SCOTCH Whisky Discussion

[spellbound]

Talisker was the first single malt I ever tried, as far as I recall. It was the late '70s. I was walking across a street to the liquor store when I spotted some money in the road. I looked around to see if anyone was searching for it. No one appeared to be, so I picked it up and walked into the store, inquiring what was the best Scotch I could get for $25. Ended up with a bottle of Talisker. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to being able to afford to have some again, ~forty years later. Now the 10 year old Skye elixir goes for around $80/bottle.

[aith01]

Yes.

See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TCP_(antiseptic) An excerpt:

Hence the insulting reference to a fine scotch!

Oh okay! Now I know.

Hahaha. Welcome to the dark side.

Well, I'd determine what specifically appealed to you from the Lagavulin. It's usually the quality of the smoke, which tastes like a "slow roasted campfire". The actual peat or phenolic tastes are more of an afterthought. On the 8 year, these come out more.

Laphroaig and Ardbeg are essentially the "sweet peat" options and have more medicinal notes. However, I think if you were to go after either of these two brands, I'd recommend Laphroaig Triple Wood first. It's by far the most "muted" of the core range from the peat standpoint and has delicious, creamy vanilla oak notes from being matured in bourbon and oak casks.

However, if you find that you enjoyed the "smoke" and not the other qualities of the Lagavulin, then you'd want to lean towards brands like Talisker, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, etc.

Thanks!

I definitely enjoyed the smokiness of the Lagavulin, like a campfire in my mouth (to borrow a phrase that's overused for sure), and how that gave way to some other interesting flavors (including some sweet notes that I couldn't quite identify). I'm still not sure how I feel about the phenolic taste, but it's nowhere near as offputting to me as it was four years ago.

Your description of the Laphroaig Triple Wood sounds really nice, so next time I go to the store I'm going to look for that. Hopefully they'll have some!

I've never had Talisker, Bowmore, or Bunnahabhain, so it seems there's still quite a bit out there to explore. Thanks for the recommendations.

[Staun]

If I could back track for a minute. I asked for comments on the Glenfiddich 12. I took a run at it and found it not to be a full bodied mixture. It was as though the complete taste was cut off at the end. I would think, "Where's the rest of it". I found it to be a gentle whisky. I made the comment that the Glenmorangie 10 might be a tad sweet and doing some back reading of this thread, others have the same thought. But yes, there is no contest as I would take the Glenmorangie 10 every time. So, what should my next taste experiment be and thanks everyone. This is getting interesting.

[Klonk]

49778100_982550162133437_7384561761363427328_n.jpg

[Klonk]

...even my dog has good taste.

[aith01]

Nice!

[chalkpie]

Your description of the Laphroaig Triple Wood sounds really nice, so next time I go to the store I'm going to look for that. Hopefully they'll have some!

Triple Wood is a must imo. Its different than any peated drams I have, really nice.

[Jerjo]

For those of you with a little more stamina than me:

https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/he...thon-scotland/

[spellbound]

Sounds like fun, except for the running part.

[Klonk]

I think I've been drinking too much of this stuff lately. I know this because I have googled 'health benefits of drinking scotch'

[chalkpie]

Can't remember if mentioned this, but were doing 16 days in Scotland in July. Excited is an understatement.

[NogbadTheBad]

Can't remember if mentioned this, but were doing 16 days in Scotland in July. Excited is an understatement.

I'll be in northern England in late July. Have fun.

[Stevie B]

Can't remember if mentioned this, but were doing 16 days in Scotland in July. Excited is an understatement.

Bring sunscreen, wet-weather gear and midge repellent!

[NogbadTheBad]

midge - national bird of scotland!

[Duncan Glenday]

midge - national bird of scotland!

LOL!

[chalkpie]

Bring sunscreen, wet-weather gear and midge repellent!

midge - national bird of scotland!

LOL!

I'll be too hammered it won't matter - then I'll eat them raw. What are midges?

[moecurlythanu]

What are midges?

[chalkpie]

They look delicious.

[NogbadTheBad]

I'll be too hammered it won't matter - then I'll eat them raw. What are midges?

[chalkpie]

Can I return my plane flights? I think I have the receipt around here somewhere.....

[moecurlythanu]

^ They're harmless. They don't have a mouth, and have a short life span. Very short. They exist to be bird food.

[aith01]

Can I return my plane flights? I think I have the receipt around here somewhere.....

[Duncan Glenday]

I don't plan to buy one of these, but it's a pretty cool idea!

Watch.jpg

[chalkpie]

Yeah it is!

[NogbadTheBad]

Bloody hipsters.