Whisky

[SpacedX]

14 hours ago, Izzy said:

Very, very nice. 

 

Found the Glenfiddich slightly harsher than the Glenmorangie but it left a longer/warmer afterglow.

 

Very little in it but I'd maybe favour the Glenmorangie I think. Just a bit more mellow and easy to drink for me.

 

Now I fancy getting some sort of taster set with a dozen or so malts for Christmas to compare them all!

 

A perfect description - spot on. Like I said, the Glenmorangie is more instantly gratifying whilst the Glenfiddich more involved. That doesn't mean that it's better, just more of an acquired taste than an accessible one. 

[Izzy]

47 minutes ago, SpacedX said:

A perfect description - spot on. Like I said, the Glenmorangie is more instantly gratifying whilst the Glenfiddich more involved. That doesn't mean that it's better, just more of an acquired taste than an accessible one. 

Me and my old man had a long Whiskey discussion last night and he tells me I need to try a 'peaty' whiskey from Islay next.

 

So he's ordered us a Laphroaig 10 for delivery on Thursday.

 

He says he doesn't like them as much as the Speyside/Highland ones but I'm looking forward to finding out for myself 

[boots60]

16 minutes ago, Izzy said:

Me and my old man had a long Whiskey discussion last night and he tells me I need to try a 'peaty' whiskey from Islay next.

 

So he's ordered us a Laphroaig 10 for delivery on Thursday.

 

He says he doesn't like them as much as the Speyside/Highland ones but I'm looking forward to finding out for myself 

Your old man's right.

 

If the Laphroig goes down well make your next bottle a Lagavulin, the king of peaty whiskies.

[Guest Lako42]

44 minutes ago, Izzy said:

Me and my old man had a long Whiskey discussion last night and he tells me I need to try a 'peaty' whiskey from Islay next.

 

So he's ordered us a Laphroaig 10 for delivery on Thursday.

 

He says he doesn't like them as much as the Speyside/Highland ones but I'm looking forward to finding out for myself 

Jumping in at the deep end there imo. 

 

Better to slowly enter these waters. 

 

 

Unless you just love it off the bat 

[Izzy]

4 minutes ago, Lako42 said:

Jumping in at the deep end there imo. 

 

Better to slowly enter these waters. 

 

 

Unless you just love it off the bat 

Haha. This is a whole new world of discovery for me. I’m learning on the job 

[Guest Lako42]

Just now, Izzy said:

Haha. This is a whole new world of discovery for me. I’m learning on the job 

I recommended the Aldi Islay up the page for just £18

 

A great little entry to the Islay

[Trav Le Bleu]

On 15/12/2024 at 13:55, Trav Le Bleu said:

Gentleman Jack is currently £20 for 70cl bottle at Tesco (with clubcard). Naturally got some.

 

Also got a bottle of Sexton Irish Whiskey, cos it came with a nice glass (I'm a sucker for a nice glass  - don't think I've got a single whisky glass that isn't either a freebie or from a distillery visit.) I'll let you know what it's like later.

Update on the Sexton.

 

It's got a very distinct flavour, fruity in a way I've never experienced in a whisky before, so it's sweet and the nose and throat is long, but quite mellow. An agreeable tipple.

[Trav Le Bleu]

7 hours ago, Izzy said:

Haha. This is a whole new world of discovery for me. I’m learning on the job 

If you're liking the Speyside (Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie) can I recommend Glenfarclas 105? It's moving up a gear (and costing a bit extra). Heaven, but take it with a drop of water, cos it's cask strength.

 

And if you like the Islays I'd highly recommend any Caol Ila. 

[Izzy]

10 minutes ago, Trav Le Bleu said:

If you're liking the Speyside (Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie) can I recommend Glenfarclas 105? It's moving up a gear (and costing a bit extra). Heaven, but take it with a drop of water, cos it's cask strength.

 

And if you like the Islays I'd highly recommend any Caol Ila. 

Nice one Trav, thanks. Not sure I can handle 60% abv stuff though 

 

On the subject of water, I've seen one drop, three drops, or an ice cube all suggested.

 

What's your expert view on this mate?

[1972 Fox]

13 hours ago, Izzy said:

Me and my old man had a long Whiskey discussion last night and he tells me I need to try a 'peaty' whiskey from Islay next.

