Scotch Whisky--Any fans/what's your favorite? [Archive]

sysiphus

Nov 18, 2009, 06:55 AM

Any fans of Scotch here? If so, what's your favorite? In my (rather limited) experience, I'd say The Glenlivet 15-year-old French Oak Reserve is tops...
Anybody else?

AdeFowler

Nov 18, 2009, 07:10 AM

I'll drink and enjoy most whiskies but my choice would be Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Very smooth. Hick ;)

crackpip

Nov 18, 2009, 07:55 AM

cluthz

Nov 18, 2009, 07:59 AM

I've gotten into the Isley scotches recently. I really like the peaty flavor; though it seems to be an acquired taste. None of my friends like it.

The 15 yr Laphroaig and the 16 yr Lagavulin are tops in my book. I enjoyed the 10-yr Ardbeg too. The 10-yr Laphroig was a bit harsh.

I've been thinking about branching into some of the other regions, but I'm waiting for a local shop to offer a tasting.

crackpip

16yr lagavulin is also my favourite, you can also get it as double matured too!
There is also a Bowmore 15 yr from the Isley area, but I kinda like the Lagavulin better

sysiphus

Nov 18, 2009, 08:04 AM

I've gotten into the Isley scotches recently. I really like the peaty flavor; though it seems to be an acquired taste. None of my friends like it.

The 15 yr Laphroaig and the 16 yr Lagavulin are tops in my book. I enjoyed the 10-yr Ardbeg too. The 10-yr Laphroig was a bit harsh.

I've been thinking about branching into some of the other regions, but I'm waiting for a local shop to offer a tasting.

crackpip

Interesting...I've tried the 10yr Laphroaig, and could barely swallow the stuff...the taste did nothing for me. Next time I try an Islay, I'll have to look for one of the ones you mentioned.

r.j.s

Nov 18, 2009, 08:07 AM

I like the Macallan 18 and the Highland Park 18.

I started with the Glenlivet 15, but it tastes like crap compared to those two above.

oblomow

Nov 18, 2009, 08:57 AM

I once was a big fan of the Islays ( port ellen, laphroaig, lagavullin, bowmore etc) however nowadays if I drink whisky my favourites are the lowlands or the cambletowns. The have more subtle and richer flavour, in my opinion.

velocityg4

Nov 18, 2009, 08:57 AM

My favorite is the 18yr Single Malt Glenfiddich (http://www.glenfiddich.us/the-range/18-year-old.html). I don't really know the terminology to describe it but it is quite smooth. The bottle I had I found quite enjoyable. Most Whiskeys make me retch slightly (or heavily in the case of Jack Daniels) but there was no retching or watery eyes associated with this giving it an A+ in my book:p.

I prefer rum and tequila with those in the $30 to $40 range I can get 750ml bottles are pleasant to drink in straight shots. Whereas I need to spend at least $60 for Whiskey that I do not struggle with.

talkingfuture

Nov 18, 2009, 09:28 AM

I vote for Bruichladdich, they like to do things a little differently with usually excellent results. I particularly like 'The Rocks' and the 12 year old.

http://bruichladdich.com/

r.j.s

Nov 18, 2009, 09:34 AM

My favorite is the 18yr Single Malt Glenfiddich (http://www.glenfiddich.us/the-range/18-year-old.html). I don't really know the terminology to describe it but it is quite smooth. The bottle I had I found quite enjoyable. Most Whiskeys make me retch slightly (or heavily in the case of Jack Daniels) but there was no retching or watery eyes associated with this giving it an A+ in my book:p.

