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At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 02:05:27 PM

Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 02:05:27 PM
The cold weather has returned, and like every year, my mind turns to thoughts of scotch!!

I was in the mood for something different a couple of weeks ago, and picked up a bottle of The Macallan Cask Strength. I picked mine up for the same price as the 12yr old single malt, to put it into price persepctive for you. (Somewhere around the middle of Macallan's line)

Now that I've had a few drams of the stuff, I can say that this is a truly unique option for those that don't like their scotch either too sweet or too smokey.

It has a very complex flavour, especially at the front. Being slightly higher proof than my normal Macallan favourate (18yr) there is a bit of a spirity 'bite' on the first sip that you quickly get used, and then addicted, to.

Being stored in sherry casks as opposed to oak gives this Macallan a very strong odour, one that lingers in the air long after the drink is gone.

Full bodied, bitter front notes, with a hint of sherry's earthiness: a very entertaining table scotch for those chilly nights where you don't want to drain your precious reserve of aged Balvenie, Oban or Macallans. Add a dash of water if you want to cut down the front notes.

Heartily recommended!!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/TwilightOdyssey/The_Macallan_cask_strength_scotch_w.jpg)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: mikeluke on November 08, 2007, 02:07:54 PM
and it is what % alcohol?

 :wink:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 02:08:37 PM
Quote from: mikeluke
and it is what % alcohol?

 :wink:

49.5%
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 08, 2007, 02:32:07 PM
Ahh, one of my brothers favorites.  I can highly recommend Old St Andrews.  It's a blend and it comes in a golf ball shaped bottle, but that shouldn't be held against it.  Very smooth and very tasty.

Cardhu 12 year is probably my favorite malt.

I like whiskey a bit too much.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 02:34:03 PM
Quote from: ToneMonkey
I like whiskey a bit too much.

Have you ever had Redbreast? That is one of my favourites!
It's hard to break the habit of pure still whiskey once you've had it!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 08, 2007, 02:40:18 PM
Nah, not tried that.  Just had a look at it though and it sounds good to me.  I'm fairly keen on Irish whiskey.

On the scotch side, I tend to go for Islay whiskeys although I have a bottle of Bowmore at home and I'm not too keen - ended up throwing it in coke  :oops:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Jonesy76 on November 08, 2007, 02:45:35 PM
I've got a lovely bottle of well used cask strength Talisker that has a wonderful richness, and a bite without taking your eyes out!! :D

That and my 21 year old Glenlivet Archive! :twisted:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: gwEm on November 08, 2007, 02:48:51 PM
boozers ;) i would never touch a drop :ahem:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 03:00:35 PM
Quote from: ToneMonkey
On the scotch side, I tend to go for Islay whiskeys although I have a bottle of Bowmore at home and I'm not too keen - ended up throwing it in coke  :oops:

ha! Bowmore is undrinkable.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on November 08, 2007, 03:00:57 PM
Great minds think alike - I had my first wee dram for a while last night :)

FWIW, the current scotches open in my drinks cabinet:
Glengoyne 17yo (my absolute favourite scotch of all)
Isle of Jura 21yo
Glenturret 15yo (down to last drop :cry: can't get it anymore :()
Glenturret 10yo (for visitors :))
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 03:00:58 PM
Quote from: gwEm
boozers ;) i would never touch a drop :ahem:

Sorry, vicar! PDT_008
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 03:02:06 PM
Quote from: ToneMonkey
Nah, not tried that.  Just had a look at it though and it sounds good to me.  I'm fairly keen on Irish whiskey.

Then you must hunt down a bottle of both Redbreast and Green Spot!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 08, 2007, 03:31:28 PM
I think we should organise a good old fashioned p*ss up at my gaff.  BRING WHISKEY.

I only have the Bowmore  :cry: and  :D  St Andrews open.  I do have some Grogue from Cape Verde though.  Made of sugar cane, smells like a dead skunks fart and tastes bloody aweful.  I haven't really drank much of that.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Jonesy76 on November 08, 2007, 03:36:53 PM
Quote from: Antag
Great minds think alike - I had my first wee dram for a while last night :)

FWIW, the current scotches open in my drinks cabinet:
Glengoyne 17yo (my absolute favourite scotch of all)
Isle of Jura 21yo
Glenturret 15yo (down to last drop :cry: can't get it anymore :()
Glenturret 10yo (for visitors :))


Mine is a bit eclectic.......

Talisker Cask Strength
Glenlivet Archive 21 year old
Glenmorangie Cellar 13 (my personal favourite evening dram!)
Macallan 12 year old
Laphroaig
Dalwhinnie
Isle of Jura
Oban
And a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon for those Slash moments with the Les Paul (Yes I know it should be Jack Daniels, but Bulleit is a far better bourbon) :wink:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 08, 2007, 03:43:20 PM
All I can say is that if you lot have that much whickey in your cabinets, then you don't drink it fast enough.

The wife was on holiday the other week and I'd run out of beer/money (one and the same thing).  Ended up drinking over half a bottle of Bowmore  :non: (with coke though).  Talk about gut rot, I felt bad for days.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Jonesy76 on November 08, 2007, 04:12:19 PM
My problem is that every time I go up to the land of kilts and mountains I come back with another bottle or two of whatever takes my fancy.  The Glenmorangie is my personal favourite so i get though a bottle of that roughly each year.

If you looked into my booze cabinet you would think that the wife and I are alcoholics :roll:   We just like it to be there if we feel like it! :D
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 08, 2007, 04:17:49 PM
If you looked at my recycle bin, you'd know my wife and I are  :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 04:33:57 PM
Quote from: Jonesy76
(Yes I know it should be Jack Daniels, but Bulleit is a far better bourbon) :wink:

As are most of the bourbons coming out of KY!!

Recommendation: Woodford Reserve. Top shelf bourbon!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on November 08, 2007, 05:18:34 PM
I was always partial to Maker's Mark - although I have a Edwardian silver and crystal whisky decanter with cask strength Talisker in it, by far my fave.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: 38thBeatle on November 08, 2007, 06:30:07 PM
I like Laphroaig  and usually have plenty in stock to help me though those difficult moments but I shall look out for some of the suggestions you have come up with. Years ago I used to drink it neat but these days I add a little water to bring out the flavour.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Simon D on November 08, 2007, 07:39:50 PM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: Jonesy76
(Yes I know it should be Jack Daniels, but Bulleit is a far better bourbon) :wink:

As are most of the bourbons coming out of KY!!

Recommendation: Woodford Reserve. Top shelf bourbon!!


Bulleit and Wild Turkey are currently residing on my booze shelf, alongside the obligatory bottles of Jim Beam and Jack Daniels (bought back from holidays by my folks). Seen Woodford Reserve in the shops a few times and liked the look of it, but at £22 ($44) a bottle, it's a tad pricey. Christmas present perhaps...  :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 07:41:27 PM
^ yes, it's pricey here, too, unfortunately. However, last year my local spirits shop had Woodford Reserve on sale 2 for 1 !!! Result!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Simon D on November 08, 2007, 07:45:37 PM
^ That is a major result!

All this talk of spirits has got me craving a shot or two. How prepared am I to suffer through work tomorrow...?
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: headtheball on November 08, 2007, 07:51:31 PM
Got a fine selection of Irish knocking about the house here at the minute.

1 Bottle 16 Y.O. Bush
1/2 Bottle (left!) Bush Millennium
1 bottle Green Spot
1/2 bottle of Redbreast
1 bottle of Midleton (which i may never, ever drink)
1 bottle Powers, for people I don't like.

Never went much for scotch, I must be honest. Genetic memory or something, I guess?

Other than that, there's a flat of bottles of O'Hara's stout, and half a flat of Erdinger Winterbrau. I've also got a seriously odd selection of Baileys lying around, a selection of 17 20cl bottles of different mixes/flavours for the world market. i had to visit the factory with work, and it was a gift/bribe. Still, it's Christmas presents sorted for every woman over forty I know.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: WezV on November 08, 2007, 08:07:55 PM
Quote from: 38thBeatle
I like Laphroaig  and usually have plenty in stock to help me though those difficult moments but I shall look out for some of the suggestions you have come up with. Years ago I used to drink it neat but these days I add a little water to bring out the flavour.


love the stuff.  Smells  of TCP and tastes like smoked peat but oh so good!!

I almost picked up up a 15 year old bottle on my way back from amsterdam but it was a tad pricey so i ended up with a litre bottle of johny walker green label (15 yo).  yeah - its a blend, but a pretty nice one and usually around £30-40 for a 70cl bottle so the £24 i payed for a litre didnt seem bad.

trying to cut down on the expensive stuff since i can polish a bottle off far too fast!!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Philly Q on November 08, 2007, 09:51:04 PM
Crikey, the things you can learn on the BKP forum!  :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 08, 2007, 10:06:54 PM
Quote from: Philly Q
Crikey, the things you can learn on the BKP forum!  :lol:

C'mon, Philly, you know I always do some kind of scotch thread when the weather turns cold. :)

It's usually just prior to my Best of end of year list. (Though, this year looks grim)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 08, 2007, 10:29:23 PM
Ahh the BKP cold weather Scotch thread (cold weather my arse you always drink it!! :wink: )

Sainsburys seem to do good deals on The Balvenie around 20-22 quid so I tend to stick with that. I do like J&B, a blend but so nice and smooth.

