What whisky/whiskey have you been enjoying, and what's your opinion on them?
What have you been drinking, sipping and enjoying, in the world of whisky/whiskey spirits lately? Discussion about Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, international whiskey, bourbon, etc. are all welcome. Please don't just make a list of titles, give some thoughts, reviews, and tales about the spirits if you like!
I myself was thoroughly surprised at a whisky bar today with the Hatozaki 12. I went to the bar to try out my first Japanese whiskey's and found Hatozaki 12. It was absolutely lovely, bottled with integrity and at a fair price ($8/oz). I was not expecting such fruity and floral notes. I tried out a few from Nikka and Suntory and was not impressed. The Nikka Yoichi tasted off and a wee bit musty. The Suntory felt too light and like it belongs in a highball. I am looking forward to continuing the journey of exploration with Japanese whisky in the future. It is a stark change from the Islay Scotch whisky I drink regularly.
- Hatozaki 12 - Small Batch - Umeshu Cask: 87/100
Owner: Akashi Sake Brewery LTD
Region: Kaikyo Distillery, Akashi City, Hyogo, Japan
Nose: Vanilla, honey, floral, cream, red apple, fresh fruit
Palate: Vanilla, toffee, cherry blossom, peaches in cream, lavender
Finish: Vanilla, floral, lavender, cream linger for several minutes after
Note: Non-chill filtered, Natural Color, 46% ABV, speyside feel with some added bonus
My grading chart:
- 98 – 100 (A+) = Booze Nirvana.
This is the promised land where every sense is satisfied and, unless it’s a perfect 100, you have to search and nit-pick for what’s wrong instead of what’s right about this whiskey because it’s so on point. - 93 – 97 (A) = Exceptional – Superior in every way
These are the best of the best and within spitting distance of Nirvana. They embody everything that category is about and then elevate it to another level. These are ones I HIGHLY recommend. - 90 – 92 (A-) = Excellent – want to buy a case
Whiskeys that hit this rating are extra awesome. They’re delicious and complex Daily Drinkers and even though they are not quite best-in-class, they’re among my favorite whiskeys and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone at any time. - 87 – 89 (B+) = Great – always want to have a bottle
These are whiskeys that as soon as you taste them you say, “I want to own a bottle” and if you already own the bottle, you just smile because it’s yours. It’s not a record breaker by any means, just a good solid delicious whiskey. - 83 – 86 (B) = Good – not a “must”, but a nice-to-have
The majority of my baselines are found here. This range is where the “daily drinker” status starts to emerge and where I find whiskies that’re good to drink but may rotate in and out of my collection. They’re not something you’d miss when it’s out, but good enough to give a moment’s consideration when at the liquor store. - 80 – 82 (B-) = Not-too-bad – no major flaws, worth tasting
This is the stuff I’d recommend you try at the bar or at a friend’s house before buying a bottle. There’s nothing really wrong with it, it’s just not… quite… there. - 77 – 79 (C+) = Average – not good, not bad, just is
There might be some minor flaws, all-in-all it’s not offensive, but it might be boring. There’s just nothing at all noteworthy about this whiskey. Would recommend to starters. - 73 – 76 (C) = Below average – drinkable, but better as a mixer / party booze
It’s not like you or I actually WANT to drink this stuff, but sometimes you’re at a wedding or a shitty bar and it just happens to be there, and a beer just doesn’t sound great, so you grin and bear a glass or, when possible, ask for it in a cocktail. If the bartender sucks, you might even take a bit of solace in the knowledge that they didn’t ruin a good whiskey with their terrible cocktail. - 70 – 72 (C-) = Not good – nearly undrinkable, wonder why the hell they made it
When I drink this stuff, I wonder if the Master Distiller is actually proud of what they’ve put out or if it’s something they just shove out to make a quick buck. I then wonder about the person who habitually buy it and wonder what admirable qualities they find in it that I can’t. - 60 – 69 (D) = The only thing this should be used for is making Jungle Juice, and even then, Seriously, I start to wonder if it’s even safe for human consumption at this point. - It’s just plain vile.
