Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

If you wanna destroy the flavors by using ice.... do so. But if you wanna enjoy the real flavor of a Scotch you may use some drops of water, but never ice.

In Scotland they would KILL you if you use ice... just saying....

Other question: would you ever light a cigar with a Zippo gasoline lighter? I guess it´s a no go.... it´s the same with ice and Scotch.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Actually no. Most of them will tell you to enjoy your whisky in whatever way makes you happy, not that if you don't do it in exactly the manner they advocate that you're wrong and wasting good malt. :tu

To answer your other question: I don't care how anyone chooses to enjoy their hobbies/vices/pursuits just so long as THEY enjoy them. I find anything else results in a rather condescending attitude, wouldn't you agree?

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I have to disagree cuz it's simply stupid to destroy a good flavor.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

The point that you don't seem to be grasping here is that what you may consider to be "destroying a good flavour" may be the preferred drinking method to others. Who really cares if someone else enjoys their whisky on ice/through a straw/upside down in in a plastic sippy-cup/however? To be blunt blindly insisting that your way is the only way to enjoy whisky and any other way is completely wrong and "destroying" the spirit is a very condescending attitude.

No one's trying to force you to drink you whisky over ice, if that's how they like their whisky then it's not your place to tell them that they're doing it wrong. Everyone has the the right to enjoy their hobbies as they see fit without pairing that enjoyment with a dose of self-righteousness from anyone else.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I got a response from a well-known Independent bottler in Scotland, their "tasting specialist" wrote:

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I am enjoying is and a bottle of Glenlivet 12 at the moment.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Received a bottle of Glen Grant 1973 bottled for Thosop, Belgium... I guess I open it soon as a birtday dram....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...1973THOSOP.jpg

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Great, thanks for posting and reiterating what's already well known. You still continue to miss the point:

It is simply not your place to condescend and tell anyone else how they should or should not enjoy their whisky.

If someone wants to drink their whisky over ice what business of yours is it to tell them they're wrong and that they're destroying and wasting that whisky. Put simply it's not. Period.

You can extend that to any hobby or pursuit such as cigars, wine, beer, cars, etc: "Drink what you like, how you like it. Smoke what you like, how you like to smoke it." Pretty easy concept really. Pretentious attitudes on how things should be done don't add to the enjoyment of those pursuits... they just annoy those around you.

If you want to suggest that they should be drinking whisky neat and in a proper glass so as to get the best experience possible from nosing, flavour appreciation, etc that's one thing, however that is certainly not the way you are presenting your statements and that is the point I'm making here.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I drink Balvenie, and Aberlour, and MacAllan, and Glenmorangie (Peter Taylor got me snockered on that one while in Scotland last year), and Glenkinchie and Dalwhinnie and Dallas Dhu and Inchgower, ohhh and Ardbeg and Glenturret and Oban, and Old Pulteney, and Royal Brackla, and Royal Lochnagar, sometimes some Singleton, and Deanston and Tomintoul or Teaninich, but would never pass up a dram of An Cnoc or Aberfeldy by any means nor The GlenRothes but alas...my taste is more extensive than my investments so sometimes am limited to an Elgin or Moray and sadly even a Knockando

Hail Mary fill my glass....

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Robert, have you ever tried Glenfarclas? The 25 yo. is a really good deal. I don´t know the prices in the US, but here it´s about EUR 80 per bottle, which is a good deal for a 25 yo.

BTW... I just enjoyed a very good Glenrothes 1973...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...hes_1973-1.jpg

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

So what if a person doesn't enjoy the taste of scotch straight up and enjoys the more mellow taste of it on ice? Are you saying they are wrong for drinking what they like? They should be forced to endure something they don't like just because you have a view that is different than theirs?

If that is the case, then I would hate parties at your place, last thing I need is someone yelling at me for drinking my beer in a glass with 2 olives rather than out of the bottle.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Let´s say.... it was an advice... but instead of ice you should try to reduce the alcohol by adding some water... that won´t cool it down and influence the flavor...

