Favourite Whisky

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:05 pm

SirAlec wrote:So many great whiskys out there. Unfortunately a bottle rarely lasts more than two or three days in our house as my wife has developed a taste too so I usually just stick to Jonny Walker red label to keep costs down.

When we fancy a treat we might get a bottle of Oban (£50ish) or a bottle of Japanese 12y Hibiki (£35 for a half litre) both are a real treat.

I used to try to buy a different bottle everytime so have tried most of the ones mentioned above. I like most things but not bourbons, just can't warm to the stuff.

Also for me whisky has to be drank neet, no water or ice and at room temperature for full flavour.

Didn't Hibiki win loads of awards "beat the jocks at their own game" Hibiki is a sublime whisky.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:08 pm

Right. That’s it. I’m off for a wee dram.

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:10 pm

piston broke wrote:Strangely I'm the same. I found this out whilst ill and on the boys Xmas do. To cold for beer so went with whisky and ended the night sober. As I could never live with the lads on beer I made it my regular tipple on trips.

On the Jameson tour they end by letting you sample American, single distilled, Scotch, double distilled and Irish, triple distilled. They do it for a reason the Irish hands down for me. So much smoother.

I've done the Jameson tour twice, my sister lives 10 miles away in Cobh.
For the same reasons I fell in love with Jamesons.
A great tour if anyone gets the chance.
I've also done the Glenfiddich tour on speyside and the Talisker tour on Skye.

Walton · Post by **Walton** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:15 pm

I did like a whisky, but I haven't had one for years as it completely does me in. I swear I can have one whisky and feel like I've had a ten pint session the next morning.

What's that all about.

Anyway, Laphroaig is my favourite, but I like all the Islays.

Moorite · Post by **Moorite** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:15 pm

Auchentoshan Three Wood and Dalwhinnie 15 year old. Both great whiskys for beginners and ones that have always stuck with me.

SirAlec · Post by **SirAlec** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:15 pm

I think the Japanese have been winning all the awards for a few years, it's big business over there now.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:23 pm

I've lived and worked in a Scottish pub for years in a previous life, and I can confirm there are few subjects where as much guff is talked about as whisky.

Watching gullible English punters come in and work their way along the top shelf of overpriced single malts used to provide the locals with a good chuckle though.

By all means have a couple of single malts to start (after your beer..obviously)....but after that just get on the cheapest thing you can find...you wont know the difference.. we used to serve the mug punters a teacher's as a single malt craftily switched.....and watch them talk balls about how good a malt it was...

Real whisky men up there used to be keen on Walkers Black Label and Chivas Regal....both blended...and would reccomend (as do I) Grouse as a decent breakfast whisky.

ClaretCliff · Post by **ClaretCliff** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:27 pm

Glenturret for me, went to the distillery many years ago. Very, very smooth.
If anyone's a Jack Daniels fan it would be worth visiting the Britons Protection in Manchester. A good ale pub but also lots of whiskies and they specialise in JD with a large range and they even get some unique, individual versions specially imported - Jack Daniels Manchester no 1, 2, etc.

For a blended Scotch I used to drink Stewart's Cream of the Barley but not seen it on sale for a long time.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:33 pm

Aye I don’t mind a grouse now and then. Certainly drinkable neat, but it’s no glenfiddich. Try to pass off a teachers on a proper whisky man and he’ll know. But I know the type of which you speak.

There is an awful lot of shite talked about whisky. And loads of whisky snobs too. Like real ale drinkers, we suffer from the boorish.

I am now mostly enjoying a neat, room temperature glenmorangie 10.

Top thread btw. Got some xmas pressie ideas now...

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:33 pm

ClaretCliff wrote:Glenturret for me, went to the distillery many years ago. Very, very smooth.
If anyone's a Jack Daniels fan it would be worth visiting the Britons Protection in Manchester. A good ale pub but also lots of whiskies and they specialise in JD with a large range and they even get some unique, individual versions specially imported - Jack Daniels Manchester no 1, 2, etc.

For a blended Scotch I used to drink Stewart's Cream of the Barley but not seen it on sale for a long time.

Out in Manchester this sunday. Day session... might have to have a dabble!

MrClaretandBlue · Post by **MrClaretandBlue** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:37 pm

Not a great whisky drinker but one I have enjoyed is Talisker.

claretdons · Post by **claretdons** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:40 pm

Laphroaig 10 yr old is my fav. Lovely and earthy with a dribble of water.

brigante · Post by **brigante** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 9:40 pm

Connemara - Turf Mor

Bought it for obvious reasons and it is an absolute corker

https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/c ... n-whiskey/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

box_of_frogs · Post by **box_of_frogs** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:23 pm

Literally just having a wee drop of Glenkinchie - Edinburgh's local dram. Shame I moved back down to Suffolk.....