I was looking at some whiskey in the whiskey shop in Stanstead Airport last July A 55 year old (can't remember the name but it's most likely still there locked in the case) 15 grand! How much does that break down for a swig? Two swigs a shot, x amount of shots per bottle x2 =swig price, it's got to be a few hundred! The price of two bkp humbuckers for a swig of scotch! Silly but probably orgasmic!  :roll:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Philly Q on November 08, 2007, 10:29:33 PM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
C'mon, Philly, you know I always do some kind of scotch thread when the weather turns cold. :)

Ah, but I'm more of a cup of cocoa and a slice of cake man, myself.  :wink:

Quote
It's usually just prior to my Best of end of year list. (Though, this year looks grim)

Lookin' forward to it!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 09, 2007, 08:50:34 AM
Quote from: 38thBeatle
Years ago I used to drink it neat but these days I add a little water to bring out the flavour.


I usually have a Stella or Kronenbourg on the side.  Works a treat.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on November 09, 2007, 09:12:36 AM
I'm an even bigger danger when I visit Single Malts Direct (http://www.singlemaltsdirect.com) or The Whisky Exchange (http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com) with my credit card handy than when I click into the BKP shop... :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 09, 2007, 09:22:26 AM
How dangerous are you when you click on the BK Shop after drinking the whiskey?
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on November 09, 2007, 09:24:17 AM
Quote from: WezV
Quote from: 38thBeatle
I like Laphroaig  and usually have plenty in stock to help me though those difficult moments but I shall look out for some of the suggestions you have come up with. Years ago I used to drink it neat but these days I add a little water to bring out the flavour.

love the stuff.  Smells  of TCP and tastes like smoked peat but oh so good!!

Laphroaig is probably on the extreme end of the "peatiness" scale.  I don't mind it but not my first choice.

An Islay that I heartily recommend is Caol Ila - both the 12 & 18 are gorgeous.  I have an unopened 18 that I bought to celebrate my son's birth (any excuse!) waiting at the back of the drinks cabinet for something (probably the Glenturret :() to get finished...
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on November 09, 2007, 09:28:38 AM
Quote from: ToneMonkey
How dangerous are you when you click on the BK Shop after drinking the whiskey?

It's probably a good thing that I've never tried... :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: blue on November 10, 2007, 06:35:04 AM
tonight, after a few pints, i hit the whisky!  i must be pedantic and correct everyone's spelling; whisky is scotch, whiskey is Irish!

anyway, we confirmed the general conensus that Bowmore is undrinkable!  F****** me, what were they thinking!?!? it tastes like soil!!!  anyway, surprisingly, whisky of the night turned out to be Yamazaki Single Malt 10 years.  a fabulously drinkable whisky, and straight out of Japan!! it's half six in the morning now, and i must confess, we ARE a bit wobbly!

G'night folks, see you all later when you disagree with my drink.  i don't care, i'm loaded!!!!! and i still have a bit of Yamazaki in my glass  :wink:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on November 10, 2007, 10:09:51 AM
Fact No1 - you do not drink good whisky to get pissed. It's a bar-stewarding waste. Savour every sip, that's the way to do it.

I was turned on to whisky by a friend a few years ago and he opened my eyes to the world of the fine Scottish single malt. He's promised me a visit to his cellar, but I think he's afraid I might pinch most of his best stuff!

Since then I've managed to acquire quite a few bottles, some of which are painfully close to the bottom unfortunately. It doesn't help living just down the road from this place in Leek http://www.wineandwhisky.com/ , dangerous for the credit card.

On the whole I prefer the Islay malts as I like the iodine and peaty tastes and smells. My growing collection is mostly focused on the Islay malts, Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin being the three I favour. I've been meaning to investigate Bruichladdich as I've been hearing good things about them. I wouldn't turn my nose up at other whiskies and enjoy tasting the differences in them. The only thing I'd add to a whisky is a tiny amount of water, I find it opens up the taste somewhat when compared to drinking it neat.

Anyway I could go on for hours about this so I'll shut up now.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on November 10, 2007, 01:00:04 PM
A splash of water (not a pub splash but a tiny trickle) in single malts is essential to activate the flavour, I find a balloon shaped wine glass also helps bring out the aroma - that's how they serve in a distillery, so why no where else?
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on November 10, 2007, 03:35:07 PM
Quote from: shobet
Fact No1 - you do not drink good whisky to get pissed. It's a bar-stewarding waste. Savour every sip, that's the way to do it.

+1
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on November 10, 2007, 03:37:41 PM
Anyone want to recommend a good "first" whiskey? I've only tried Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, didnt like either.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on November 10, 2007, 03:39:10 PM
Quote from: Elliot
A splash of water (not a pub splash but a tiny trickle) in single malts is essential to activate the flavour, I find a balloon shaped wine glass also helps bring out the aroma - that's how they serve in a distillery, so why no where else?

It's a matter of taste, but I tend to start with it neat, then add a wee splash of water later on.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on November 10, 2007, 04:02:06 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Anyone want to recommend a good "first" whiskey? I've only tried Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, didnt like either.

If it's really going to be your first taste of scotch whisky, then I'd start with one of the typical blended whiskies that you might get in any pub/bar.

Blended whisky isn't generally as nice as a good single malt (though it's all a matter of taste...) but you can spend some serious money on a bottle of good single malt - especially a well aged or rare one.

FWIW, some decent single malts that aren't eye-wateringly expensive if you fancy getting a bottle:
Laphroaig 10yo (very smoky/peaty like most Islay malts, an acquired taste to some)
Glengoyne 10yo  (kinda the opposite end of the scale - unpeated, smooth tasting)
Glenturret 10yo (the first decent single malt I ever had.  Quite sharp, almost fruity aftertaste)
Glen Ord 12yo (really good example of a "medium" flavoured Highland malt)

No doubt others will disagree, but there's a few initial suggestions for you... :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 10, 2007, 04:23:04 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Anyone want to recommend a good "first" whiskey? I've only tried Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, didnt like either.

Those are bourbons.

I agree with Antag, start with a good blended whiskey, such as Jameson, which is very drinkable. Do not get fooled into drinking Jameson Gold, it's rubbish.

Redbreast is fairly common at good pubs. I would have a Jameson and then a Redbreast so you can fully appreciate the texture of a pure still whiskey.

Try a better Johnny Walker, too. They are very smooth and flavourful.

While not disagreeing with Antag, whose choices for single malts are all excellent, my recommendation in the 10-12yr category would be either Balvenie or The Macallan. I prefer a sweeter finish on my scotch, which the Balvenie has in spades, and that last whisp of vanilla you get is as adicting as it is sweet!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on November 10, 2007, 06:30:46 PM
A very good blend available in Odd Bins or Somerfield in Baillie Nicol Jarvie (BNJ) - it has almost single malt quality

Teachers is a nice smooth blend to start with - and available in small bottles.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: plastercaster on November 10, 2007, 08:39:31 PM
Quote from: blue
anyway, surprisingly, whisky of the night turned out to be Yamazaki Single Malt 10 years.  a fabulously drinkable whisky, and straight out of Japan!!

Did you find an inexplicable tendancy for the whiskey to taste better as the night went on?

To quote seasick steve
"the first half o' the bottle tastes like sh*t, but the second half... tastes alright"
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on November 10, 2007, 11:06:59 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Anyone want to recommend a good "first" whiskey? I've only tried Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, didnt like either.


Those aren't whiskies they are drinks you give to people who you don't like when they visit!

As for a first one, hmmm, I'd say it depends on what you can afford and what you'd class as expensive. I don't know what your tastes are, what I may find pleasing you may find harsh and unpalatable.

My advice to you would be to find a very good whisky shop, go in there and explain to them you are looking at getting into whisky but are unsure as to what your tastes are. If they are worth their salt, there will be some sample bottles there. Try some and see what you think. Just remember to get there by bus or get the wife to drive.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: WezV on November 11, 2007, 12:46:53 AM
nah - jim beam is a great 'getting drunk' drink.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: blue on November 11, 2007, 04:26:45 AM
Quote from: plastercaster
Quote from: blue
anyway, surprisingly, whisky of the night turned out to be Yamazaki Single Malt 10 years.  a fabulously drinkable whisky, and straight out of Japan!!

Did you find an inexplicable tendancy for the whiskey to taste better as the night went on?

To quote seasick steve
"the first half o' the bottle tastes like sh*t, but the second half... tastes alright"


i know exactly what you mean, that's why some people drink Tenants!!  but no, we were actually quite sober when we started on the whiskys, and we really did find the Yamazaki to be very good.  others may disagree, it's certainly not something with a definate right and wrong answer!  but we really enjoyed it.  and we weren't drinking it to get drunk, that's what the Heinekin was for tonight!!! :P
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: blue on November 11, 2007, 04:30:00 AM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: _tom_
Anyone want to recommend a good "first" whiskey? I've only tried Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, didnt like either.

Those are bourbons.

I agree with Antag, start with a good blended whiskey, such as Jameson, which is very drinkable.


Jameson is my general go to whiskey, (and yes it's got the irish e!!!)

much better than Bushmills (which i just don't like) and it's common enough to not feel guilty about having it in a hot whiskey! ( which is almost an art in itself)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 11, 2007, 10:56:19 PM
Tonight I switched it up and had some brilliant vodka, Imperia, from Russia. If you've never had Imperia, I highly recommend it!

I keep  bottles of Imperia, Russian Standard, Grey Goose, and Belvedere  chilling in my fridge at all times. Thrown into a glass with ice and ginger ale makes one of the most refreshing (and potent) drinks known to man!!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: WezV on November 11, 2007, 11:03:00 PM
Ah well if we are going onto vodka i have to speak out for bison grass stuff.  Its very smooth and slightly spicy, nice straight but it also goes incredibly well with apple juice... nice fruit based drink for the ladies!!  I tried normal vodka with apple juice after this and it was sickeningly bad
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on November 11, 2007, 11:04:15 PM
Just the smell of vodka is enough to make me feel sick :lol: Maybe its because I've only ever had the cheap brands, its horrible stuff.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: noodleplugerine on November 11, 2007, 11:07:27 PM
Quote from: WezV
Ah well if we are going onto vodka i have to speak out for bison grass stuff.  Its very smooth and slightly spicy, nice straight but it also goes incredibly well with apple juice... nice fruit based drink for the ladies!!  I tried normal vodka with apple juice after this and it was sickeningly bad

Definetly Bison.

