I hate the strong peat scotches. It's like drinking liquefied pig shit. *







* consider that trademarked. If a summer cooler comes out in the future in Liquefied Pigshit flavor I'll know where it got stolen from.

Isn't that about what 40 Euro translates to in USD? haha

Well I would say that if you want a good "cheap" drinking scotch, I am always impressed by the Glenlivet 12 yr. A standard yes, one you wont get any points by the single malt snobs, but for the price- I always have a bottle around. I enjoy it more than the Glenfiddich 12 yr.

For single malts, you really have to identify which type of scotch you enjoy - islay, northern, speyside etc. They definitely have unique characteristics, just like wine.

Having said that, one of my favorite affordable single malts is the Balvenie 12 yr, double wood (speyside).

Also try the Dalmore 12 yr (highland)- also affordable.

Both are extremely drinkable neat. If you arent a big scotch drinker, I wouldnt really recommend some of those being discussed above, such as the Laphroaig. But the only way to determine your taste is to go out and taste.

Perhaps locate a Whiskey bar - they usually do samplings.

Enjoy.

which one was it? first edition?

either this one or the 12 yr. I can't remember which.

cool, a friend of mine let me try the 12 years old first edition and that one was almost spectacular but those are sold out or super expensive. I heard that the second edition is still very very good so I wanted to buy me a bottle in the next days.
(on the pic it's from the 2nd edition)

I remember the cannister it was in was all silver and pale blue, no other colors, and it looked a helluva lot like this. But it's been a few years now. I remember it being pretty mild, but complex enough to be worth the money.

*takes another bow*

yeah you're batting like .995

I've long traded Scotch for bourbon, but glenmorangie always treated me well.

mmm, Maker's Mark.... my favorite...

Maker's Mark is definitely the standby, but Bulleit and Michter's have kept my plenty warm lately.

Not to hijack too much, but I'm slowly trying bourbons (which I prefer over Irish Whiskey and Scotch) and have enjoyed Woodford Reserve, Basil Hayden's and now Blanton's (bday present from gf). Bulleit is on my list to try though.

-Blanton's is probably my favorite, but it's a touch price to swallow when you're not celebrating something.
-Woodford Reserve I like, but it has a sort of buttery taste that I'm not so sure about.
-I can't remember why I stopped drinking Basil Hayden's. Probably because I started downing Maker's Mark by the trough.

Bulleit's is relatively cheap, strong, and plenty of rye, which I like straight, but totally can make an old-fashioned the best thing on earth.

I really like Elijah Craig for Bourbons that cost under 20 bucks.

My personal preference is for Booker's on the rocks - I like the unfiltered/uncut aspect of it - because of the high alcohol content it is a bit brutal to drink straight without a little ice to take the edge off though.

I do enjoy pretty much all of the above though - Blanton's, Woodford, Maker's Mark and Basil Hayden - probably in that order after Booker's.

As for top shelf bourbons, I prefer Blantons, Bookers, Bakers--in that order.

Mid shelf---Knob, Makers

Lower shelf---Old Grandad

As for a further hi-jack, what do you vodka drinkers consider the best top-shelf (up to $50?) brand? I'm going to have to buy a nice bottle for my visiting cousin this weekend and I don't drink it.

I'd be interested too. Honestly, I use Monopolowa for most mixed vodka drinks (several friends of mine are gluten-intolerant and Monopolowa is one of the few vodka available they can drink, unless you go "up" to Ciroc). Unfortunately Monopolowa is not good for dirty martinis, as the last couple of times I've made them, while they tasted good going down, I felt like HELL the next day. I need something smoother that isn't going to break the bank. These are tough economic times, y'all.

Vodka = Should have bought Gin

No argument here--pretty much the only hard liquor I drink anymore.

But as a gracious host, I have to have a good vodka available for my less-knowledgeable cousin

I've never tried that, but I'm in love with Islays. I've been drinking Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and this this winter:



RIYL: a less smoky islay.

Are islays becoming indie-super cool? Because if so, I'm going to have to develop a taste for something else.

Obner is becoming indie-super cool. Deal with it.

So are non-sensical hyphenated adjectives like indie-super, of which you are guilty.

I really don't care about scotish regions. it's their fault that there are plenty of good distilleries on that small island.
on the other hand, maybe I should safe me my square foot of islay for free...
http://www.laphroaig.com/plot