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:25 pm

brigante wrote:Connemara - Turf Mor

Bought it for obvious reasons and it is an absolute corker

https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/c ... n-whiskey/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That looks like the sean dyche of whiskies at 60 percent

brigante · Post by **brigante** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:34 pm

It benefits from a drop of water!

quoonbeatz · Post by **quoonbeatz** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:45 pm

I tend to lean to the smokers but I'll give anything a crack.

Currently got bottles in various stages of emptiness of
Laphraoig 10
Singleton of Dufftown
Glenrothes
Bunnahabhain
Haig Club (surprisingly decent!)

Will second the Britons for the whisky selection, but also as it's one of the best boozer in town. Had a good few nights sat up at the bar, road testing.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:49 pm

quoonbeatz wrote:I tend to lean to the smokers but I'll give anything a crack.

Currently got bottles in various stages of emptiness of
Laphraoig 10
Singleton of Dufftown
Glenrothes
Bunnahabhain
Haig Club (surprisingly decent!)

Will second the Britons for the whisky selection, but also as it's one of the best boozer in town. Had a good few nights sat up at the bar, road testing.

Not tested haig yet. Never get round to it. Will have to.

quoonbeatz · Post by **quoonbeatz** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:51 pm

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Not tested haig yet. Never get round to it. Will have to.

Had the bottle for over after before I tried it. Nowt special at all but better than I expected. Figured it would just be all marketing hype with Beckham involved but it's drinkable.

Hozz · Post by **Hozz** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:54 pm

Apologies if anyone has mentioned Ardbeg already.

But ARDBEG, peaty single malt, Caol Isla a decent second best.

But if you want to get into Bourbons then, Bulleit is a decent shout.

HollandsPies · Post by **HollandsPies** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 11:02 pm

I don't do anything Scottish ... simply because it's Scottish.
Tullamore Dew for me everytime.

box_of_frogs · Post by **box_of_frogs** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 11:15 pm

This threads about Whisky, not Whiskey.

Noble Peter · Post by **Noble Peter** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 11:17 pm

Anyone tried Monkey shoulder yet

box_of_frogs · Post by **box_of_frogs** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 11:21 pm

Noble Peter wrote:Anyone tried Monkey shoulder yet

Yep, liked it a lot.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 11:25 pm

box_of_frogs wrote:This threads about Whisky, not Whiskey.

Chester Perry · Post by **Chester Perry** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 11:42 pm

My father introduced me to single cask whisky as a teenager and at one time I had an impressive collection - not bought any in 10 years as the prices are now ridiculous though a still have a couple left including a Port Ellen (13 yrs), Laphroaig (16yrs), Cardhu (11yrs) have enjoyed many over the years and they have all been mentioned apart from Cardhu which I find to be pure nectar and not as common to find as it once was. Currently working my way slowly through a Jura Prophecy which I was kindly given on my last Birthday - it is a joy.

The Enclosure · Post by **The Enclosure** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 12:19 am

Macallan is a really nice malt....a bit pricey mind.

Oshkoshclaret · Post by **Oshkoshclaret** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 7:29 am

Balvenie Doublewood is my main Scotch

Laphroaig Quarter Cask is exceptionally good

I don't know if they sell it in the UK but over here there's a genuine 12 year old single malt scotch called Tomatin that I can buy in the supermarket for $19.99 a bottle and for the price it's very drinkable.

Turfiteclaret · Post by **Turfiteclaret** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 7:39 am

Out of interest Macallan and highland are both used in the Famous Grouse i understand. My preference is Tomintoul 12 year old in olorosso cask. Would recommend but as mentioned it's different for everyone and before spending a lot on any bottle buy a sample 5cl if available.

CharlieinNewMexico · Post by **CharlieinNewMexico** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 7:47 am

50 Shades if you enjoy Maker's you'll appreciate Four Roses Small Batch from Lawrenceburg, KY. I know it's distributed in Europe because Kirin own it now.

50 shades of Grey · Post by **50 shades of Grey** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 7:55 am

Morning Charlie - yes I've had a bottle of Four Roses, it's very easy drinking (too blo ody easy !). I've a bottle of 12 yr Tomatin in the cupboard, that's getting an outing later.

JohnMcGreal · Post by **JohnMcGreal** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:01 am

Johnnie Walker Black Label for a blended whisky.
Lagavulin 16 for a smokey Islay.
Suntory Hibiki 12 is brilliant stuff if you can still get your hands on it, but it looks like this has been replaced with the inferior Hibiki Harmony, which is a real shame.

Chesterthedog · Post by **Chesterthedog** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:39 am

I’d recommend Glengoyne, the delightful distillery is close to Loch Lomond. 18 yr old Deanston is also worth a look. The Japanese Nikka whiskies are also worth a shout. Wright’s Wine Company in Skipton, I agree, is definitely a place to visit. An Aladdin’s Cave! My GP has always recommended a nightcap for my blood pressure.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:51 am

Balvenie Caribbean cask has to be my favourite. A speyside malt conditioned in Rum barrels which hits all the right notes for me.