- 59 – 0 (F) = Horrifically flawed – the worst
This is when I call the FDA because I’m pretty damn sure it’s not safe to drink this swill.
So I hate scotch, and don’t drink at all anymore, but I’ll infuriate you with this little tale.
Towards the end of my drinking career, I found myself in the home of a Japanese executive. I don’t know how well known this fact is, but Japanese men (in general) drink a lot. I mean a whole lot. Alcohol and drunkenness are an important part of the culture. There’s even a monestery in Tokyo that serves as final arbiter of who has the best sake in the country.
So anyway, we were already all pretty drunk, and this guy was feeling fine. So he breaks out a bottle of -dramatic pause - 1882 white Horse Scotch Whisky. Don’t quote me on the year, but this shit was old. Bottle was unopened. That’s what, $10,000 of whisky?
So like I said, I hated scotch. But the occasion seemed to demand I drink some. So i took a round. Kom’pai! And then another. And another. Three of us drank the whole bottle. Thank god it was only a pint.
So we’re all feeling lit, singing, laughing, filled with the most money I’ve ever consumed in one sitting, when yours truly releases his guts all over the living room floor.
I probably am banned from reentry into Japan at this point. I was saved only by the fact that he pissed all over the couch.
Sadly there is no moral or redeeming denouement. But I know the Scotch aficionados are spewing their drinks in horror. To you I say I’m sorry, I wish it had been two year old Paddy. But I wouldn’t change a thing.
Live and learn. Plenty of people out there and different cultures who enjoy (or cease to enjoy very shortly after) spirits in their own way. Some do nothing but chug Johnnie Walker Blue Label, some slosh together some Jameson in with a coca-cola, and others enjoy sipping and enjoying every drop of spirit.
The tale is quite humorous. Although it pains me to hear that much money put down in a single night (and put back up), those are the stories you carry with you to the grave. It is always interesting to hear of another person’s journey in life or in spirits. Sounds like you had a once in a lifetime experience in Japan and made it count though!
My go-to is Four Roses Small Batch. Also enjoy Highland Park 12. However, I am not very picky overall, plenty of budget-tier stuff is fine too. Wild Turkey 101 is underrated. There's something to enjoy in simple whiskies and complex whiskies alike. Even your overly-popular one-note big-company ones can be enjoyed for what they are.
Wild Turkey 101 is a bottle I always have on my bar cart. It is so versatile, and tastes excellent. Nothing beats that price point, either!
Four Roses Small Batch is my favorite American whiskey. One of the best for the price point personally. I completely agree! A basic starter malt or a 20+ yr masterpiece all have there time and place. Cheers!
Four Roses is also my go to, good price and good flavor if not a bit boozy.
Great for casual sipping as well as for making Old Fashioneds without feeling guilty about "wasting" it
I had some friends visit for a few days and we finally finished off a bottle of Highland Park and a Laphroaig that I had been nursing forever. I usually like a medium to heavy dose of peat in my scotch, so those fill that nicely (respectively).
We also got a bottle of Yellow Spot from a friend who lives in Dublin that’s really nice. It’s creamy and a little sweet since it’s aged in sherry and (I think) Marsala barrels.
I enjoy the Highland Park 12 that I have quite a bit.
The 12 is great. I couldn’t help grabbing a bottle of the Dragon Legend when it was on sale.
I have been eyeing the Spots. Would you recommend the Yellow to a friend? I have only ever tried Jameson and Redbreast from Ireland.
I view the Spots like I view The Macallum: well made; Good representation of its region/style; very approachable.
It's not going to give you spiritual experience but it is a pleasant dram and great to have on hand for friends wanting to try something.
Yes it’s really nice. I have to admit I’m not an expert on Irish whiskeys so I don’t have a huge knowledge base there for comparison, but my spouse and I are certainly enjoying it. We got it from a friend who lives in Dublin and drinks a fair amount of whiskey and they said it’s one of their regular favorites. It does pick up a lot of sweetness and richness from the sherry casks but it feels really well balanced.
