5@5 is a daily, food-related list from chefs, writers, political pundits, musicians, actors, and all manner of opinionated people from around the globe.
Martin Daraz is the brand ambassador of Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky and fittingly enough, a native Scotsman. Throughout the year, Daraz travels across the United States teaching everyone from connoisseurs to novices, chefs to mixologists about nosing and tasting whiskies with the best of them.
Now, he's stopped by 5@5 to help all of us embrace our inner whisky aficionado. Wham dram, thank you, sir.
5 Ways to Make Yourself a Whisky Connoisseur: Martin Daraz
1. Take your time before drinking
"Nose the dram (Editor's Note: a dram is the traditional measure of whisky) for at least ten seconds, it can take this long to nose past the alcohol and pick up the sweeter notes. Take a wee sip and chew the spirit slowly for at least five seconds then savor the aftertaste. This approach will reveal far more of the distillers’ intention than just slamming it down. At Highland Park Distillery, we age our lightly peated single malt whisky in Spanish Sherry Oak casks for its entire life. The unique layers of spice and sweetness reveal themselves slowly with greater intensity over time."
2. You can totally add water
"It opens up the dram on the nose and reduces some of the astringency in the mouth feel. Do yourself a favor and sip it neat first to ensure you understand what the whisky maker intended the taste to be. Ice is fine too but bear in mind it will freeze the fats in the liquid that give the spirit flavor, effectively cutting the sensation in half."
3. Try as many whiskies as you can - Scotch, American, Irish, Canadian, Japanese and even Welsh
"Most whiskies are made fairly simply using either malted barley or other grains. What we all have in common is our use of casks to mature the spirit. In Scotch, this accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of the overall flavor, color and texture of the final whisky. Think of the whiskies you sample like music - different styles to suit the mood. You need to know from experience whether you want smooth jazz or punk. No dram is wasted when you are teaching your taste buds some context.
4. Check out a whisky club or event
"Whisky is a social thing, most major cities have at least one awesome brown spirit bar and the United States probably has more whisky events per calendar year than anywhere else - so get out there. Malt Advocate’s Whisky Fest, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and the Whisky Guild of America all have events scheduled nationwide, these are a great way to boost your whisky knowledge."
5. Enjoy yourself
"[It] seems obvious but given how misunderstood whiskies can be, it is worth repeating. Beware anyone who is a self-proclaimed expert, only you know what works for you - trust that."
How do you take your whisky down? In a cocktail, neat, on the rocks? Spill it in the comments.
Is there someone you'd like to see in the hot seat? Let us know in the comments below and if we agree, we'll do our best to chase 'em down.
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Never being a "Scotch" guy, I never-the-less bought my father-in-law an 18-year old bottle of Highland Park after he helped me with more than a few projects around my house and presented it at a family dinner party.
With no little ceremony he promptly opened the bottle and poured us both a dram. Whereas he had a look of pure joy and anticipation as he read off the various flavors that the bottle toted as part of the unique bouquet, I wore a grimmace mentally preparing myself for napalm in a glass.
I took a small sip and was amazed that I actually could taste the variety of flavors as the Scotch turned from smooth liquid to vapor on my tongue. I was actually sad a year later when we polished off the last of the bottle together after nearly squashing my cabin with a particularly large tree we cut down.
I have to say that I have now sampled many brands of Scotch, but Highland Park is still my favorite and I personally thank them for making my first foray into drinking Scotch such a wonderfully memorable occasion.
Having spent over 40 years sampling bourbons, tennessee whiskys and corn whiskys (I currently have about 75 bottles of various brands), the best advice that I can give to a novice is to simply find a whisky that you like and forget all the nonsense about "nosing the dram" (translation: smell that stuff" and "and chewing a wee sip" (translation: swish a litle bit in your mouth) and forget brand names and high prices. Some of my favorites are lower end "expressions" (translation: the bottle you are holding). In general , Corn whiskys are a waste of time, don't bother they all taste like bad mouthwash, the lower the alchol content, the smoother the taste (why spend $60 bucks on a bottle of bookers when all you can taste in the first sip is the alcohol and you can't taste anything after that because your taste buds are stunned. If you're mixing, use a rye whisky or a bourbon with high rye content like maker's, basil haydens or bulliet (and remember, what you mix it in contributes more to the taste then the whisky. A bourbon and pepsi tastes completely different from a bourbon and coke.) If your sipping, Elilgh Craig (12 year) is as good as anything at two or three times the price.
Pappy Van Winkle - chilled ( not bruised ) no ice, no water!
I highly recommend (single malt – the real stuff):
Aberlour 18yr
Glenfarclas 15 + 21 + 30yr
The Balvenie 17 yr (sherry oak)
For those who are looking for a real treat, try the Glendronach 15yr...amazing!!