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

We have (and I've tried) the Glenfarclas, but not the 25! That sounds awesome...I've been impressed with the Glenfarclas as a very good and inexpensive everydaydrinker ;) :banger

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

15 is actually my least favorite Glenlivet.
Starting with favorites:
18, Nadurra, 21, 12, 15
Haven't tried XXV...

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Well, that leaves more 15 for me! :r

Question for you, is the 18 worth the extra penny or even the 21? Or will the 12 and 15 serve just fine most of the time? I would like to try these, but every bar in town only has the 12 or 10 year versions of various scotches, makes it tough to sample without dropping the cash for a whole bottle.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I love the 18 and Nadurra, both are definitely worth it IMO.
21 is a treat once in a while but it is almost too subtle. I probably won't buy it again.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Grants

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

What exactly does putting a splash of water in a scotch do to it? Since I have been drinking scotch (and very much enjoying it) without ice for the last week or so, I have today put a splash of water in it. (no water dropper, so I couldn't get exactly a few drops, don't think it matters)

The scotch still has the flavor, but noticeably less burn when it gets to my stomach. I am still undecided if it tastes better.

Just wondering why this is "suggested" or done in the scotch community.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

It's done more to improve/change the nosing experience of the whisky than it it to effect the taste. Basically adding water releases more aromatics from the whisky by slightly diluting it and that dilution also reduces the deadening effect that alcohol has on your sense of smell which allows you to discern more. The higher the alcohol content of the whisky the more pronounced this effect is. However with high ABV cask strength whiskies it can also be very helpful in reducing how much the alcohol deadens your taste buds. In that scenario it obviously impacts both taste and nose.

With many cask strength whisky you want to add a surprising amount of water, for example with Aberlour A'bunadh which is ~60% ABV you'll want to add water at 2:1 whisky to water ratio to reduce it down to 40%. The difference in that case is very dramatic. With many you won't necessarily see a huge difference. Typically I'll add water to a new whisky the first couple times I try it and then if there no real difference I won't bother after that.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Some Whiskys open some new tastes with a splash of water, some with a few drops and some get worse if you add water... you have to try it, there´s no general rule.

Tasting experts (e.g. at the distillery) put more and more water in it while trying until it´s reduced to app. 20 % of alcohol.

Whiskys coming outta Sherry casks are (in most cases) a bit more critical if you add water, it´s better to be cautious. If they´d only been in a Bourbon cask it´s less critical... but there are also exceptions on both sides... as always...

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Anyone ever try James Buchanan 18 yo scotch?

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Hey fellas,

I have been enjoying Highland Park 12 and Glenlivet 12 this winter but i was wondering if you have a bottle(s) that is your summer scotch. Glenlivet is rather fruity so it could work, but i doubt i will touch the Highland Park. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated :tu

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Well, I generally switch to beer or tequila, but scotches I'd recommend for being lighter and easier in the summer would be Auchantoshan, Glengoyne and Bunnahabhain. The latter would be my preferance depending on the bottling of course.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

The Macallan Fine Oak 25 is a favorite of mine, but I've been drinking Glenfiddich 15 a little more often lately

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I'm loving the Red Breast 12. an amazing Pure Pot Still irish whiskey, and very highly recommended.

Single Malts, I'm gonna admit to not trying anything over 18yrs, but for me today, the Balvanie Doublewood is still my favorite.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Ahh, Balvenie is the reason I switched from whiskey to scotch......great stuff.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

While the 21 isn't a bad scotch at all, I just can't see myself paying the extra $$$ for it, when I can get a bottle of Highland Park 18. The Nadurra is definitely one of their more interesting offering.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I wondered why I always put water in my scotch! I know that it taste better more aromatic, than just straight. Thanks for sharing!