Out of interest, did you go straight in with the Peat-tasting whisky? I had some a friend once and it really turned me off, do you need to be used to whisky in general first?
It is an acquired taste. Islay whisky / peated whisky is a very much love it or hate it ordeal. I hated peated whisky when I first got into whisky/whiskey spirits in general. A Scotsman in the Royal Navy I worked with swore by it and I never knew why. Over time, I grew familiar with the speysides and the highlands whisky's across the land.
I circled back around to Islay / peated whisky later on when my palate developed more, and I was not so offended by the intense smoke and peat of it all. I have come to enjoy peated whisky and now place it amongst the best I can find. I love the salty sweet aroma. I love how people all look at me when I open a bottle and the room reeks of peat. It brings a smile to my face and am glad I am one of the many who enjoys peated whisky.
I recommend trying peated whisky with a cigar or order it at a bar. Really take your time and take small sips with it. There is a moderate chance it will not change your opinion and you will continue to hate peated whisky. I surely do not recommend it as a first for Scotch. A speyside or highland would be my first go to starter whisky. Islay / peated whisky really is the stereotypical whisky people think of when Scotch comes to mind, but it is liquid gold for those who grow to love it! Best of luck on your whisky journey. Cheers!
This is such an excellent comment, thanks for taking the time to write it out!
I’m definitely not much of a whisky drinker at all, but as I’ve gotten older I do find myself fancying a slower drink than beer or wine, so your comment definitely has me intrigued about the whisky route, so I think I might look into getting a bottle. I will definitely be avoiding the peat whisky for a while though, haha!
I liked the peat taste from the start. I don’t think you necessarily need to ease into it, but there is a big range of peatiness if you want to try something not quite as intense. If you’re still intrigued, it might be worth asking the bartender if they have something more in the middle (e.g., Highland Park over Talisker over Laphroaig as a general rule).
Or if you’re not, that’s fine too - different people have different tastes and some people don’t like drinks that taste like weird smoky dirt :)
Sorry, still getting used to Tildes instead of Reddit so only just seen this reply - but, my days, “weird smoky dirt” has really tickled me, I can’t stop laughing at that phrase!
My go-to for most mixed drinks (Old Fashioneds/Manhattans/Gold Rush usually) is Wild Turkey 101.
My go-to for every day sipper is Buffalo Trace (when I can find it. I live in Utah and the state controls everything and so, some of those allocated bottles are extremely hard to find). I really enjoy some local Utah distilleries though: Sugar House Distillery has a great bourbon; and High West Double Rye! is awesome too.
I recently tried a Jack Daniel's Single Barrel and was blown away with it. I finished the bottle way too quickly and am sad it's gone. I also have been fairly surprised with Metallica's "Blackened" whiskey line...their rye batches have been interestingly great.
Finally, when I think of "bourbon"...the drink that comes into my head is, without a doubt, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon. It encapsulates everything I think about, and love about, the spirit. Speaking of...I'm out, and better go grab a bottle for the weekend!
Elijah Craig SB is fantastic! I put it in line with Four Roses SB, which is my favorite bourbon. Sounds like you are making the journey of the best the USA has to offer where available!
Ooh yes, Four Roses SB is awesome. Always pick it up when I can find it around me!
Knob Creek is always a solid choice. Can’t go wrong with that one!
I'm an Irishman and that's where my tastes lie. My goto is simply Jamesons because it's cheap and I don't often care particularly for the taste, but if I'm going fancy then Redbreast 12 or Powers are my favourites.
Oddly enough, I found that Jamesons Black Barrel is actually a really nice sipping whiskey, despite being, yknow, Jamesons. Cheaper than Redbreast too. I just feel like I'm letting my country down at every sip.
Powers is lovely from what I have heard. Will have to add the black barrel and Powers to the list. I gave up on Jameson years ago after three tries from three different varieties and each time I couldn’t finish the drink without plugging my nose.