Slàinte mhath (cheers)
Big single malt fan, but one of the best and most complex ones I've had recently was Ardbeg's "Rollercoaster", an expression put together from 1 cask each from the last 10 years prior to bottling in varying percentages. About the only whisky I've had which seems to mutate and differ with each sip- one smoky and briny, the next sweet and smooth, etc. I take all my whiskies neat nowadays with a little water if needed. And of course, use a Riedel single malt glass or equivalent.
So, so,so,so, so,so.....................................many great ones to choose from.but JB straight up always does the trick.
So great to see others who truly know what’s to love about whisky!
I’ve visited Scotland twice (and will again!) so it’s hard to separate the lusciousness of scotch from my liking for the country, culture, and people. Grand folk, those Scots!
The whiskies of the western isles have my heart, even tho I was introduced to the golden nectar on a 25 YO Macallan. Lagavulin 16 can not be topped for fine flavor for the dollar. A mature Laphroiag is tough to top.
With reviewer Michael Jackson now in whisky heaven, who do people rely on for scotch reviews? Slainte!
OK, Being reared up in good ol KY, having an Irish Gram who believed all childhood ailments could be cured with whiskey (properly pronounced bu-bon) and local honey, AND being a bona-fide country musician, I consider myself not only an expert, but a professional on this topic. My take on this whole article is that it is horses$*% (another thing we know about in KY). And here is why (you can hate the player, but don't hate the game ;) )
1. All whiskey is bourbon, not the other way around. I know many of you will talk to me about history and facts and dates and such, but that is really just the part of the conspiracy. We invented both corn and corn squeezing here in Eddyville, KY. Thems the truth.
2. Only children drink bourbon from a glass (mixed with honey as medicine) Adults drink the proper way – from the bottle.
3. The only acceptable mix for bourbon is ice, mint, and soda water (maybe a dash of bitters if you a bold and daring), and this is acceptable ONLY on derby day.
4. If you complain that the tastes get mixed up and confused when you drink fast as opposed to sipping, then you are not taking big enough drinks. Don't swish it around in your mouth. Taking three large gulps from the bottle aerates and mixes when you stop to take a breath.
5. Never choose bourbon for taste. Like wine, you should always choose for mood and function. For example:
Early Times – supper bourbon, cheap, take with food or your hiney will regret it the next day
Makers Mart – Staple of life, elixer of good health and mental functioning – take dailyas needed, double on Sunday
Old Grandad – Friday night bourbon
Wild Turkey 101 – Saturday night bourbon
6. The proper temperature for drinking bourbon is whatever the temperature is behind the seat of your truck.
I'm sorry for shattering the propaganda, but the truth will set you free. It may however land you in jail, but this is not just some beverage, bourbon is a lifestyle.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed + Ice + Cohiba = Life is Good
neat, or with just a bit of water
the last two are cigars***
Woodford Reserve, Basil Hayden, Bookers, Bakers, Cohiba, Nub, are my favorites.
I certainly prefer bourbon over scotch; I akso like Eagle Rare, but my favorite is Four Roses Small Batch- really smooth, almost silky
Great for the money: Balvenie Doublewood; For treating myself: Glenlivet 21 Yr Archive; A touch of water to help it open up.
Shots of Jameson, I ain't no girl – no time to sip, just wanna get liquored up on some good whiskey and get in some fights
I'm a Wild Turkey 101 man when I'm celebrating but for casual times Ezra Brooks is my choice.
Oh and a little water, no ice, no mixers. What's the point otherwise? If I just want alchohol in a drink I'll pick up a inexpensive vodka. But drinking Scotch is for the flavors.
I'm not a bourbon fan, nor do I care for most blends. I appreciate highland single malts the most, although sometimes it's just that, an appreciation more than a real taste for the flavours.
For just pure drinking enjoyment I've really found Aberfeldy to be my scotch of choice. Relatively easy on my wallet too.
Definitely Bookers. My current bottle is 127.9 proof. Fabulous. Just a tiny ice cube...
The Dalmore, single malt or if you can find it, their Cigar Malt and a good cigar
Any single malt filled up with Coca Cola, a big greasy cheese burger & fries.
"God Bless America", I guess...
Let us pray...
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel with 2 cubes of ice! Toasted oak notes with caramel and vanilla swirling around in that amber liquid makes for a great toddy!
Booker's if by FAR the best bourbon ever, higher alchohol content is a bonus. Maker's Mark if i'm on a budget. You can't go wrong with eithe one. Any other booker's fans out there????!!!
any one else out there a passionate famous grouse drinker?
Lessee here... I think that the best value is to be had in their twelve year old vatted malt. The Grouse Black just doesn't do it for me considering my admitted Islay snobbery! Have drank a bottle of their 18 – for the money, would have much preferred the Glenfiddich 18 for two dollars more. Have tried the Grouse 30 & was expecting, perhaps, too much. Was let down a bit. I just can't do regular Grouse, sorry. The Twelve, though is wonderful. It ranks W/ Johnny Black for quality vs cost (high praise, by the way).
