The Single Malt Scotch Thread

[Coheed]

[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1395020570' post='8886775']
[quote name='Coheed' timestamp='1395014647' post='8886015']
I love this thread, I've been following from the start but never chimed in. Here it goes:
Aberlour 12 - decent for everyday snorts.
Glengoyne 21 - if you have a chance to try this...well worth it.
Auchentoshan 3 wood - really really good scotch.
Cardhu 12 - nice with a flatter nose.
Jurra Superstition - light peat and light flavor...very good.
Laguvulin 16 - insanely good.
Oban 14 - was just ok for me.
Laphroig 10 - awesome peatiness...not for everyone and certainly no for starters.
Glenlivet 15 - ok...better than glenfidich 15;
Glenfidich 15 - meh.
Dalmore 15 - of the 15s...love this one the best and will get more for years to come!!!

So much scoth...so little time...or livers!

Cheers!
[/quote]

By your avatar, I can assume you love FLBP as much as I do.

Recommendations on an excellent 18 yr old (scotch) for me?
[/quote]

Indeed I do love FLBP Mondays!!!
I don't have to much experience with 18's. If I recall the only 18 I have tried was a Glengoyne 18 and it was superb. The only other 18 (although not scotch) is Jameson 18...delicious!

[scratchswinger]

You guys are making me thirsty! Considering a pour right now

[eagle1997]

scratch - i'm probably 8 fingers deep into a bottle of tomintoul16. only way to make it drinkable.


thanks for the info/recommendations to both you and coheed and others - i'll check with my local and see what's available. the only reason why i keep asking is because it's a very special occasion and i want to get it as 'right' as i can.

cheers!

[eagle1997]

i have not tried smokey joe, but i will (for the name alone). i've had talisker 10 and 12 before (the 12 was vastly superior to the 10 imho), but never the 18. might have to purchase a 'test' bottle before i put one in the vault for 18 yrs. as if i need an excuse to buy more excellent scotch, lol.

[scratchswinger]

I would get something from Islay and perhaps find a local tasting to try out a few before you buy.

[bscinstnct]

Good night of scotch drinking last night, big party, good time.

Me and a couple of guys polished off a bottle of Macallan 12. Poured into those short, hard plastic cups, packed with ice at first, less ice as things progressed.

Also had a couple of heinekens prior to the scotch and a big JDaniels after. Lots and lots of good food as we were drinking. Then some kind of S American moonshine with coffee and cookies.

Got home and had a have glass of cab and a white castle cheeseburger.

A great night of eating and drinking and fortunately for my liver and weight, few and far between.

[scratchswinger]

Sounds like a good time, minus the ice. No ice ever!

[eagle1997]

Bscinstnct - EPIC! Way to put the white castle nightcap bow on it. Lol!

[lumberman2462]

UPDATE:

I've been off the drink for about two weeks. Lost 8 lbs.

I miss it.

[bscinstnct]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1395025734' post='8887397']
Sounds like a good time, minus the ice. No ice ever!
[/quote]

A small amount of ice can add a little water that can enhance the flavor and sometimes a little cooler temperature is a nicer experience and gives scotch a great quality as opposed to room temp.

I can understand how some purists wouldn't want to add ice but you gotta figure that scotch was invented way before ice was available. I bet that even going way back, if ice was available, some old Scottish dudes would add a cube or 2 on a hot summer day.

It's not total blasphemy>

[color=#444444][size=3]"Now, there are a few rules I go by when pouring myself a nice glass of quality aged single malt scotch. I start off by pouring two fingers worth into a whisky glass and depending on how I like the temperature of my drink, I will add a bit of water for a nice warm drink OR I add two cubes of ice without adding that extra bit of water. This is because the key to going with a cold glass of scotch is that instead of pouring the water in directly, you go with two cubes of ice and allow the ice to melt, unlocking the aromas and flavors while keeping your beverage enjoyably cold."[/size][/color]

[url="http://www.letstalkmagazine.com/home/2011/11/single-malt-scotch-gentlemens-drink/"]http://www.letstalkm...ntlemens-drink/[/url]



Here is a good piece, clearly "no ice" is the mantra of purists. But they don't really put ice in drinks, even in soda in Europe in my experience. Barely any, anyway.