I really love Redbreast 12, and have a bottle I've been nursing for over a year because I don't want it to end. In fact, think I'll have some tonight!
But, you're right, can't go wrong with Jameson. I love having a pour of it over ice while cooking dinner. Especially in the summer - it is so smooth and refreshing and, for better or worse, so drinkable!
I initially didn't like that Angel's Envy but grew to enjoy it on a second approach. My bottle has a strong banana bread flavor to it.
That must be an interesting career right there! I will definitely be adding those to the list.
Sent you a PM. I am equally not quite ready to out myself on Tildes yet.
I've been in a real bourbon and scotch rut lately, haven't really been trying anything new. In fact, I can't remember the last time I had a bourbon that wasn't my go-to "just for me and I don't want to spend a lot of money" choice which of Bulleit. This post is inspiring me to maybe pick up a bottle the next time I hit the store.
I notice you mention you're branching into Japanese whisky. How does the Hatozaki you reviewed in the OP compare to other Japanese ones you've tired? I've only tried Hibiki Suntory Harmony in the past and quite enjoyed it.
I have been back and forth on (speaking generally) Japanese whisky being good. Thus far, I have found the Nikka's tastes off to me. I don't know if it is the musty peat, but there is something off with it, and does not work well with my palate. Suntory, I have only had the Toki, and I was disappointed. I think I need something which isn't as light. Overall, the Hatozaki is miles ahead compared to the other Japanese whisky I have tried. Additionally, I was surprised and appreciative of the natural color, non-chill filtered, and 46% ABV from a Japanese whisky. Those traits were absent in all of the previous ones I tried. The experience was worth it and I wanted to buy the bottle by the time I finished my drink.
I think I will give the Hibiki Harmony a go next time I see it based on your enjoyment of it. I understand the feeling with being in a rut with bourbon and scotch lately! The prices seem to just keep climbing as the years pass by. Glad to hear the post helping spur you back into the hobby! Hope you can find something at a modest price and great value. Cheers!
The only Japanese whisky I've had was a bottle of the Hakushu 12 year (that I found randomly at Trader Joe's), which to me was almost too refined. Clearly well-made, but like your description of the Toki, it wasn't substantial enough for my taste. I'm currently working my way through a couple bottles of Michel Couvreur (Overaged and Peaty Overaged) and Glenn Scotia (a K&L bottling). I'll try anything from Couvreur at least once, although the Peaty Overaged isn't their best - the peat somehow doesn't taste as integrated with the whisky as it should, which I know doesn't really make sense.
I also have a couple bottles of Amagi Japanese rum from K&L. They're from the same distillation but different barrels. Both fantastic, one huge and almost raisiny, the other tamer and elegant, or as elegant as something can be at 65%. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more Japanese rum.
Glad I am not the only one who felt let down on the lightness of some Japanese whisky. Sounds like you have a great lineup right now! I love me some K&L Glen Scotia every now and again. Hope your journey for some more Japanese rum comes along swell. On the rum front, I am finally getting around to trying the Royal Navy's recipe from Pusser's rum. A friend recommended it to me and said the black label was well worth the value. Cheers!
My go to has always been Macallan 12. Would love to find a similar scotch that isnt $80 a bottle.
That seems to be the trend these days with Scotch whisky. Have to pay a premium for the same product you have been drinking over the last several years. My go to has been Ardbeg 10. Pains me when I end up paying $50 a bottle when I had the privilege of paying just $30 a bottle back in 2019.
You may not be a fan of blended malts, but I might recommend some Scallywag Scotch whisky. It was a delicious bottle I had this year and consists of a blend from Mortlach, Maccallan, and Glenrothes. Picked up the bottle for $40 if memory serves correctly.
That's one of my favorites too, but I find myself having difficulty justifying the price. Have you tried Aberlour 12 or Glenfarclas 12? They're both also at least partially sherry casked, non-peated, and around $50 depending on your state. Between the two I prefer Aberlour but they're both solid. Glenallachie 12 may be more difficult to find in the US depending on what state you're in but I also very much enjoy that one and it's in the same general parially-sherry-casked unpeated Speyside family at sub-$60 a bottle.
