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dennis4167 posted:Where is a good place to start with hard alchohol? Depression and a dive bar.
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Sep 23, 2014 14:20
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Can anyone lend me $130?
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Sep 24, 2014 00:12
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good jovi posted:Monkey Shoulder is great stuff. It's all malt whisky, and definitely tastes fuller than Famous Grouse I disagree - I had Monkey Shoulder and thought it was barely tolerable, just a half step up from rotgut well whiskey. Grouse, on the other hand, I would rate as the best budget blend around. Lots of Highland Park in it, too.
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Sep 24, 2014 11:07
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Same, plus airfare?
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Sep 24, 2014 12:13
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I went up to Scotland last week on a distillery binge holiday. First Distillery was Royal Lochnagar which is on the Balmoral Estate. (Click the pics for big)  In the shop  Entrance  Popped in to Cragganmore  Then, at Cardhu we were escorted in by a very helpful cat   By the time we were leaving, helpful cat was exhausted and asleep under a tree  Then we had a quick visit at Macallan  More to come....
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Sep 24, 2014 16:45
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good stuff!
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Sep 24, 2014 16:52
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So, the next day I went to Glenfiddich  After that I fancied doing a little whisky shopping. Now having around 10 years of experience in travelling up to NE Scotland, I know that whilst there are many good specialized Whisky shops, you'll find the best deals at little Supermarkets, or small independent stores. £50 for a bottle of Balblair 89? Yes please! On my last visit, I was tipped off about the Buccaneer. It's a petrol station on the road out of Elgin towards Lossiemouth that has a cracking selection of whisky at very good prices. And it takes its name from the old RN Strike Bomber parked outside.  Sadly, only 1 of those vehicles is mine. A quick visit to Aberlour  Then next morning a visit to Glen Ord before heading to the Isle of Skye.   The road across from Muir of Ord to Skye was (mostly) an amazing road to drive. I think Top Gear must use it for a lot of their filming. This was the view from our holiday apartment on Skye  Here's our neighbour  More to come biglads fucked around with this message at 18:10 on Sep 24, 2014 |
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Sep 24, 2014 17:19
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Next day (last Thursday) was Referendum day in Scotland. We started the day in the 'Capital' of Skye, Portree. It was misty. By the time we were due to do our Talisker tour over at Carbost, the weather had lifted.  The surrounding area is very picturesque.   Had a good two and a bit hours in Talisker and had 6 or 7 different expressions. Next day, heading back south we took the Community Ferry instead of the Skye Bridge.  The ferry was being looked after by a nice dog.  Being on the ferry meant that we could enjoy the views.  Safe in the knowledge that the dog was on the case.  Many hours later the final distillery stop was Oban    Managed to get a nice dram of a 23 y/o Benrinnes there. biglads fucked around with this message at 17:45 on Sep 24, 2014 |
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Sep 24, 2014 17:42
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dennis4167 posted:Any particular brand I should start with? Keep in mind I am going from Natural Light, Bud Light, Budweiser to Whiskey. Drink them over ice initially.
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Sep 24, 2014 20:52
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I received a bottle of The Macallan Cask Strength as a gift from my boss earlier this year and found I really liked it. I typically enjoy Irish and Canadian whiskeys while dabbling in some bourbon and Tennessee whiskey on occasion. I find that the semi sweet almost cinnamon flavor of The Macallan Cask Strength is something I enjoy. I know the drink isn't considered super complex and I certainly don't have a refined palate but I'd considered it one of the better whiskys I've sampled. With that in mind, are there other styles or brands of scotch that don't have a strong peat or smoke flavor? I am willing to explore more of the The Macallan line but am also interested in trying other brands as well. I vaguely remember trying both Glenlivet and Glenfiddich's entry level stuff and wasn't impressed with either. It's possible I am misremembering and would be willing to try again based off of goon recommendations. Price wise, I'd like to stay at or below around 100 dollars. Anything more expensive than that is a waste of money because I can't tell the difference between it and the 100 dollar bottle. Hekk fucked around with this message at 02:49 on Sep 27, 2014 |
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Sep 27, 2014 02:46
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Hekk posted:I received a bottle of The Macallan Cask Strength as a gift from my boss earlier this year and found I really liked it. I typically enjoy Irish and Canadian whiskeys while dabbling in some bourbon and Tennessee whiskey on occasion. I find that the semi sweet almost cinnamon flavor of The Macallan Cask Strength is something I enjoy. I know the drink isn't considered super complex and I certainly don't have a refined palate but I'd considered it one of the better whiskys I've sampled. I'd definitely suggest Red Breast 12 as someone who also doesn't like peat or smoke. Balvenie double wood is also decent if you want scotch instead of irish whiskey. \/\/\/ Edit: Also a good idea. That Works fucked around with this message at 11:45 on Sep 27, 2014 |
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Sep 27, 2014 04:04
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Hekk, Glendronach anything. Alternatively look at a Scotch whisky region map and start picking Speyside distilleries other than Ardmore. Highland region distilleries should be fine too (just watch out for special bottlings from each that might be peated.)
