Scotch Q&A

[icurrie]

I had a great experience touring Scotland's oldest distillery, Glenturret. I was there about 8 years ago and really learned alot there. Also got to enjoy the samples. Great stuff.

Originally Posted by Cigary

Good Post here, Kayaker,,,I always try to expand my horizons with different tastes but have never heard what an Arran Island malt is,,where might I find something in this taste or the name of the scotch?

Sorry I wasn't clear here. There is one distillery in Arran Island, the Arran Island Distillery .

An Arran Island malt would just be one of theirs. There is a Robbie Burns bottle from this distillery that may be a bit cheaper than their usual bottlings.

Hope that helps.

[MTB996]

Great thread Kayaker!

Any info on a decent mail order site for purchasing harder to find scotch that doesn't kill you on shipping (the the SE US)?

I see you are from Newfoundland. I spent a week in St Johns a few years back. I think I was sober for about 20 total minutes all week (a friend was getting married up there). Wow, what a cool town.

[macpappy]

Originally Posted by kayaker

I haven't had Drambuie in a while and can't remember it. My guess is it would be sweeter than Scotch would normally be. You might want to try something like an Arran Island malt, which would be pretty light and a bit fruity in taste.

Anyone else have a recommendation?

Actually I find the scotch from the Speyside region to be lighter and sweeter than other regions. It's also has less of a smokey peat taste than other regions.

[spectrrr]

Originally Posted by Cigary

While I don't like scotch as a rule I can't drink enough Drambuie,,which is a scotch whiskey with honey and herbs. If anyone else has had this is there another type of scotch that compares taste wise?

Drambuie is of course unique, however for something along similar lines, I would recommend you try the Glayva. I have a bottle, its quite interesting. I like it if I'm in the mood for something sweeter (although I'm still a classic single malt fan at heart).

""Hugely popular Scottish whisky liqueur based on honey, spices and herbs. The name is supposed to have come from Gaelic "Glembath" meaning 'very good' ""
http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-5237.aspx
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Glayva_Whisky__Review_5614385

[Buena Fortuna]

How is the Bowmore 18 for a newbie? Stick w/the Glenmorangie 1st?
Posted via Mobile Device

I'd start with the Glenmorangie to warm yourself up. Then give the Bowmore a try. Just cleanse your palate in between with some bread or a plain, unsalted cracker and some water. Go slow on the Bowmore though. It should be pretty smooth at 18, but the taste will still be bigger than the Glenmorangie.

Just us know your impressions.

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by Buena Fortuna

How is the Bowmore 18 for a newbie? Stick w/the Glenmorangie 1st?
Posted via Mobile Device

Bowmore 18 can be pricey. Why not start with a Bowmore 10, a great single malt, at about 1/3 the price!

[MadAl]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

Bowmore 18 can be pricey. Why not start with a Bowmore 10, a great single malt, at about 1/3 the price!

I really like Bowmore Darkest. Probably in the middle pricewise.

[Buena Fortuna]

I picked up the Bowmore for $60 w/a leather Bowmore cigar case

Originally Posted by MadAl

I really like Bowmore Darkest. Probably in the middle pricewise.

Posted via Mobile Device

[spectrrr]

What is a good IRISH wiskey?

I've had and have a wide variety of scotch wiskey.. but I've never had Irish. I've heard some good things about the "authentic" stuff that they mostly drink over there.... but I dont know WHAT that is..... anyone have some suggestions for good irish wiskeys?

These are the single malts:

Bushmills. I've had the 10 yr and enjoyed it

Connemara is a peated single malt. I've had and enjoyed it more because I like peat.

There's also Locke's and Tryconnell. I only just heard of these so haven't tried them.

[Scottw]

Originally Posted by kayaker

These are the single malts:

Bushmills. I've had the 10 yr and enjoyed it

Connemara is a peated single malt. I've had and enjoyed it more because I like peat.

There's also Locke's and Tryconnell. I only just heard of these so haven't tried them.

Try the bushmills 21. Even though it is an Irish Whisky and not a scotch, it is unbelievable.

[spectrrr]

Originally Posted by Scottw

Try the bushmills 21. Even though it is an Irish Whisky and not a scotch, it is unbelievable.

