Whiskey is better!

Discussion in 'Food and Drink' started by JoshMorr, Oct 4, 2015.

  1. shaizada

    shaizada Friend

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    I would give a very strong recommendation for Highland Park 18.
    That dram will keep changing even sitting in the glass. Massive complexity and just a complete treat.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. SteelCannon

    SteelCannon Friend

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    For the bourbon drinkers, I highly recommend Russell's Reserve Single Barrel overproof by Wild Turkey. I get it for about $40 locally and it is a stand out performer with broad appeal, just don't water it down too much.
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  3. JeffYoung

    JeffYoung Friend

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    The Glenlossie is very nice, with lots of character.

    Of the easy-to-find varieties, I like the Balvenie Doublewood. The Macallan is nice, especially the older ones, but I think over-priced.

    Cheers,
    Jeff.
     
  4. MellowVelo

    MellowVelo Friend

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    Yes, sir. I just scored a bottle of this year’s George Stagg from the Antique Collection. It’s been a few years since I’ve had a bottle, and it’s great as always.
     
  5. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    That Stagg is ridiculous. Barrel proof or close to it, right? The Stagg Jr is ok but nonce you've had the real thing theres no replacement.
     
  6. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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    If I had my way there'd be nothing but cask strength/barrel proof.
     
  7. MellowVelo

    MellowVelo Friend

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    Yep, totally barrel-proof, and really high even compared to other barrel-proof whiskies. This year’s edition clocks in at 129.2 proof. I haven’t had the Stagg Jr., but I’ve always heard the same thing that once you have the real thing it doesn’t compare.
     
  8. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    Single malt whiskey list:
    Yamazaki
    Macallan 15
    Hakushu
    Highland Park 18

    I should be able to find something decent in Amsterdam. Thanks!
     
  9. elguapo

    elguapo Gringos falling from the skys

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    I just got a bottle of the new "private edition" Glenmorangie Bacalta. I think it's a spectacular Scotch!

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Smitty

    Smitty Too good for bad vodka - Friend

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    Got a bottle of Lagavulin 16 for Christmas, that was a surprise. That is a damn fine whisky, but you need to be prepared. The It's super smokey, but it's the smoothest Islay whisky I've ever had. I really like the peaty stuff so I like it more than my Macallan 15, but YMMV.

    I also joined my state's lottery for a 4-bottle Pappy collection, Pappy 23, and Pappy 15. Fingers crossed...
     
  11. paulkromz

    paulkromz New

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    first post and not my pic but Green Spot Irish Whiskey just blew me away.....

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  12. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    Found some good whiskeys and had to go by recommendations. The first choice was a Glenmorangie 18. It was sold out and a suggestion was made. Since my colleague was (and is) a smoker I settled for this:

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Greg121986

    Greg121986 Almost "Made"

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    I went to Scotland last year for a week where we did nothing but tour distilleries for 6 of those days. It was glorious! I went to Ireland the year before, but that was not so much about alcohol. I much prefer the drink of the Scotsman. They're extremely proud of their Scotch and it shows. I've developed a much deeper appreciation for the stuff since I've returned. The coopers are no joke. Amazon link below is just a couple of my pictures.

    We stayed in this little cabin just on the edge of the Glenlivet estate. It was the quietest place I've ever been, outside of an acoustically isolated chamber. I measured 21dB on my phone.

    Earlier this year we had a Scotch party at my house as well. $40 buy in and we samples several different offerings from MasterOfMalt as well as some domestic bourbons.

    https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/CVTsTGflcL0ncWVor3Ji4TdMet1NMi7jH6qB4frvQCV

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  14. Neverpayup

    Neverpayup New

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    I agree with the (multiple) previous recommendations of Lagavulin 16, I only really enjoy one other Islay (Ardbeg Uigeadail) and can't definitely say I've had something all-around better.

    As for high-end whiskey, the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique was an absurd experience for me, like nothing else I've ever drank. Complex like Willy Wonka's three course dinner chewing gum, bold enough to strip paint off of a car (add a few drops of water to take the edge off of ~57%), and all-around a wild ride for my palate. I might as well be a Kavalan shill, but I will say that there is a significant gap between their single malt, which is unremarkable, and the Solist series.

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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  16. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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    I bought one of these:

    [​IMG]

    but in the box was one of these:

    [​IMG]

    Blown away. What a dram.
     
  17. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    I just so happened to visit the Kavalan distillery in Taiwan a week or so ago and was able to taste 8 of their finest (so cheap for tastings!). Out of all of them, I brought home two bottles of the Vinho Barrique (mainly because I could get two for the price of a single Moscatel). I am not sure I will do an extensive writeup since my whisky hobby is like my audiophile one (limited budget, not sure if doo-doo taste, and lack of good descriptive vocabulary). I just know when I like something. The Barrique and the Moscatel stood head and shoulders above the rest. Complex but easy to drink despite being cask strength. Nice sweetness and intrigue from the wine barrels without going overboard. The Moscatel was the single best whisky I have ever had, but at a little over $300 a bottle direct, it was too expensive to justify (though still a bargain compared to its asking price in the US). I agree that the Kavalan basic single malt is underwhelming given the price and their higher end offerings. For good entry level Asian whisky, I still recommend the Suntory Toki or the Hibiki Harmony for a little bit more.

    On a side note, this visit confirmed my desire to open up a whisky distillery in Chicago. Hopefully within 5 years once my other ventures are up and running.
     
  18. loki993

    loki993 Facebook Friend

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    I have to give it more time to try but I got a bottle of Stagg Jr and as of now its not my favorite for drinking neat, however it makes a hell of a manhattan. Definitely give it a try.
     
  19. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    Try a pinch of water to open it up, or the ultimate sin, an ice cube.
     
  20. loki993

    loki993 Facebook Friend

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    I tried that and it helps but still was just ok, plus I alway end up putting too much, I can never get the ratio just right. Also I drink nearly everything neat and I have a lot of high proof stuff so it's not that I'm not used to it. Also Im not saying its bad, just not the best thing Ive ever had...neat that is. Also there have been a few bottles that I wasn't crazy about at first and after I go back a few times they get markedly better.
     

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