and it's always nice to have a selection of them waiting for "let's give this one a taste"
Oh, yes; a heartfelt amen to that. Agreed.
and it's always nice to have a selection of them waiting for "let's give this one a taste"
What do you guys think of flavored whiskey?
I also noticed cinammon flavored whiskey... wondering if the flavors smooth it out a bit?
I can't comment on rye whiskey, because I hate it.
The only ones that I drink frequently enough are scotch, bourbon, Japanese, Irish, Tennessee whiskey (sort of), and I used to often drink Irish.
Without knowing what you'd consider "cheap", I'd try Bulleit if you want cheap and drinkable. It's probably easy to find, too. My preference is Hogs 3, but I think it's only available in Europe and Australia. I believe Blanton's Special Reserve is also only available internationally, and is quite good -- different from the original (which is also good, but probably considered pricey).
Bailie Nicol Jarvie is blended scotch that's cheap, but amazing. It's essentially a young Glenmorangie, if that's your thing. Heck, I like it more than Glenmorangie Original.
There are quite a few good cheap bourbons. Scotches are different, but perhaps it's different where I live. I find that in order to get a decent scotch, the entry fee is a bit higher. Bailie Nicol Jarvie is amazing for the price, but I'd also recommend Monkey Shoulder, or perhaps something like Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, or Glen Moray 12 y.o. I actually prefer Monkey Shoulder (a blend) to those cheap single malts, but YMMV.
Bird Dog Blackberry is pretty tasty for a change up to traditional whiskey - I mentioned a few pages back we’d been doing a drink (right from the Bird Dog bottle tag) that’s equal black berry and Tres Leches cream liquor [over ice], _super_ tasty. The peach Bird Dog is decent, but isn’t as good as the blackberry - peach is one of those flavors that always tastes a touch off/artificial (er, unless it’s actual, fresh peaches )
I’ve picked up the Red Stag a few times, also tasty - these flavored whiskeys are a nice change up, great for an evening sipper over ice. Since they’re very sweet, they mix nicely with a plain, sparkling water (like LaCroix).
Another “sipper” I like is any of the honey bourbons, again, a nice after dinner drink, smooth and a little sweet. Bushmills makes a fun to drink blended Irish honey that’s pretty terrific (Bushmills Black Bush is probably my favorite, inexpensive, “traditional” Irish sippin’ whiskey).
Not a big fan of the cinnamon flavors, generally if I’m in the mood for something +perky+, I’d rather do something like Sambuca.
What an interesting thread!
My wife and I honeymooned in Scotland last October. The very first Scotch I ever tried was Talisker (10 year old), and it was one of the two bottles we brought back with us to Canada. The other was a bottle of Ardbeg (I cant remember the year, but I think it was a 10) for the father-in-law, which was also fantastic.
Talisker 10 and Ardbeg 10 are two of my favourites.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask is probably my absolute favourite scotch, and it's tied with Hibiki 17 y.o. as my favourite whisky of any sort.
Hibiki 17 is the same whiskey Bill Murray was shooting a commercial for in Lost in Translation.
Talisker 10 and Ardbeg 10 are two of my favourites.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask is probably my absolute favourite scotch, and it's tied with Hibiki 17 y.o. as my favourite whisky of any sort.
Hibiki 17 is the same whiskey Bill Murray was shooting a commercial for in Lost in Translation.
I've been wanting to buy a Macallan since I tried their 10 and 21 year old single malts last month while at a wedding reception, and picked this up from The Whisky Exchange.
Damn it's smooth. No age rating and some say that Macallan are being sketchy about not adding any colouring, but regardless it's a very good whisky.
Regarding the quest for the best inexpensive Kentucky bourbon, I think I just struck gold: Evan Williams, smooth easy sipping. 750ML@$12.
Still trying to figure out why Jim Beam Black at double the price is harsh in comparison? Must be my taste buds.
That's what I use when I'm making mixed drinks
Maker's Mark is my fave of choice.
Crown Royal will do in a pinch.
I've had a hard time identifying this. All of the Macallens I've located list an age and they are all expensive, $65-70 a bottle and up, their top of the line was £500 plus.
Do you sip whiskey? If so what is your preference?