What say you, gentlemen?
Which ones are the best? The best value?
And for us amateurs, please explain the differences between scotch, whisk(e)y, and bourbon (cost, taste, etc.).
D’accord! I like Laphroaig. The plain old 10 year old is a
fine example of an Islay malt Scotch. It has plenty o’ bite and is an acquired taste. It may not be the finest or best example but once you’ve made peace with Laphroaig 10 you are on the road to flavour heaven...SSZ
I found it to be an acquired taste, and once acquired, it was tough to drink anything else.
I no longer drink and haven’t for 25 years....
I do miss it.
I am left with an occasional beer on my boat or a wine with dinner from time to time.
I’ve been thinking of buying a bottle of expensive brandy and keeping it hidden in my nightstand or in my gun locker. ;>)
Now that I have turned 60, I think I am supposed to hide a bottle of something to sip, from time to time.
I personally find whisk(e)y, and bourbon too "sweet" and really love the smokey, bitter chocolate, coffee, flavors you (or I) find in a good single malt Scotch....
One big FYI about single malt Scotch, like good wine it's not blended for flavor, what you get in the bottle is what came from that keg ... the flavor of a single malt Scotch can vary from bottle to bottle
Got some o' this for my boss as a housewarming/suck-up gift.
Haven't been fired yet, so maybe it was OK.
Or he hasn't tasted it yet.
Some of it is simply a matter of taste so sample many in order to help you make up your mind.
IMO if you take it on the rocks or neat you might want to be more selective that if you put soda pop in it.
Bourbon is mostly corn and relies on the barrels. I prefer straight to mash.
Lots to choose from and don’t let price be your guide.
Never really have cared for JD....but that is Tennessee stuff.
Canadian is good....smooth and great flavore....Canadian Mist or Crown are goon choices.
I prefer Irish above all...Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew.
In the end you’ll probably find that spending an extra buck or two for the better stuff is really worth it, but you don’t have to go above $25/bottle to find whiskey you’ll really enjoy.
Bourbon was invented by a Baptist preacher, Elijah Craig. Also you CAN’T have Scotch unless it is distilled in Scotland. They have tried but there is something about the air and water of Scotland that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
BTW....God Himself invented whiskey to keep the Irish from ruling the world.
The best?: Any of the Isla Single Malts.
The best value?: Probably Famous Grouse, which is a very good Blended.
Of course your taste buds may differ.
Well, I'm the wrong person to ask about the value of Scotch. I don't like it, don't drink it. And I consider it way overpriced.
I drink Bourbon. I'm not equipped to deal with the differences between Bourbon and Scotch (except for the obvious taste difference). But Bourbon is an entirely American developed whiskey. In fact, to be labeled Bourbon, the distillery must follow a precise process in distillation. That's why Jack Daniels and George Dickel are considered Tennessee Whiskey; not because they're distilled in Tennessee, but because they use a separate carbon filtering process that's not part of the Bourbon process.
Being a loyal, patriotic American, I prefer my whiskey to be homemade. And the last few years of sampling various blends of Bourbon have been quite enjoyable. (Well, for the most part...). As far as cost, I've looked at Scotch in the stores and have found it (the generally considered top or 2nd shelf stuff) quite more expensive than Bourbon, although a few Bourbons will demand prices close to Scotch. Elijah Craig (my favorite) is priced the same as Jack Daniels Old No. 7 (Jack Daniels is the very least sour mash I'll consider). Others I enjoy are somewhat higher, say $27 - $37 range. But the little I consume, it's not an overly expensive treat. Scotch, Bourbon, the idea is to enjoy the gifts God has provided without excess. If one prefers the taste of Scotch, I say wonderful. It's all in one's taste.