21 eh? do I even want to ask what that sucker is going to cost me?
Posted via Mobile Device

After coming across this thread I decided to swing by the Wine and Spirits shop for a bottle of Scotch on the way home from work. I jotted down a few brands and headed out wanting to try something new. Some of the available recommendations were a little pricey so I decided to give the McClelland's Islay a try.

Up until now I have really enjoyed Macallan 12, Glenfiddich, and Glenlivet. While in Vegas for IPCPR I had a sample of Laphroag and didn't care for it at all. I'm not sure what variety I had but it was way over the top with a peaty flavor.

I tried this McClelland's Islay tonight and it has that same peaty flavor, although much more subdued. Is this Peaty flavor profile typical of an Islay? After trying it I decided to read the bottle and saw mentions of peaty flavor due to the water used, which is why I ask.

While I dont enjoy it nearly as much as the others mentioned, it certainly won't go to waste. Sure beats my first experience with Scotch in the form of Johnny Walker Red Label (that made me gag after sipping it).

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by spectrrr

What is a good IRISH wiskey?

I've had and have a wide variety of scotch wiskey.. but I've never had Irish. I've heard some good things about the "authentic" stuff that they mostly drink over there.... but I dont know WHAT that is..... anyone have some suggestions for good irish wiskeys?

Redbreast Irish Whiskey 12yo is wonderful. Also, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jameson 12yo and Jameson 18yo. I have never tried the 18yo, however, the standard Jameson is a great whiskey and the 12yo is amazing!

[RBOrrell]

Had an opportunity to list my Scotch collection over the holidays. I enjoy each of them but I gravitate to the Islays as my go to malt.

o Highland
Dalwhinnie 15 yo
The Macallan “Cask Strength”
Compass Box Special Canadian Edition
Glenmorangie Original 10 yo

o Isle of Islay
Laphroaig 10 yo
Bowmore Mariner 15 yo
Ardbeg 10 yo
Caol Ila 12 yo

o Speyside
The Glenrothes 12 yo
The Glenlivet 12 yo

o Isle of Jura
Superstition 15 yo

o Lowlands
Auchentoshan 10 yo

o Isle of Skye
Talisker 10 yo

o Orkney Islands
Highland Park 12 yo

o Blends
Whyte & Mackay “The Thirteen” 13 yo

o Canadian Single Malt
Glen Breton 10 yo

Nice list. I'll post mine up later. I had a few nice additions over Christmas.

Originally Posted by RBOrrell

Had an opportunity to list my Scotch collection over the holidays. I enjoy each of them but I gravitate to the Islays as my go to malt.

o Highland
Dalwhinnie 15 yo
The Macallan “Cask Strength”
Compass Box Special Canadian Edition
Glenmorangie Original 10 yo

o Isle of Islay
Laphroaig 10 yo
Bowmore Mariner 15 yo
Ardbeg 10 yo
Caol Ila 12 yo

o Speyside
The Glenrothes 12 yo
The Glenlivet 12 yo

o Isle of Jura
Superstition 15 yo

o Lowlands
Auchentoshan 10 yo

o Isle of Skye
Talisker 10 yo

o Orkney Islands
Highland Park 12 yo

o Blends
Whyte & Mackay “The Thirteen” 13 yo

o Canadian Single Malt
Glen Breton 10 yo

Impressive to say the least. Question though, how is the Superstition 15? I've heard some mixed things. I have never had it, but I hear is tastes pretty sweet (literally) throughout.

Here's what I have right now. There's a couple of blends and ryes mixed in.


Ardbeg Uigaedail
Ardbeg 1990 12
Auchroisk 14
Balvenie 10
Benromach Traditional
Bowmore 17
Bowmore Cask Strength
Bruichladdie 3D3
Bruichladdie Celtic Nations
Caol Ila 12
Chivas Regal
Compass Box Peat Monster
Dalmore Cigar
Dalwhinnie 15
Famous Grouse 12
Glen Grant 25
Glenfiddich 12
Highland Park 16
Isle of Jura Superstition
Johnny Walker Green Label 15
Lagavulin 2006 12
Lagavulin 16
Macallan Fine Oak 10
Old Pultney 8
Port Ellen 24
Te Bheagh
Arlberta Premium 25
Forty Creek Barrel Select