[url="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB124242619283025137"]http://online.wsj.co...242619283025137[/url]

I enjoy scotch with no ice sometimes since you get the true and full experience. But the woman in the article put it well, [color=#333333][size=4] [/size][/color]

[color=#333333][size=4]"When I first came back from Scotland, I was in a traditionalist mind-set, steadfast and stubborn against the idea of ice in whisky." But that changed after she hosted a promotional tasting last summer at a New York bar where the AC was on the blink. In the sweltering summer heat, the guests were fading -- until she got a bucket of ice and started serving 12-year-old Glenfiddich on the rocks. "You lose richness and depth of flavor," she says, "but you gain refreshment and smoothness."[/size][/color]

[cardoustie]

[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1395020570' post='8886775']
[quote name='Coheed' timestamp='1395014647' post='8886015']
I love this thread, I've been following from the start but never chimed in. Here it goes:
Aberlour 12 - decent for everyday snorts.
Glengoyne 21 - if you have a chance to try this...well worth it.
Auchentoshan 3 wood - really really good scotch.
Cardhu 12 - nice with a flatter nose.
Jurra Superstition - light peat and light flavor...very good.
Laguvulin 16 - insanely good.
Oban 14 - was just ok for me.
Laphroig 10 - awesome peatiness...not for everyone and certainly no for starters.
Glenlivet 15 - ok...better than glenfidich 15;
Glenfidich 15 - meh.
Dalmore 15 - of the 15s...love this one the best and will get more for years to come!!!

So much scoth...so little time...or livers!

Cheers!
[/quote]

By your avatar, I can assume you love FLBP as much as I do.

Recommendations on an excellent 18 yr old (scotch) for me?
[/quote]

From what I have tried:

Gotta try the Bunnahabhain 18. Best $120 bucks ever
There is a 17 yr old Balblair 1995 that is amazing

Find an old Tomintoul or Bruichladdich, or Tobermory ... you can't go wrong there. Should be some good buys for $200

[cardoustie]

Crikey

Just on the whiskey exchange website and they have a 36 year old 1967 bottle at a good deal (birth year) at approx 400 pounds

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1412.aspx

[eagle1997]

^^ thanks for the heads up! My 'test bottle' count is going up up up!

For the record: I usually go with 1 small ice cube when I drink at home, straight up (with water back) at the bar (I then add a few drips of water myself). Room temperature scotch is good, but I definitely prefer it cooler. I'm down from 2 cubes + water to this.

Thanks for the links, I never knew there was such an anti-ice bias. Learning everyday.

[bscinstnct]

[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1395082564' post='8891313']
^^ thanks for the heads up! My 'test bottle' count is going up up up!

For the record: I usually go with 1 small ice cube when I drink at home, straight up (with water back) at the bar (I then add a few drips of water myself). Room temperature scotch is good, but I definitely prefer it cooler. I'm down from 2 cubes + water to this.

Thanks for the links, I never knew there was such an anti-ice bias. Learning everyday.
[/quote]

I should have added that if we are talking about something fantastic, I am enjoying it neat. Or sometimes scotch can be a nice aperitif for me and I'll have a single malt neat.

[scratchswinger]

Alright BSC I will try one ice cube in my next drink. My regret is every time that I have a pour on the rocks towards the end of the glass it tastes like water. I have noticed that a few of my bottles do taste a little more complex when I add a few drops of water, it almost adds another layer to some.

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='cardoustie' timestamp='1395082444' post='8891301']
Crikey

Just on the whiskey exchange website and they have a 36 year old 1967 bottle at a good deal (birth year) at approx 400 pounds

[url="http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1412.aspx"]http://www.thewhisky...com/P-1412.aspx[/url]
[/quote]

That is probably some good stuff, I might be venturing into this market soon to celebrate a special occasion.

[Va_Golfer86]

I typically stick to one ice cube when on the first date, and if I like it, move to neat after. Don't really like that watered down taste after a few mins if there is a bunch of ice, especially when it's a drink I have at a slow pace. =)

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='Va_Golfer86' timestamp='1395088531' post='8892045']
I typically stick to one ice cube when on the first date, and if I like it, move to neat after. Don't really like that watered down taste after a few mins if there is a bunch of ice, especially when it's a drink I have at a slow pace. =)
[/quote]

Aberlour 16 is next on my list, I almost bought it this weekend but opted to get two lesser bottles instead.

I'm telling you guys that like Lagavulin, you gotta try the Smokey Joe. Best bang for the buck that I have found.

[cardoustie]

There are also scotch specific ice cubes that look like rocks .... They work great

Sad to say the last of my Bunnahabhain 18 is disappearing right now, will need a Mully for sure

[eagle1997]

Couldn't find Smokey Joe.

But this Jura Superstition is VERY good. Lagavulin16-esque IMHO .

Thanks for the heads up Coheed!


[attachment=2130851:jura_superstition.jpg]

[Coheed]

[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1395362447' post='8914511']
Couldn't find Smokey Joe.

But this Jura Superstition is VERY good. Lagavulin16-esque IMHO .

Thanks for the heads up Coheed!