I had that same scotch, Glenfiddich 18, tasted like ***** after having the other two I mentioned. But, YMMV.

arkitect

Nov 18, 2009, 09:48 AM

Well here's something for all you Whisky afficionados…

;)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46751000/jpg/_46751735_008187926-1.jpg

A unique decanter of whisky that was blended from some of the finest whiskies of the last 140 years has sold at auction for £23,000.
The Dalmore Oculus had been expected to fetch between £15,000 and £20,000 at the Bonhams auction in Edinburgh.
It was described by the auctioneers as "one of the most precious whiskies ever to appear at auction".
The auction also featured highlights of the collection of the late whisky collector Willard Folsom.
The Dalmore Oculus was created on 15 October by the Highland distillery's master-distiller Richard Paterson, who drew on four decades of his experience.
The oldest whisky in the blend was distilled in 1868, with others selected from 1878, 1922, 1926, 1939 and 1951.
Link… (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8366741.stm)

dopey220

Nov 18, 2009, 05:35 PM

Lauder's.

Let the flaming begin.

nanofrog

Nov 18, 2009, 06:03 PM

It's been awhile, but I like Balvenie.

miniConvert

Nov 18, 2009, 06:12 PM

One day I think I'll get a taste for it. At the moment all I can manage is Famous Grouse and Coke, but don't mock that, it's an awesome drink!

r.j.s

Nov 18, 2009, 08:33 PM

It's been awhile, but I like Balvenie.

Yes, the Balvenie is good too.

nanofrog

Nov 18, 2009, 09:25 PM

Yes, the Balvenie is good too.
The odd thing is, they're owned by Glenfiddich last I knew. :eek: :p

r.j.s

Nov 18, 2009, 09:30 PM

The odd thing is, they're owned by Glenfiddich last I knew. :eek: :p

Doesn't mean anything. Different distilleries, different casks, etc.

YMark

Nov 18, 2009, 09:36 PM

I used to drink Chivas Regal. If I had a lot of money, I'd drink Royal Salute. Glen Levit was a second choice. Gave up drinking over 20 years ago though.

nanofrog

Nov 18, 2009, 10:14 PM

Doesn't mean anything. Different distilleries, different casks, etc.
No it doesn't. Just seemed odd, that they didn't pick up on some things is all. Like how to select a casks for example. :p

Balvinie's unique anyway, as they swap casks late in it's life in barrels for flavoring (shifted to Sherry casks IIRC). Whatever the causality for the differences, I like it. :D

sysiphus

Nov 18, 2009, 10:20 PM

Wow! I guess there are a few people on here who like their Scotch! :)

r.j.s

Nov 18, 2009, 10:25 PM

Wow! I guess there are a few people on here who like their Scotch! :)

I love my scotch, I can't wait 'til I get home and can have some again.

nanofrog

Nov 18, 2009, 10:27 PM

Wow! I guess there are a few people on here who like their Scotch! :)
Well, let's think about this a minute... It's a forum full of Mac owners or enthusiasts (at least use OS X, no matter the machine). Now given the market these systems are aimed at, you're surprised to discover we like good alcohol?!?!? Are you nutz? :eek: :p

My guess, is you'd get a number of hits on all kinds of types (and many premium brands as well). Ports (also one of my likes, especially with cigars) and wines, for sure I'd think. ;) Not to mention others. :D

Skengman

Nov 19, 2009, 02:28 AM

The Macallan 18 years. Absolutely delicious:)
http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/the-macallan-18-year.jpg

telecomm

Nov 19, 2009, 02:57 AM

You guys are late to the party! ;)

The big whisky/whiskey thread is over here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=535953).

r.j.s

Nov 19, 2009, 04:33 AM

You guys are late to the party! ;)

The big whisky/whiskey thread is over here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=535953).

Yeah, but that is about all whiskeys, this is about the best type - scotch. :D

Abstract

Nov 19, 2009, 04:56 AM

nanofrog

Nov 19, 2009, 11:47 AM

Yeah, but that is about all whiskeys, this is about the best type - scotch. :D
Well said. :D

telecomm

Nov 19, 2009, 11:51 AM

Yeah, but that is about all whiskeys, this is about the best type - scotch. :D

Fair enough, but then it's spelled "whisky". :p ;)

Maccin475

Nov 19, 2009, 01:19 PM

Suntory Yamazaki 18 year old Japanese single Malt. My personal favorite.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a close second.

sysiphus

Nov 19, 2009, 11:40 PM

Suntory Yamazaki 18 year old Japanese single Malt. My personal favorite.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a close second.