TobinHatesYou fucked around with this message at 04:32 on Sep 27, 2014 |
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Sep 27, 2014 04:29
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dennis4167 posted:Where is a good place to start with hard alchohol? There are some suggestions in the OP. Out of those I would recommend: Scotch: Glenlivet, bourbon: Elijah Craig 12, or perhaps a Canadian whisky like Crown Royal. Don't be afraid to add a little water or an ice cube. For me it was Wild Turkey 101, I've always loved the stuff. http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3441478#post396223224 I wouldn't buy anything expensive to start since most people do not appreciate the unique flavors right off the bat.
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Sep 28, 2014 02:39
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PatMarshall posted:The Redbreast is really amazing stuff. I've heart Green Spot is another great Irish, but I've not found any myself. Thank you so much for this. I've been looking for a whiskey I had while in Ireland and all I remembered was coloured spots, I didn't search the net for this clue, because I mistakenly thought I'd just remembered the pubs pricing system (all the bottles were marked with small circular stickers to denote the price). Now I know! I'm not much of a taster, so I won't say anything beyond the fact that yellow and green spot were the best whiskies I had while in Ireland. Didn't try redbreast tho. I normally go for either a cheap tullamore, famous grouse etc, but splurge on and thoroughly enjoy Islay peat and smoke. The green and yellow spot opened up the idea of a more subtle and nuanced non-smokey whiskey for me. Not being much of a taster it's been easier for me to enjoy tasting the more distinctive flavours of peat, smoke and sea in the islay whiskys, but green and yellow spot were a bit of a revelation and I've regretted for the better part of a year not writing the name down. So thank you, internet stranger, for helping me remember what I'd forgotten after a night of heavy drinking!
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Sep 28, 2014 02:55
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prinneh posted:So thank you, internet stranger, for helping me remember what I'd forgotten after a night of heavy drinking! Most people wouldn't be thankful for the above so that's pretty cool.
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Sep 28, 2014 16:48
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Breaky posted:Most people wouldn't be thankful for the above so that's pretty cool. Maybe I was a little over zealous, but godamnit I was glad to be reminded  I've been sorta strolling around in this thread for a while, but haven't yet come upon any discussion of whiskey books. I'm poor and a relative newcomer to the field and, for example, the yearly whiskey bibles are a bit more than what I'm looking for, whereas something like the Micheal Jackson definitive guide to scotch or Dave Broom's world atlas of whiskey are looking more my speed, from what i can tell on amazon. Something with a few historical anecdotes, nicely written, pictures, just a few tasting notes for classic rather than rare bottles to help me get started and with a focus on Irish and Scottish distilleries. Any ideas for book recommendations or any ideas on which page in the thread to look? Anything at all would be immensely helpful.
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Sep 28, 2014 20:08
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prinneh posted:Maybe I was a little over zealous, but godamnit I was glad to be reminded I'm in the same position as you, and I wound up buying both the Jackson book and Broom's World Atlas of Whisky. The World Atlas is definitely what you're looking for. Absolutely gorgeous, full page pictures of the distilleries and surrounding areas in Scotland, America, and so on. Just be aware that a new edition comes out in two weeks, though the last one was 2010 so not too long ago.
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Sep 28, 2014 21:43
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Caddrel posted:I'm in the same position as you, and I wound up buying both the Jackson book and Broom's World Atlas of Whisky. The World Atlas is definitely what you're looking for. Absolutely gorgeous, full page pictures of the distilleries and surrounding areas in Scotland, America, and so on. Just be aware that a new edition comes out in two weeks, though the last one was 2010 so not too long ago. That is some superb gorgeous information, thank you! I'll save up a bit of money now and look again in two weeks, though I might end up getting the 2010 if it drops in value Cheers!
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Sep 28, 2014 22:58
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If you're curious about American whiskey at all, Bourbon, Straight by Chuck Cowdery is pretty good. It describes the history of bourbon, the production process, and gives an introduction into tasting and who the major companies in the industry are.
