Any Scotch fans?

[scapegoat]

Originally Posted by Dave-H

I always put a single, large ice cube in and then wait about 60 seconds.

At the bar I go to sometimes there are some hardcore scotch fans, and they always say the best way to taste a new scotch is:

- try it neat, room temp at first. then you have a good reference of how it 'really' tastes
- then add a tiny amount of spring water. it's amazing how much such a little bit of water changes the taste
- then add ice as desired.

It's become a habit - then you get three different ways of tasting the same scotch and they are all different.

adding room tempt water to room temp scotch is the "correct way" to drink it. the water pretty much just weakens the effect alcohol has on your taste buds so you can enjoy more of the complexities. ice really has an affect on your buds though and mutes things out a bit. i prefer ice with cheap scotch like the glenlivet and glenfiddich. otherwise I prefer just a splash of water.

some like the highland park 21 don't need a thing.

[syzygy9]

Originally Posted by scapegoat

some like the highland park 21 don't need a thing.

Very true! I typically only add water to the cask strength scotches. I remember getting a bottle of the Aberlour A’Bunadh (which is just shy of 60%) and it was soooo much better with a splash of water. All in all that one was a bit sweet for my taste, but worked well after a nice meal.

[gnod]

my favorite so far has been lagavulin 16.
next would be highland park 18.

as scapegoat said, i usually start off a glass neat and after 1 or 2 sips, add a splash of water. that changes the taste ridiculously IMO. blew me away when someone else told me the 'right' way. never went back.

btw, i never drink scotch normally. but when i do, i drink lagavulin. not dos equis. . . haha sorry...

[newms]

Macallan 12 or older is a fine way to drink your hard earned money.

[IWANNAGOFAST]

I've tried and tried to like scotch but I can't get past the smoky flavor. Really turns me off.

I'm much more partial to Irish whiskeys myself.

[thelub]

sorry, I just had to.

[mnemenoi]

Laphroaig is my favorite and about all I drink now, have tried quite a selection and love the smokey taste. Well worth it...

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by IWANNAGOFAST

I've tried and tried to like scotch but I can't get past the smoky flavor. Really turns me off.

I'm much more partial to Irish whiskeys myself.

I actually don't like the smokiness and peatiness of Islay scotches, so tend to avoid them (though I have tried Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, etc).

I would recommend something a little milder, perhaps like a Glenmorangie? I find it quite sweet, with hints of almond and honey.

[DogFish]

Originally Posted by GeToChKn

....Dogfish, yes Bushmill's is nice too for the Irish Whiskey's, or Jamisons.

It's too bad Jamisons does not live up to the great tv commercials. Jamisons is well know due to advertising not for being a great whiskey.

The 10 y.o. single malt Bushmills is aged in sherry barrels that does influence the tastes. Irish whiskey tends to be 80Proof vs. our American offerings which I prefer a sipping whiskey.

Now, back to Scotch talk.

[Steve106]

I love the responses this thread is getting! Anchorman pic is hilarious btw lol

[scapegoat]

this isn't quite scotch, but it is a single malt and found in the scotch section. and it's quite good! I recommend this for those that don't like scotch. It's not as rough as most single malt whisky's, very very palatable! My wife came over for a kiss while i was drinking it and remarked out my breath didn't smell and took a sip herself, and she LOATHES the stuff.



really great whisky for the price.

sipping on some glenfiddich 18 now. usually not a fan, but was looking for a bit rougher of a scotch tonight as I work.

I also forgot that i've got oban 14 here as well, another decent scotch.

[Nubster]

Can't stand straight liquor of any sort. I've never had a really high quality one though so maybe that it would be different if I tried something higher end.

[JerSaint]

Great replies so far and many additions to my want to try list!
I am a big fan of the Macallan 12 and 18,
Oban 12 (only once I need to try at least three times to form as real opinion), Johnny Red, Black, Green and Blue. I have had a slew of others but these stood out.
Scapegoat brought out a great point with the whiskey he mentioned as an alternative (variety is the spice of life right...) so I would like to add two of my favorites to the list.
First, my cousin gave me a bottle of Redbreast Single Pot Still 12 Irish Whiskey, beautiful caramel and smoke flavors that surprised the heck out of me! I am finishing off the last two fingers I have as I write this post.

Next, Woodford Reserve. I have only had this a few times but it is great, especially for the price. Depth of flavor a bit of cinnamon, and balance make it easy drinking.

[Alyxx]

Man, now I want a glass of scotch and I don't have any.

[latchdan]

Originally Posted by gnod

my favorite so far has been lagavulin 16.
next would be highland park 18.

as scapegoat said, i usually start off a glass neat and after 1 or 2 sips, add a splash of water. that changes the taste ridiculously IMO. blew me away when someone else told me the 'right' way. never went back.

btw, i never drink scotch normally. but when i do, i drink lagavulin. not dos equis. . . haha sorry...

The right way to drink scotch is the way YOU like the taste best. If that happens to be with club soda so be it. There isn't a "right" way. I like to say suggested :P

Anyway since we are talking whiskeys, has anyone tried single barrel Jack Daniels. So much better I was really surpised, kinda ruined regular for me though.