I ended up getting a bottle of Glenfiddich 21 for the old man. It was $140 for the bottle. The reviews seemed to go toward mild and sweet which I think is a safe bet as a gift. Plus I'd already tried HP 18 and Macallan 18 so this way I get to try something new as well.

The Glenlivet 21 was said to be a bit more peaty, hopefully he'll like it.

That event was awesome and I totally remember it!

I'll ask my old man for some advice on this. I'm thinking of doing something myself when I'm home at Christmas.

One thing though: find something to do in Edinburgh other than the street party. It's a really bad way to spend your new year's eve as it's often cold wet windy and horrible. Try standing in that with a bag of beer and you will swear not to do it ever again.

Find some organised function indoors like a ceilidh or something. There should be plenty on but you'd probably need to organise tickets pretty sharpish.

I know there are various whisky runs you can go on but it depends what your taste is. If you like Islay malts then go there; if you like Speyside then go there; etc.

Anyway, I'll see what I can find out.

Girlfriend just got me samples of the following Scotches for Xmas:
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old 3cl Sample
Clynelish 14 Year Old 3cl Sample
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Distillery Edition 3cl Sample
Lagavulin 16 Year Old 3cl Sample
Springbank 15 Year Old 3cl Sample
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old 3cl Sample

So excited. They send you a 30mL sample in the mail. mastersofmalt.com

Going to blind myself and taste. Will post notes.

JTM

"Going to blind myself and taste. Will post notes."

Definitely remove the Lagavulin before doing that. Actually, go ahead and remove the Clynelish too, and then blind taste those two against each other after blind tasting the other four first.

Can i ask why?

I think because the Lagavulin and Clynelish will be radically different with a strong peaty/smokey taste.

Dangerous trip to The Whisky Exchange for the xmas whiskies. Awesome shop for anyone in London (its @ vinnopolis near London Bridge), staggered away after a few hefty sample drams with:

Ardbeg SuperNova 2010 - Thanks for the advice ElD
Ardbeg Ord mar 62.5%
Talsiker 18
Highland Park 18
and an anonymous Islay 58.5% - suspect its laphroiagh

look so pretty, not allowed to open yet.

This is the anon' whisky.


http://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies.p...whiskyid=15561

Whisky (and brandy) are the best spirits imho - knocking them back and not appreciating. is. mostly. a heathen. travesty..... at best......

Whisky tasting is an an interesting aspect, isn't it?

Our father taught us to do as the professionals do at the distillery: they use a "cap", a small round piece of metal, put it so it totally covers the opening on a tulip glass (not a tumbler) and then agitate the whisky. This will release the aromatics for the nose and hold them there. Unlike wine you need this otherwise the real subtle tones will evaporate before you can appreciate them......good Dad....

Oh, and one the best tip for your health I was ever given - if you are going to mix your drinks: drink whisky after/with beer. They are both made from grain (this applies, by the same token, to vodka too). And brandy after wine (or port) as they are both made from grape.

Both your head and your liver will truly thank you in the long run.

The worst hangovers apparently don't come just from the amount you drink, but from the mixing of grape and grain alcohols.......

just saying.......

Okay since Diablo did an updated post and my old picture is wayyy outdated I will post a new one!



I tried to arrange them in some sort of order, scotches on the left, bourbons on right.

By column left to right

Glenrothes 1985
Smokehead
Laphroaig 10

Ardbeg Supernova 2010
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Ardbeg Nam Beist

Balvenie Peated Cask 17
Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14
Balvenie Single Barrel 15

Malt Trust Bottling of Mortlach 17
AD Rattray Bottling of Aberlour 18

George T. Stagg 2010
Sazerac 2010
Thomas H. Handy Saczerac 2010

Willett 16
Willett 8

Pappy Van Winkle 23
Black Maple Hill

Hey guys, I was just wondering if anyone can recommed some good Speyside scotches for me? I just started getting into scotch and so far I love the Islays and Talisker, but I haven't had many others. I usually prefer very strong flavors (maybe I'm just too thickheaded to appreciate subtlety).

The one Highland scotch that I've had is the Dalmore 12 year, and I think it's great. Is this similar to what a good speyside would taste like? Thanks!

Posting what's it my cabinet at the moment.

As far as the scotches go, I really enjoy drinking the strong Islays, but flavor-wise I prefer rich stuff with middle of the road to very low peatiness. Don't think I'm too settled, though, on what I like. General, when I'm not feeling inspired, I stick with the Macallan 12.

that is ballin^^

PITTM, nice colection

Got the Macallan 12 the other day. Totally underwhelmed. The flavors weren't exciting at all, tasted bland. Maybe I'll give it another try in the next few days, but it was seriously weak.

Every time I have a glass of the Balvenie Doublewood now, I like it more and more. Is the 21 year portwood very similar but better?

Also I'm getting the Oban 14 for christmas, looking forward to that one. Hopefully it will have some new and exciting flavors.

I know it's nothing special but is there any interst to add a Angelo Lucchesi Jack Daniels to the mix?

The guy down the street is related to Angelo and he's signing several bottles.

Goose,

"Every time I have a glass of the Balvenie Doublewood now, I like it more and more. Is the 21 year portwood very similar but better?"

Yeah, it's sort of like drinking a really great version of the Doublewood (which I think is a really good scotch).

There's some similarities, definitely, but I don't know that's I'd go quite that far. I find the 21 has a significantly fuller, more robust flavor and a "rounder" mouthfeel, if that makes any sense. The doublewood has more of its character up front, and is a bit lighter and drier, as well.

It's definitely reasonable to say that if you like the doublewood, it's a pretty safe bet that you'll also like the 21yr portwood.

Caveat: It's been a while since I did a side-by-side tasting of these.

How are you enjoying the 2010 BTAC? Haven't opened any of my bottles from this year yet. The Stagg and Baby Saz are perennial favorites of mine...assume they're still awesome this year?

Re: Willett - We're lucky to get most of the expressions distributed here in DC. The recently released "Cherry Bomb", which is made from old Steltz Weller stock, is ridiculously good. Highly recommend picking up a bottle if you can find one in your area - I've had many different Willett's, and this is one of my favorites. I bought a few bottles locally here: http://acebevdc.com/, and I think they'll ship if they still have any in stock.

Also, doubt find a bottle of either of these sitting around for sale, but if you're ever @ a bar that has either of the early Willett Rye's ('The Velvet Glove' and 'The Iron Fist'), be sure to give them a whirl!

foobar: credit goes to AAIsMyFriend for introducing me (and then the thread/RJ/etc) to Willett. Definitely let us know as you try more expressions!

RH: "I find the 21 has a significantly fuller, more robust flavor and a "rounder" mouthfeel, if that makes any sense." I agree completely w/ that description. I was going to say something like "bigger, more flavorful, more balanced" version of DW. I agree with you that is different, but in my evaluation of scotch mainly just makes it an overall better version of the DW style.

Just saw a 1992 distiller's edition Oban at store today....has anyone here had this? I'm either going to get that or the Balvenie Peat wood....not sure yet

Also, any one in here drink manhattans? I just picked up a bottle of Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth out of sheer curiosity, and proceeded to make the best manhattan I have ever had. It is probably the best vermouth that is widely available, and is expensive at about $33/liter, but it's amazing and worth every penny....you can even drink it straight as a digestif!

AA,

Get the Balvenie Peat!

Yah, Carpano Antica is solid.

I'm intrigued by this Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength: http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1053061