Whisky recommendations?

[beesonthewhatnow]

This thread seriously tests my sobriety

 

[UnderOpenSky]

This thread seriously tests my sobriety

I might have to avoid it for January

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

I might have to avoid it for January

I’ve found substitutes for beer and wine, and I’m perfectly happy with them.

But there’s obviously nothing that can replace a good malt or bourbon, and I do miss them, particularly on these cold winter evenings.

 

[Sasaferrato]

Superb. But I can trump it.

Me and my mate (looking very red after a few too many drams) at the Fidichside Inn, Craigellechie, Speyside, last month:

View attachment 357575

I think we sampled most of those.

Compared to the Lochside on Islay, that is an amateur.

 

[seeformiles]

I was at a friend’s place for a Xmas meal last week and, afterwards, he opened his spirit cupboard to all and sundry (an unusual experience since, in our house, an open bottle very soon becomes an empty bottle but also because he’s a well known tight bastard) so I poured myself a generous measure of laphroaig. Christ almighty, that was one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever put in my mouth - like drinking Dettol. I’ll stick to Irish whiskey in future.

 

[farmerbarleymow]

like drinking Dettol

Can I ask why you know what dettol tastes like?

 

[danny la rouge]

I was at a friend’s place for a Xmas meal last week and, afterwards, he opened his spirit cupboard to all and sundry (an unusual experience since, in our house, an open bottle very soon becomes an empty bottle but also because he’s a well known tight bastard) so I poured myself a generous measure of laphroaig. Christ almighty, that was one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever put in my mouth - like drinking Dettol. I’ll stick to Irish whiskey in future.

Yeah. Don’t start your malt whisky journey with Laphroaig, you numpty.

 

[Sasaferrato]

I was at a friend’s place for a Xmas meal last week and, afterwards, he opened his spirit cupboard to all and sundry (an unusual experience since, in our house, an open bottle very soon becomes an empty bottle but also because he’s a well known tight bastard) so I poured myself a generous measure of laphroaig. Christ almighty, that was one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever put in my mouth - like drinking Dettol. I’ll stick to Irish whiskey in future.

You you you... Philistine!

 

[Sasaferrato]

Yeah. Don’t start your malt whisky journey with Laphroaig, you numpty.

It certainly separates the men from the boys. Lucky it wasn't Ardbeg, or Octamore.

 

[seeformiles]

Yeah. Don’t start your malt whisky journey with Laphroaig, you numpty.

A bit harsh? I didn’t realise that drinking malt whisky was a mystical quest and it required a warning on the bottle to say “do not drink until you appreciate the finer tasting notes of TCP” ffs.

 

[farmerbarleymow]

A bit harsh? I didn’t realise that drinking malt whisky was a mystical quest and it required a warning on the bottle to say “do not drink until you appreciate the finer tasting notes of TCP” ffs.

You have to learn and master the funny handshake too by the way. Takes years to do that.

 

[seeformiles]

Can I ask why you know what dettol tastes like?

Used to gargle with a dilute version of it (or TCP) to cure sore throats - my old man’s cure which works rather well.

 

[farmerbarleymow]

Used to gargle with a dilute version of it (or TCP) to cure sore throats - my old man’s cure which works rather well.

Dettol and TCP smell fantastic, but I've never tasted them.

 

[seeformiles]

Dettol and TCP smell fantastic, but I've never tasted them.

Hence my point of reference - but a 1:10 with water does wonders where other cures fail.

 

[Sasaferrato]

On the subject of malts, have any of you good people come across a blended malt called Islay Mist? It was I think, the only blend that was purely malt, and Islay malts at that. If it has disappeared, I'm not surprised, it was appalling.

 

[danny la rouge]

A bit harsh? I didn’t realise that drinking malt whisky was a mystical quest and it required a warning on the bottle to say “do not drink until you appreciate the finer tasting notes of TCP” ffs.

It is a mystical quest! That’s exactly what it is. It’s as much a journey of self discovery as anything else.

Now that I know you like Irish whiskey I’ll tell you where to start. You need a Bunnahabhain. It’s also an Islay malt, with a distinct maritime tone, with that saltiness you get in seaside malts, but without the heavy peatiness of the other Islay malts, and more of a caramel character.

 

[seeformiles]

It is a mystical quest! That’s exactly what it is. It’s as much a journey of self discovery as anything else.

Now that I know you like Irish whiskey I’ll tell you where to start. You need a Bunnahabhain. It’s also an Islay malt, with a distinct maritime tone, with that saltiness you get in seaside malts, but without the heavy peatiness of the other Islay malts, and more of a caramel character.

OK - I’ll give it a go. I’m just a bit mystified why something so awful upon first taste can be transformed into an enjoyable experience?

