Whisky / Whiskey / Bourbon

Back in the town of my birth, in sight of tbe Deveron, just a few miles from the densest cluster of distilleries in the world. Sampling a 21yo Glenfarclas that has been sitting in my dad's cabinet for some years.

Organising a Speyside distillery ride for May (probably)

so you're up near Huntly/Keith way? Or over nr Turrif? Banff?

Turriff. Stopped of at Old Meldrum (Glen Garioch) on the way here.

21 Glenfarclas? Bravo sir. Well played.

Anyone else at the Bowmore tasting at SWC tomorrow?

really happy to learn that swooshing scotch around the mouth is really good for the gums and teeth, strength, and cleansing,
or it could just be bloke down the pub talk,..............

When I was a small baby and teething, my dad implemented the traditional Scottish remedy and rubbed whisky into my gums.

Apparently, I liked it so much I would suck the whisky off his fingers and wail for more...

I saw Elijah Craig 12 yo bourbon in M&S Oxford St for £26 today which seems to be about a fiver cheaper or more than anywhere else.

Not really whisky, but tried Hopcraft Brewery's Long Nines stout tonight, aged in Islay whisky casks for 1 month. Mmm, smokey...

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

http://www.theage.com.au/executive-style/top-drop/tassie-whisky-named-worlds-best-single-malt-20140321-357lc.html

Went to The Vintage House in Soho yesterday and got a bottle of 16yr Jura, basically one of the cheapest bottles in the place at £50. Much nicer than Superstition, which is still lovely.

Just had a dram of Suntory Hibiki 30 yo before take off.

Lovely whiskey and probably the nicest blend I've tasted in my life. Free too...

Did buy a couple of bottles of Nikka from the barrel.

Asda doing an own brand 'Islay' and 'Highlands' single malt for twenty dorrah at the moment.

loving the Laphroaig at the moment when I don't have Lagavulin 16 or Ardbeg Uigeadail on the go.........

Currently sipping a 14yo Inchgower. Mmm.

Yes! Managed to get two more bottles of Finlaggan Old Reserve ... $18 a bottle! Still not worked out which distillery it comes from, this is a mystery going back since it started to appear.

http://scotchnoob.com/2011/09/26/finlaggan-old-reserve/

It's definitely my drinking stuff, not something I'd keep. That said, it's a major step up from the usual booze at that price!

I love rum, but no-one else in the house does, dad only drinks cognac or brandy and mum steers clear of spirits. Whats a good introductory choice? Not too peaty either

Its a question that probably gets asked a lot so I should just UTFS

if there is such a thing as an introductory whisky

Highland Park

Little bit left field, but Berry Bros do a fantastic blend (yes I am aware sacrilege to many.. but try before you knock it) called the Blue Hanger. A lot of the finer characteristics of a Highland but with more blended flavours that softens the peatiness. Would highly recommend.

Have had some Balcones recently, the Texas Single Malt is superb, as is the Baby Blue Corn Whiskey. Not cheap but so nice for a treat.

Highland Park

bleurgh, you'll put the guy off for life with that shite IMO - never have I been so underwhelmed by something that gets almost universally positive reviews - still got 3/4 of a bottle and it's not going down any.....

I'd recommend some of the lowland malts, sweet and honeyed - for a beginner - Auchentoshan maybe?

Aberfeldy is a non threatening Highland. And Dalwhinnie 15

Any news on that Speyside ride? I'd be game for that.

I love rum, but no-one else in the house does, dad only drinks cognac or brandy and mum steers clear of spirits. Whats a good introductory choice? Not too peaty either

Which bit did you want to be introduced to?

Some people treat peat as a macho thing, as if they're being a wimp if they drink a whisky that isn't heavily peated. I mean, I have always liked the Islay whiskies but there's a lot more going on out there.

I've gone from hating peat and smoke to wanting moar of both!!!