 

So he's ordered us a Laphroaig 10 for delivery on Thursday.

 

He says he doesn't like them as much as the Speyside/Highland ones but I'm looking forward to finding out for myself 

Whilst you're still learning.....

Irish = Whiskey

Scotch = Whisky

 

You're welcome 

 

Edited 18 December 2024 by 1972 Fox

[foxfanazer]

I'm unsure where to go on my Whisky journey. So at home I've just been drinking your typical supermarket blended whisky's which I drink with coke. But earlier in the month we visited Loch Ness and I sampled some of the Highland single malts which felt wrong to have with a mixer so I'd have it neat which was really nice but I can't imagine sitting at home doing that .

 

Is it a proper faux pas to have a mixer with Whisky? And if I do use a mixer is it better to just stick with the Famous Grouse types?

 

Also are there any good mixer recommendations other than Coke?

[Izzy]

7 hours ago, 1972 Fox said:

Whilst you're still learning.....

Irish = Whiskey

Scotch = Whisky

 

You're welcome 

 

I can’t believe in my over 50 years (and about 20 of them drunk) that I didn’t know that.

Everyday’s a school day on here.

[SpacedX]

7 hours ago, 1972 Fox said:

Whilst you're still learning.....

Irish = Whiskey

Scotch = Whisky

 

You're welcome 

 

I'm half Irish so incorrectly default to the former as an umbrella term. You are absolutely right though, the distinction is important. 

[SpacedX]

1 hour ago, foxfanazer said:

I'm unsure where to go on my Whisky journey. So at home I've just been drinking your typical supermarket blended whisky's which I drink with coke. But earlier in the month we visited Loch Ness and I sampled some of the Highland single malts which felt wrong to have with a mixer so I'd have it neat which was really nice but I can't imagine sitting at home doing that .

 

Is it a proper faux pas to have a mixer with Whisky? And if I do use a mixer is it better to just stick with the Famous Grouse types?

 

Also are there any good mixer recommendations other than Coke?

Adding a small amount of water is often recommended for higher-proof whiskies, as it can soften the alcohol and open up and release the subtle nuances.  However, to the purist/enthusiast, pouring scotch neat allows you to experience the full range of textures and flavours, especially for high-quality single malts, as it showcases the complexity of the whisky. A true Scotch aficionado would be horrified and apoplectic at the thought of adulterating the product with coke - a bourbon, maybe, which seems to many to go hand in hand or is commonly served on the rocks.  I prefer anything over 12 years old neat. It is a matter of preference though whether that's with a splash of water, neat, with ice, or in a cocktail.

[Trav Le Bleu]

10 hours ago, Izzy said:

Nice one Trav, thanks. Not sure I can handle 60% abv stuff though 

 

On the subject of water, I've seen one drop, three drops, or an ice cube all suggested.

 

What's your expert view on this mate?

All to taste, but as a rule - and this is true of any drink - cooling a drink will lessen the intensity of the flavour. Adding room temperature water does the opposite and brings out aromas and flavours, but again, it's all to taste - experiment.

 

With something like a 60%, adding a few drops will have the effect of making it between 40-50%. Depending on how much you put whisky you put in of course !

 

Single malt whiskies in general seem to be getting stronger. Used to be anything above 40% was fairly rare, but 43-46% is fairly common now.

 

[grobyfox1990]

1 hour ago, foxfanazer said:

I'm unsure where to go on my Whisky journey. So at home I've just been drinking your typical supermarket blended whisky's which I drink with coke. But earlier in the month we visited Loch Ness and I sampled some of the Highland single malts which felt wrong to have with a mixer so I'd have it neat which was really nice but I can't imagine sitting at home doing that .

 

Is it a proper faux pas to have a mixer with Whisky? And if I do use a mixer is it better to just stick with the Famous Grouse types?

 

Also are there any good mixer recommendations other than Coke?

Do what the hell you want. Personally I cannot drink anything above 12 years with a mixer, and my years drinking anything below 12 years/sour mash type with mixer in grotty clubs is long gone. I like two rocks, or the block ice you get in decent bars. 

Good thread this, I've got some tips for duty free visits.

Been meaning to properly try Japanese whiskies for a while, any tips??

My tip would be Canadian club 12 year, smooth and refreshing entry level bottle.

