenfiddich Fire and Cane - Blech.

Japan:

Nikka Coffey Malt - Very good. If it’s $30 more, buy the Grain instead.
Nikka Coffey Grain - Great. Cheap.
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Think you guys would like this.
Nikka from the Barrel - Good, but not likely buying again.


Ireland:

Green Spot - Honestly, nearly perfect.
Red Spot - Actually, perfect.
Blue Spot - Actually, better than perfect.
Redbreast 15 - Disappointing.
Redbreast 12 - Disappointing.
Redbreast Lustau - Somehow, wonderful.
Jameson - Bargain, but stretch for the Green Spot.
Jameson Caskmates Stout - Another bargain.
Connemara 12 Year - A peated Irish. Not my taste.
Writers Tears - Unremarkable. Buy Jameson instead and save $5.
Bushmills - Deck whiskey.


India:

Amrut Single Malt - I would use it to kill ants.


America:

Slaughter House American Whiskey - It’s actually bourbon, I think. Yuck.
Breckenridge Port Cask - Interesting. Rye comes out more here. Recommended.
Breckenridge Rum Cask - Love it.
Westland Sherry Wood - Definitely buy again.
Balconies Texas Single Malt - High-proof, would buy again.
Balcones Lineage - Lower proof. Not remarkable.
Virginia Distillery Courage and Conviction - Excellent. Total Wine has 50ml samples.
Virginia Distillery Cider Cask - $15 less than C and C. Like C and C a lot more.
Westward Single Malt - Excellent. Will buy it if I can find it.
Stranahan’s Diamond Peak - Maybe stick with the regular Stranahans.
Van Brunt Stillhouse Single Malt - Awful.


Bourbon:

Buffalo Trace - Bad
Eagle Rare - Bad
Wilderness Trail Bourbon - Really bad
Gentleman Jack - Slightly less bad. But still bad.

Rye:

Copper Fox Rye Whiskey - Eh....coming around on this one.

 

[Drumguy]

The Bunnahabhain 18 is actually very nice. I agree on the 12. I've been drinking a lot of rye lately, love sazeracs,

I just got back from Mexico and I brought back a bottle of Extra Anejo Tequilla - surprising how nice it is to sip. If you don't like oaked beverages though, you won't like the vanilla and spices.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I’ve done it. Your new bible.

Scotch:

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 - Port cask; quite good. Will Replace.
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 - Sampler, replaced by the 14.
Glenmorangie The Original - Unremarkable.
Glenmorangie Lasanta - Good, but not buying again.
Glenmorangie Nector Dor - Same.
Glendronach Revival 15 - Very good, but no longer my taste.
Glendronach Original 12 - Nothing special.
Lagavulin 16 - Enjoyed it, but am over the peated scotches. Not replacing.
Laphroaig Triple Wood - Same. Tastes like a sweet complex ashtray.
Balvenie Caribbean Cask - Loved the first bottle, hated the second.
Balvenie Double Wood 12 - Oak. Nuff said.
Bunnahabhain 12 - Not offensive but the bottle is being swapped.
Aberlour 12 - Really disappointing. Also being swapped.
Aberlour A’Bunadh - Spend more and buy this over the 12. Very nice.
Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve - Deck scotch.
Johnny Walker Black Label - Fine.
Monkey Shoulder - Buy this instead of the last two. Quite a bargain.
Macallan 12 - Amazed anyone likes this. Just beyond dull.
Glenfiddich Fire and Cane - Blech.

Japan:

Nikka Coffey Malt - Very good. If it’s $30 more, buy the Grain instead.
Nikka Coffey Grain - Great. Cheap.
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Think you guys would like this.
Nikka from the Barrel - Good, but not likely buying again.


Ireland:

Green Spot - Honestly, nearly perfect.
Red Spot - Actually, perfect.
Blue Spot - Actually, better than perfect.
Redbreast 15 - Disappointing.
Redbreast 12 - Disappointing.
Redbreast Lustau - Somehow, wonderful.
Jameson - Bargain, but stretch for the Green Spot.
Jameson Caskmates Stout - Another bargain.
Connemara 12 Year - A peated Irish. Not my taste.
Writers Tears - Unremarkable. Buy Jameson instead and save $5.
Bushmills - Deck whiskey.


India:

Amrut Single Malt - I would use it to kill ants.