I highly recommend the following single malt scotch whisky:
The Macallan 18 (Sherry Oak); Glenrothes 1978; Highland Park 18; Glenfarclas 21; Mortlach 16; Balvenie 17 (Sherry Oak).
Nose them neat, add a touch of still water (or a cube) to open the dram's bouquet, and enjoy for any occasion!
Wonderful choices – all. I still not have opened my bottle of Balvenie's 17 "Sherry Oak."
Guest,
The Glenrothes 1978 is a recent acquisition...the staff at Berry Brothers & Rudd (London) were kind enough to break seal on a bottle of the 1978 last summer to sample a full-dram, and it has been well worth the investment (albeit expensive). More reasonably priced, but also worthy of note, is a bottle of the Glenrothes 1991.
Sláinte!
Maker's Mark, made at a tiny little distillery in rural Kentucky.... if you have ever toured that place you would understand the peacefullness of sipping makers on the rocks. Do a little research on this bourbon and you will appreciate the quality and taste even more! Love it!
Another single-malt loving woman here. Oban is my favourite; Dalwhinnie and Lagavulin are additional favourites. I celebrated the completion of my doctorate with the Macallan 25 year old.
@ the person wondering about Canadian single malts–I know of only one, Glen Breton, produced in Nova Scotia. Haven't tried it yet...
Like Rande I've tried most of the brands mentioned and I have to say Auchentoshen is my favorite foreign single malt. Stranahan's is one of a growing number of excellent American-made whiskys I like along with Tuthilltown Spirit's Baby Bourbon. But it doesn't get any better on a cold, Vermont winter night than a splash of Parker's Golden Anniversary, neat, a PG, and Ella singng in the background while sitting and watching the snow come down out the living room window. C'mon, snow!! There are probably better ways to spend an evening, but I suspect they're all either illegal, immoral, or fattening.
I've got a question for this learned group: Is there such a thing as a single malt (not a blend) Canadian? Everything I've ever taken note of is always a Canadian blend. What's the deal with that?
Glen Breton Rare?
http://www.glenoradistillery.com/glenbreton.htm
Well, to be precise, Glen Breton from Capre Breton's Glenora distillery is producing it's version of a scotch whisky; ie barley is used. Naturally they cannot lable it 'scotch' due to it being produced in Nova Scotia as opposed to old Scotia...! Anyway, as regards rye whiskey, I have seen more & more versions of it that claim to be 'single-grain', 'small-batch', etc. Seems like they are trying to get in on scotch's resurgence in the market. But I could be wrong.
Oh yeah. Half a tumbler of Wild Turkey with some Coke Zero and ice. Throw in some chocolate cake, a Hustler and Monday night RAW, and we're talking!
Please listen everybody, your drinks of choice are great however no one mentioned Pendleton Whiskey, the smoothest canadian blend distilled in Hood River, OR. And btw $25 for a bottle. I will not touch another whiskey again, unless I splurge for a bottle Mcallan
I've probably tried 70% of what is mentioned here. Enjoyed most. But I always come back to Jim Beam with a splash of water.
Well, if you're talking Irish, Tyrconnell is the way to go. Pure pot still at it's finest!
Oops...its finest! Call off the grammar nazis...I minored in English and know better.
Johnny Red is what I ask for; Black is smoother but doesn't seem to have as much flavor. The first time I tried Laphroaig, I was in love, but I'm not in that tax bracket to be buying it often. That strong smoke flavor is alcohol's version of good barbecue. Recently tried Evan Williams: smoother than JD at about half the price. Many outstanding examples and good suggestions posted here, I will cheerfully check some of them out. Oh, yeah: like it neat. Ice only in the summer.
Laphroaig... when I can afford it. No ice... neat. Heaven!
Favorite Bourbon: Elijah Craig 18 year...mmmm
Favorite Irish: Jameson Special reserve 12 year
Favorite Scotch: The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15 year
Neat, with a glass of water to the side.
Had some ancient, pre-prohibition Waterfill & Frazier that was extremely good, not the stuff they make down in Mexico.
Two words; no shots. I just can't fathom people who do shots of whiskey. to each their own, I know, but whiskey is meant to be enjoyed. I prefer just a few ice cubes in mine and sipping the night away.
irish whiskey, neat please.
BUT, i've recently become a certified mixologist (like, i know, right?) and developed a lovely new drink – a Perfectly Pink Manhattan. You can only dream of what I include....
Midleton Very Rare.... my fav.
MaQintosh - straight, with a plastic bag over my head.
Scotch on the rocks
Aberlour – loved it since the clerk at local store suggested it. It was less expensive and has a mellower, more subtle taste than the better known single malts. The only other one I liked better was Balvenie double wood. And yes, it is quite entertaining as a woman to order whiskey and see some surprised looks. But then, I like a good martini too.
