Tasted 4 Scotchs Last Night...

January 4, 2009

I set them up blind for Sharon. Of course I knew what they were. Nevertheless, our observations agreed.

Each Scotch was served in an identical highball glass with two cubes of ice.

#4 The Macallan 12 yr, single malt, highland. Was somewhat harsh and not nearly as flavorful as numbers 2 and 1. It was the least "drinkable".

#3 Dewars 12 yr, Special Reserve Blended. Was distinctly lighter in color than the other three, and much lighter in flavors, but was smooth and very drinkable.

#2 Auchentoshan Three wood, Triple distilled, lowland, single malt. This scotch was smooth and drinkable with distinct sherry notes from the sherry cask wood. Flavor intensity was not quite up to the level of #1, but very close, with a complex finish. Was a little concerned as no age is given for the product, but this did not seem to matter. Certainly a better quality than either of the 12 yos.

#1 Glenfiddich 18 yr, single malt, highland. This drink showed the greatest smoothness, depth of flavor and richness of the group. A sweet nose, mellow woody malt flavors.

January 4, 2009

I need a girl like that! Forget the Scotch

January 4, 2009

My invite must have got lost in the mail.

January 4, 2009

My invite must have got lost in the mail.

Huh, weird. Mine must have as well!

January 4, 2009

It was a totally spur of the moment thing . . . even I didn't know about it until I was presented with four glasses of Scotch

January 4, 2009

It was a totally spur of the moment thing . . . even I didn't know about it until I was presented with four glasses of Scotch

Someone knew about it........

January 4, 2009

It was a totally spur of the moment thing . . . even I didn't know about it until I was presented with four glasses of Scotch

Someone knew about it........

It's not as if we drank the whole bottles. There's plenty left. Come on over we'll do it again. Just make sure no one brings any canned vegetarian haggis, we wouldn't want to get too far into things Scottish here.

January 4, 2009

It was a totally spur of the moment thing . . . even I didn't know about it until I was presented with four glasses of Scotch

Someone knew about it........

It's not as if we drank the whole bottles. There's plenty left. Come on over we'll do it again. Just make sure no one brings any canned vegetarian haggis, we wouldn't want to get too far into things Scottish here.

You coulda just brought the Scotch to my house. :wave:

January 4, 2009

I need a girl like that! Forget the Scotch

Just need some clarification here.

A woman who:

Agrees with you, even if it is only just this once, or

Will drink Scotch, or

Will do something you suggest, even if it is only just this once?

January 4, 2009

A, B, and C are correct.

January 4, 2009

Of course, without pictures . . .

January 4, 2009

Of course, without pictures . . .

Now there's a visual image....... :rofl:

BTW...is it no surprise the 18 yr old Scotch won?

January 4, 2009

Of course, without pictures . . .

Pics!!?? Nah, I've seen you imbibe. There aren't nothin' interesting about that. Now, the verbage on the other hand . . .

January 4, 2009

Of course, without pictures . . .

Now there's a visual image.......

BTW...is it no surprise the 18 yr old Scotch won?

I don't know. We haven't drunk a lot of Scotch. We have drunk a lot of red wine for a number of years. In wine I would not agree at all with the idea that the more you pay, the better wine you get. Nor would I agree with the idea that any one given wine from a particular producer/label/brand is certainly better than one from another producer/label/brand based on prior year's performance or reputation. Nor would I agree that any one wine from any particular region/appellation is necessarily better than any one from another not so well respected region/appellation.

You really should judge each wine for itself.

In Scotch I suppose at least the makers provide a reasonably consistent product from year to year. But I'm not sure I'd agree the more you spend the better, or the more you the age the better. I probably should go back and try some Islay again now that I've tried a few more Scotches, but at least as of now, I really wouldn't look forward to more tincture of iodine, however aged, at whatever price point.

Actually, though I guess I could say it is a bit comforting that the 18 yr old won, but as yet I still have no confidence that all 18 yos are as good or all 12 yos are as ... poor. For us, with our limited Scotch experience, at least, it was an open question as to which was better, and the extent to which they differed.

BTW, they have some really old stuff at the liquor store... $250 to $1000 bottles... but I'm not going there.

Edit: And I have to say again, that #2 made no age claim whatsoever and was a very worthy drink.

January 4, 2009

Of course, without pictures . . .

Pics!!?? Nah, I've seen you imbibe. There aren't nothin' interesting about that. Now, the verbage on the other hand . . .