Polish Vodka is FAR better than Russian.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 12, 2007, 12:14:54 AM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Polish Vodka is FAR better than Russian.


Ah, such a sweeping statement!
Either (a) you're Polish, or (b) you're very young.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Will on November 12, 2007, 12:19:17 AM
Used to love the stuff, but then in YR9 there was a fateful latin lesson which I was drunk in, and was sick on the teacher.  Haven't touched it since. 3 days suspension   8)

Don't think it was anything fancy, maybe bells, or glenmorange

then in YR11, vodka struck, and haven't touched that since neither. broke my nose twice that day, and got a day internal suspension  :(

Maybe if I were to try some of this nice whiskey  :twisted:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 12, 2007, 09:04:24 AM
Quote from: shobet
Fact No1 - you do not drink good whisky to get pissed. It's a bar-stewarding waste. Savour every sip, that's the way to do it.


That's true.  I only tend to get drunk on bottles that I don't really like.  Well, I wouldn't actually like anyone to hold me to that statement.  It's a general rule.

Quote from: shobet
It doesn't help living just down the road from this place in Leek http://www.wineandwhisky.com/ , dangerous for the credit card.


Ah cr@p, now you've done it.  May have to pay a visit next time I'm in Buxton.  Or could send the in laws for my christmas pressie.  :D

Quote from: shobet
Lagavulin


Forgot about that, my mate bought a bottle round a couple of weeks ago, very nice I must say.

Tom - Stay away from Bells and Teachers - IT'S JUST NOT WHISKY.  The St Andrews that I was on about earlier was what made me take to whisky, very smooth.....and easy to spot in a pub.

As for Vodka, never drink it neat but got to go with my kinsmen over in Sweden.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on November 12, 2007, 03:02:09 PM
I just got a bottle of ron "Cacique Antiguo" limited edition, and a "Pampero Aniversario" Reserva Exclusiva, both at the top of their class. Must have pure and enjoy the same way a good scotch is enjoyed. Me love that Macallan(tried the 12-18-25 recently), Oban and Abelour, in fact love all scotch damn!!!. Happy days!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Simon D on November 12, 2007, 03:51:00 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Just the smell of vodka is enough to make me feel sick :lol: Maybe its because I've only ever had the cheap brands, its horrible stuff.


I reckon that'll be the reason - I used to feel the same about vodka, based soley on the cheap-ass paint stripper my friends and I used to buy to get hammered when we were 15/16. Once you try something decent, Grey Goose for example, you may find your opinion changes. Mine certainly did.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: noodleplugerine on November 12, 2007, 04:41:25 PM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Polish Vodka is FAR better than Russian.


Ah, such a sweeping statement!
Either (a) you're Polish, or (b) you're very young.


You reply to one sweeping statement with another sweeping statement? :D
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 12, 2007, 04:50:17 PM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Polish Vodka is FAR better than Russian.


Ah, such a sweeping statement!
Either (a) you're Polish, or (b) you're very young.


You reply to one sweeping statement with another sweeping statement? :D

Hehe. Irony's a b!tch!! :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: gwEm on November 12, 2007, 06:18:24 PM
vodka's a gwEm drink ;)

try adding some pieces of baltic amber to a bottle, and leaving it for a few months. the amber dissolves slowly and the taste is amazing... not generally into flavoured vodkas, but this one is a bit more mature.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 12, 2007, 08:04:36 PM
Tom, I've found J&B (Justerini & Brooks) to be a great blended Whisky, much nicer than than most you get on pub optics. It's around 14-15 quid in most 'offys.

Polish vodka is exactly that, used for buffing up furniture!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: maverickf1jockey on November 12, 2007, 08:17:35 PM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Polish Vodka is FAR better than Russian.


Ah, such a sweeping statement!
Either (a) you're Polish, or (b) you're very young.


You reply to one sweeping statement with another sweeping statement? :D

Hehe. Irony's a b!tch!! :)
you Americans: always trying to cover your arses :wink:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: headtheball on November 12, 2007, 08:18:22 PM
Zubrowka Vodka's pretty good, now. Me brother goes over to Poland pretty frequently, and it costs nothing there.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Philly Q on November 12, 2007, 09:25:57 PM
Quote from: gwEm
try adding some pieces of baltic amber to a bottle, and leaving it for a few months. the amber dissolves slowly and the taste is amazing...

I'll remember that.  I never know what to do with those pesky bits of baltic amber I always have lying around...  



(Sorry.  :oops: )
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: WezV on November 12, 2007, 10:24:08 PM
how about adding another drink to the thread.

i am just polishing off a bottle of this

http://www.2020wines.com/?content=store&product=1030152297

Gotta love a good sake- strangely not many people i know do!!!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 12, 2007, 10:39:37 PM
Quote from: WezV
Gotta love a good sake- strangely not many people i know do!!!!

It's a strange drink because most people equate it with being overly sweet, which it can be. There are sakes that taste just like gin, however.

There's a great sake bar here in NYC, decibel.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: genocidal tendencies on November 13, 2007, 12:47:56 AM
I don't usually get on with single malts. Spending £20+ on a bottle is a bit depressing when you have one glass and give it away because you don't like it. Only one I've tried and liked is Aberlour. Drink my fair share of Bells the other end of pay day, though.

And no, getting drunk off whisky is really not a good idea. Did it once with a bottle of Glenlivet (that I'd bought for the fancy box) which I had to shot because it was disgusting and it's just not good for you.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: gwEm on November 13, 2007, 12:27:11 PM
Quote from: Philly Q
Quote from: gwEm
try adding some pieces of baltic amber to a bottle, and leaving it for a few months. the amber dissolves slowly and the taste is amazing...

I'll remember that.  I never know what to do with those pesky bits of baltic amber I always have lying around...  



(Sorry.  :oops: )


 :lol:

but if you were on holiday in lithuania or estonia, you could just pick some off the beach... and buy the vodka too.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on November 13, 2007, 12:33:33 PM
I only just discovered rum and coke a few nights ago - Sailor Jerrys is so nice. Expensive though :(

edit - Johnny, which J&B is it? Theres 2 on thedrinkshop.com, "6*c" and "Rare".
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 13, 2007, 06:35:50 PM
Quote from: _tom_
I only just discovered rum and coke a few nights ago - Sailor Jerrys is so nice. Expensive though :(

edit - Johnny, which J&B is it? Theres 2 on thedrinkshop.com, "6*c" and "Rare".


The rare one, which isn't rare at all, it's all over the world! It's the yellow label with J&B in red, quite a famous trade mark.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: 38thBeatle on November 13, 2007, 06:40:59 PM
When they say "rare" they mean it is rare to find it unavailable.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 13, 2007, 07:22:46 PM
Quote from: 38thBeatle
When they say "rare" they mean it is rare to find it unavailable.


 :lol:  :lol:

How's it going Steve?
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on November 13, 2007, 08:25:26 PM
Are we onto Rum yet?  Did Tom mention Rum?  Being an old sailor I love Rum - what's your view on Rum?
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: maverickf1jockey on November 13, 2007, 09:24:43 PM
Quote from: Elliot
Are we onto Rum yet?  Did Tom mention Rum?  Being an old sailor I love Rum - what's your view on Rum?
Mount Gay (that is not a verb by the way) is proper rum as opposed to Barcardi.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 13, 2007, 09:38:56 PM
Sure, why the hell not talk about rum? I'm not discriminatory! :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: maverickf1jockey on November 13, 2007, 09:48:07 PM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Sure, why the hell not talk about rum? I'm not discriminatory! :)
In that case can we also play around with Schnapps; specifically Slivovitch; an eastern-European plum-based product I found out about in Serbia. It is essentially like having a vocal warmup in a glass. It is really good stuff so try to find some if you ever end up out there.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 13, 2007, 09:54:27 PM
Quote from: maverickf1jockey
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Sure, why the hell not talk about rum? I'm not discriminatory! :)
In that case can we also play around with Schnapps; specifically Slivovitch; an eastern-European plum-based product I found out about in Serbia. It is essentially like having a vocal warmup in a glass. It is really good stuff so try to find some if you ever end up out there.

I have Austrian friends that always bring me local schnapps from little towns that are made from all sorts of local flora. Everyone of em has tasted like distilled dirt thus far!! PDT_008
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on November 13, 2007, 11:18:56 PM
As to Rum - here are my faves:

Goslings Black Seal (from Bermuda - pure classy rum, but £35 a bottle)
Havana Club 15 year old (from, guess, Cuba)
Capn Morgan Spiced Rum (not premium or particularly good, but I still love the taste)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on November 14, 2007, 12:09:38 AM
As I said before, Sailor Jerry's is my favourite so far, because it goes down so easily :D Captain Morgan isnt bad either :)

I just want to try Mount Gay rum because it sounds funny.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: WezV on November 14, 2007, 08:36:28 AM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

I have Austrian friends that always bring me local schnapps from little towns that are made from all sorts of local flora. Everyone of em has tasted like distilled dirt thus far!! PDT_008


i had a 'clear the half empty bottle from the drinks stash' night round at my friends the othernight.  Unsurprisingly there were 3 or 4 opened but not finished bottles of schnapps.  I had some strawberry that tasted exactly like watermelon - i thought that was a neat trick :D
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 14, 2007, 08:57:38 AM
Scnapps is good, reminds me of a couple of days before christmas at my folks house (we've normally polished off most of the booze by christmas eve and have to get more).

