Whiskey Drinkers

MRG · Post by **MRG** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:47 pm

Lockdown has turned me into a whiskey drinker. I’m half way through a bottle of Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey and it’s bloody lovely especially with a splash of lemonade.

Are there any more serious whiskey drinkers on here with any recommendations?

Pimlico_Claret · Post by **Pimlico_Claret** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:54 pm

Is that not Bourbon?

Devils_Advocate · Post by **Devils_Advocate** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:58 pm

Haig Club is probably the best worldwide but make sure you have it with full fat coke and not the diet stuff if you want to get the full flavour sensation

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:58 pm

Pimlico_Claret wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:54 pm
Is that not Bourbon?

It is.

Burnley1989 · Post by **Burnley1989** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:59 pm

Drink a nice Single Malt.

Not a Jack Daniels fan myself

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:03 pm

Try Lagavulin or Ardbeg single malt,you will be hooked.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:03 pm

MRG wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:47 pm
Lockdown has turned me into a whiskey drinker. I’m half way through a bottle of Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey and it’s bloody lovely especially with a splash of lemonade.

Are there any more serious whiskey drinkers on here with any recommendations?

Are you looking for more drinkers of serious whiskey?

Or serious drinkers who happen to enjoy whiskey?

Or drinkers of more serious brands and variations of whiskey, compared to your honey adulterated abomination? (ie. any other kind of whiskey)

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:06 pm

In my experience you will get a lot of whisky snobs (as you do wine).

However I'd say if you like it, its good! I like a variety.

I hated whisky until about 4 years ago. Went on a tour of the talisker distillery in Skye and tried one of theirs (Talisker Storm - its blended whisky so definitely not one for the purists) and absolutely loved it. In fact I love all Talisker Whiskys.

Very rarely drink them. Or anything at all for that matter, especially in the house. But now and again just fancy a small drop.

Others I like:

A few laphroaig, Highland Park and Jura. I also liked the Haig even though that's apparently the price it is because of marketing etc. But as I say, I like what I like.

And also love Bourbons like Jack Daniels, Jim Beam etc. My dad got me a couple of lovely limited edition Jack Daniels that Im saving. Although did open one when we beat rovers

Got a big bottle of Scotch that my old boss got me when I left his team. Forget what it is, its in the back of the collection but remember reading about it and it sounded very nice.

My hatred for whisky started at 18 when i downed a litre of bells for a bet

DO NOT TRY THAT! Especially with bells!

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:07 pm

I usually have a single malt on the go. I tend to see what’s on offer at the supermarket and then take a look online for reviews before buying.

I don’t have a favourite per se but Glengoyne 14 year was lovely, you can pick it up at M&S. The supermarkets often have Jura 10 year old at very good value. For something different maybe try Talisker which is really smokey and peaty but definitely an acquired taste.

I drink it neat, usually with a small block of ice to take the edge off depending on the whisky.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:22 pm

Rileybobs wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:07 pm
I usually have a single malt on the go. I tend to see what’s on offer at the supermarket and then take a look online for reviews before buying.

I don’t have a favourite per se but Glengoyne 14 year was lovely, you can pick it up at M&S. The supermarkets often have Jura 10 year old at very good value. For something different maybe try Talisker which is really smokey and peaty but definitely an acquired taste.

I drink it neat, usually with a small block of ice to take the edge off depending on the whisky.

Yep I love the talisker taste. What got me into whisky. I either have small drop neat or with a bit of water.

Love the stuff

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:26 pm

Many of the flavoured Jack Daniels (like the honey) are actually liqueurs. If you want a decent JD Bourbon, it’s good to try the single barrel.

Alternatively for a decent bourbon, go for bullet bourbon, makers mark or Woodford Reserve, which won’t break the bank.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:26 pm

This is what’s in the current collection. As I say. No whisky ‘expert’ and don’t believe it’s possible to be. It’s all a matter of taste.

The Balvenie my mum and dad got me I think for my 18th maybe 21st. Not touched that.

The glenmorangie my boss got me at work. Again not touched that.

The miniature grouse and glenlivet were probably Christmas gifts not tried them.