I guess you weren't there when....

January 4, 2009

I'd like to get an introduction to good scotch. So far I don't think I 'get' scotch. Good tequila is my preference, and even that I don't feel like I know much. I have a favorite (Don Julio 1942), but not a lot of understanding about why I like what I like.

January 4, 2009

I'm usually a red wine drinker myself, but occasionally I'll drink some scotch. I've never really gotten into taste testing, more just something to sip around sundown. It's interesting to me that your number 1 choice is the only one of the brands you tested that I recognize. In the supermarket where I shop, they will generally have some combination of Johnny Walker, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and then some cheaper brands. The three more expensive ones taste differently enough from each other that I will generally have a preference for one of them, although my preference usually changes by the time I buy the next bottle.

Anyway, judging by the shelf space it's earned in the store, I would say a lot of people share your preference.

January 4, 2009

Just make sure no one brings any canned vegetarian haggis, we wouldn't want to get too far into things Scottish here.

The Calgary haggis toss should be coming up soon...

I've always loved the Macallan; looks like I've got to look into some Glenfiddich single malt.

If anybody visits me in north Georgia, I've got some genuine handcrafted moonshine that was brewed in 2000, and aged with some charred oak slivers from my woodpile for a year. It's really, really good -- for moonshine. The maker has since retired, after 50 years in the biz.

January 4, 2009

"I probably should go back and try some Islay again now that I've tried a few more Scotches, but at least as of now, I really wouldn't look forward to more tincture of iodine, however aged, at whatever price point."

So if you're looking for an "Islay Scotch" try Laphroaig. Just make sure it's the final one in the test-it's very "Scotchy". A couple other ligher ones you may enjoy--my favorites--Oban and The Balvenie DoubleWood. Here's to celebrating Burn's Day (January 25) with a good Scotch.

http://www.laphroaig.com/whiskies/15yo/index.asp?expanded=15_year_old

January 4, 2009

It was a totally spur of the moment thing . . . even I didn't know about it until I was presented with four glasses of Scotch

Yeah, right!

January 5, 2009

Excellent thread!

I'm rather devoted fan of Macallan, Glenfiddich and Oban.

But the best stuff I ever tasted (twice, actually) was ~30yr old Ben Nevis.

I've never since even seen it available anywhere here in US of A.

Anyone happen to know a source for Ben Nevis or a good substitute of it???

[edit] Found the 1975 Ben Nevis

It was some seriously good scotch, but definitely required a good splash of water in it to reveal all the good aromas.

--

Mikko

January 5, 2009

"Apple Juice"...

Some years ago, a few moto buds gathered at motel poolside for an after-ride happy hour of sorts. I asked one if he would like to share my "apple juice". Well yes, he replied. So I poured him a bit and he took a surprised sip. OK truth - my apple juice of preference was Dewars transferred to a Nalgene backpacking bottle for travel. I often pack the "juice", but agree Glenfiddich served neat or with just a bit of ice is well worth simply sniffing and contemplating one's navel. Your taste-off with Sharon likewise was worthy...

Jeff

January 5, 2009

I'm beyond responding to anybody tonight.

January 5, 2009

No need for comment except I keep hearing this old lecherous tune in my head:

She was young, she was pure, she was new, she was nice

She was fair, she was sweet seventeen.

He was old, he was vile, and no stranger to vice

He was base, he was bad, he was mean.

He had slyly inveigled her up to his flat

To view his collection of stamps,

And he said as he hastened to put out the cat,

The wine, his cigar and the lamps:

Have some madeira, m'dear. You really have nothing to fear.

I'm not trying to tempt you, that wouldn't be right,

You shouldn't drink spirits at this time of night.

Have some madeira, m'dear. It's really much nicer than beer.

I don't care for sherry, one cannot drink stout,

And port is a wine I can well do without...

It's simply a case of chacun a son gout

Have some madeira, m'dear.

Unaware of the wiles of the snake-in-the-grass

And the fate of the maiden who topes,

She lowered her standards by raising her glass,

Her courage, her eyes and his hopes.

She sipped it, she drank it, she drained it, she did!

He promptly refilled it again,

And he said as he secretly carved one more notch

On the butt of his gold-headed cane:

Have some madeira, m'dear,

I've got a small cask of it here.

And once it's been opened, you know it won't keep.

Do finish it up. It will help you to sleep.

Have some madeira, m'dear.

It's really an excellent year.

Now if it were gin, you'd be wrong to say yes

The evil gin does would be hard to assess..