Here is an easy way to become a whisky aficionado, Woodford Reserve, straight.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed neat with Bad Religion and a Cusano Corojo 97
1) drink whiskey
2) drink whiskey
3) drink whiskey
4) drink whiskey
5) drink whiskey
On a budget, try out "Joshua Brook" Kentucky straight bourbon. It puts a lot of higher priced whiskey to shame. Wonderful aroma and taste with a velvety smooth finish.
I prefer bourbon, instead of scotch. I drink mine straight up. I gained a whole new level of appreciation after going on the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky...I strongly encourage you to do it if you like whiskey. My favorite is Woodford Reserve. In fact, I'm about to go pour a glass right now...cheers!
Here's my favorite overlooked and underestimated trick: Have a little sip of ICE cold water, and clean out your mouth before the FIRST sip of your drink. Chill your entire mouth out, and the whiskey will really open up nicely. Ice in the drink is not necessary. Single Barrel Jack Daniels for me- "ol' trusty"
Cheers, and may the spirits be with you.
Bourbon – Four Roses either neat or with a splash of branch water.
A'bunadh – Aberlour distillery Scotland. Neat or a slash of water.
That has to be one of the best Aberlour expressions available, particularly given the cost of it!
Laphroaig 15 yr., Jameson 18 yr., and Woodford Reserve are my favorites.
Sláinte!
Glenlivet, for sure. No cubes, tall glass!!
Love Glenlivet but only when I can afford it. Only on ice, please...........,
Okay, you people got me jonesin' after a mess of good things I haven't had in awhile...stop.
Bookers is the best bourbon I have ever tasted. Can't believe nobody has mentioned it!!
Bookers neat is an experience all on its own! I second this.
Why promote being an "aficionado" of a drug that kills more people each year than all other drugs combined. Alcohol should be illegal for every reason lawmakers think Marijuana should be... And that is the truth. Plain, cold reality.
get lost
There's always one pooper at every party.
Nanny-Statist, noisy gong... Go away troll, you're not welcome here.
Facts are facts. Alcohol is toxic and carcinogenic and will kill you if you overdo. In fact, the difference between feeling its affects and killing you is only a factor of ten. Cannabis is neither toxic nor carcinogenic. In fact, it has been shown to have considerable use in killing cancers of the brain, pancreas and more. You cannot overdose, it's roughly as addictive as caffeine. Enjoy alcohol if you wish, but it does kill a lot of people everyday. Facts are facts.
It is not the cigar, scotch and music that gives life value, it is the freedom to enjoy these things. Cigars, scotch and music are worth living for. Freedom to enjoy these things is worth dying for. I do not tread on you; Don't tread on me.
A single malt, neat, and Ayn Rand's Anthem in the evening.
I used to enjoy blended Scotch, but I graduated to single-malt by the time I got to Junior High School.
Two words... Elijah Craig
My favorite is The Lagavulin. Extraordinary, cpmplex taste and aroma!
Aberfeldy, old Pulteney or Macarthy's (from Oregon)
Templeton Rye, neat or 2 cubes and a pipe.
#3 ... "Try as many whiskeys as you can". The story of my life.
Knockando for me. A Speyside single malt with all the best qualities of cinnamon, oak and fire! The 12 and 21 year olds are good, but I prefer the 18 year old. I have a bottle from 1981 just waiting for the right occasion.
Yes–Speyside is the best region for Socts whisky.
For you, perhaps...
A few years ago my wife brought a double-matured Lagavulin back from Scotland for me and that was probably the best I've had. I treasured each glass, neat. Haven't heard anyone mention White Horse in the "not awful, but kinda cheap" category. For a 15-20 dollar bottle of blended scotch in my opinion it is better than most that cost twice that. The secret is probably that Lagavulin figures prominently in the blend. All that said, I like to get my Old Crow on too (gotta throw the ice in when you're doing the OC though). So for me its good scotch or terrible (but charming) bourbon!
Keith
Respectfully suggest that you try some Famous Grouse – a blend – but a distinctive one – very subtle and sneaks up and yanks your shorts down and has it's way with you..............
Right now enjoying a special single malt that has been aged in Cuban rum casks – sweeter then angels tears
also keep an eye out for the boutique single malts coming out of Oregon and Japan – outrageously good
Sounds like your talking about the "Distiller's Edition" version of the Lagavulin. I prefer the regular 16 but to each, his own. The DE version of Oban is really good as is the DE of Talisker. Pretty sure that they do not make those expressions anymore – alas.
Mr. Corby, no ice, straight from the bottle, with a pack of Camels, sitting on a curb in Detroit on a hot summer night. Life is swet in Motown!
finally something that merits some serious brain power
getting ready for the 20th Annual Fall Classic here in MN – the Fall Classic is a gathering of lads devoted to malt whiskys and the occasional bourbon ( have had the lads at Buffalo Trace do a tasting for us – a superb bourbon)
each October we feature 7 single malts – mostly whiskys from Scotland.