I don't know a ton about whiskeys, but I've found a few that I really liked so far. For scotch, I've been enjoying Glendfiddich 12 and Glendronach 12. For bourbon, Angel's Envy, I'll probably pick up their rye too once I finish the Rittenhouse Rye I have (not really a fan but don't want to waste it, my friends seem to really like this one). For Irish whiskeys, I've liked Redbreast 12. I haven't tried the longer aged ones yet for all of these, but maybe one day. I couldn't justify the higher prices while I was still figuring out if I liked these first (good thing I do).
Glendfiddich 12 and Glendronach 12 are fine places to start for Scotch. I would complete those starters with Glenmorangie Original 10, Glenlivet 12, and Highland Park 12. Those are my starting 5 whisky's I recommend to those getting into Scotch. Definitely have to choose where you put your wallet with these spirits.
Agreed. Very approachable as a started.
I look forward to trying these, thank you for the recommendations. Also bookmarked your comment so I don't forget.
Rittenhouse is what I use in cocktails that call for a rye, if you're looking for a rye that's better to drink on it's own I've been a fan of the Highwest offerings.
I finally opened the bottle of Talisker Distillers Edition I've had for a few weeks now and I really liked it.
Compared to the regular Talisker the taste is much more complex and has more variety.
If you have the chance someday definitely try it.
I saw the 2022 Talisker DE at the whisky bar IIRC. I ended up with the Talisker 11 (2022 Special Release) instead simply due to the $12 price difference. May have to give the Distillers Edition next time I am back there! Love a good Talisker.
I initially got into whisk[e]y just before the start of the pandemic so I've been growing a collection over the past few years while exploring and trying to figure out what I enjoy. Turns out that tends to be rye, Irish, and the less sweet Scotch options as well as the few Japanese bottles I've managed to get my hands on.
While visiting family a month ago I picked up a Lagavulin 16 and enjoyed it a lot more than the 8 year old bottle I already had; much more rounded and less spiky than the younger version and probably my favorite peated Islay so far over Laphroig and Ardbeg. I haven't tried Bruichladdich's peated options yet (Port Charlotte and Octomore) but I like their Classic Laddie as well and have gone back to that repeatedly recently.
I got into whisky back in the late 90's early 2000's, back when whiskies were better and drunk a bottle of everything I could get my hands on.
Lagavulin 16 has consistently been a fantastic whisky. It's as peaty as hell, but if that is your thing, it is fantastic.
Lagavulin 16 is a fine whisky! Very enjoyable, been increasing in price rapidly where I live. I can understand the joy of a good rye. Rye is in equal desire for me as a good a Scottish dram. Hope you keep enjoying the whisky/whiskey journey!
I just finished another bottle of Bruichladdich’s Port Charlotte. It is a refreshing summer peat! I tend to save my Laphroaigs and Ardbegs for a cozy moment near the fire or layered in blankets. The Port Charlotte is one I would save for the beach, a lovely summer day, or a picnic.
Back in America, I would go out with crowds who were all about either Johnny Walker or Jack Daniels. Sadly, I cannot add to the list of all these famous whiskeys that y'all are talking about. On top of that, it was strongly encouraged to do shots, and I would do one or two of Jack Daniels- I HATED this, and it was the group mentality that coerced me into doing it. Liquid fire is an apt name for it, and maybe some people enjoy it- I never asked if it was meant to "prove" something. And somewhere on my list of "Why I will never return to my hometown"
All this to make the next comparison: I've since moved to Japan. Again, i don't do any of the crazy whisky- I just stick with the Suntory brand that's literally everywhere in Japan. But after trying it... I've found I really enjoy it! Granted, I'm probably about to make a good majority of you cringe when I say I also include it in a cocktail- usually mixing it with ginger ale (both the soda alone and the cocktail with it are surprisingly common over here), and it's my favorite drink to have if I'm going have alcohol.