 

[danny la rouge]

On the subject of malts, have any of you good people come across a blended malt called Islay Mist? It was I think, the only blend that was purely malt, and Islay malts at that. If it has disappeared, I'm not surprised, it was appalling.

It’s still around. But you’re right, it doesn’t work.

There was a limited run of a purely malt blend of all the existing Campbeltown malts this year, called Campbeltown Loch. I bagged a bottle. It’s good and was worth trying, but I’d still rather have a Glen Scotia or a Springbank.

 

[Sasaferrato]

You have to learn and master the funny handshake too by the way. Takes years to do that.

As it happens I'm in the process of changing my funny handshake place. I'm moving on the basis that I will not be occupying any office.

It is a mystical quest! That’s exactly what it is. It’s as much a journey of self discovery as anything else.

Now that I know you like Irish whiskey I’ll tell you where to start. You need a Bunnahabhain. It’s also an Islay malt, with a distinct maritime tone, with that saltiness you get in seaside malts, but without the heavy peatiness of the other Islay malts, and more of a caramel character.

Bruichladdich for the beginner I would suggest.

 

[danny la rouge]

OK - I’ll give it a go. I’m just a bit mystified why something so awful upon first taste can be transformed into an enjoyable experience?

It’s mysterious!

You may never be a fan of the heavy Islay malts. Maybe you’ll turn out to be a Speyside aficionado. I’m a particular Campbeltown nerd.

 

[Griff]

Remember drinking both Talisker and Lagavulin for the first time and just thinking WTF?

Now both firm favourites.

 

[seeformiles]

It’s mysterious!

You may never be a fan of the heavy Islay malts. Maybe you’ll turn out to be a Speyside aficionado. I’m a particular Campbeltown nerd.

Compared to Irish blends and malts which range from the bland (Jameson’s) to honeyed (Powers) to Bushmills (Angels dancing on my tongue), Scotch seems unnecessarily harsh and aggressive. I suppose I’m at the right age to try this sort of carry on

 

[danny la rouge]

As it happens

Bruichladdich for the beginner I would suggest.

Never been a big fan.

 

[danny la rouge]

Remember drinking both Talisker and Lagavulin for the first time and just thinking WTF?

Now both firm favourites.

Lagavulin used to be a huge favourite of mine. Not had it in years.

I’m going to a friend’s for Hogmanay, whom I was in bands with in the 80s and early 90s. Back then he was a big Linkwood fan and I’m thinking of picking up a bottle tomorrow to take along. It’s a long time since I had some.

 

[danny la rouge]

Compared to Irish blends and malts which range from the bland (Jameson’s) to honeyed (Powers) to Bushmills (Angels dancing on my tongue), Scotch seems unnecessarily harsh and aggressive. I suppose I’m at the right age to try this sort of carry on

Have you only had Laphroaig though? It’s a particular palate.

What’s fun is to get together with some mates and each buy a bottle from a different Scotch whisky region, and sample each.

 

[seeformiles]

Have you only had Laphroaig though? It’s a particular palate.

What’s fun is to get together with some mates and each buy a bottle from a different Scotch whisky region, and sample each.

I have tried over 20 - as, while a pot washer at a restaurant, the barman would pass me samples of all that this rather upmarket place had to offer through the serving hatch - so I’m not an innocent by any stretch. Not the ideal situation for sampling given I was mid-20s and still smoked heavily, but overall I preferred the toffee/caramel flavours over the astringent medicinal ones. My recent experience has not changed my mind so far.

 

[Griff]

Lagavulin used to be a huge favourite of mine. Not had it in years.

I’m going to a friend’s for Hogmanay, whom I was in bands with in the 80s and early 90s. Back then he was a big Linkwood fan and I’m thinking of picking up a bottle tomorrow to take along. It’s a long time since I had some.

You may well be shocked at the price hike. It was always a sub £50 treat, but now it's over £75 everywhere.

The Lagavulin 16 I mean.

 

[danny la rouge]

You may well be shocked at the price hike. It was always a sub £50 treat, but now it's over £75 everywhere.

Well, that’s settled. It’s not going to be Linkwood.

 

[danny la rouge]

The Lagavulin 16 I mean.

Yeah, I just looked up Linkwood 15 and it’s a few quid too.

Linkwood 15 Year Old - G&M Distillery Label Scotch Whisky : The Whisky Exchange

A 15-year-old Linkwood single malt from indie bottler Gordon & MacPhail, bottled as part of its Distillery Labels series. Aromas of chocolate-covered raisins, green grass and almonds fill the nose,...

www.thewhiskyexchange.com

 

[Spymaster]

OK - I’ll give it a go. I’m just a bit mystified why something so awful upon first taste can be transformed into an enjoyable experience?

Believe it or not, not all Scotch tastes like Laphroig.