On occasion we allow a blend – as all the whiskys poured need to be rare and distinctive
in the early days we did an intense game dinner afterwards now as we are aging as gracefully as the whiskys we focus more on some special cheeses, pates and smoked meats to accompany the beverages
and of course we features cigars from an island just off of Florida
we do other informal tastings throughout the year as we find a unique whisky
Jamison Gold neat with a few drops of water, a decent cigar, and Muddy Waters= absolute heaven
Jaimeson Gold is one of the world's greatest–scotch is inferior to any top shelf Irish whiskey.
I like that picture!
ditch the cigars though, eventually your nose and palate will suffer and you'll need the cigar to think you are tasting the drink...
I understand where you're coming from. I think most people in here talking about cigars are probably using the drink to enhance the cigar. Not the other way around. If I'm smoking, I drink to enhance the smoke. If I'm enjoying the drink, then there's no cigar involved. A good bourbon/scotch can really bring out the flavor in a cigar. The cigar will definitely over-power the drink.
Elijah craig is great stuff.. so is Bowman's Brothers from Virginia, really good stuff, as is BUffalo Trace as is....as is....
Ha! as is... my friend. As is....
Michael Collins Single Malt Irish ... 2 fingers, 2 cubes.....ahm in hebbin!
Evan Williams green label... only the best for me
So glad I came across this article. Some friends of mine have been having a bourbon tasting amongst ourselves on Friday nights while we're tailgating for college football games on Saturday. It's my responsibility for Oct 15. Any good ideas on something most of us have probably never had before?
Blantons bourbon. everyone will like it. Very smooth, not too overpowering.
I'm a Blanton's fan too. Recently received a bottle of barrel proof Blantons. At 65% alcohol, no swallowing is required. Just a sip on your tongue and it on it's way!
Scotsman.com is the daily newspaper of Scotland. They have a web link to whisky stories; there is a chart there which maps the flavor qualities of the major distilary products; more smokey or more delicate or light, etc.
If u want to get folks interest, make a chart that gives em a guide to products according to their basic flavor qualities – otherwise you'll just leave em confused n pissed off at the unmanagable task of figuring it out for themselves.
I want to promote the virtues of Glenmorange, but u cant recruit new customers by leaving em confused and un educated – it's too hard to study wiskey. PLEASE MAKE UR INFORMATION USER-FRIENDLY.
Scotland Forever.
Paul
Elijah Craig or Johnny Red neat with a Perdomo 10th Anniversary Reserve Maduro Epicure cigar and a mix of Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald in the background. Life absolutely cannot get any better than that.
Well, actually, all that, plus your wife is visiting her mother out of state.
1. I'm from Tennessee, but I'll confess: Kentucky bourbon is the best.
2. Welsh whisky? Who knew? Gotta check that out. Any leads, you filthy drunkards?
Cutty My Lad,
Those special souls who make Tennessee sippin' whisky all have their roots in Scotland – just follow the empty casks back to the Isle of Mull
Not sure how many there are but "Penderyn" is one of 'em. Tried it once – interesting.
If you ever get a chance to try Mortlach, take it!
I did. And now I'm out! Can't get it 'round here no more. probably gone the 'way of all things' & being introduced into the emerging markets of the Orient, India & Russia. They can introduce it there at hideous prices & then divert it all (see any Cardhu lately? No?) from our established markets. We are the people that grew their brand but the potential profit margins are just too large for them to ignore...
I normally drink Jameson neat or with ice, but one of my favorites is Balvenie.
Makers Mark, a whif or two of fine Canadian Cannabis and that slow horizontal movement of the sun as it dances along the horizon during an arctic sunset.
Heaven here on earth.
I'm a bourbon fan. A couple fingers of Basel Hayden with a splash and a good cigar is about perfect.
1st choice – Glenfiddich 18 yr Single Malt
2nd choice – Jack Daniels Old #7
Bourbon, any Bourbon from Kentucky is great. Have it neat or on ice or any other way, it is great.
Sour mash is where it's at. George Dickel, Old #12
How about George T. Stagg, "2004 Whiskey of the Year"
My father in law and I have been drinking this for several years. We only seem to find it around Christmas where I live. So smooth and can probably fuel your car in a pinch too!
So many great Whiskeys, so little time. I prefer a single cube.
Read these posts! What a great club we could all have together! My favorites, after touring the Highlands, are Laphroaig, the Islay single malt, and the ultimate: Caol Ila, 15 years. With the requisite cigar, good book and fire and my beautiful wife beside me, life is complete!
Jameson Vintage Reserve neat or Middleton also neat with some old Irish folk music in a pub.
I prefer a good Bourbon such as Maker's Mark. It's best when drunk neat.
mmmmm! Scotch. Any single malt with a port wood finish suits me just fine.
It's a good bottle of Jim Beam Black a pack of Marlboro reds and a few friends playing poker all night.... now those are some good times.