[attachment=2130851:jura_superstition.jpg]
[/quote]

YES!!!
So weird I thought you stole one of my pictures cuz I had the exact same one!
It's a keeper hey!?
You're right, I've tried the lag16 and now that you mention it; they are somewhat similar!

[eagle1997]

[quote name='Coheed' timestamp='1395367166' post='8915095']
[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1395362447' post='8914511']
Couldn't find Smokey Joe.

But this Jura Superstition is VERY good. Lagavulin16-esque IMHO .

Thanks for the heads up Coheed!


[attachment=2130851:jura_superstition.jpg]
[/quote]

YES!!!
So weird I thought you stole one of my pictures cuz I had the exact same one!
It's a keeper hey!?
You're right, I've tried the lag16 and now that you mention it; they are somewhat similar!
[/quote]

i think it's the smooth, smokey, gentle peatiness that makes me draw the comparison. lag16 is still better, don't get me wrong. more peat, more smoke, more brine and yet somehow smoother (probably b/c of its 16 yrs of aging).

but the superstition is $25 [i]less [/i]at my local. has a bit of a kick, and a bit of heat (spice) on the lips that lingers in a way that is not unpleasant. i am on my 3rd pull, and my enjoyment is growing by the sip.


fun jura superstition box facts:
jura is an island off the west coast of scotland. (so i think that makes this from the island scotch region, correct?)
'diurach' is the gaelic name for the people of jura.
direct quote from the box: '... where a sense of solitude pervades: one road, one pub, one community and one distillery.'

damn if than ain't poetry.

[scratchswinger]

Nice pickup, I might look for a bottle locally.

[eagle1997]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1395378690' post='8916141']
Nice pickup, I might look for a bottle locally.
[/quote]

scratch, you'd be proud of me. went iceless from my 2nd dram onward. note: i did add a few drips of *slightly* chilled water to each drink.

overall, i didn't notice that much of a difference. the links bscinstnt provided talk about how the scotch 'opens up' and has more depth of flavor without ice, but i didn't experience that. maybe because i'm only using one cube? dunno.

i've tried the scotch rocks cardoustie spoke of, and they worked fine. however, at the moment, i'm still an ice man.


regarding smokey joe, i just found it. $34.99 at Total Wine. whoot whoot!

[jh19]

Just got myself a bottle of Oban 14, I like my Scotch like I like my shafts!

[Coheed]

[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1395408421' post='8917327']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1395378690' post='8916141']
Nice pickup, I might look for a bottle locally.
[/quote]

scratch, you'd be proud of me. went iceless from my 2nd dram onward. note: i did add a few drips of *slightly* chilled water to each drink.

overall, i didn't notice that much of a difference. the links bscinstnt provided talk about how the scotch 'opens up' and has more depth of flavor without ice, but i didn't experience that. maybe because i'm only using one cube? dunno.

i've tried the scotch rocks cardoustie spoke of, and they worked fine. however, at the moment, i'm still an ice man.


regarding smokey joe, i just found it. $34.99 at Total Wine. whoot whoot!
[/quote]

Don't worry about the water Eagle...a couple drops of water is a good thing. 'Opens up the scotch' if you would.

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='Coheed' timestamp='1395431963' post='8920205']
[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1395408421' post='8917327']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1395378690' post='8916141']
Nice pickup, I might look for a bottle locally.
[/quote]

scratch, you'd be proud of me. went iceless from my 2nd dram onward. note: i did add a few drips of *slightly* chilled water to each drink.

overall, i didn't notice that much of a difference. the links bscinstnt provided talk about how the scotch 'opens up' and has more depth of flavor without ice, but i didn't experience that. maybe because i'm only using one cube? dunno.

i've tried the scotch rocks cardoustie spoke of, and they worked fine. however, at the moment, i'm still an ice man.


regarding smokey joe, i just found it. $34.99 at Total Wine. whoot whoot!
[/quote]

Don't worry about the water Eagle...a couple drops of water is a good thing. 'Opens up the scotch' if you would.
[/quote]

I have found that I only like to add water drops on non peaty Scotches, anything with strong flavors I prefer straight.

[scratchswinger]

Let me know what you think of the Smokey Joe.

[eagle1997]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1395432288' post='8920239']
I have found that I only like to add water drops on non peaty Scotches, anything with strong flavors I prefer straight.
[/quote]

you must have a very hairy chest and bang broads 2 at a time.

[Coheed]

[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1395434571' post='8920553']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1395432288' post='8920239']
I have found that I only like to add water drops on non peaty Scotches, anything with strong flavors I prefer straight.
[/quote]

you must have a very hairy chest and bang broads 2 at a time.
[/quote]

Hahahahah!