I think that out of spirits, the only thing that I'm not into Gin.  Never really got on with it. Although Pimms is lovely.  Could quite easily drink a bottle if I had 2 bottles of lemonade.  Hadn't tried it until last year.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Jonesy76 on November 14, 2007, 09:00:28 AM
Lambs Navy Rum is superb stuff :D

Although we used to have some stuff on the RNLI that was dubbed "Crew Medicine"........It was nameless and the Coxswain used to give us all a big ladle full after a call out.  God knows how strong it was, but you sure weren't cold after you'd taken it :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on November 14, 2007, 09:43:10 AM
I think that might have been 'special ration' government rum that would be handed out to seamen (note the spelling children) after a night watch on deck - it was pretty much proof stuff, not really a c--ktail lounge drink :D

Sailor Jerry's is great, I agree.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 14, 2007, 01:36:08 PM
Quote from: ToneMonkey
I think that out of spirits, the only thing that I'm not into Gin.  Never really got on with it. Although Pimms is lovely.  

You haven't had the right gin, that's why. You need to drink hand-batched gin to really see what it's all about. Try Juniper Bush and Hendrick's, and you will change your opinion of gin!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 14, 2007, 04:25:19 PM
Dunno, I've tried a few and they were all bloody horrible..... and then people put tonic water in it  PDT_029

Two wrongs dont make a right
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: blue on November 14, 2007, 04:30:38 PM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: ToneMonkey
I think that out of spirits, the only thing that I'm not into Gin.  Never really got on with it. Although Pimms is lovely.  

You haven't had the right gin, that's why. You need to drink hand-batched gin to really see what it's all about. Try Juniper Bush and Hendrick's, and you will change your opinion of gin!


you really seem to know your drink!! do you live in a constant state of mild inebriation? ;)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 14, 2007, 06:26:45 PM
Quote from: blue
you really seem to know your drink!! do you live in a constant state of mild inebriation? ;)


LOL  who, meeeeee???  :roll:

It's the combination of the fact that my day gig puts me in constant contact with NY's intelligencia/uber rich and knowing a thing or two about the finer things in life goes a long way towards schmoozing clients combined with the fact that I love to drink and don't like cheapass booze!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Davey on November 14, 2007, 06:49:55 PM
the ONLY way to drink schnapps is with hot tea. fruity flavours work best.

take it from me. i know :D
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 14, 2007, 07:13:32 PM
Quote from: Davey
the ONLY way to drink schnapps is with hot tea. fruity flavours work best.

take it from me. i know :D

Blueberry tea = awesome.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: maverickf1jockey on November 14, 2007, 07:40:20 PM
Quote from: ToneMonkey
Dunno, I've tried a few and they were all bloody horrible..... and then people put tonic water in it  PDT_029

Two wrongs dont make a right
Tonic water is my drink of choice in Indian restaurants and at school. Don't knock it.
I once drank a whole 3l bottle of it going up a hill in France.
I love Lidl; it's great for tonic water.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: blue on November 14, 2007, 07:41:06 PM
is that IN the tea, or in a seperate glass?  might seem a dumb question but schnapps isn't that common around these parts.

although Buckfast fortified wine is quite popular! (not with me i hasten to add!)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Davey on November 14, 2007, 08:05:23 PM
in the tea, inside the tea. in the heaviest, deepest most brutal part of the cup. the marian..... oh, wait.. wrong scene  :P


if we're discussing alcoholic beverages in general now, another favourite of mine is 'glow wine' (i dont really know how to properly translate the name). it doesnt really glow, but it's wine, some water, sugar, cinamon, bit of lemon and bla bla.. found the recipe:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Gluehwein/Detail.aspx (just want to add, the bottle should be 1 liter, preferably stronger that 10%)
another recipe is, mix everything together heat it until it steams, just dont let it boil.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on November 15, 2007, 11:40:32 AM
I've never understood mixing anything with tonic water, by itself its bad enough, but usually with a mixer you try to enhance the flavour, surely?

I tried some c--ktail thing involving gin last night called a Long Island Iced tea or something, it was soo nice, even if it is a bit girly :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: DeanS on November 15, 2007, 12:25:48 PM
Hey, don't start me on the Gin & Tonics! :twisted:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: WezV on November 15, 2007, 01:47:40 PM
Quote from: _tom_
I've never understood mixing anything with tonic water, by itself its bad enough, but usually with a mixer you try to enhance the flavour, surely?

I tried some c--ktail thing involving gin last night called a Long Island Iced tea or something, it was soo nice, even if it is a bit girly :lol:


long island iced tea aint a girls drink - should have 4 or more shots in it and when they get it right its an excellent drink.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: indysmith on November 15, 2007, 02:04:54 PM
i got a pitcher of it a few days ago when my mate was working behind the bar. he made it SO damn strong, i got DESTROYED.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 15, 2007, 02:07:42 PM
Quote from: _tom_
I tried some c--ktail thing involving gin last night called a Long Island Iced tea or something, it was soo nice, even if it is a bit girly :lol:


WRONG. Thanks for playing! ;)

While I don't care for LI Iced Tea, that is not a girly drink. After 3-4 of those, I would like to see you try to play guitar!! :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 15, 2007, 02:08:21 PM
Quote from: indysmith
i got a pitcher of it a few days ago when my mate was working behind the bar. he made it SO damn strong, i got DESTROYED.

If you only got destroyed, I guess you didn't drink the entire pitcher! Unless by destroyed you mean sh!tfaced!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on November 15, 2007, 02:14:15 PM
Quote from: indysmith
i got a pitcher of it a few days ago when my mate was working behind the bar. he made it SO damn strong, i got DESTROYED.


haha I did that as well, knowing people who work at the bar is always a good thing. I guess I meant it sounds girly :lol:

Think my alcohol tolerance has built up too much since I got to uni though, it seems to take more and more to get drunk :(
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 15, 2007, 02:55:58 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Think my alcohol tolerance has built up too much since I got to uni though, it seems to take more and more to get drunk :(

Increased drinking, diet, and body mass all attribute to tolerance.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 15, 2007, 06:35:05 PM
A VAT isn't bad for a short and mixer, I'm not too struck on anything too sweet. I rarely have it now though. I like a Scotch too much. I did an A/B test with a 12y Balvenie and a Jamesons last year. It's such a big difference. Jamesons, which I realy liked tasted horrible in comparison.

Got to agree about Lamb's Navy Rum. Not really tried much else apart from Captain Morgan.

Gin. I'm kind of getting there with it, I had a posh one once, Tangerey which is very different from a Gordons. It's got a very bitter taste. Bombay Saphire is supposed to be good but I'm no expert.

Austrian Schnapps. Tried a fair few of those on some Ski holidays. Got so drunk I couldn't tell you much about them except they tasted nice and blow your head off!

Any one tried Grappa? Raki? Ouzo? PDT_047   :wink:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on November 15, 2007, 06:55:47 PM
I used to live with an Italian - so grappa was on the menu, not my thing really - I preferred limoncello.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 15, 2007, 07:29:04 PM
I have a wonderful California grappo at home. (Don't recall the vineyard, though) As a dessert drink, along with chocolate, it is one of the ultimate desserts you will ever have!!

Johnny: Tangueray is very good gin; Bombay Sapphire is one step above bathtub gin, but is a real 'tough guy' drink here in NYC.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 15, 2007, 07:43:59 PM
A tough guy drink, wow!  :D You drink it virtually neat out there!

Lemoncello, I've had that a few times, it's like a lolly!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: DeanS on November 15, 2007, 07:45:32 PM
Tanqueray- oh yes now we're talking-makes the best G&T's
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: blue on November 15, 2007, 08:28:17 PM
Quote from: Johnny Mac


Any one tried Grappa? Raki? Ouzo? PDT_047   :wink:


tried all those, didn't like the Grappa, can't remember much about the Ouzo! :oops:  had a fair bit of Raki in Crete a couple of years ago, sometimes it was great, sometimes it was like drinking petrol!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Brow on November 15, 2007, 11:20:30 PM
Anyone interested in buying a bottle of Green Spot?

It's far too good for a Jack n Coke drinker like me  :roll:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on November 16, 2007, 08:18:56 AM
On the same line a grappa - I had a friend from Chile and he drank Pisco by the gallon - I don't remember much of that . . . but I didn't like it . . .
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 16, 2007, 09:45:47 AM
Grogue from Cape Verde.  Made from 100% sugar cane and is about 45%.  Just don't smell it before you drink it...... Infact don't drink it, only found one person that actually likes it and he's generally renowned for being a bit crazy.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 16, 2007, 08:54:26 PM
Quote from: blue
Quote from: Johnny Mac


Any one tried Grappa? Raki? Ouzo? PDT_047   :wink:


tried all those, didn't like the Grappa, can't remember much about the Ouzo! :oops:  had a fair bit of Raki in Crete a couple of years ago, sometimes it was great, sometimes it was like drinking petrol!!


Ouzo is nasty isn't it!  :lol:

Now Raki I found the same as you it seems! The resturants give it to you and it depends where you go for how it tastes.

I found myself pondering like a ponderer in front of whisky tonight in Sainsburys. I'm tempted because of this thread to go for a Highland Malt.
I've still got some of last years pressies unfinished, but there not as nice as the nice ones!  :roll:

Saw The Macallan that got this baby started

Hmmm....
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on November 16, 2007, 09:03:48 PM
^ Do it!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Kilby on November 16, 2007, 09:59:36 PM
Personally I'm a great fan of a nice Calvados (apple brandy) the only problem is finding a nice one (as most of what you come across in the UK anyway is only for cooking with)

Ouzo is ok, and but Citron is much nicer (http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/homecitrusgrowers/naxos.htm) and the Greek should publicise it more.