Besides it's inclined to affect me prowess,

Have some madeira, m'dear.

Then there flashed through her mind what her mother had said

With her antepenultimate breath,

"Oh my child, should you look on the wine that is red

Be prepared for a fate worse than death!"

She let go her glass with a shrill little cry,

Crash! Tinkle! it fell to the floor;

When he asked, "What in Heaven?" She made no reply,

Up her mind, and a dash for the door.

Have some madeira, m'dear.

Rang out down the hall loud and clear

With a tremulous cry that was filled with despair,

As she fought to take breath in the cool midnight air,

Have some madeira, m'dear.

The words seemed to ring in her ear.

Until the next morning, she woke in her bed

With a smile on her lips and an ache in her head...

And a beard in her lug 'ole that tickled and said:

Have some madeira, m'dear!

January 5, 2009

The Auchentoshan is usualy a 10yr old, and is among my favs also. From experiance the McCallans don't get good till 18 or so, and don't waste you money on the Aberfeldy single malt from Dewars it's not as good as their 12yr blend is. If you want to try another realy tasty one IMO you cant beat Lagavulin(sp?) either. You don't drive to Vegas and go to Lee's do you? I turned a guy from Salt Lake onto the Auchentoshan a few months back when he was down buying holiday party favors, he said the savings was worth the drive...

January 5, 2009

I enjoy a single malt from time to time. But I enjoy blended scotch just as much, so the extra $$ are wasted on me.

Of the blended scotches, I like Grant's. It's distilled by the same guys who do Glenfiddich, and comes in the familiar three sided bottle.

Single malt may be better, but in my opinion, no worth the extra money.

January 5, 2009

So how was the ride home after drinking all that scotch?

January 6, 2009

Glenmorangie is my favorite. The ten year old is afforadable and comes in a variety of finishes.

The 25 yr MacCallan is rated the best by Michael Jackson. Velvet fire I tell you. :thumbsup: VERY expensive though.

January 6, 2009

Chris Olsen brought some Glenmorangie to the Roosevelt Lake AZ dirt ride weekend in December... was yummy.

Scotch tasting for spring Torrey? Been 18 months. We should be able to do it again.

January 6, 2009

Mikko - our LCBO (Liquor Control [can you imagine that] Board of Ontario) stocks Ben Nevis 1992, 700ml bottles at $175. Shall I order several cases for you?

My vote is with Sharon for the Glenn F. although I'd like to have seen her tippy toe the RT after the taste testing.

Paul

January 6, 2009

I have an annual scotch tasting with my partners and a few other scotch lovers as a "pre-Christmas season" warm-up.

This is what the table looked like before the other 16 guests arrived with their own favourites:

There are 12 single malts on that table, one from at least every region. Also one bourbon I finially thought was worthwhile to include (Buffalo Trace), one Japanese (interesting but not unique) and one rye (Alberta Premium 25 yr). The "rarest" single malt would be a 21 yr fine oak Macallan, but my favourite is a 15 yr Tawny Port finish BenRiach and the GlenMorangie Nectar D'or. I've been at some scotch tastings where I've tried some very exclusive single malts, but don't get interested on spending more then $100. Except for maybe the Tullbardine 1987 or Glenrothes 30 yr or maybe Old Pultney. Port Ellen doesn't do much for me, but the real whiskey lovers seem to think every bottle is worth a king's ransom.

If you are just starting to drink scotch, try The Balvenie Doublewood (oak aged then sherry finished). I've never had a bad review on it. Don't start with Lagavulin or Ileach unless you want to get preserved with peat, salt and iodine. They are very much an acquired taste.

Note the Riedel scotch glasses. Always seemed inappropriate to use plain glass for fine whiskey.

Ken H and Raaan have been by to sample. Bar is open most of the year.

Mike Cassidy

January 6, 2009

I have an annual scotch tasting with my partners and a few other scotch lovers as a "pre-Christmas season" warm-up.

This is what the table looked like before the other 16 guests arrived with their own favourites:

There are 12 single malts on that table, one from at least every region. Also one bourbon I finially thought was worthwhile to include (Buffalo Trace), one Japanese (interesting but not unique) and one rye (Alberta Premium 25 yr). The "rarest" single malt would be a 21 yr fine oak Macallan, but my favourite is a 15 yr Tawny Port finish BenRiach and the GlenMorangie Nectar D'or. I've been at some scotch tastings where I've tried some very exclusive single malts, but don't get interested on spending more then $100. Except for maybe the Tullbardine 1987 or Glenrothes 30 yr or maybe Old Pultney. Port Ellen doesn't do much for me, but the real whiskey lovers seem to think every bottle is worth a king's ransom.