Talisker I’ve had more than my share of them since I went up. Very very nice. My favourite is storm which is blended! Mrs treats me to them every now and then and reminds me of our trip up to Skye.

The Jim beam probably think I got it very cheap at an airport in Eastern Europe.

The gentleman jack was a gift off my dad that I don’t want to open.

The jack daniels honey was also a gift off my dad but I opened that when we beat rovers. I like the taste of that also. But is an acquired taste that one.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:28 pm

I'm on the Glenmorangie 10 year old at the moment. Very mellow.

Struggle with the peaty ones like Laphroaig.

I also enjoy a Jack, but it's not serious whiskey. Wild Turkey is very nice...

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:31 pm

Workng behind a bar in Scotland gave me a real insight into the bullcrap talked by (usually English) punters about this malt and that malt...working their way along the top shelf talking through their backsides.
Mugs. The locals drank grouse..in the knowledge that after a couple you couldnt tell the difference between a 200 year old Mac Dangles and yesterdays VAT 69.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:36 pm

In my collection, (which I’ll say has taken years) I have the following:
Johnnie Walker Blue - I won it and only comes out on rare occasions.
Johnnie Walker Gold - one of my favourites.
Johnnie Walker XR - Standard ‘Airport special edition’. Nice bottle, mediocre whisky
Teeling- my favourite Irish whiskey
Balvenie Doublewood - lovely speyside
Balvenie Caribbean Cask - possibly my favourite whisky.
Woodford reserve bourbon - definitely my favourite bourbon.
Talisker, aberlour, glenlivet and Glenfiddich.

Also have some Rums and Spanish Brandys which I enjoy.

Quite surprised how much I’ve picked up, although a lot of it seems to be only 1/3 full, so will take a long time to replace.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:36 pm

fatboy47 wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:31 pm
Workng behind a bar in Scotland gave me a real insight into the bullcrap talked by (usually English) punters about this malt and that malt...working their way along the top shelf talking through their backsides.
Mugs. The locals drank grouse..in the knowledge that after a couple you couldnt tell the difference between a 200 year old Mac Dangles and yesterdays VAT 69.

Thats a tad harsh.

Bigvince · Post by **Bigvince** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:38 pm

Glenmorangie very smooth, my favourite Aberloure 12

Stalbansclaret · Post by **Stalbansclaret** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:39 pm

I "attended" a Virtual Whisky Festival the other Saturday after the real world event inevitably had to be cancelled. This was organised by a friend's subscription spirits business..The Summerton Club...and involved me receiving a box full of whisky miniatures by post in advance of the day. It was a really good event with tastings, cocktail recipes and even a live band !. Tasted around a dozen on the day and my favourite was this one...from Sweden of all places ! Not cheap mind.
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/m ... rk-whisky/

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:39 pm

Why do you have a whisky collection?....my wife buys me a bottle i drink it...whats all this collecting malarky!

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:40 pm

fatboy47 wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:31 pm
Workng behind a bar in Scotland gave me a real insight into the bullcrap talked by (usually English) punters about this malt and that malt...working their way along the top shelf talking through their backsides.
Mugs. The locals drank grouse..in the knowledge that after a couple you couldnt tell the difference between a 200 year old Mac Dangles and yesterdays VAT 69.

Drinking it to get leathered, absolutely spot on.

Can imagine there is a distinct difference if you are drinking it to enjoy. Can take me a couple of hours to polish off a small glass.

Bigvince · Post by **Bigvince** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:40 pm

Darthlaw wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:36 pm
In my collection, (which I’ll say has taken years) I have the following:
Johnnie Walker Blue - I won it and only comes out on rare occasions.
Johnnie Walker Gold - one of my favourites.
Johnnie Walker XR - Standard ‘Airport special edition’. Nice bottle, mediocre whisky
Teeling- my favourite Irish whiskey
Balvenie Doublewood - lovely speyside
Balvenie Caribbean Cask - possibly my favourite whisky.
Woodford reserve bourbon - definitely my favourite bourbon.
Talisker, aberlour, glenlivet and Glenfiddich.

Also have some Rums and Spanish Brandys which I enjoy.

Quite surprised how much I’ve picked up, although a lot of it seems to be only 1/3 full, so will take a long time to replace.