For lethality there is Absinthe which is actually nice if you go the whole hog with the sugar & slotted spoon, but horrible otherwise

I'm sorry to say that if you like gin you should probably avoid the Dutch incarnation as it reminds me of the time I had to syphon diesel from my fuel tank :(
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Crazy_Joe on November 16, 2007, 11:09:10 PM
Quote from: Kilby
For lethality there is Absinthe which is actually nice if you go the whole hog with the sugar & slotted spoon, but horrible otherwise


I love that stuff!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: indysmith on November 17, 2007, 09:12:55 AM
Quote from: Crazy_Joe
Quote from: Kilby
For lethality there is Absinthe which is actually nice if you go the whole hog with the sugar & slotted spoon, but horrible otherwise


I love that stuff!

it destroys my body and my soul :cry:  :cry:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on November 30, 2007, 06:19:11 PM
Mum got me some Captain Morgans original rum for my birthday. Is it just me or does it taste really similar to Jack Daniels (then again I havent had JD for ages so I may be wrong, thats just what it reminds me of)? I didnt like it with coke, but its so nice with 7up/sprite/other lemon+lime fizzy drink. Hoping to get some Sailor Jerrys spicedfor xmas, as I remember it being much nicer than this 'Morgans (though could be the lack of spice?)

edit - turns out that sainsburys apple and blackcurrant squash with a shot of captain morgan original rum is the best drink ever.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on December 07, 2007, 07:52:45 PM
Right back to the whisky, I dug out all (well most) of mine and got them together for a group shot.

So For those of you into your whisky then behold a very nice sight.

Group shot
(http://www.freaky-geeky.com/whisky/1%20001.jpg)

Some close ups of my babies.
(http://www.freaky-geeky.com/whisky/1%20003.jpg)
(http://www.freaky-geeky.com/whisky/1%20004.jpg)
(http://www.freaky-geeky.com/whisky/1%20005.jpg)

And finally the proud father.
(http://www.freaky-geeky.com/whisky/1%20002.jpg)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on December 07, 2007, 08:20:47 PM
And the winner is.......
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: 38thBeatle on December 08, 2007, 12:14:04 AM
I vote we all go to Shobet's and "help" him  "test" them.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Adam.M on December 08, 2007, 12:19:52 AM
Hmm, so where does Southern Comfort come into this whole spirits thing?

It's the only one I've bought and liked enough to buy again so far... though I do mix it.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: blue on December 08, 2007, 12:46:42 AM
i like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mug!

and i WOULD drink whisky out of it!! :D
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: donovan.x on December 08, 2007, 11:24:57 AM
I have got a bottle of Makers Mark bourban stashed away for christmas...I am very excited about trying it. :D  :D  :D
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on December 08, 2007, 01:07:06 PM
it is a very nice bourbon indeed.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on December 08, 2007, 02:16:11 PM
Enjoy the Makers!

Very nice, but very played out here in the US.

You should also pick up some Woodford Reserve if you can find it.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on December 18, 2007, 12:07:58 AM
Any hints to a beginner in Whiskey???
In deed I've drunk it only 3 or 4 times, and never liked it... but I didn't like beer when I was 12yo and now I like  :D

(Ok, just something less than £30,00 and easy to find... I live in Brazil and here it's not so much drunked as beer and wine, because it's expensive)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on December 18, 2007, 01:44:34 AM
Quote from: FernandoEsteves
Any hints to a beginner in Whiskey???
In deed I've drunk it only 3 or 4 times, and never liked it... but I didn't like beer when I was 12yo and now I like  :D

(Ok, just something less than £30,00 and easy to find... I live in Brazil and here it's not so much drunked as beer and wine, because it's expensive)

Jameson or Johnny Walker Black. Both are very drinkable and taste good on the rocks as well as mixed with Coke.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: sambo on December 18, 2007, 11:39:33 AM
This thread shows what guitar-playing adults are REALLY into...

One of the longest running threads in history and it's about whiskey!


 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on December 18, 2007, 11:53:30 AM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Jameson or Johnny Walker Black. Both are very drinkable and taste good on the rocks as well as mixed with Coke.


Ok then! Thank you!  :D
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on December 18, 2007, 04:58:55 PM
Well.. I didn't found the Jameson in the store near home, so I've bought tha Grand Old Parr 12y... Tonight I'll start the classes =)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 18, 2007, 06:24:01 PM
Shobet, what's that one marked 1982? That's a nice stash you have, any favorites?
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: headtheball on December 18, 2007, 06:51:40 PM
I've been on the hot Jamesons all week, originally for the cold, now, just because I can.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Kilby on December 19, 2007, 09:39:45 AM
Quote from: headtheball
I've been on the hot Jamesons all week, originally for the cold, now, just because I can.


Hot Bushmills (with diversiond to to Jamesons & Powers), to keep the pain from my abcess under control (2 root canals in 1 week)

I think I will switch to Brandy for the next couple of days
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 19, 2007, 05:25:40 PM
Quote from: Kilby
Quote from: headtheball
I've been on the hot Jamesons all week, originally for the cold, now, just because I can.


Hot Bushmills (with diversiond to to Jamesons & Powers), to keep the pain from my abcess under control (2 root canals in 1 week)

I think I will switch to Brandy for the next couple of days


That sounds nasty! Been there myself. I hope your not suffering over Christmas mate.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on December 26, 2007, 11:43:58 AM
Quote from: Johnny Mac
Shobet, what's that one marked 1982? That's a nice stash you have, any favorites?


The 1982 one is a Queen of the Moorlands special bottling from the Port Ellen distillery, No. 90 out of a 119. A birthday present from my other half, bless her.

Favourites, hmm that's a difficult one. If I had to pick at the moment it would be the 15 year old Laphroaig Signatory Un-chill filtered edition, which I'm down to an inch of. ARGHHHHHHHHHH!

But they're all nice in different ways. It's great fun finding out!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Kilby on December 26, 2007, 03:36:57 PM
Quote from: Johnny Mac

Hot Bushmills (with diversiond to to Jamesons & Powers), to keep the pain from my abcess under control (2 root canals in 1 week)

I think I will switch to Brandy for the next couple of days


That sounds nasty! Been there myself. I hope your not suffering over Christmas mate.

Heh everything is under control in the tooth dept (though the dentist is laughing all the way to the bank).

Have been laying off the whiskey the last few days and have switched to mead which I have to say is excellent, but way too easy to drink.

Obligatory link http://www.lindisfarne-mead.co.uk/ and they will be tetting some more of my money tomorrow :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on December 29, 2007, 09:42:40 PM
I dont suppose you people count Southern Comfort as a "real" whiskey, but I've been drinking it the past few days and I really like it, much sweeter than JD and Jim Beam which is probably why I like it, doesnt taste so paint-stripperesque :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: genocidal tendencies on December 30, 2007, 05:23:33 AM
^I'd take the quotes out, let alone a whisky it's not even a spirit. Good stuff though, if a bit sugary.

Have unfortunately discovered a taste for malts recently. Proving to be quite an expensive one, and I haven't even looked beyond supermarket level yet. Particular favourites are glengoyne and royal lochnagar.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Henk on December 30, 2007, 10:46:19 AM
I have found myself being unable to 'really' appreciate the subtle differences in whiskey being a smoker. Also i am a grape drinker and not as much a wheat drinker, so i am more the cognac kind of guy or a good bottle of wine offcourse.

Actually i even like the eau-de-vie(unmatured cognac) and schnapps even more, it has a young and fruity quality i think is very nice.

I do drink whisky at times and just a simple Jameson is fine with me. Often i am more happy with less taste than more, who wants to know what soaking in an oak cask tastes like anyway........  :roll:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on December 30, 2007, 12:34:07 PM
Quote from: genocidal tendencies
Have unfortunately discovered a taste for malts recently. Proving to be quite an expensive one, and I haven't even looked beyond supermarket level yet.

Yes, it can get a bit out of hand.  I realised that mine was out of control when I found myself seriously considering paying £185 for a bottle of 32yo Glenrothes that had been distilled in 1972 (year of my birth) & bottled in 2004 (year of my wedding) :lol: (no, I didn't buy it ;))
Quote from: genocidal tendencies
Particular favourites are glengoyne and royal lochnagar.

Glengoyne 17yo is my absolute favourite scotch of all.  Absolutely gorgeous.

I had a good Christmas for whisky - received a Glenlivet 18yo & Cardhu 12yo as presents :)
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: genocidal tendencies on December 30, 2007, 07:49:57 PM
^got my dad a glengoyne 17 for christmas, he's up here in a couple of days so it's still sitting on my desk, mocking me while I finish off my 10yo bottle so I can justify buying one for myself.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Kilby on December 30, 2007, 08:14:39 PM
Quote from: genocidal tendencies
^I'd take the quotes out, let alone a whisky it's not even a spirit. Good stuff though, if a bit sugary.


Tis a spirit, though it's only grain spirit (as in the cr@p used in alchopops), with whiskey (and asstd other) flavourings & sugar. However I find it does work well on ice.

Southern Comfort Special reserve is based on a Bourbon though (5 or 6 year old I think), but still too sweet.