Crown......
No one mentioned The "Gentleman Jack" on the rocks or a splash of water.
Amen. Very smooth. The only problem with it being that because it is so smooth, it goes down like water. Then you're staring at an empty bottle wondering what happened.
I really like Knob Creek with just a drop of water, but it has become failry expensive in my neck of the woods. Makers Mark over ice is good on a hot summer's evening, but I also like J.D. neat if I'm sitting around a fire.
It just my opinion, but whiskey is the most terrible of all the liquor products. Its like drinking water from a old dusty boot. Its not for everyone.
@ Clemmy. I felt the same way when I started drinking whiskey. I absolutely hated it. You probably just haven't found the right one for your taste. Maybe you should try it with a mixer, then try with water, then try neat. It's an aquired taste; similar to learning the differences in beers. If my first beer was Guinness, I would probably hate beer, but I worked my way up to the Guinness. Baby Steps.
FYI. The best beer ever prodiced is Thomas Hardy Country bottle aged bitter ale.
Well, nothing like good bourbon whiskey...grew up with Medley Bros., but favor a G&T with fresh cut lime..most of time!
Bowmore 12yr Single Malt...less peat, more smoke!
Old Granddad, straight or with two ice cubes. If I can't find it, then Suntory 18 with a splash of cola and two ice cubes. Nothing chills makes the body lighter.
The Yamazaki (by Suntory possibly?) 18 is fantastic spirit. Give it a whirl if you can find it. Have a small amount of the Yamazaki 12 at home & it's only getting smaller... Alas. Can't get that anymore 'round these parts.
Oban, Talisker or Sheep Dip, if I can find it... like to mix it up now and again...
Jameson, straight up. So good I named my son after it!
I agree wholeheartedly. Jameson neat. I have been drinking it that way since I started college over a decade ago. But guys are surprised to see that in a girl!
Jameson 1780 or Jameson GOld. Nectar of the gods
The ideal relaxing evening: a generous dram of Lagavulin in crystal, a Honduran cigar (in the absence of Cuban) and "Atlas Shrugged" or "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand with classical music in the background and a fire in the hearth.
I'm there, brother, I'm there...
Knob Creek, the tiniest splash of water to open up the nose a bit (like 1/2 teaspoon or less). Cold rainy night, fire in the fireplace (seems to be a theme), and Bruce Catton's trilogy about the Army of the Potomac. Can't imagine life getting any better.
Knob Creek is darned fine corn liquor. Much prefer scotch whisky (Islay's if possible!) but that is a very nice drink. Bought some not long ago while at one of the N.H. liquor barns while on vacation. It was pretty good stuff. Not overly expensive either, which helps.
Aristocrat my friends....Aristocrat! Finest purveyors of spirits in the land...the finest, I say! Mix it with some RC cola...goes great with a Lucky Strike and Wheel of Fortune.
Don't forget the MoonPie!
I like what he says about adding water. I like to add about 50% of the volume of whiskey. It takes away the burn of the alcohol and allows you to taste the flavors more. In all of the distillery tours I have taken, almost all of the master distillers say they add at least some water.
I'm not a connoisseur by any means, but I just love buying Old Crow for $12 a half gallon! Whether it costs $12 or $1200 dollars, whiskey just gives you the fuel to rage!
Whiskey / bouron are excellent investments. If the economy implodes completely the barter system will revert to whiskey, ammo, gold & silver.
If the economy doesn't implode, you have a lot of whiskey / bouron to drink.
Irish whiskeys Green Spot and Red Breast are the best.
Why is Whisky so good? Where does the magic come from? How? It is way more than the sum of it's parts.
When I was much much younger than I am now, I visited a pub in Montreal which specialized in single malts and British ales/draft (when you sat down they gave you a menu with ales listed on one side and malts on the other – my type of establishment). I had never had a single malt before then so I thought I might try, though everyone else at the table ordered draft. I don't recall what malt I ordered but I did ask for it to be served over ice. The server arived with everyone's beer and my malt – without ice, which he assured me was coming. I caught his eye a couple of times and he confirmed that ice was indeed on its way. So while I waited I began to sip my malt while my friends enjoyed their draft. It didn't take long before I finished my delightful malt, when the waiter appeared and said "see...you didn't need ice afterall". I've had my single malts neat ever since – and would never consider adding ice. I've never found a malt I didn't like but recently I have been enjoying a Glenfiddich 15.
Glenfiddich 15 'Solera Reserve' is a tremendous spirit. And when one considers the cost of it, it tastes even better. I recall meeting the man who created the spirit a few years back & had moved on to become Glenfiddich's global brand ambassador (he was a "real deal" sort of man; Iain or David something?). He indicated the sort of whiskies to which he had access & preferred to drink the 15 as he really liked it ("I made it for me..."). He understood how hard it is to produce that drink at the price point, which made it all the more special for him. It IS a wonderful whisky. I really like the 21 yr old Glenfiddich ("Havana Reserve" as it is/was called elsewhere than the USA!) as well but it's a lot more expensive. Their 30 yr old is tremendous & I have tried a small taste of the 40 – exquisite, as it should be! But you can't knock that 15...
