Scotch Q&A

[AD720]

Well I finished a dram of the McCelland's Highland earlier. (I like mine on the rocks).

Overall it was OK. It was a little sweet and almost syrupy for me. There was some interesting almost cirtusy sweetness to it that was pleasing but I think it was a little too sweet overall. I don't know if that is something that is indicative of Highland scotches. (Kayaker, maybe you can chime in there)

I just got home from dinner and now I am having a bit of the Islay (same way, rocks). I am enjoying this one a little bit more. It opens up with a big mouthful of salt and finishes very smooth with the medical taste on the finish. It is not as complex as the Bowmore Islay though.

I'll try a bit of the Lowland tomorrow.

Originally Posted by AD720

Overall it was OK. It was a little sweet and almost syrupy for me. There was some interesting almost cirtusy sweetness to it that was pleasing but I think it was a little too sweet overall. I don't know if that is something that is indicative of Highland scotches. (Kayaker, maybe you can chime in there)

I was trying to find out more about the McClelland's line, but my source is out of the country right now. Basically each of these regional malts is a young version from a more popular distillery. For example, I do remember being told that the Islay one is a young Bowmore. The actual age I don't know, but it has to be at least 3 years and is likely younger than 10. But I can't remember what distilleries are used for the other regions.

With regards to highland malts, they tend to be rich and robust. I think about Highland Park and Glenfarclas. I guess they can be considered a little sweet too. However, each region has scotch that may not show itself as a typical example.

One thing I wonder about is whether or not spirit caramel was used in the one you are talking about. It's the only ingredient that is allowed to be added to scotch that is not a necessary part of the process. The caramel adds colour making whisky look richer, but it may also make it sweeter. All the natural colour in Scotch comes from the barrel during the aging process. Therefore a younger whisky would have even less colour naturally and might require more caramel to make it look richer.

I don't know if this is the case here. I will drop by a liquor store to take a look at the bottles myself, and I will see if I can track down my source for more info.

Hope this helps.

[AD720]

Originally Posted by kayaker

I was trying to find out more about the McClelland's line, but my source is out of the country right now. Basically each of these regional malts is a young version from a more popular distillery. For example, I do remember being told that the Islay one is a young Bowmore. The actual age I don't know, but it has to be at least 3 years and is likely younger than 10. But I can't remember what distilleries are used for the other regions.

That is interesting. Like I said I found the McClelland's Islay very similar to the Bowmore Islay, but without as much complexity so it being from the distellery but with less age that definitly adds up.

Originally Posted by kayaker

With regards to highland malts, they tend to be rich and robust. I think about Highland Park and Glenfarclas. I guess they can be considered a little sweet too. However, each region has scotch that may not show itself as a typical example.

One thing I wonder about is whether or not spirit caramel was used in the one you are talking about. It's the only ingredient that is allowed to be added to scotch that is not a necessary part of the process. The caramel adds colour making whisky look richer, but it may also make it sweeter. All the natural colour in Scotch comes from the barrel during the aging process. Therefore a younger whisky would have even less colour naturally and might require more caramel to make it look richer.

I don't know if this is the case here. I will drop by a liquor store to take a look at the bottles myself, and I will see if I can track down my source for more info.

Hope this helps.

I guess the addition of caramel is not something that is easy to find out about. For what it's worth I just looked at all three bottles under a light and there are no difference of color that I can see with my eyes. So if they used that caramel to darken the Highland it didn't make a difference that I can see.

I am trying a dram of the Lowland now. Right off the bat there more of a discernable whiskey smell than the Highland or the Islay. There is almost no saltyness and the finish is sweet in the cirtrisy way that I enjoyed with the Highland and much less of the syrpy sweetness that I didn't like. This one is the spiciest of the three as well. I will reserve my final impression until I finish the glass but I would put this one 2nd behind the Islay with the Highland in thrid.

Big help as always thanks Kayaker.

[yourchoice]

I am rapidly continuing my decent down the Scotch slope. Yesterday, while buying beer for the Super Bowl party (small gathering really) I hosted, I couldn't help myself and perused the Scotch isle. Walking down that isle without buying something would be akin to going to a B&M and not buying a cigar. So, of course another bottle was added to my collection. I went with a bottle of Talisker. I haven't broken the seal yet, but its day is coming!

That brings my rapidly increasing Scotch collection to:

Glenfiddich 12
Ardbeg 10
Talisker 10
Highland Park 12
Bruichladdich "The Rocks"

Fun....except for my wallet!

Originally Posted by yourchoice

Ardbeg 10
Talisker 10
Highland Park 12

These are great. How is the Bruichladdich? I like a lot of what they do, but have not had that one.

[yourchoice]

Originally Posted by kayaker

These are great. How is the Bruichladdich? I like a lot of what they do, but have not had that one.

Out of the five I have, it is probably my least favorite. Kind of salty sweet in a strange way.

The aforementioned "Scotch guy" where I shop recommended it. I told him I was looking for something good for someone who was starting out that wouldn't break the bank. He recommended Bunnahabhain 12 yr to me before (which I enjoyed) so I had hoped he had another winner for me, but not so much. For the most part, his recommendations have been more off than on so I stopped asking him. You guys seem much better at it!

I picked this up today after some recommendations.



Any input, Ian?

Originally Posted by Darrell

I picked this up today after some recommendations.
Any input, Ian?

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by Darrell

I picked this up today after some recommendations.



Any input, Ian?

Yummy, Yummy, Lot's of Fruity nuances and hints of Honey!