If I'm going for sweet (at the end of a meal or evening) I tend to switch to liqueurs such as Drambuie or Glayva
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: genocidal tendencies on December 31, 2007, 05:28:27 AM
^it's a liquer itself, is it not? Don't have a bottle to hand...
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Henk on December 31, 2007, 10:45:38 AM
Bourbon(or USA made whiskEy) base is (partly) destilled from corn which has that sweet taste, wheat or malt whiskeys have a more sharp flavour.

Note that they also destill ethanol car fuel from fermented corn, so unless you are a car i suggest you should leave the bourbon or tennessee(so also jack daniels) stuff for what it is, carfuel. :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 31, 2007, 12:30:41 PM
I got a bottle of Glenmorangie as a present. Also I'm going to try my best at giving up cigarettes as a present to myself. After cutting down to around 2-3 a day for the last month I've now not had one for 48 hours. I've got to say it feels good!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Kilby on December 31, 2007, 12:38:28 PM
Quote from: Henk

Note that they also destill ethanol car fuel from fermented corn, so unless you are a car i suggest you should leave the bourbon or tennessee(so also jack daniels) stuff for what it is, carfuel. :lol:


TBH I havn't found an American whiskey that I like (I can tolerate JD in Coke if it's on expenses), but I am prepared to continue with the quest :)

Personally I prefer Irish whiskeys (something to do with geography) ;)

I'm not sure what people count as spirits or liqueurs but, where I come from a liqueurs are some form of proper spirit such as brandy, whisky and the like with additional favourings (herb, fruit etc) and usually sweetened (with sugar or honey).

Any distilled alcohol can be counted as a spirit, such as methylated spirits (wood alcohol to the US contingent) aka methanol, or surgical alcohol (ethanol).

For anybody (other than the large corporations trying to claim some form of credibility) liquers would tend to rule out products using the generic ethanol used in alcopops and Southern Comfort. It's OK for getting drunk, but all you are tasting is the after thought

Perhaps I'm a bit of a drinks snob, but if I am paying for a drink I want to taste a real flavour not some fruit juice and sugar

/rant off
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Henk on December 31, 2007, 01:36:16 PM
Quote from: Kilby
Quote from: Henk

Note that they also destill ethanol car fuel from fermented corn, so unless you are a car i suggest you should leave the bourbon or tennessee(so also jack daniels) stuff for what it is, carfuel. :lol:


TBH I havn't found an American whiskey that I like (I can tolerate JD in Coke if it's on expenses), but I am prepared to continue with the quest :)

Personally I prefer Irish whiskeys (something to do with geography) ;)

I'm not sure what people count as spirits or liqueurs but, where I come from a liqueurs are some form of proper spirit such as brandy, whisky and the like with additional favourings (herb, fruit etc) and usually sweetened (with sugar or honey).

Any distilled alcohol can be counted as a spirit, such as methylated spirits (wood alcohol to the US contingent) aka methanol, or surgical alcohol (ethanol).

For anybody (other than the large corporations trying to claim some form of credibility) liquers would tend to rule out products using the generic ethanol used in alcopops and Southern Comfort. It's OK for getting drunk, but all you are tasting is the after thought

Perhaps I'm a bit of a drinks snob, but if I am paying for a drink I want to taste a real flavour not some fruit juice and sugar

/rant off


Im not a snob, i just want the best bang for my buck :wink:

Im a fan of the irish whisky also. I came to Jameson as a gift from a friend who knows his drink and said it was the best 'budget' whisky there was.

The difference between the irish whiskys and the scottisch ones is that it is distilled three times instead of two, which makes it taste more pure and simple and certainly alot less sweet IMO. Also Jameson is the best selling whisky worldwide, probably not for nothing. Still i prefer a top quality schnapps, at least i do in the morning since i seem to suffer from headaches more when drinking wheat based alcohol. I dont drink often, but if i do i do drink :twisted:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Kilby on December 31, 2007, 02:01:17 PM
Quote from: Henk
Im not a snob, i just want the best bang for my buck :wink:

Im a fan of the irish whisky also. I came to Jameson as a gift from a friend who knows his drink and said it was the best 'budget' whisky there was.


I often have to compromise on quality myself, just to have a drink (or 5) sometimes.

Unfortunitely I have never managed to get my hands on any schnapps except the ultra sweet varieties available here :(

Still I'm hopefully off to pick up a bottle that was a private reserve single malt in a few minutes (to see in the new year this evening). Though at  20 bloody UKP I'm thinking twice about it.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: _tom_ on December 31, 2007, 06:35:09 PM
I thought Southern Comfort was just whiskey with sweet flavourings added to it, guess I was wrong :P What does Jameson taste like in comparison?

Anyway, for christmas I got a big bottle of Sailor Jerrys spiced rum and a big bottle of Morgans Spiced, they're both amazing :D I definitely prefer spiced rum to "normal", its a bit sweeter and I just think it has more flavour, I even like it by itself. Oh and Sailor Jerrys makes a satisfying pop when you uncork the bottle :lol:

Oh and we found a really old bottle of german apple schnapps in the cupboard that we got from grandmas house last January, reckon itl still be ok to drink? It looks ancient :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on December 31, 2007, 09:19:45 PM
Quote from: Henk
The difference between the irish whiskys and the scottisch ones is that it is distilled three times instead of two, which makes it taste more pure and simple and certainly a lot less sweet IMO.


There's a bit more to it than that!

I think you'll find that things such as the barley, water quality, the shape of the pot stills themselves can also effect the taste. One of the most important steps in creating my favoured taste in scotch is the peat that's used the drying of the germinating barley at certain distilleries.

The casks themselves also effect the colour and taste depending on what they were used for before having whisky matured in them. They are normally either used bourbon or sherry casks in the main but they do also use others such as port.  

Also triple distilling is not exclusive to Irish whiskey, if I remember correctly Auchentoshan is distilled three times.

Anyway I'll shut up now as I'm even boring myself...
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Philly Q on December 31, 2007, 09:34:28 PM
I've gotta say, this thread's got legs!  But it's not giving me W.A.S. in the slightest.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on January 01, 2008, 11:43:59 AM
Jamesons is filth!  :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Henk on January 01, 2008, 01:54:43 PM
Quote from: _tom_
I thought Southern Comfort was just whiskey with sweet flavourings added to it, guess I was wrong :P What does Jameson taste like in comparison?



I would be glad to answer it if i could remember the taste of SC.....

I personally think Jameson is a very smooth drinking whiskey, not really sweet, has a bit of a sharp after taste(all good whiskeys have that i think), not too woody and it think it isnt that smoky also but being a smoker i could be very wrong about that one.

I also just love the body of it in a good crystal tumbler, just perfect IMO.

For the more detailed taste discription i bet there are others that can do a much better job at it, i would personaly say it has a bit of a nutty flavour also but not that obvious.

Ahwell anyway, i drink it, i dont do sipping :lol:

Oh yeah, Jamesons does suck..... the morning after! :lol:
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 01, 2008, 08:49:34 PM
Time for this baby to be revived!

I bought a bottle of Ardbeg in the supermarket for 22 quid. Holy cow this stuff is big on flavour! It's an Islay Single Malt with a massive dose of peat and smoke. The smell is gorgeous. Just what a hard working bloke needs after a 12 hour day in the big smoke with a 32 tonne truck to block out the LESBO situation!!

Long live our forum!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on April 01, 2008, 10:04:59 PM
This weekend past I saw something I'd never seen before at my local distributor: Fuller's Vintage Ale, both 2004 and 2005. I bought 5 bottles and drank 3 of em on Sunday. I preferred the '04, but both are tremendous.

If you can track this stuff down, I highly recommend it!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on April 02, 2008, 10:04:59 AM
There's a beer called Combined Harvest.  You can buy it over here in Morrisons and Aldi.  I would highly reccommend it, but buy a few as it's very morish.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on April 02, 2008, 10:08:06 AM
I am going to a Fuller's pub tonite - hmmm London Pride . . .

My friend has moved just down the road from the Fullers brewery in Chiswick - so a trip to see him is in order I think!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: mikeluke on April 02, 2008, 10:50:36 AM
Any Costco customers out there? They do a version of Aberlour (a'bunadh) which is around 60% alcohol - puts hairs on your chest!! And it is only £23 a bottle!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 05, 2008, 09:39:33 PM
Quote from: mikeluke
Any Costco customers out there? They do a version of Aberlour (a'bunadh) which is around 60% alcohol - puts hairs on your chest!! And it is only £23 a bottle!!


Someone told me about this in The Kings Head last night. Sounds fantastic. There's a branch on the North Circular in Near Edmonton and Chingford.

I cashed in my Nectar Points and bought a bottle of Jura. It's very nice but I still get over Ardbeg. It's smells of iodine and smoke. War Juice.  :twisted:

I'm so knackered. I have had two big drinky nights on the trot. I don't know how I got up at 5:15 this morning. I fell asleep in the curry house and my mates left me there for a laugh!!  :lol:
Both with Ardbeg live-eners and Guinness.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on June 15, 2008, 01:43:27 AM
Tried that Ardbeg last night.  Fathers day present...... Wow!!! Schwing!!!! Happy fathers day!!!!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on June 15, 2008, 09:48:04 AM
Quote from: LULUSG
Tried that Ardbeg last night.  Fathers day present...... Wow!!! Schwing!!!! Happy fathers day!!!!


Welcome to the club!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on June 15, 2008, 11:32:52 AM
Quote from: LULUSG
Tried that Ardbeg last night.  Fathers day present...... Wow!!! Schwing!!!! Happy fathers day!!!!