I'm in love with Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Scotch at the moment! I only have it neat! And I will throw anyone who attempts to mix it with cola out of my house and never serve them a single malt again!
That's why I ALWAYS have a decanter full of a flavourfull, blend (such as Sherry-finished Grant's, etc.) for just such an occasion. It is not for me to tell you how to drink your whisky, but I ain't giving you any of my 25 yr Highland Park or 'Cardeas' Laphroig so that you can pur Coca Cola (*shiver*) into it. In fact, I will deny having any Coke in the house & you'll have to bring your own...!
Our good friend Rick Wasmund's Rye Whisky from the Copper Fox distillery in Sperryville Virginia... One of a kind.
Whiskey tastes like a$$.
And, the sweetest a$$ it is! ;-)
I do enjoy the single malts and ryes, but bourbon is just the best.
I am concerned that we as U.S. citizens are importing again and putting the U.S. worker out.
For example, small batch bourbons like: Bulleit, Knob Creek, Makers Mark, Ri 1, Woodford Reserve and Old Potrero made in San Francisco definately hold up against the imports and are better at times.
I do enjoy the imported whisky, but do not sell the U.S.A short as usual.
Couldn't agree more, some of the best whiskeys are made in the US and are bourbon. For someone who enjoys it straight up, I couldn't do without JD.
Oh, and btw, all my friends out there, Jack and Coke is for wimps :) There, I said it.
McCallans 18, 1 part McCallan 1 part Mountain Dew.
You ARE just jerking our collective, chains, n'est-ce pas?
Bulleit with two cubes...yeah buddy
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye – 13 y.o. is amazing!!!
Or Lagavulin 25 year old...superb.
Lagavulin! Yes! My favorite by far. I like some of the other Islay malts for the experience – Laphroig will wake you up – but Lagavulin is like smoke in a glass but somehow smooth and just perfect. Neat by the way.
BUSH MILLS BLACK -The sweet clean taste of Irish Whiskey is one of the Best things in Life.
yesssssssssssssss
Nothing better then a single malt Irish whiskey. Bush Mills Black is just about as good as it gets.
Tallisker. Neat. No junk in it.
Have a bottle of the "Distiller's Edition" Talisker that is really good. Look for that one. By the way, one of the best drinks that Ihave had is the Talisker 25. Definitely cannot afford it the cost of it (~$250.00) but it is special.
One cube of ice in......
Knob Creek..The best of the small batch bourbons.
Oban or Any 18 year single malt..Peaty, smooth and aromatic.
JD Single Barrel....Very tasty.
For those on a budget, Jim Beam Black or Maker's Mark.
Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, Blantons or any other small or single batch bourbon (can you tell I was raised in Kentucky?) on the beach with a good cigar (Arturo Fuente Grand Reseve, preferably).
woodford reserve. you won't go back
AMEN. It's a good thing it costs what it does or you'd be tempted to drink it all day!
18-yr Tullamore Dew, two cubes, cigar, firepit on a Fall weekend, good friends.
Isle of Jura, 21 year single malt. Santa's favorite! Rich chocolate and orange, cinnamon and spice... lingers
Amen. Wonderful choice!
Irish. Neat. Rocks glass.
Jim Beam in a snifter neat with a $110 cigar.
Eagle Rare 10 yr. neat with a Stokkebye hand-rolled smoke on the front porch with Ravel or Debussy loud enough inside to come out the screen door.
jim beam...been drinkin it since high school. still like it. says worlds finest burbon right on the label! come on whiskey pros tell me how im wrong!!! lol
There are many bourbons that are finer, but I still respect the JB...
Macallan 18 or Cask Strength. Both neat and with some good, aged spicy cheese!
Anything smokey in flavor. Rainy night, fire in the hearth, good book, mellow music, kids in bed and wife out with friends.
Okay, wishful thinking, but I could use a couple of those nights about now....
Why drown whisk(e)y in water, or melt ice cubes in it, rendering it cold and watery? Learn to appreciate the taste neat, or with just a touch of water; you won't be disappointed.
I am a Tullamore Dew man. I like Tullamore Dew on the rocks or Tullamore Dew with diet ginger ale. Good stuff.
Amen to the Tullamore Dew, always great with 2 cubes.
Bah! Tully is candy. Try Black Bush. Not as sweet and QUITE smooth!
I love black bush!
I will take anything by Pappy van Winkle's, especially their 23 year old bourbon. Nothing finer.
Weirdly, I love the 20 Pappy and even the 15 more than the 23 - thought ain't like I'm turning down ANY of it.
The 20 is really good and will suffice, but if I can get the 23 I will take it.
suntory single malt 18yr
For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.