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Sep 28, 2014 23:38
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Meowenstein posted:If you're curious about American whiskey at all, Bourbon, Straight by Chuck Cowdery is pretty good. It describes the history of bourbon, the production process, and gives an introduction into tasting and who the major companies in the industry are. Thank you very much for this recommendation! I'm not interested in Bourbon right now, but I'll certainly add it to my running list of interesting books. Right now, I'm sticking with gut feeling and the above recommendation of the whiskey world atlas and I will tell you why that is, because I don't want you to think I've got anything personally against American whiskey. It's all about price and personal taste. I live in Denmark and while alchohol is cheaper here than in say Sweden or Norway, American whiskeys are simply too expensive compared to their Scottish and Irish cousins. As an example, Makers Mark Bourbon is almost 50 USD and a regular bottle of Jack Daniels is 42 USD here. One of my favourite Islays, The Ardbeg 10YO, is 55 USD. Another favourite, the Lagavulin 16YO is 68 USD here. For the price, it's not even a competition, I think. But! since you posted it here, I'm sure someone else will find it at a later date while asking a similar question. Otherwise, atleast I'll personally and certainly look it up before ever going to North America
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Sep 29, 2014 00:30
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prinneh posted:Thank you so much for this. I've been looking for a whiskey I had while in Ireland and all I remembered was coloured spots, I didn't search the net for this clue, because I mistakenly thought I'd just remembered the pubs pricing system (all the bottles were marked with small circular stickers to denote the price). Now I know! I'm not much of a taster, so I won't say anything beyond the fact that yellow and green spot were the best whiskies I had while in Ireland. Didn't try redbreast tho. Glad I could help! The funny thing is I've never had the stuff, now I'm wondering if Astor Place would have any . . . It's funny how prices differ depending on where you are, in the U.S. bourbon and rye tend to be pretty inexpensive compared to good single malts, even in NYC.
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Sep 29, 2014 00:39
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PatMarshall posted:Glad I could help! The funny thing is I've never had the stuff, now I'm wondering if Astor Place would have any . . . I don't know what Astor Place is, but I've found the internet to be a great resource in not only tracking down a good bottle, but also comparing prices. What I'm saying is, if you can't find it near you, maybe you could try online? Anyway, thank you again for mentioning it
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Sep 29, 2014 00:44
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prinneh posted:Thank you very much for this recommendation! That sounds like a good reason to be hesitant to me. I'd pass on Maker's Mark at $50 too. I'm in Iowa and seem to be paying two thirds to one half of the price that you're talking about for American whiskey. It looks like Scotch prices may be about the same, though. It's always interesting to me to see what whiskey prices are in other parts of the world.
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Sep 29, 2014 03:07
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prinneh posted:
I'm sure it goes both ways. Most people (like me) would drink more fine Scotch here in the US if it were cheaper, but as an imported product, the price is inflated. I do love Scotch or "whisky" but the price increases far out of proportion to the quality, especially compared to things like bourbon. If I had $100 to blow I would much rather buy one of the Buffalo Trace Small Batch things (George T. Stagg and friends) over a Scotch that was aged for three more years than its more affordable version. If you want to try an American whiskey/bourbon just make sure you go for something nice to make sure you get the full effect, since you'll already be paying a premium. Elijah Craig 12 is my classic standby, one of the most delicious overall regardless of price and a good value. It should be near the bottom rung of the wild pricing schemes regardless of where you are.
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Sep 29, 2014 04:55
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Its not that I'm disagreeing you, but you are recommending the exact thing you avoid. You say you would rather buy an expensive local than an expensive import because the cost to quality ratio is better. You then suggest he do the opposite and buy an expensive import. If he is merely wanting to try the flavors of a bourbon he could also do well with something cheaper like buliet or wild turkey.
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Sep 29, 2014 05:19
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Denmark is expensive full stop so just  and get whatever you like would be my advice.
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Sep 29, 2014 09:40
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re: the above I think everyone basically agrees, but a few people hate the idea of us eurogoons missing out on good American whiskey and we understand. But, Don't worry, that's what travel and airport duty free shops are for, right? Even tho the selection leaves a lot to be desired But with regards to buying local rather than imported, heres something of interest that I might add to the thread: Denmark has actually started producing whiskey in recent years, but the cheapest bottles right now is priced at 135 USD. For those interested, the distillery is called Braunstein (which is a terrible German name, but the last name of one of the founders). The two guys who are behind it came up with the idea while flyfishing and drinking in Scotland and they're located right on the quay of an old harbour in Køge, not far from Copenhagen. They've already won several prices and are cooking up quite a few schemes like buying whiskey by the cask (choosing yourself from a variety of whiskeys and casks and decide when it's ready) and adding a better visitors center to their destillery. It's not even on wikipedia yet, tho it has excisted for more than five years at this point. Their flagship products right now seems to be "the Library Collection". Here's a link to one of them: http://www.whiskydirect.dk/braunstein-produkter/single-malt-whisky/braunstein-library-col-12-125.html - The design of the bottle is fine, but the label is horrible-horrible-terrible. I know, I know, that shouldn't matter, but they've only just started! They could have done something bold or at least something right. I have yet to taste it because of the aforementioned pricetag, but I'll probably buy myself a bottle for Christmas, if I can get myself in to a tasting beforehand. They do both smoked and peated and more regular smooth single malts, using sherry, spanish and even old rum casks from the carribean. If you google them, I'm sure you could come up with a few tasting notes here and there. Anyway, Now you know! So while I always pick up a bottle when visiting other countries, so could anyone of you if you ever find yourselves in my neck of the woods.