I’d love to be able to collect whisky Darth, but no sooner do I buy it,than I end up drinking it!

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:45 pm

I prefer Irish whisky, which probably explains my preference for Glenmorangie, very smooth for a Scotch.
I have about a dozen bottles of different whiskeys, for tasters when I used to get company.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:45 pm

On a bit of a tangent. I am not a fan of vodka. And I have a stupid collection of Vodka. But one I dont have is Black Cow. I first tried it at The Barley mow of all places. Now that is a very nice, distinctive drink that you can drink neat.

Highly recommend that!

Anyway back to Whisky...

mdd2 · Post by **mdd2** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:48 pm

Used to drink whisky regularly and have had an occasional bottle of Irish whiskey but I do not care much for American whiskey. 18 months ago I was given a very expensive bottle of malt whisky which was superb and since then I have had one bottle of Scotch and was so disappointed compared with that expensive malt that I am now not much of a whisky drinker. Used to love the Islay malts but before 18months ago had drifted to the Speyside malts

claret2018 · Post by **claret2018** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:49 pm

I thought JD was sour mash whiskey rather than bourbon, but may be wrong. Not a fan of JD, but love bourbon as well as single malt

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:54 pm

Devils_Advocate wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:58 pm
Haig Club is probably the best worldwide but make sure you have it with full fat coke and not the diet stuff if you want to get the full flavour sensation

Got to agree with Haig if it's the one in the Blue Bottle ....really enjoyed it. Off topic king of soho gin is really good in a nice Bottle.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:56 pm

tim_noone wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:54 pm
Got to agree with Haig if it's the one in the Blue Bottle ....really enjoyed it. Off topic king of soho gin is really good in a nice Bottle.

Thats the one. Gets mixed reviews off some but I like it. Think people dont like it because David Beckham and Bradd Pitt own it I think...

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:07 pm

Try Hibiki...Japenese malt....the Japenese are good at everything they do,wife bought me a bottle a few years back 40 odd quid a bottle....dont think you can get it anywhere near that price these days

Spiral · Post by **Spiral** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:09 pm

Forty quid to get pi$$ed? You're out of your tree.

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:15 pm

cricketfieldclarets wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:56 pm
Thats the one. Gets mixed reviews off some but I like it. Think people dont like it because David Beckham and Bradd Pitt own it I think...

Beckham sells....but I like that whiskey.

Wile E Coyote · Post by **Wile E Coyote** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:30 pm

my experience doesnt go beyond 1/2 bottle o Bells, but my auntie used to tell me how much she enjoyed one called Antiquary, anyone heard of it ?

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 6:58 am

Bigvince wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 08, 2020 10:40 pm
I’d love to be able to collect whisky Darth, but no sooner do I buy it,than I end up drinking it!

Tbh, it’s because I don’t drink it that often. It’s been supplemented by gifts over the years and me being bored, travelling through airports for work, thinking ‘I’ll give that a try’.

It’s not as much me collecting it as not knowing the right word to describe the various bottles I seem to have amassed, hence using collection.

claretabroad · Post by **claretabroad** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 9:51 am

Don't let a bottle of whisky that is more than half finished sit for a long time. Either drink it quick or slowly decant into a smaller container. If you don't the whisky will oxidise and will taste much worse.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 10:05 am

WHISKY = Scotch
WhiskEy = Irish
Bourbon = Yank

A serious whisky drinker would not add lemonade, coca cola or any other crap. That would make them just a serious drinker of alcohol.

Nothing wrong with making your own mix and enjoying it. Just saying that it would not make you a serious whisky drinker.

Let's all practice spelling Whisky, Whisky, Whisky!

Slainte Mhath

Fretters · Post by **Fretters** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 3:35 pm

Just bought myself a bottle of Monkey Shoulder which is a beautiful blended whisky. Lovely stuff.

Rubstuds · Post by **Rubstuds** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 4:23 pm

My preferred tipple is Auchentoshen. Lovely and smooth. Often on offer in supermarkets. I once got bought a Japanese whisky, 25 year old malt. It was excellent, but at £180 a pot .....

ClaretMoffitt · Post by **ClaretMoffitt** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 4:29 pm

going through half a bottle of jamesons a day since i lost my job. I recommend that one if you like it straight.