It's fantastic isn't it! I don't want to drink any other single malts except that now!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on June 15, 2008, 01:01:43 PM
Cheers guys!!!!. Shobet!...Johnny!
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on June 16, 2008, 05:54:01 PM
Very nice whiskey indeed.  Anyone tried Cardhu, soooo smooth even my mate who doesn't normally drink whiskey has the taste for it.
Title: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on June 16, 2008, 09:49:45 PM
Quote from: ToneMonkey
Very nice whiskey indeed.  Anyone tried Cardhu, soooo smooth even my mate who doesn't normally drink whiskey has the taste for it.


I'll put it on my to try list!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on July 19, 2008, 01:48:15 PM
I like Laphroaig  and usually have plenty in stock to help me though those difficult moments but I shall look out for some of the suggestions you have come up with. Years ago I used to drink it neat but these days I add a little water to bring out the flavour.

Got a bottle of Laphroaig the other day. It's lovely!!  :D I saved some Ardbeg to do a A/B taste challange with them. The Ardbeg is the powerfull one of the two but they have very similar flavours. Both of them are very strong in taste. The Laphroaig is much smoother and so drinkable.

Any more peaty smokey iodine flavour scotches out there to try?
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Antag on July 19, 2008, 02:41:45 PM
Any more peaty smokey iodine flavour scotches out there to try?
Caol Ila is my favourite Islay malt, esp the 18yo.

Lagavulin is often talked about by those who like really peaty whisky.  Wasn't all that keen myself though (I didn't dislike it, just didn't like it enough to part with money on a bottle of my own...)
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on July 19, 2008, 02:45:33 PM
Any more peaty smokey iodine flavour scotches out there to try?
Caol Ila is my favourite Islay malt, esp the 18yo.

Lagavulin is often talked about by those who like really peaty whisky.  Wasn't all that keen myself though (I didn't dislike it, just didn't like it enough to part with money on a bottle of my own...)

Thanks Antag, I'll have to try some!  :D
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: noodleplugerine on July 19, 2008, 10:29:59 PM
Has anyone else noticed how common Jagermeister has become recently?

I used to never be able to find it anywhere, now almost all my local off licenses have started stocking it.

Not that I'm complaining!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: headtheball on July 20, 2008, 01:23:12 AM
Meanwhile. Czech Plum Brandy. Not a good idea.

Much pain. Very much pain.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on July 20, 2008, 03:27:19 PM
Had a bit left of Lagavulin this morning, very nice!... I used to do these A/B/Cing with Oban- Abelour- Macallan that was great, shifting from one to the next, with something in between, great outcome. This past week spend some time in Daytona beach, did a bit of surfing & lots of Gin&Tonic, which I have not done in 35yrs. It was great to rediscover the fountain of youth. Now back in Mississipi its all about the Ardbeg!!!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on July 26, 2008, 10:16:56 PM
We had a little gin tasting at my house last weekend --- Had Tangueray, Bombay Sapphire, Desert Juniper, Cascade Mountain, and Van Gogh. I prefer the Desert Juniper, a friend of mine preferred the Cascade Mountain. Both of em are tremendous, however.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 12, 2008, 07:11:20 PM
Whisky lovers get in Sainsburys for mammoth deals!!!

I just picked up an Ardmore Highland Single Malt, 46%, peated. It doesn't give an age but it was only 20 quid. Reduced by a tenner!

Glenmorangie is 20

Balvenie 12y is 20.

Ardbeg is 24

Laphroaig is 20

Talisker is 23

I got a Balvenie too, as its a nice mild contrast to the powerful Islay Malts that I'm into. I keep buying Ardbeg and Laphroaig. I had a double Lagavulin 16y in  pub a few weeks back to the tune of 7 quid, it nearly blew my head off, a bit of a monster!

Not tried a Bruichladdich yet. Asda were doing them for 20 last summer but I didn't get one for some reason.

Roll on Christmas!!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on December 12, 2008, 08:55:35 PM
Today is the first day I can drink booze (infected lung thing) and I have a decanter of Bruichladdich downstairs waiting for me.  Highly recommended - A definite Islay but without the cough medicine taste of Laphroig or the seaweedyness of Talisker.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 12, 2008, 09:02:39 PM
Today is the first day I can drink booze (infected lung thing) and I have a decanter of Bruichladdich downstairs waiting for me.  Highly recommended - A definite Islay but without the cough medicine taste of Laphroig or the seaweedyness of Talisker.

Sounds nice Elliot. Not tried a Bruichladdich yet. Is it nice? Glad your on the mend. My GF has got it now.
Talisker is from Skye. Ardbegs the one like smells and tastes seaweed or iodine. I think  :?
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on December 12, 2008, 09:07:33 PM
Salud!! Y Feliz Navidad!!!!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 12, 2008, 09:13:31 PM
Salud!! Y Feliz Navidad!!!!

 :lol: Ok!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: donovan.x on December 13, 2008, 07:24:21 PM
Johnny, I am looking at a bottle of Laphroig 1/4 cask for christmas, (plus a bottle of Jack for rock n roll purposes), I will post my opinion as soon as I have developed one.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 13, 2008, 08:11:33 PM
Johnny, I am looking at a bottle of Laphroig 1/4 cask for christmas, (plus a bottle of Jack for rock n roll purposes), I will post my opinion as soon as I have developed one.

Excellent!!  8)

I had a few drams of Ardmore last night, it's a good un!!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on December 13, 2008, 08:13:43 PM
That 1/4 cask is way extreme - its Laphroig's famous peaty smokey medicinal flavour x10!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: donovan.x on December 13, 2008, 08:26:30 PM
Is that good or bad?
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on December 13, 2008, 08:37:31 PM
Cheers connosieurs!!!  Read today about an scotch named "BenRiach", anybody knows or have tried this? Salud!!!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: broken cord on December 14, 2008, 12:30:37 AM
I just finnished the last dram of the Macallan 18 year, now all that is left is the old dusty 21yo.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Elliot on December 14, 2008, 12:40:38 AM
Its good, if you like that type of whisky!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: donovan.x on December 18, 2008, 07:56:11 PM
15 yr old Laphroig or 1/4 cask Laphroig? Please help me decide.   8)
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 18, 2008, 08:05:00 PM
15 yr old Laphroig or 1/4 cask Laphroig? Please help me decide.   8)

I was looking at a 1/4 cask laphroig yesterday. It did say the peatiness comes through very strong after the first flavors subside. Mind you a 15 year old sounds good too. I'd go for a 1/4 cask first to see if its stronger in peatiness than Ardbeg, which slays on all levels!  :lol: I bought another 10 year Laphroig. I bought a Macallan on Sunday and a Ardmore on Friday. I love it!  :santa:
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on December 18, 2008, 08:14:13 PM
One of my contractors bought me a bottle of grouse for Chirstams, I'm trying to drown it in Coke, but it's still bloody 'orrible.  Another one of them bought me a bottle of Glenfiddich which isn't quite so bad.  No good whisky this year...... yet  :(
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on December 18, 2008, 09:55:37 PM
One of my contractors bought me a bottle of grouse for Chirstams, I'm trying to drown it in Coke, but it's still bloody 'orrible.  Another one of them bought me a bottle of Glenfiddich which isn't quite so bad.  No good whisky this year...... yet  :(

I know what you mean. I got a bells and it's awful!  :lol:
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: donovan.x on December 19, 2008, 08:33:46 AM
Thanks for the advice Johnny, I will be going for the 1/4 cask for Christmas (and the 15 year old for new year!!).
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 22, 2009, 09:37:24 AM
Just got a new Whisky A Bruichladdich. Lovely stuff!

http://www.bruichladdich.com/wwwproduct/pdfsheets/rocks/rockstaste.pdf
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on November 22, 2009, 01:09:14 PM
Just got a new Whisky A Bruichladdich. Lovely stuff!

http://www.bruichladdich.com/wwwproduct/pdfsheets/rocks/rockstaste.pdf

You can't beat the Islay stuff. Bruichladdich is consistently good.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Philly Q on November 22, 2009, 02:45:16 PM
Christmas must be coming - this thread has risen from the grave!

(http://www.bloodee.com/userfiles/Image/infected.jpg)
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on November 22, 2009, 08:12:40 PM
Haha!! Hey tried recently the Auchentoshan! It's was really interesting!!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 24, 2009, 10:21:41 AM
Haha!! Hey tried recently the Auchentoshan! It's was really interesting!!

I think that's the minature that I just picked up (a little present from the nipper apparently). Never heard of it before whch is why I got it.  Sounds interesting  :lol:
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: lulusg on November 24, 2009, 10:05:56 PM
Excellent TM! Their 21 yrs old is suppose to be amongst the best of the lowlands. I got the three wood one which I like even though doesn't get excellent ratings. Enjoy Sir! Cheers!!
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Denim n Leather on November 25, 2009, 04:29:00 PM
I just committed a white collar crime -- stole the bottle of 12y/o Balvenie from my boss' office. He doesn't drink any more and you have to ask which is the greater crime in a situation like this !! PDT_008
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on January 19, 2010, 10:21:56 PM
I just got a bottle of Caol Ila. Ye gods this stuff is so strong! It's like Arbeg on steroids. I'm getting quite into it.  :D
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: MDV on January 19, 2010, 10:28:10 PM
I just got a bottle of Caol Ila. Ye gods this stuff is so strong! It's like Arbeg on steroids. I'm getting quite into it.  :D

I love caol ila. Beautifull stuff. The 18 year old is in my top 5 scotches, maybe in first place. Nothing in the least shabby about the 12 year either. Top 10 for sure.

About the laphroaig talk - personally I rank them

10yr cask strength
10yr
15 year

For some reason I find the 15 a bit bland.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on January 19, 2010, 10:32:55 PM
I just got a bottle of Caol Ila. Ye gods this stuff is so strong! It's like Arbeg on steroids. I'm getting quite into it.  :D

I love caol ila. Beautifull stuff. The 18 year old is in my top 5 scotches, maybe in first place. Nothing in the least shabby about the 12 year either. Top 10 for sure.