Hmm, never tried any of the Japanese stuff...is it typically considered "Scotch"?

r.j.s

Nov 19, 2009, 11:43 PM

Hmm, never tried any of the Japanese stuff...is it typically considered "Scotch"?

No, to be considered Scotch, it must be distilled in Scotland.

Irish whiskey doesn't count either.

SXR

Nov 20, 2009, 02:41 AM

Jonny Walker Red label - OR - JAMESONN :D

ctt1wbw

Nov 22, 2009, 12:13 PM

I like the Macallan 18 and the Highland Park 18.

I started with the Glenlivet 15, but it tastes like crap compared to those two above.

Macallan. That's all you need to know. Great great great.

Melrose

Nov 22, 2009, 12:54 PM

Wirelessly posted (Nokia 5800 Tube XpressMusic : Mozilla/5.0 (SymbianOS/9.4; U; Series60/5.0 Nokia5800d-1/21.0.101; Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 ) AppleWebKit/413 (KHTML, like Gecko) Safari/413)

Jamesons. Actually, scotch and soda. A bit of soda water thins it out a bit and gives it a bit of fizz.

Flame away. :eek:

Not flaming. Mixing water with scotch is fine; I always do, especially if it's cask strength. Add a bit at a time until the 'edge' is gone when you sniff it.

Now, I'd never mix a good scotch with coke or some other flavoured soda. That's Sapphire and Capt Morgan are for.

SXR

Dec 14, 2009, 04:59 AM

Anyone ever tried Johnny WLker Blue Label?

Thats a pretty expansive, luxirious whiskey.
Its very tasty , though.

scotty96LSC

Dec 14, 2009, 05:49 AM

Jonny Walker Red label - OR - JAMESONN :D

Jamesons, one of my favorites, is a blended Irish Whiskey not Scotch.

Eraserhead

Dec 14, 2009, 06:39 AM

Not that I'm really a whiskey drinker myself, but single malt>blend if you get anything decent.

ViViDboarder

Dec 14, 2009, 08:21 AM

With my limited funds I've found Black Label to be a relatively cheap Scotch that I can enjoy.

My issue is that I never wanted to pay a lot of money for a bottle with no indication of quality other than the assumed quality due to a high price tag, haha.

I'll definitely take some of these recommendations though. Scotch is definitely my favorite drink.

r.j.s

Dec 14, 2009, 09:17 AM

I'll definitely take some of these recommendations though. Scotch is definitely my favorite drink.

The Macallan 18 is a bit pricey, but well worth it.

Highland Park 18 is quite good too, and a little cheaper.

Melrose

Dec 14, 2009, 01:04 PM

Anyone ever tried Johnny WLker Blue Label?

Thats a pretty expansive, luxirious whiskey.
Its very tasty , though.

I've never had Blue Label, but heard from several people it's not that good. There's no accounting for taste, but these are folks who like the single malts from the regular distilleries.

But if you like it, by all means go for it. :)

r.j.s

Dec 14, 2009, 01:05 PM

I've never had Blue Label, but heard from several people it's not that good. There's no accounting for taste, but these are folks who like the single malts from the regular distilleries.

I've never had it, but I don't think I could go for a blended after having good single malt.

leekohler

Dec 14, 2009, 01:10 PM

Scotch has always just seemed to thin and smoky. As far as brown liquors, cognac/brandy is much more full-bodied and more to my taste. Then there's bourbon. Yum. :)

Melrose

Dec 14, 2009, 01:11 PM

I've never had it, but I don't think I could go for a blended after having good single malt.