Enjoying your whisky how you want is your business. Cocktail, shot, drop-by-drop. I can relate with the +1 to the list of “Why I will never return to my hometown" in regards to shots & cheap consumer whiskey/whisky (love them or hate them, America has a lot of JW/JD obsessors who swear by it being the nectar of the Gods).
I am glad you have been enjoying the Japanese whisky though! Even if it is in a cocktail, I think the Suntory Toki makes for a fine highball or cocktail. Japanese whisky has proved to be an interesting and exciting journey for me thus far. Cheers!
JD was my introduction to whisky, so I can never dislike it too much for opening the doors to a world of tastes for me, but I can’t get over how bad I find it.
A friend of mine bought one of the premium bottles, I think the Single Barrel select, which was priced higher than most quality scotches, and it was all peppery burn and low flavour.
I am pretty much a beginner in terms of whiskey, but I have quite a few bottles in my collection, either given to me as a gift or bought by myself - The Sexton, Monkey Shoulder, The Irishman Founders Reserve, The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve, The Balvenie Double Wood 12y, Slane, Glenmorangie 10y.
From these I'd say the Monkey Shoulder impressed me the most for how good and reasonably priced it is.
Of these I'm familiar with Monkey Shoulder and The Sexton. Both impressed me a lot on first taste. But between the two, The Sexton looks like it's going to be an enduring favorite.
Like you I am fairly new to the appreciation of whiskey.
Single Malt: Lately I’ve been drinking a Dailuaine 16 Year Flora and Fauna. It’s a lovely sherried whisky with rich nutty and malty tastes and a smooth finish.
Bourbon: I was particularly pleasantly surprised by Basil Heyden, which I was bought as a Christmas present. I’d never been a bourbon connoisseur previously, having mostly focused on single malts and cognacs, so Maker’s Mark was my prior bottle. I found the quality difference so unbelievable that MM was undrinkable after finishing a glass of Basil Heyden. Rich caramel and butterscotch flavours topped off with a toasty oaky and peppery bite. Pure bourbon goodness. I also had the chance to try Blanton’s Bourbon which was also superb and a refined experience.
Cognac: Not strictly to theme, but I’ve been loving Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal which is a phenomenal cognac for its price. At around £45/$50 a bottle it easily trounces similar VSOP offerings and actually feels like a bargain for the quality. It’s smooth with rich tastes of vanilla, oak and figs.
Just Crown Royal and Black Velvet
Black Velvet... if you pleeeeeeease. Sorry, couldn't resits. :)
Haha song has a pretty sick beat. Yeh I used to hate bv when I first started drinking. Tried it again like ten years later and it actually isn't too bad.
LOL, yeah. That song is pure 90s Canadiana. So silly and simplistic that it gets stuck in your damn head forever. Have fun hearing it in your head whenever you grab the bottle from now on. You're welcome! :P
I generally love Islays, but I recently picked up a local drop --- Timboon Distillery's "Christie's Cut" --- that I've been loving. Islay's are generally my favourite, so for a local whisky I like something different. There's no point in a not-as-good version of of something, right? Anyway, it's probably close to 10/10. It's kinda creamy and spicy, warmly smoked --- it's just really yummy
The tasting notes say
Nose: burnt raisins, christmas cake, cloves
Palate: cardamom and allspice, vanilla custard, dates
Finish: long and strong, silky
Texture: extended tingling
Fair enough for going for the best and skipping the lackluster! Bit too rich for my blood, but looks tasty. Will be on the lookout at the pub.
I'm seeing a lot of Scotches listed here. While I greatly appreciate those, I've taken a liking to Screwball Whisky lately. Screwball is a peanut butter whisky and really surprised me.
Might I also recommend Screwball & Chambord for the ultimate Peanut Butter & Jelly drink. I was thoroughly surprised.
I'll have to give that a try. Thanks for the suggestion.