About the laphroaig talk - personally I rank them

10yr cask strength
10yr
15 year

For some reason I find the 15 a bit bland.

I'm finding it not so fierce on the palette now andit is a great tasting Whisky.

Laphroaig is a great taste. I've only had the 10yr and the quarter cask. I'm still yet  to try a cask strength of any type, or should I say, 'Expression' :lol:
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on January 19, 2010, 10:56:51 PM
You really need to try some of the independent bottlings. They will give you a much better appreciation of the differences between distilleries from different parts of Scotland and the variation you can get within each of the distilleries. I prefer non chill-filtered editions myself as they taste better to my palette.

The independents tend to be a tad more expensive than the standard bottles you'll get from the less specialised shops and supermarkets, but well worth the extra in my opinion. I'm quite partial to the Signatory and the Queen of the Moorlands bottlings and I recommend these if you can get hold of them.

Have a look at my second home - http://www.wineandwhisky.com

And when I'm visiting the in-laws I have to go to these places as well.
http://www.no7-shop.de/catalog/index.php/cPath/2391_2404
http://www.isle-of-skye-online.de/
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Dr. Stein on January 19, 2010, 11:02:06 PM
Now this is an oldie...

I love caol ila. Beautifull stuff. The 18 year old is in my top 5 scotches, maybe in first place. Nothing in the least shabby about the 12 year either. Top 10 for sure.

About the laphroaig talk - personally I rank them

10yr cask strength
10yr
15 year

For some reason I find the 15 a bit bland.


"Scotches"? "SCOTCHES"!? Are you mixing this up with the 'at the end of the day' thread?

Currently on my shelf are:

Aberlour 10 (had for at least 3 years, don't like it at all but it looks nice)
Royal Lochnagar 10 (probably my favourite 10 year old)
Glengoyne Cask Strength 12 (strong...)
Glenfiddich 21 (birthday present, personalised bottle and everything...)
Morrisons Best Ever 15 (what?)
Highland Park 12 (or 10, it tastes like piss whatever it is)
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on January 19, 2010, 11:06:06 PM
Now this is an oldie...

I love caol ila. Beautifull stuff. The 18 year old is in my top 5 scotches, maybe in first place. Nothing in the least shabby about the 12 year either. Top 10 for sure.

About the laphroaig talk - personally I rank them

10yr cask strength
10yr
15 year

For some reason I find the 15 a bit bland.


"Scotches"? "SCOTCHES"!? Are you mixing this up with the 'at the end of the day' thread?

Currently on my shelf are:

Aberlour 10 (had for at least 3 years, don't like it at all but it looks nice)
Royal Lochnagar 10 (probably my favourite 10 year old)
Glengoyne Cask Strength 12 (strong...)
Glenfiddich 21 (birthday present, personalised bottle and everything...)
Morrisons Best Ever 15 (what?)
Highland Park 12 (or 10, it tastes like piss whatever it is)


I don't fancy yours much!   :lol:
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: MDV on January 19, 2010, 11:08:52 PM
Now this is an oldie...

I love caol ila. Beautifull stuff. The 18 year old is in my top 5 scotches, maybe in first place. Nothing in the least shabby about the 12 year either. Top 10 for sure.

About the laphroaig talk - personally I rank them

10yr cask strength
10yr
15 year

For some reason I find the 15 a bit bland.


"Scotches"? "SCOTCHES"!? Are you mixing this up with the 'at the end of the day' thread?

Currently on my shelf are:

Aberlour 10 (had for at least 3 years, don't like it at all but it looks nice)
Royal Lochnagar 10 (probably my favourite 10 year old)
Glengoyne Cask Strength 12 (strong...)
Glenfiddich 21 (birthday present, personalised bottle and everything...)
Morrisons Best Ever 15 (what?)
Highland Park 12 (or 10, it tastes like piss whatever it is)


Oh shush.

You probably do actually refer to variations in SCOTCHES as 'expressions'.

Never understood what anyone saw in glenfiddich.

P.S. I hear that some japanese scotches are getting pretty good. Not personally sampled any though.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: MDV on January 19, 2010, 11:10:52 PM
Oh. Threadnomancy has led me to pour a dram of the laphroaig cask strength I got for christmas. mmmmmmmm peaty goodness.

I think the reason that the 15 doesnt work as well as the 10 or CS is that I like it so much because its such an aggressive, inyourface flavour, mixed with peaty goodness.

Either that or it tastes like TCP. Depends who you ask. More interesting is; who drinks TCP?
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Dr. Stein on January 19, 2010, 11:14:12 PM
Never understood what anyone saw in glenfiddich.

No, me neither. At supermarket level I could only describe it as inoffensive, the 21 has a bit more to it but it's still smooth to the point of being bland. Not a patch on the morrisons 15, which at £19.99 is a pretty decent malt.

I'm not a fan of anything peaty or especially smoky, which I think probably separates me from everyone else here...
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: MDV on January 19, 2010, 11:42:07 PM
Never understood what anyone saw in glenfiddich.

No, me neither. At supermarket level I could only describe it as inoffensive, the 21 has a bit more to it but it's still smooth to the point of being bland. Not a patch on the morrisons 15, which at £19.99 is a pretty decent malt.

I'm not a fan of anything peaty or especially smoky, which I think probably separates me from everyone else here...

We do seem to have a very disproportionate appreciation for peaty, smokey whiskys here. No idea why, but its far more than I normally. I love them, personally. The only really notable exception; a scotch I really like that is as far from peaty as it gets is balvenie. I like others, but thats the only one I can pull to mind thats up there with the laphroaigs, taliskers, caol ila etc for me.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Dr. Stein on January 20, 2010, 12:59:20 AM
We do seem to have a very disproportionate appreciation for peaty, smokey whiskys here. No idea why, but its far more than I normally. I love them, personally. The only really notable exception; a scotch I really like that is as far from peaty as it gets is balvenie. I like others, but thats the only one I can pull to mind thats up there with the laphroaigs, taliskers, caol ila etc for me.

I had a balvenie once but it wasn't my first dram of the evening, shall we say, so I've got little to no idea what it tasted like :lol: Might give it a go if I ever get rid of the highland park. Or get a bigger shelf...
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: MDV on January 20, 2010, 02:16:34 AM
We do seem to have a very disproportionate appreciation for peaty, smokey whiskys here. No idea why, but its far more than I normally. I love them, personally. The only really notable exception; a scotch I really like that is as far from peaty as it gets is balvenie. I like others, but thats the only one I can pull to mind thats up there with the laphroaigs, taliskers, caol ila etc for me.

I had a balvenie once but it wasn't my first dram of the evening, shall we say, so I've got little to no idea what it tasted like :lol: Might give it a go if I ever get rid of the highland park. Or get a bigger shelf...

Ah, come now, I'm *sure* you can make room for it somewhere!

The 10yr 'expression' is good stuff, likely available at your local tescos or morrisons...

Just give the highland park the high velocity meeting with a pavement it deserves and replace it with the good stuff :lol: (or one of the good stuffs).

(FWIW the highland park 12 isnt that bad. The 10 is nasty. Regardless, either should be discarded ruthlessly for any balvenie, imo :))
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Dr. Stein on January 20, 2010, 03:17:20 AM
It's the 12 I have. It's pretty bad... I just keep telling myself it won't last forever. On inspection the royal lochnagar is also a 12, would have sworn it was a 10.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on January 20, 2010, 10:19:07 PM
Balvenie 12 Double Wood is good stuff. I used to buy that quite often.

The smoke, peat and Iodine flavours are pretty intense at first but once you acquire the taste you're hooked. Islay has some amazing Whiskys. I don't bother with any others now, they always taste as if there is something missing.
If the peat is a bit much, try Bruichladdich Rocks. Gorgeous stuff.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on April 14, 2010, 08:54:53 AM
Got my third bottle of this over the weekend, I can't recommend it enough.

(http://www.tantaluswines.co.uk/images/QoTM%20Caol%20Ila%201995%20main.jpg)

They're starting to run out of them, I'm scared.
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 14, 2010, 10:24:48 AM
Got my third bottle of this over the weekend, I can't recommend it enough.

(http://www.tantaluswines.co.uk/images/QoTM%20Caol%20Ila%201995%20main.jpg)

They're starting to run out of them, I'm scared.


I'd love to try it but at that price wont!

What's it like?  :D
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: shobet on April 14, 2010, 11:07:51 AM
Got my third bottle of this over the weekend, I can't recommend it enough.

(http://www.tantaluswines.co.uk/images/QoTM%20Caol%20Ila%201995%20main.jpg)

They're starting to run out of them, I'm scared.


I'd love to try it but at that price wont!

What's it like?  :D

Worth every penny you tight ####!!! ;)
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 14, 2010, 10:14:50 PM
Got my third bottle of this over the weekend, I can't recommend it enough.

(http://www.tantaluswines.co.uk/images/QoTM%20Caol%20Ila%201995%20main.jpg)

They're starting to run out of them, I'm scared.


I'd love to try it but at that price I wont!

What's it like?  :D

Worth every penny you tight ####!!! ;)


I bet it is!  :D
Title: Re: THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)
Post by: JesN2012 on November 15, 2010, 05:10:52 PM
My weak spot when it comes to Macallan is  the 18 Year Old I love the winter spice and sultana flavours that makes it a christmassy treat in my house.. I can't help but order sample sizes for stocking fillers, if anyone fancies checking it out you can get cheap testers at http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/the-macallan-18-year-old-whisky/