FReeper needs advice on which imported Scotches and Whiskies are the best?

[erod]

Hi Friends, I am a Scotch and Whiskey novice for the most part. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy Jack Daniels and Johnny Walker, but I’m limited in my knowledge of these two great liquors. The other day I realized that if the euro continues its fall and the dollar strengthens I will be able to buy more imported booze at cheaper prices (I know what you’re thinking, thanks Captain Obvious). So if this is the case (and hopefully it is) what would FReepers recommend as good imported liquor particularly in the Scotch and Whiskey categories? Best, -Erod

[kitchen]

Interesting comments. Long ago I managed a very old restaurant/night club in Philadelphia. Over half the clientele was third, fourth, fifth generation Irish. We carried over 40 varieties of scotch and 2 of Irish Whiskey. Except for the very rare Irish Coffee, I don’t’ think we sold a shot of Bushmills or Jameson’s a month.

With Canadian, the world is divided between CC and VO fans. In blind taste tests almost everyone could differentiate between the two and had a strong preference. I’ll take VO if there’s no Crown Royal.

You didn’t mention gin, but we discovered something interesting. The old Gordon’s label used to say, Made to the original recipe of …Tanqueray. In blind tests none of our clientele could taste a difference. Thereafter Gordon’s was used wherever a brand was not specified. I tend toward Boodles.

Rum, what’s not to like? I think Mount Gay from Barbados is head and shoulders over the Puerto Rican stuff. Not really upper shelf, but still darn good.

[tubebender]

I’m forming a committee of 2 to study this and the two of you will co-chair it. The first order of business will be a budget and one of you must be skilled in grant writing so get on it and report back to me asap...

[Shamrock-DW]

I’d drink pi$$ out of a boot before Johnny Walker Black. Even Famous Grouse is better....

[glock rocks]

I’m forming a committee of 2 to study this and the two of you will co-chair it. The first order of business will be a budget and one of you must be skilled in grant writing so get on it and report back to me asap...

Last I heard, Grammie still hasn't returned the key to Jim's liquor cabinet. Norm and I have been looking for it since the FReepathon. Again.

[erod]

you made my day with that post rotf :D

[Uri’el-2012]

Here is a place to start:

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide To Single Malt Scotch 4th Ed (Hardcover)

[Pharmboy]

Single malts are very individual as to taste...what you like, I may not. The Speysides (the "Glens") are lighter singles...I happen to love Glenlivet, but my Scottish friend is a Glenmorangie fan...however, with a good cigar, I enjoy a darker, peaty Scotch such as Oban.

Taste as many as you can...search for tastings in your area...join a single malt society. Welcome...a good pursuit for man and woman.

Always drink in moderation, though...and always add water to open the whiskey up, a bit.

Cheers!

[Washi]

Back when I drank, and I lived in Japan, I enjoyed Suntory. If you’ve seen the movie “Lost in Translation,” Suntory is the brand of whiskey that Bill Murray traveled to Japan to advertise.
My favorite in the “whiskey family” though, was Maker’s Mark Bourbon....not an import, I know. Just sayin’.

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

See my post #12!

Do you want on my list? (very low volume)

[Ignatz]

Laphroaig

Best. Scotch. Ever.

Btw, all scotch is imported.
Unless you live in Scotland. Then it’s just the local dreck to you.