Single malt on the rocks or Blended Scotch with water, I am still in the learning curb because too many comercial brands but price does not guarantee quality. Make my days better here in Winter Michigan.
For sure US or Cadadian brands not for my taste, too poor in fine tuning...
I'm a Highland single malt girl myself. I love the sweet honey notes of Dalwhinnie 15 or Glenmorangie 18, although I can always appreciate the heavy, peaty, cedar chest notes of a glass of Laphroaig or Oban. Best of all is being a young lady and ordering a scotch with water to the surprise of all of the gentlemen at the bar!
Will you marry me?
Please only add a few drops of water. I would hate to think of those excellent whiskys getting diluted. Hmmmmmmm. You must be a beautiful woman....
Amanda you're a girl after my own heart. If I wasn't already married...! Love your taste.
Aloha from Hawai'i
I've done that myself–it separates the men from the boys! Starts the conversation at a whole other level.
A lady who drinks Laphroaig? Where have you been all my life?
Laphroaig or Legavulin in the winter, Oban or Macallan 15yr Fine Oak in the summer. Also, it is very important to use the right glass. Ridell fluted top for Scotch, Glencarin for whiskey. I have a collection of over 100 bourbons/whiskys, and 70 Scotches. The right dram for any ocassion
With over 100 labels in my collection, I still have to say Blantons is my favorite bourbon. But anyone that lives near Templeton Iowa needs to try the Templeton Rye. If I could only have 1 whiskey for the rest of my life, it would be Templetons Rye. Fantastic stuff
Jamison, straight up. Room temp with some Bob Marley.
yes! Bob marley and...
ya man
I like your style Chuck. Nicely said.
MMMMM Whiskey and Robert Goulet! GOULET!
Crown royal black and a Duthmaster filled with the finest herbs known to man
I concur!
Finest indeed...
I prefer 2 fingers of JD with 2 cubes after a long day's work. Goes down nice and smooth and helps relieve the stress of the day.
Lane, I agree about the two fingers...(pinky & pointer!) :-)
I don't make many plans on such evenings....
I agree with the JD, but prefer Gentlemen Jack.
If you can find it, stranahans whiskey from colorado is a true experience. I throw in a couple of ice cubes and enjoy it with friends.
I've been on the distillery tour. Great stuff!!
Johnnie Walker Blue....the best. mmmmmmm
I'm glad that you like it. I have found it to be one of the worst values in scotch whisky. I bought a bottle of it. It is a very finely crafted spirit – no argument. But when I consider just how much other good whisky I can get for the hundred & sixty bucks that I thre for Blue, well, it just isn't smart. For me. I would never say that to you. What I have learned is that trendiness in scotch whisky is a neophyte mistake & I sure fell into the trap. Won't do that again...
Agreed, Johnny Walker Blue is over-rated and over-priced – I'll stick with 12yo single malts from Macallen and Glenmorangie with the occasional splurge on a 15yo or 18yo (though many of them are not worth the extra $$ either)
a 25 YO Macallan is happiness...
single malt, neat, in a snifter. Much preferable to a good brandy.
I like no. 3 the best. I will try no. 3 tonight.
I like Single Malt Scotch, aged 18 years (12 when I'm on a budget). Neat with a fine cigar and a good book. That's what dreams are made of....
Agreed. No cigar, though.
Dave, Couldn't agree more, but you gotta add two cubes for that velvety finish!
No ice, love, just purified water :)
Hmmmmm. That sounds really great. But I cannot have the cigar in the house, so for me, it is outside for the cigar and whisky, inside for the book and whisky. But it is all good.
I shared a bottle of something really fine with a friend maybe 15 years ago called "Eagle Rare". I believe it was a gift from family in either Tennessee or Kentucky, where I was told is the only place it's available. My goodness was it smooth!!!
Times are lean though, when possible, I prefer some JW Black on the rocks (pinkie / index). And then another one. I leave the cigar and good book for the wifie!
fyi, litenup: Eagle Rare (a Kentucky Bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace) is widely available online in both 10 year-old and 17 year-old distillations. Both are quite good, though not my favorites by any stretch and the 10 sells for $25, a bargain at twice the price.
I tried this for the first time a couple of weekends ago. I loved it.
Eagle Rare is nice. I like George Dickel #12. I think it would be classified as a Tennessee sipping whiskey.
Jake
hudson baby bourbon
woodford reserve master's collection
Forget the book....a beautiful woman instead..
Personally, I prefer Irish, my favorite being Black Bush. Smooth as can be and quite easy on the throat, unlike some lesser whiskey OR whisky...
I've left off cigars for the most part these days, nosebleeds on occasions AND you'd think that Bill Gates rolled the things at the price they want for a good one!
single malt: Macallan 18 or above: neat, cigar, jazz... nice.
I'm surprised you can taste anything after a puff or two of a cigar.