America:

Slaughter House American Whiskey - It’s actually bourbon, I think. Yuck.
Breckenridge Port Cask - Interesting. Rye comes out more here. Recommended.
Breckenridge Rum Cask - Love it.
Westland Sherry Wood - Definitely buy again.
Balconies Texas Single Malt - High-proof, would buy again.
Balcones Lineage - Lower proof. Not remarkable.
Virginia Distillery Courage and Conviction - Excellent. Total Wine has 50ml samples.
Virginia Distillery Cider Cask - $15 less than C and C. Like C and C a lot more.
Westward Single Malt - Excellent. Will buy it if I can find it.
Stranahan’s Diamond Peak - Maybe stick with the regular Stranahans.
Van Brunt Stillhouse Single Malt - Awful.


Bourbon:

Buffalo Trace - Bad
Eagle Rare - Bad
Wilderness Trail Bourbon - Really bad
Gentleman Jack - Slightly less bad. But still bad.

Rye:

Copper Fox Rye Whiskey - Eh....coming around on this one.

Seems you like sherry cask stuff. Across, Irish, Scotch and American that theme seems consistent. Maybe try the Breckenridge PX.

Also, @Drumguy gave me an idea. Have you had any Mezcal? Not the crappy worm stuff, but the real Mezcal that is very popular now. Quite a lot of variation in profiles, and 99% of it is unaged. It's kind of the anti-Bourbon of the spirits world.

 

[8893]

Have you had any Mezcal? Not the crappy worm stuff, but the real Mezcal that is very popular now. Quite a lot of variation in profiles, and 99% of it is unaged. It's kind of the anti-Bourbon of the spirits world.

That may explain my recent love affair with Mezcal cocktails, which I've been drinking out at restaurants and bars with interesting cocktail lists. I have yet to sip it though. Any you recommend? Would your recommendation be different if using to make cocktails?

 

[pepband99]

I’ve done it. Your new bible.

Scotch:

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 - Port cask; quite good. Will Replace.
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 - Sampler, replaced by the 14.
Glenmorangie The Original - Unremarkable.
Glenmorangie Lasanta - Good, but not buying again.
Glenmorangie Nector Dor - Same.
Glendronach Revival 15 - Very good, but no longer my taste.
Glendronach Original 12 - Nothing special.
Lagavulin 16 - Enjoyed it, but am over the peated scotches. Not replacing.
Laphroaig Triple Wood - Same. Tastes like a sweet complex ashtray.
Balvenie Caribbean Cask - Loved the first bottle, hated the second.
Balvenie Double Wood 12 - Oak. Nuff said.
Bunnahabhain 12 - Not offensive but the bottle is being swapped.
Aberlour 12 - Really disappointing. Also being swapped.
Aberlour A’Bunadh - Spend more and buy this over the 12. Very nice.
Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve - Deck scotch.
Johnny Walker Black Label - Fine.
Monkey Shoulder - Buy this instead of the last two. Quite a bargain.
Macallan 12 - Amazed anyone likes this. Just beyond dull.
Glenfiddich Fire and Cane - Blech.

Japan:

Nikka Coffey Malt - Very good. If it’s $30 more, buy the Grain instead.
Nikka Coffey Grain - Great. Cheap.
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Think you guys would like this.
Nikka from the Barrel - Good, but not likely buying again.


Ireland:

Green Spot - Honestly, nearly perfect.
Red Spot - Actually, perfect.
Blue Spot - Actually, better than perfect.
Redbreast 15 - Disappointing.
Redbreast 12 - Disappointing.
Redbreast Lustau - Somehow, wonderful.
Jameson - Bargain, but stretch for the Green Spot.
Jameson Caskmates Stout - Another bargain.
Connemara 12 Year - A peated Irish. Not my taste.
Writers Tears - Unremarkable. Buy Jameson instead and save $5.
Bushmills - Deck whiskey.


India:

Amrut Single Malt - I would use it to kill ants.


America:

Slaughter House American Whiskey - It’s actually bourbon, I think. Yuck.
Breckenridge Port Cask - Interesting. Rye comes out more here. Recommended.
Breckenridge Rum Cask - Love it.
Westland Sherry Wood - Definitely buy again.
Balconies Texas Single Malt - High-proof, would buy again.
Balcones Lineage - Lower proof. Not remarkable.
Virginia Distillery Courage and Conviction - Excellent. Total Wine has 50ml samples.
Virginia Distillery Cider Cask - $15 less than C and C. Like C and C a lot more.
Westward Single Malt - Excellent. Will buy it if I can find it.
Stranahan’s Diamond Peak - Maybe stick with the regular Stranahans.
Van Brunt Stillhouse Single Malt - Awful.


