THE MACALLAN -- Cask Strength (and sundry booze discussion)

[Antag]

I'm an even bigger danger when I visit Single Malts Direct or The Whisky Exchange with my credit card handy than when I click into the BKP shop... :)

[ToneMonkey]

How dangerous are you when you click on the BK Shop after drinking the whiskey?

[Antag]

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...

[Antag]

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... :)

[blue]

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  

[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.

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.

[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?

[Antag]

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

[_tom_]

Anyone want to recommend a good "first" whiskey? I've only tried Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, didnt like either.

[Antag]

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.

[Antag]

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... :)

[TwilightOdyssey]

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!!

[Elliot]

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.

[plastercaster]

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"

[shobet]

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.