Bigvince · Post by **Bigvince** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 4:50 pm

ClaretMoffitt wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 09, 2020 4:29 pm
going through half a bottle of jamesons a day since i lost my job. I recommend that one if you like it straight.

It’s easily done, I try to make a bottle last a week, it’s a bit of a struggle sometimes!
Sorry to hear you lost your job pal, hope you get sorted soon.

Aclaret · Post by **Aclaret** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 5:37 pm

IanMcL wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 09, 2020 10:05 am
WHISKY = Scotch
WhiskEy = Irish
Bourbon = Yank

A serious whisky drinker would not add lemonade, coca cola or any other crap. That would make them just a serious drinker of alcohol.

Nothing wrong with making your own mix and enjoying it. Just saying that it would not make you a serious whisky drinker.

Let's all practice spelling Whisky, Whisky, Whisky!

Slainte Mhath

Here's Ian telling us off again for spelling Whisky wrong, he ticked me off the other week, well up yours Ian, we will spell it how we like.

The Enclosure · Post by **The Enclosure** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 5:53 pm

Black Bushmills is a nice Irish malt Whiskey and Glemmorangie is a nice Scotish single malt..
As far as blended goes i prefer Famous Grouse. and Bells.

ClaretMov · Post by **ClaretMov** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 5:57 pm

This is smooth

ClaretMov · Post by **ClaretMov** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 6:00 pm

Double smooth

MrTopTier · Post by **MrTopTier** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 6:14 pm

Tullamore Dew
Bushmills Black Bush
Laphroig
Current favourite is Ardberg.

One or two on this thread sound interesting. Cheers.

dougcollins · Post by **dougcollins** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 6:57 pm

Can't be doing with all that trendy peat-bog flavoured stuff.

I remember my first Laphraoig (sp) in the early 80s, you didn't find it in England then.

I still won't touch it.

I knew a guy who worked in a distillery who said the best blended was Teacher's. It's a good sub if you've no single.

The Enclosure · Post by **The Enclosure** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 7:02 pm

Macallan 12 yo is a nice malt but its pricey.

Coeus · Post by **Coeus** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 7:10 pm

Single Malt no ice, no water. Small amounts at a time, say 15ml max. Pewter my preferred cup. If anyone gets chance try Tomintoul 12 yr Olorosso cask finish.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 7:24 pm

Aclaret wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 09, 2020 5:37 pm
Here's Ian telling us off again for spelling Whisky wrong, he ticked me off the other week, well up yours Ian, we will spell it how we like.

Aye....wrong!

Did you notice that when you quoted me, you got the bonus of a correctly spelt title?

Aclaret · Post by **Aclaret** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 7:46 pm

Anyway Ian...prefer the smoother whiskies (sp) myself rather than the peaty ones. Hoping to get up to Scotland in September for a little holiday, maybe get to a distillery up there.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 8:37 pm

Aclaret wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 09, 2020 7:46 pm
Anyway Ian...prefer the smoother whiskies (sp) myself rather than the peaty ones. Hoping to get up to Scotland in September for a little holiday, maybe get to a distillery up there.

If your in Edinburgh...book an afternoon at Glenkinche about 15 miles outside Edinburgh,toured it with my son a couple of years since,I was expecting a big operation it was just a cottage industry,was hoping to go to Islay this summer to visit the peat monsters of Lagavulin & Ardbeg,but the virus put paid to that

daveyclaret · Post by **daveyclaret** » Wed Jun 10, 2020 6:57 am

I usually shop at Tesco (mainly) and Morrisons (occasionally) and buy whisky there. Since the pandemic, I've also been using Lidl mainly because there is less queuing than at Tesco and Morrisons.

Lidl sell 3 types of single malt Scotch Whisky and I've tried them all. The whiskies go under the name of Ben Bracken and are produced in Scotland. They come in 3 different coloured bottle tubes, blue, green, and red, in 70cl quantity and are 40% The blue tube is a Highland single malt and is smooth, the green tube is an Islay single malt and is peaty, the red tube single malt, which I have bought once only, is sweet verging on the sickly according to my palate.

I like the blue and green tube whiskies and they are reasonably priced at £17.99.