Bourbon:

Buffalo Trace - Bad
Eagle Rare - Bad
Wilderness Trail Bourbon - Really bad
Gentleman Jack - Slightly less bad. But still bad.

Rye:

Copper Fox Rye Whiskey - Eh....coming around on this one.

We get it. You don't like bourbon.

 

[Fishy]

We get it. You don't like bourbon.

Yes, because it’s bad.

 

[Fishy]

Seems you like sherry cask stuff. Across, Irish, Scotch and American that theme seems consistent. Maybe try the Breckenridge PX.

Also, @Drumguy gave me an idea. Have you had any Mezcal? Not the crappy worm stuff, but the real Mezcal that is very popular now. Quite a lot of variation in profiles, and 99% of it is unaged. It's kind of the anti-Bourbon of the spirits world.

I’m pretty sure that I have never even tried it. I can endure tequila in mixed drinks sometimes, but I’m not really a fan.

Similar?

 

[HuskyHawk]

That may explain my recent love affair with Mezcal cocktails, which I've been drinking out at restaurants and bars with interesting cocktail lists. I have yet to sip it though. Any you recommend? Would your recommendation be different if using to make cocktails?

Cocktails I wouldn't waste the more unique expressions. It's sort of just a smoke on/smoke off choice. The default cocktail mezcal for smoke is Vida from Del Maguey. You can certainly sip it, but I wouldn't choose it for that. Slightly smoky, Fidencio Classico. For minimal smoke, more fruity agave profile, pick an Espadin (type of Agave) or an Ensemble (usually Espadin + something else). Bozal Ensemble would be a good very low smoke option. All three of those are widely available.

I dabble, but know some guys who do way more than that. Essentially you've got different types of agave, and you've got specific mezcaleros. Most of the brands, are bottling mezcal made by a specific person, from a type of agave (or more than one). Some of these agaves can give you very unique profiles, including green pepper, tropical fruits, flint/stone/clay, really a very very diverse spirit. I'm partial to some stuff from Vago all the Espadin's are good, Ensemble en Barro is really good. This Espadin from Koch is good, I just poured myself some as a reminder. Fidencio Classico is a good starter that you can sip or put in cocktails.

Note: don't sip these in a Glencairn. They really need an open top glass. They use copitas. I ordered a few handmade ones on Etsy. Some lady in Colorado makes them.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I’m pretty sure that I have never even tried it. I can endure tequila in mixed drinks sometimes, but I’m not really a fan.

Similar?

Sort of. They use different agaves and tequila is pretty much an industrial product. Many mezcals are the ultimate in "craft". Much fruitier in most cases, and unaged with a wide range of flavor profiles. But unlike unaged tequila, which is only really tolerable as a shot with salt and lime, most of these are quite sippable neat. A Quick Guide to Mezcal - On the Sauce Again - Mezcal The only decent sipping tequilas I've had have all been oak aged, and were decent only because of the oak/vanilla they pick up (which you don't like).

 

[8893]

Cocktails I wouldn't waste the more unique expressions. It's sort of just a smoke on/smoke off choice. The default cocktail mezcal for smoke is Vida from Del Maguey. You can certainly sip it, but I wouldn't choose it for that. Slightly smoky, Fidencio Classico. For minimal smoke, more fruity agave profile, pick an Espadin (type of Agave) or an Ensemble (usually Espadin + something else). Bozal Ensemble would be a good very low smoke option. All three of those are widely available.

I dabble, but know some guys who do way more than that. Essentially you've got different types of agave, and you've got specific mezcaleros. Most of the brands, are bottling mezcal made by a specific person, from a type of agave (or more than one). Some of these agaves can give you very unique profiles, including green pepper, tropical fruits, flint/stone/clay, really a very very diverse spirit. I'm partial to some stuff from Vago all the Espadin's are good, Ensemble en Barro is really good. This Espadin from Koch is good, I just poured myself some as a reminder. Fidencio Classico is a good starter that you can sip or put in cocktails.

Note: don't sip these in a Glencairn. They really need an open top glass. They use copitas. I ordered a few handmade ones on Etsy. Some lady in Colorado makes them.

Thanks! I like the smoke and I think it complements spicy and citrusy cocktails really well. Sounds like Fidencio Classico would be a good place to start.

Would my NEAT glass be a good sipping glass for this?

 

[HuskyHawk]

Thanks! I like the smoke and I think it complements spicy and citrusy cocktails really well. Sounds like Fidencio Classico would be a good place to start.