If you are just starting to drink scotch, try The Balvenie Doublewood (oak aged then sherry finished). I've never had a bad review on it. Don't start with Lagavulin or Ileach unless you want to get preserved with peat, salt and iodine. They are very much an acquired taste.

Note the Riedel scotch glasses. Always seemed inappropriate to use plain glass for fine whiskey.

Ken H and Raaan have been by to sample. Bar is open most of the year.

Mike Cassidy

Calgary is starting to look like a destination!

January 6, 2009

Ed Zachery!

-Eff

January 6, 2009

I'd like to get an introduction to good scotch. So far I don't think I 'get' scotch. Good tequila is my preference, and even that I don't feel like I know much. I have a favorite (Don Julio 1942), but not a lot of understanding about why I like what I like.

If you are going to DVD...I think I will bring the rest of the bottle of Laphroaig that we started last year....

Not the best scotch on the planet, but it ranks pretty high in my book....again, preference rules the day.

January 6, 2009

So how many miles past Seattle is Calgary? I have to pass Seattle by a ways to get my Butt Burner Gold anyway, so whats a few more miles to bow at the altar of fine Scotch...

Oh and if I can get away to DVD I'll bring some Glenmorangie and Auchentoshan with me for tasting at Saturdays dinner, I can't remember if I have my MSHA refesher that weekend or the next...

January 6, 2009

I find it very special and classy to have a expert discussion on Single Malt Scotch on a motorcycle discussion board, of all places... :thumbsup:

January 6, 2009

I find it very special and classy to have a expert discussion on Single Malt Scotch on a motorcycle discussion board, of all places...

Special and Classy both have their place here. But where else could you find expert advice like this?

Great idea for a thread, and there are sure some worthy answers. Some have been short and sweet, while others have pontificated at length; the intellectualism runs as deep as the riding skills of this august group.

As for me, two come to mind....

One, never trust a fart,

and Two, try not to crash.

Steve in So Cal, humbly following both pieces of my own advice!

Sorry for the hijack

January 6, 2009

Don't start with Lagavulin or Ileach unless you want to get preserved with peat, salt and iodine. They are very much an acquired taste.

Hear ya hear ya. For some reason I really want to like the Islay whiskies but just haven't got there yet.

There's something in that image of a rugged, north Atlantic island and the complex, strong, notes the Islay malts have.

But they are just "too much' for me.

I can almost say I've liked Caol Ila and Ardberd when I tasted them but the Lagavulin... I guess I haven't quite acquired that one yet

--

Mikko

January 6, 2009

Don't start with Lagavulin or Ileach unless you want to get preserved with peat, salt and iodine. They are very much an acquired taste.

Hear ya hear ya. For some reason I really want to like the Islay whiskies but just haven't got there yet.

There's something in that image of a rugged, north Atlantic island and the complex, strong, notes the Islay malts have.

But they are just "too much' for me.

I can almost say I've liked Caol Ila and Ardberd when I tasted them but the Lagavulin... I guess I haven't quite acquired that one yet

--

Mikko

I believe Lagavulin's what Michael (Sagerider) had at fall 2007 Torrey, the first scotch I ever tried, and the one which I refer to as tincture of iodine. I'll try it again when offered, but I won't be purchasing any anytime soon.

January 6, 2009

Don't start with Lagavulin or Ileach unless you want to get preserved with peat, salt and iodine. They are very much an acquired taste.

Hear ya hear ya. For some reason I really want to like the Islay whiskies but just haven't got there yet.

There's something in that image of a rugged, north Atlantic island and the complex, strong, notes the Islay malts have.

But they are just "too much' for me.

I can almost say I've liked Caol Ila and Ardberd when I tasted them but the Lagavulin... I guess I haven't quite acquired that one yet

--

Mikko

I believe Lagavulin's what Michael (Sagerider) had at fall 2007 Torrey, the first scotch I ever tried, and the one which I refer to as tincture of iodine. I'll try it again when offered, but I won't be purchasing any anytime soon.