I have been dipping my toes into scotch recently and have been trying different ones to find what I like. So far my favorite out of the bottles I've recently tried is Aberlour 12 double cask. It's pretty fantastic and I have to fight the temptation to just buy more of that instead of trying something new.
Years ago I had either a Scotch or Irish whiskey that I very much enjoyed and can only describe as super smooth with a nice bit of smoke but not overpowering. I don't have the slightest idea what it was unfortunately.
Mostly up to now I've been getting Speyside single malts but my most recent bottle is Grangestone 14 sherry finish recommended to me by the store employee. It's ok, but honestly it tastes like a worse version of the Aberlour plus a little smoke. It's difficult to say exactly why I don't like it as much, but it didn't end up scratching the itch quite like I hoped it would.
Recommendations on what I should try next are welcome.
Pernod Ricard / Chivas Brothers makes a fine whisky at Aberlour! I loved some Aberlour in my days. If you could find an Aberlour 12 Non-Chill Filtered, you will not be disappointed (this is an old bottle and hard to find). Should have bought it by the case when I discovered it. One of the better sherried whisky's I have had.
If you are on the hunt for another sherry cask whisky, I would recommend Glenfarclas 15 or Arran Sherry Cask. There is a Glenfarclas 12 as well and many would argue the 15 and 12 are interchangeable, but something about the 15 tastes better to me. They aren't quite the same as Aberlour. I personally think Aberlour belongs in its own class with flavor profile, but I have yet to be disappointed by any whisky from Arran. Glenfarclas has just been a solid go to over the years and readily available at bars. Cheers to your malt journey!
I'm a Lagavulin man, m'self. I've also enjoyed Laphroaig and Macallan over the years. Basically I've found that I prefer my scotch to taste like someone doing a burnout on my tongue lol
No shame in that! Hear, hear to burned out rubber, peat, and smoke malt mate!
There's a wonderful single malt aged in apple jack barrels from upstate NY called John Henry from harvest spirits. It's my go to single malt now and I've gone through two bottles of it in the past year.
Paddy is an irish blended whiskey I've had off and on over the last year or so. I initially bought it because I thought the name was really tacky (its actually named after a salesman in the company) and this rubby who was most likely shoplifting said it was good. $30CAD and its become my base.
Overall, its got a little of everything for everybody. It comes out of Middleton, if that means anything to you.
Anyway, nothing life changing, but its a good base to have kicking around.
Sometimes the simple stuff works best and is all you need. A good sipping whiskey that is always kept around is not something to tip your nose up at. Especially with prices of whiskey/whisky on the rise. Any spirit which tastes good to you and listed at a reasonable cost is well worth the value.
a decade ago I was deep into scotch -- but I gave up drinking for a bit. I was mostly drinking ardbeg 10, aberlour a'bunadh, some laphroaig, some bruichladdich, etc along with the standards. Nothing crazy.
I'm more into bourbon these days, but only Woodford and a few others.
The nothing crazy has become significantly more expensive. I can’t blame you for moving to bourbon in the USA due to the price-tag. Scotch whisky has move up in value over the last years. Those who live in the USA may be better off enjoying an American whiskey over Scotch whisky these days for a best “value”.
I'm not even in the US :) Their booze is so cheap compared to Canada.
Yikes. I do not envy you for paying the Canadian price on product. I am not sure how much of a markup it is, but if it is like anything else I know about prices in Canada, then it is not a pleasurable experience.
i recently (as in yesterday) got a bottle of whistlepig 10 small batch rye and it's absolutely delicious. 100% worth it.
it's a bit on the expensive side, so it's not going to be something i will drink normally, but it's worth it for sipping on a friday night after work,
Definitely a splurge of a whiskey, but a fine product nonetheless. There are some lovely age statement rye’s out there. It is a shame so many of them carry a price tag usually several times more than the non age statement whiskey out there. Such is the way of limited inventory, but it makes the bottle slightly bittersweet for me when I know I am paying a significant premium for the product. Cheers!