[Izzy]

What I also found interesting is that when drinking my double Glenfiddich 15 and putting the world to rights with my old man last night, I realised it took me over an hour to drink it.

 

Because it's so strong an powerful, I noticed that even the smallest sip lasted a while because the afterglow sits with you for a good few minutes.

 

Decent whiskey really is something to be savored and drank slowly I think to fully appreciate.

 

Edited 18 December 2024 by Izzy

[Unabomber]

33 minutes ago, grobyfox1990 said:

Do what the hell you want. Personally I cannot drink anything above 12 years with a mixer, and my years drinking anything below 12 years/sour mash type with mixer in grotty clubs is long gone. I like two rocks, or the block ice you get in decent bars. 

Good thread this, I've got some tips for duty free visits.

Been meaning to properly try Japanese whiskies for a while, any tips??

My tip would be Canadian club 12 year, smooth and refreshing entry level bottle.

I really like Hibiki Japanese whisky.

[Trav Le Bleu]

Re: mixing (and again, it's all to taste), personally I have a few differing single malts on the go at any time and these are for savouring when I'm relaxing or need to relax, or with friends who'll appreciate them.

 

Then I'll have a bottle of blended (but a decent one, no ditch-water Bells!) for mixing, or a bourbon. I'll often drink bourbon neat though, especially the better stuff (try Four Roses )

 

As far as mixing goes, a Rusty Nail (whisky/Drambuie) or Godfather (whisky/amaretto) is as nice a drink as there is, but don't waste expensive stuff on it.

[SpacedX]

22 hours ago, Izzy said:

Haha. This is a whole new world of discovery for me. I’m learning on the job 

It's a fascinating (at times expensive) odyssey though. I'm guessing if you favour the Glenmorangie, you've also tried Glenlivet 12 which is similarly balanced in terms of flavour. In fact they are not dissimilar. Although the Glenmorangie is technically Highland and outside of Speyside, it is nonetheless regarded as a similar ilk. I prefer the Glenlivet to the latter. 

 

In terms of a smoked/peated Whisky, which the Glenmorangie you like had hints of, do you enjoy Macallan? 

[Izzy]

1 hour ago, SpacedX said:

It's a fascinating (at times expensive) odyssey though. I'm guessing if you favour the Glenmorangie, you've also tried Glenlivet 12 which is similarly balanced in terms of flavour. In fact they are not dissimilar. Although the Glenmorangie is technically Highland and outside of Speyside, it is nonetheless regarded as a similar ilk. I prefer the Glenlivet to the latter. 

 

In terms of a smoked/peated Whisky, which the Glenmorangie you like had hints of, do you enjoy Macallan? 

It’s only my first week getting into this properly so I’ve only had the Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich so far!

 

Tonight we open the new Laphroiag 10 and looking forward to how that one tastes.

 

Then I guess after that we need to get some Glenlivet and Macallan!

 

This could become an expensive new hobby!

[Fox1norfolk]

7 minutes ago, Izzy said:

It’s only my first week getting into this properly so I’ve only had the Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich so far!

 

Tonight we open the new Laphroiag 10 and looking forward to how that one tastes.

 

Then I guess after that we need to get some Glenlivet and Macallan!

 

This could become an expensive new hobby!

I’ve been to Scotland many times and worked on Islay several times which gave me the perfect opportunity of sampling different whisky. My favourite used to be Laphroiag, but I find it too peaty these days. Islay Mist is very nice, however the Jura whisky was excellent

[SpacedX]

12 minutes ago, Izzy said:

It’s only my first week getting into this properly so I’ve only had the Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich so far!

 

Tonight we open the new Laphroiag 10 and looking forward to how that one tastes.

 

Then I guess after that we need to get some Glenlivet and Macallan!

 

This could become an expensive new hobby!

I hold you personally responsible for the recent appearance of this...

 

[Izzy]

12 minutes ago, SpacedX said:

I hold you personally responsible for the recent appearance of this...

 

Apparently it’s a limited edition box for this Xmas/New Year. Enjoy!

I think malt whiskey boxes look really cool. Here’s tonight’s Laphroaig 

 

 

[Guest Lako42]

1 minute ago, Izzy said:

Apparently it’s a limited edition box for this Xmas/New Year. Enjoy!

I think malt whiskey boxes look really cool. Here’s tonight’s Laphroaig 

 

 

Gets better the longer it's opened