I enjoy Johnnie Walker gold label as a more rare treat too.

I also have a bottle of Johnnie Blue label which I bought in my first 100% target commission pay packet a few years back, as a little target for myself. At £150 a bottle it rarely gets opened (shared with my father when I got married, when my son was born, etc) but I have to say for the money it’s nothing all that special. As has been mentioned the cost is purely driven from the rarity of the whiskys used in the blend.

As a side point, I’ve also developed a taste for Spanish Gran Solera brandy. I’d urge anyone to try Torres 10 at around 15 quid a pop or if you fancy splashing out Carlos I at £35. Like drinking caramel when slightly warmed!

Finally, it’s a good idea to look on EBay for a good whisky cabinet. I got my solid oak one for £25 and it holds my collection, glasses and other paraphernalia.

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 11:14 am

My favourite is Isle of Jura, smoooooooooth. Got given a bottle of 12 yr old Chivas Regal last week and still have half a bottle of Japanese Suntory whisky, Hibiki, which was a present from a visitor from Hong Kong.

Appletons or Mount Gay for the rum

but none of the above when I've got work in the morning......

thelifeofbrian · Post by **thelifeofbrian** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 11:51 am

I like a single malt- normally go for a speyside..........my favourite is the Mcallum 18 although its over £100 a bottle.................. a good one for sub £30 is Auchentoshan 12yr old...............

IndigoLake · Post by **IndigoLake** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 6:34 pm

This thread has inspired me to have a generous glass of Jim Beam tonight. I'd have had one anyway but it's as good an excuse as any

Actually, while we're on the subject of whisky...does anybody drink it out of a special glass? I've got a Glencairn glass and I love it! Really enhances the smell and taste.

ClaretEngineer · Post by **ClaretEngineer** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 7:58 pm

Whenever I read these threads or hat it folk talking about drinking whisky I always get the urge to pour a glass over ice.

I have romantic notions of sitting by a roaring log fire, P.G. Wodehouse in one hand a whiskey in the other.

Then I remember I don’t have a log fire (or even a fire place!) and I can’t drink whisky neat. So I’m left with P.G.Wodehouse and a glass of whisky I can’t drink

However the addition of lemonade (don’t shoot me) to the glass means I can partake in the gentleman’s event.

box_of_frogs · Post by **box_of_frogs** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:10 pm

Lemonade!? WT actual F!!!!!

ClaretEngineer · Post by **ClaretEngineer** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:18 pm

box_of_frogs wrote:Lemonade!? WT actual F!!!!!

Don’t judge my man.

Means I get to drink whisky!

My throat is still delicate it’s not rugged enough to deal with neat whiskey

ClaretMoffitt · Post by **ClaretMoffitt** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:23 pm

Polished off 3/4 of a bottle of double oak so far tonight neat... All I'm missing is a gun

ClaretEngineer · Post by **ClaretEngineer** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:25 pm

ClaretMoffitt wrote:Polished off 3/4 of a bottle of double oak so far tonight neat... All I'm missing is a gun

You might wish you had one tomorrow morning if you wake up with a thick head

ClaretMoffitt · Post by **ClaretMoffitt** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:27 pm

ClaretEngineer wrote:You might wish you had one tomorrow morning if you wake up with a thick head

Be reyt if Burnley (Ireland) win tonight

ŽižkovClaret · Post by **ŽižkovClaret** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:59 pm

CharlieinNewMexico wrote:50 Shades if you enjoy Maker's you'll appreciate Four Roses Small Batch from Lawrenceburg, KY. I know it's distributed in Europe because Kirin own it now.

Aye its one of the ones you see here

ŽižkovClaret · Post by **ŽižkovClaret** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:02 pm

ClaretEngineer wrote:Don’t judge my man.

Means I get to drink whisky!

My throat is still delicate it’s not rugged enough to deal with neat whiskey

Try a little drop of water instead of the lemonade. it works wonders

CharlieinNewMexico · Post by **CharlieinNewMexico** » Sun Nov 12, 2017 8:06 am

A splash of water (bourbon and branch) or one small single melting ice cube is the standard Kentuckian way

Claretrew · Post by **Claretrew** » Sun Nov 12, 2017 12:11 pm

Big fan of highland park would also recommend the Lidl islay Ben bracken. It would be unfair not to mention the malt that won me back to whiskey after over doing the bells in my teens Tobermory a very smooth malt. There are so many great whiskeys some you will like some less so. Manx spirit tastes like whiskey but is clear!

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Sun Nov 12, 2017 12:25 pm

CharlieinNewMexico wrote:A splash of water (bourbon and branch) or one small single melting ice cube is the standard Kentuckian way

Water !! Sorry, I'm with Dean Martin on this one.