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Sep 29, 2014 12:14
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As far as Danish booze goes: I like Mikkeler beer. (Although it's a bit too popular and hipster lately.)
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Sep 29, 2014 12:37
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Hekk posted:I received a bottle of The Macallan Cask Strength as a gift from my boss earlier this year and found I really liked it. I typically enjoy Irish and Canadian whiskeys while dabbling in some bourbon and Tennessee whiskey on occasion. I find that the semi sweet almost cinnamon flavor of The Macallan Cask Strength is something I enjoy. I know the drink isn't considered super complex and I certainly don't have a refined palate but I'd considered it one of the better whiskys I've sampled. Definitely try out the Old Pulteney 12y.o., it's my regular dram and also my standard gift to my whisky-loving friends on special occasions, as well as to those new to scotch. Lots of lovely light flavours but still with a great amount of complexity to it. It's the northern-most distillery in Scotland. Their 17 is great too, and their 25y.o. has won some of the top awards the last few years.
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Sep 29, 2014 15:39
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I appreciate all of the recommendations. I will look for Old Pulteney, Glendronach, and Balvenie Double Wood at the store.
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Sep 30, 2014 04:57
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biglads posted:Lots of nice pics. You're so lucky, I would love to do such a tour. Also, you were right about the Black Bottle, it is gone and I did not stock up 
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Sep 30, 2014 14:14
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GEEKABALL posted:Also, you were right about the Black Bottle, it is gone and I did not stock up
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Sep 30, 2014 17:38
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Nill posted:Is the reformulation that bad? completely incomparable to the original
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Sep 30, 2014 17:56
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spankmeister posted:completely incomparable to the original
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Sep 30, 2014 19:03
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I found Green Spot for $60/ bottle it was the 'Green Spot single pot still' variety. I seem to remember seeing a different bottle of Green Spot without the 'single blah blah' for cheaper but can't recall or not. Do they make a regular and a 'premium variety' ? If so is the single pot still worth the cost? For $60 I can already get Red Breast 12 at or below that price and love it. Don't want to shell out that much for something that isn't just as good.
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Sep 30, 2014 19:57
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No there's only the one kind but not too long ago they updated their bottle and labelling, and it now looks a lot more upmarket than the old version.  i actually prefer the old version, it was a bit cheaper and more obscure. The quality has dropped somewhat since it gained so much popularity. spankmeister fucked around with this message at 20:13 on Sep 30, 2014 |
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Sep 30, 2014 20:11
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spankmeister posted:No there's only the one kind but not too long ago they updated their bottle and labelling, and it now looks a lot more upmarket than the old version. Ok yeah, I had seen the old version just a month or two ago at my local liquor store and now this new one for I think about $20 more a bottle. Shame, wanted to try it but unless it's as good or better than the Red Breast I don't think I'll be dropping the extra for it.
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Sep 30, 2014 20:17
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Personally having tried both Redbreast 12 and Green Spot I was kind of underwhelmed by both. I guess for $50 or $60 I just expected more. I can't even say they were the best Irish whiskeys I've had, though they were very good.
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Oct 1, 2014 00:26
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spoon0042 posted:Personally having tried both Redbreast 12 and Green Spot I was kind of underwhelmed by both. I guess for $50 or $60 I just expected more. I can't even say they were the best Irish whiskeys I've had, though they were very good. I quite enjoyed the green spot, though I did have it after a 7 km walk in february and I can tell from the pictures above that I had a sip of the old one. Could I persuade you to tell us about the Irish ones you enjoyed? Might be useful information for my next trip to Ireland
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Oct 1, 2014 01:20
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I remember liking the single malts from Connemara and Tullamore though I really should try them again. (Tullamore's is pretty cheap, which is nice. ) Basically I don't get the whole "triple distilled" thing which I have trouble seeing as anything but killing interesting flavor. Tullamore's standard offering isn't bad when I'm feeling cheap, too.
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Oct 1, 2014 01:29
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