I always thought Blue Label was their single malt line? :confused:

Scotch has always just seemed to thin and smoky. As far as brown liquors, cognac/brandy is much more full-bodied and more to my taste. Then there's bourbon. Yum. :)

I prefer scotch, but every once in a while I do like a good bourbon or Irish whiskey. When the mood strikes, they can't be replaced. :)

r.j.s

Dec 14, 2009, 01:14 PM

I always thought Blue Label was their single malt line? :confused:

Nope. Still blended.

nanofrog

Dec 14, 2009, 01:19 PM

I've never had it, but I don't think I could go for a blended after having good single malt.
I've had both and since discovering single malts years ago, I can't handle blended any longer. Not straight anyway. I have to add soda or something to it, and just seems a waste to use something like JW Blue Label for a mixed drink IMO.

Melrose

Dec 14, 2009, 01:20 PM

Blended? Blech.

...I mean, no offense and all. :)

nanofrog

Dec 14, 2009, 01:35 PM

...I mean, no offense and all. :)
None taken. I've been spoiled by single malt. Tried it in the early '09's, and haven't turned back yet. :D

jalagl

Dec 14, 2009, 01:36 PM

Normally drink Johnnie Walker Black and Green Label. Macallan 18 is my favorite, but don't drink it too much because of the price.

fotografica

Dec 14, 2009, 01:53 PM

For single malts...Talisker,Glenmorangie,Oban. 18yo Macallan is probably the finest liquid I've ever enjoyed...Islays,esp Bowmores, are like chewing on a chunk of peat IMO. Too much for my taste.
For blends..Haig and Haig Pinch is actually quite nice..

Angra-mainju

Dec 14, 2009, 01:58 PM

Ballentine's :D

Melrose

Dec 14, 2009, 07:47 PM

Normally drink Johnnie Walker Black and Green Label. Macallan 18 is my favorite, but don't drink it too much because of the price.
Macallan cannot make a bad malt, in my experience. They're all exceptionally smooth.

For single malts...Talisker,Glenmorangie,Oban. 18yo Macallan is probably the finest liquid I've ever enjoyed...Islays,esp Bowmores, are like chewing on a chunk of peat IMO. Too much for my taste.
For blends..Haig and Haig Pinch is actually quite nice..

I had to buy a Laphroaig simply due to price; I thought "if it's this much more than the rest it must be good." It was ok for an Islay but I'm not sure I'd buy it again. Bowmore I couldn't stand.

I tried a lowland single malt a while ago, and it was too light headed tasting. Like it couldn't make up it's mind or something..

ntrigue

Dec 14, 2009, 08:04 PM

Lagavulin 16 - when I need to put some petrol in my blood
Oban 17 - easier drinking with a more manageable hangover

Silencio

Dec 14, 2009, 11:31 PM

Just received a bottle of Dalwhinnie 15 year highland for my birthday. Tasty stuff! Like smoke and honey.

Been meaning to get another bottle of Talisker for a while.

I have barely touched blended scotches. I should spend more time with those, but I just enjoy the single malts so much more. I did buy a bottle of Johnny Walker Black for my father in law who is more partial to blendeds, and I didn't mind the couple of glasses I tried of it.

ctt1wbw

Dec 15, 2009, 07:36 AM

Lagavulin is excellent. I had a glass of Macallan 25. I thought I was going to die. It was $30 but sooo worth it.

I've been meaning to get some Oban and Talisker. I hear they are good.

fotografica

Dec 15, 2009, 09:53 AM

I've been meaning to get some Oban and Talisker. I hear they are good.

You can't go wrong with either one. Two of my go to single malts.They never let me down :)

Melrose

Dec 15, 2009, 10:49 AM

Just received a bottle of Dalwhinnie 15 year highland for my birthday. Tasty stuff! Like smoke and honey.
I like the bottle is comes in ;)

Been meaning to get another bottle of Talisker for a while.

e been meaning to get some Oban and Talisker. I hear they are good.

Do try the Talisker :) That along with select others rounds out my favourite malts.