Would my NEAT glass be a good sipping glass for this?

Maybe on the glass, it flares out at the top at least. A classic Italian tumbler style wine glass would be fine, or a small old fashioned glass if you've got one. Seems silly, but I started with Glencairn type glasses before I was advised otherwise and it makes a difference.

Fidencio Classico was my first one, it's a solid option. Not too expensive either.

 

[storrsroars]

Note: don't sip these in a Glencairn. They really need an open top glass. They use copitas. I ordered a few handmade ones on Etsy. Some lady in Colorado makes them.

And now you have me completely confused.

 

[Drumguy]

Cocktails I wouldn't waste the more unique expressions. It's sort of just a smoke on/smoke off choice. The default cocktail mezcal for smoke is Vida from Del Maguey. You can certainly sip it, but I wouldn't choose it for that. Slightly smoky, Fidencio Classico. For minimal smoke, more fruity agave profile, pick an Espadin (type of Agave) or an Ensemble (usually Espadin + something else). Bozal Ensemble would be a good very low smoke option. All three of those are widely available.

I dabble, but know some guys who do way more than that. Essentially you've got different types of agave, and you've got specific mezcaleros. Most of the brands, are bottling mezcal made by a specific person, from a type of agave (or more than one). Some of these agaves can give you very unique profiles, including green pepper, tropical fruits, flint/stone/clay, really a very very diverse spirit. I'm partial to some stuff from Vago all the Espadin's are good, Ensemble en Barro is really good. This Espadin from Koch is good, I just poured myself some as a reminder. Fidencio Classico is a good starter that you can sip or put in cocktails.

Note: don't sip these in a Glencairn. They really need an open top glass. They use copitas. I ordered a few handmade ones on Etsy. Some lady in Colorado makes them.

Wow, from getting my eyes opened on aged tequilas, this is a whole 'nother look at agave. I'm going to check out some mezcals at the local Total or Stews! If I can post it I had a mezcal marguarita in Carmen de Playa last week that used smoked Rosemary as well.

 

[HuskyHawk]

And now you have me completely confused.

Sorry. It is confusing because that is the name for that style of whisky glass (usually with slightly straighter sides) but this is what they mean in Mexico. Cute little things, I got a few partly because I like buying hand made stuff from regular people and get few opportunities. Tons of them on Etsy.

 

[8893]

A classic Italian tumbler style wine glass would be fine

A ha. My favorite nightly drinking vessel. Perfect.

 

[storrsroars]

Sorry. It is confusing because that is the name for that style of whisky glass (usually with slightly straighter sides) but this is what they mean in Mexico. Cute little things, I got a few partly because I like buying hand made stuff from regular people and get few opportunities. Tons of them on Etsy.

View attachment 67923

Since we're mostly scotch drinkers here, you could've said, "A quaich will do just fine."

 

[HuskyHawk]

Wow, from getting my eyes opened on aged tequilas, this is a whole 'nother look at agave. I'm going to check out some mezcals at the local Total or Stews! If I can post it I had a mezcal marguarita in Carmen de Playa last week that used smoked Rosemary as well.

It is a rabbit hole for some. I like them, but mostly as a pleasant summer sipper and more interesting replacement for tequila. But the people that get into them can really geek out. It's made by hand. So once you get past the common ones made to a consistent profile (like Fidencio Classico) they are going to tell you agave type, who made it, how it was crushed, type of still, where the agave came from, batch size and all sorts of info. It can be pretty bespoke stuff. Note the labels.

 

[Drumguy]

It is a rabbit hole for some. I like them, but mostly as a pleasant summer sipper and more interesting replacement for tequila. But the people that get into them can really geek out. It's made by hand. So once you get past the common ones made to a consistent profile (like Fidencio Classico) they are going to tell you agave type, who made it, how it was crushed, type of still, where the agave came from, batch size and all sorts of info. It can be pretty bespoke stuff. Note the labels.

View attachment 67924

I was inspired to pick up a bottle of Bozal cenizo, single maguey from the NH state store on our way home. Clay bottle, simple cork. I'll give it a try this week!

 

[Umami Zen]

For the summer months-- The Cristalino expression of tequila is a refreshing choice that I enjoy. Basically an anejo that has been filtered so as to eliminate the char/oak/wood/color of the anejo expression. Not as popular as the other expressions but worth a try

Think of it as a clear anejo because it has been aged for a similar amount of time.A sipper in the right vessel.