Lagavulin is my favourite malt, in fact I really like that smoky, peaty flavour that marks the Island malts. For an easier start at Island malts try a Jura Superstition or a Bruichladdich (pronounced "Brook-Laddie")(a distillery watched by the Defese Threat Reduction Agency as a 'potential source of chemical weapons' no less)

Another excellent Highland malt and right up there on my list of must haves is Clyneslish. Produced at the Bora distillery. I prefer the 16yo to the more mature versions.

Then there is Oban - part way between the Islands and the highlands both geographically and in flavour. I have a bottle waiting in my drinks cabinet, alongside the Lagavilin, Clynelish, Knockando and Talisker (a bit salty for my taste).

ANdy

January 6, 2009

Hi Andy,

So how do you pronounce some of the others, particularly "Auchentoshan" and "Lagavulin", well really any of them don't sound like a what a US English speaker would think of?

Jan

January 6, 2009

Hi Andy,

So how do you pronounce some of the others, particularly "Auchentoshan" Oken-toshan and "Lagavulin" Lag-a-vullen, well really any of them don't sound like a what a US English speaker would think of?

Jan

To be honest, I am not the best authority - I come from the South West of England, about as far from Scotland as it is possible to get in the UK. The ones I know are from frequent contact with the Celtic Hordes.

Andy

January 6, 2009

Thanks!

January 6, 2009

That is my kind of house.

I like Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich 15/18, Macallan. I have a bottle of Lagavulin now but I am not sure the Islay is for me. My personal favorite was an older Glenmorangie I once had at my wife's sisters place in Lynchburg, VA.

Haven't really had too much blended other than Johnny Black and Dewars.

January 7, 2009

Jan:

Think Gaelic, speak Gaelic. Two sources: The Scotch Doc Pronunciation Guide and some audio files here: Some Scotch Whiskey names

Scotch is actually a very big thing in this city, probably from the time the CPR rail crews came through in the 1880s. My local specialty store has over 200 single malts in stock from $30 to $4,000 per bottle, and can source over 500.

Regarding Andy and scotch - you do realize the hornet's nest you will turn up with that? Ask an Englishman about the water of life? The spirits of my mother's parents (from Banff & Glasgow, Scotland) are rising as I type this.

Then again, an English that likes Lagavulin can't be all bad. Kind of like a Catholic Irishman (my dad) that hooked up with a Protestant Scot (my mom) and learned how to appreciate Drambuie and Scotch.

Mike Cassidy

January 7, 2009

Thanks for reminding me that I have a bottle of Balvenie Doublewood which needs drinking. It's a very nice scotch and though I'm far from an expert, I'll second the recommendation: you really can't go wrong with it.

I'm also no expert on bourbons but I've been very pleased with the Woodford Reserve and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as well.

January 7, 2009

Thanks for reminding me that I have a bottle of Balvenie Doublewood which needs drinking. It's a very nice scotch and though I'm far from an expert, I'll second the recommendation: you really can't go wrong with it.

I'm also no expert on bourbons but I've been very pleased with the Woodford Reserve and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as well.

And my local specialty store has it in stock. Gotta go, they close in 13 minutes..............

Mike Cassidy

January 7, 2009

Thanks for reminding me that I have a bottle of Balvenie Doublewood which needs drinking. It's a very nice scotch and though I'm far from an expert, I'll second the recommendation: you really can't go wrong with it.

I'm also no expert on bourbons but I've been very pleased with the Woodford Reserve and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as well.

And my local specialty store has it in stock. Gotta go, they close in 13 minutes..............

Mike Cassidy

You know we will expect a full report!

May 7, 2009

Tonight's Lineup:

We had the Highland Park 12, Balvenie Doublewood, and Oban 14 at Joshua Tree. Highland Park 12 hands down winner.

In this line-up the HP12 is still very respectable, though it comes in at half the price of the other two. Sharon, tasting blind again, called it her favorite. I can't disagree. Nor really can I agree, at this level they are all very good.

The Macallan FO15 has a little more subdued wood flavors and complex malt, smooth is the calling card here. The HP12 was seen as the smoothest at JT, the Mac FO15 goes a little farther.

The most expensive malt was the HP18. It reminds me greatly of the Glenfiddich 18 in the original line-up in the first post of this thread. Next time I'll line them up together, have just enough G18 for one or two pours. This is smoky, woody, complex and smooth. Perhaps almost too much so, I'll have to try them again soon and see....

Oh yeah, a bottle of the HP18 is coming to Torrey....

May 7, 2009

Oh yeah, a bottle of the HP18 is coming to Torrey....

IN!!!

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Tasted 4 Scotchs Last Night...

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