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Yes, real nice & smooth... I keep on hand all the time... -(P

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I was out last night celebrating a now-official divorce with a little Macallan 18yr. One of my faves.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I've yet to try the 18 but the 12 is pretty f**king tasty. Someday when I can find a decent bar that serves the 18 I'll definitely have a glass.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Has anyone tried the new Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix? It doesn't specify an age to it but was bottled in 2010. Named after one of the worst winters in Scotland (last year), the roof in one section of the distillary actually collapsed from the snow. A retailer here (NJ) has a 3 pack of 750ml bottles for $210.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Apparently from what I can find "the casks going into it range from 13 to 30 years old" and "It is a limited edition malt (albeit in an edition of 60,000 bottles), and cannot be repeated".

http://www.worldofwhiskies.com/compo...try/year,2010/

Hope that helps out a bit. Sounds interesting, seeing as how it is limited I'm sure you it wouldn't hurt to pick up a 3 pack. If I had the cash I would.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I love the 12 but I can't stand the 18. Obviously you should try it for yourself but I expected it to be so much better and I was very disappointed.

I'll ask again, Anyone ever try James Buchanan 18 yo scotch?

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Oh wow, that's disappointing especially considering the price point, $55 or so for the 12, the 18 is up around $160 a bottle. If I get the chance I'll try it though.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

That's my sticking point too.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I agree completely that the 18 is underwhelming. Did not strike me as worth the extra coin by any means.

As to the Buchanan, the only one I've known to drink it is Miguel Cabrera :D

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I think this 12 will be part of my next scotch purchase. I keep hearing a lot of good things about this one. I need to find cheaper hobbies..... :D

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

So your saying if it is good enough for him, it should be good enough for me? ;)

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

Redbreast is one of my favourite Irish whiskeys. Light, sweet, subtle, and smooth. An absolutely amazing whisky for the price.

As far as scotches go...

Lagavulin distiller's edition (the 1988 is my favourite)
Caol Ila 18 year (do you see a trend here?)
The MacAllan 18 (wonderful value in a top-shelf whisky)
Balvennie 21 year portwood

and three often overlooked scotches:

Talisker 10 year is charming knuckle-dragger of an Islay malt
Dalwhinnie is amazingly gentle, smooth, and subtle
The Bheag is a blend (shocking) that is unchillfiltered and absolutely first-rate!

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I'd like Ardbeg if the price was more attractive. Mostly Caol Ila and Bowmore although I do like Laphraoig Quarter Cask and various Glenfidiches. Bunnahabhain is pretty good too.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I split a bottle of Caol Ila 30 yr w a friend of mine last Memorial Day. His bro was on leave. I brought the ERdM Panatella Largas from the 80s, he brought the scotch. That was a grrrreat day.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

It's dangerous, you might never go back!

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

The Dalmore 21

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

For your brothers who like peat flavor. Definitely give the Ardbeg Uigeadail a try. It has a stunningly complex pear flavor that is warm and not harsh. Also another one that is often over looked is the Longmorn 15yr

http://www.thewhiskyguide.com/Speyside/Longmorn.html
http://www.thewhiskyguide.com/Taste-...Uigeadail.html

The best MacAllans are the cask bottling, easiest being the 12 year old that has been talked about on this page, but you can also find it easily in independent bottling for good prices. This is when a specific barrel is purchased and then bottled by and individual or independent bottler. These can very wildly in flavor and change with the barrels storage location and year. Very cool way to try out different flavors. I went to a store in Japan back in 2008 that had a whole row of just MaAallan bottling, there were probably 500 different bottles.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

yay :)
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...k/IMG_8728.jpg

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

I recently had a glass of Macallan 12 and it was really good. It will definitely be added to my small collection of scotch.

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

That´s a good one... the first release from 2003 was the best imho... they used also a batch of sherry casks from the 70s for the blend... :dr

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky
 

A 12 year old Dalwhinnie is my all time favourite from the top of the Spey Valley in the Highlands. Full bodied but with just a hint of sweetness. Perfect dram every time :)

Re: What is your favorite Scotch Whisky