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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: Josquius on December 20, 2011, 10:05:17 PM

Title: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Josquius on December 20, 2011, 10:05:17 PM
I've decided a easy present for my dad is to get him some whiskey- order online and have it delivered to him.
The decision then becomes one of...what whiskey?

His favourite regular stuff is southern comfort.  Is there anything which is of a similar type but...better, higher quality and more gift worthy?

For his 50th I also bought him a bottle of Jura which he rather liked- when my mam wasn't stealing it to use for frivolous wasteful things. To get the same thing again though...hmm...I'm unsure....any other good highlandy stuff?
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: 11B4V on December 20, 2011, 10:19:33 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs7.thisnext.com%2Fmedia%2Flargest_dimension%2F0D46B5DE.jpg&hash=ca13e10202675d5fe59497992ce4dd90138b41c4)

This is quality
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fredeye.trb.com%2Fmedia%2Fphoto%2F2011-11%2F142175780-23082827.jpg&hash=120ccc2094f97038ecabc58426e84acf210b7519)


(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_R_zCF79JQuU%2FTJap1w-RoII%2FAAAAAAAAAuw%2F4LNUsZ7n7XI%2Fs320%2FWild_Turkey_Kentucky_Spirit.jpg&hash=7a8a5a0da50cac602e7110706ed3e53f0bd0deaf)
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Syt on December 20, 2011, 11:21:22 PM
I'm partial to

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bottleworld.de%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2F%2Fi%2Fm%2Fimage_7411.jpg&hash=a06e1ad625662cd452c13939f634b00f42ef0cdc)

or

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teeundwhisky.de%2Fgrx%2Farticle%2Fprev%2Flagavulin-16.jpeg&hash=90a8c8683867405889c19889da6d55df8ea998ff)
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 20, 2011, 11:31:14 PM
Southern Comfort is whiskey liqueur, not whiskey.   :(  Very different than Jura, which seems to be high-end single malt Scotch.  :hmm:

I guess single malt is good for a present for its status/specialness... I've never tried it.  I love blended Scotch though.  My favorites are Famous Grouse, White Horse, and Ballantine's.  They are all pretty affordable in their regular shelf form, but I think they all make "__ year" superior aged versions that might be good for a fancier gift.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Sheilbh on December 20, 2011, 11:41:59 PM
I like Laphraoig which is very peaty.

I've got a bottle of anCnoc which I like a lot.  It's also a relatively easy whiskey which makes it easy to share.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: garbon on December 20, 2011, 11:56:13 PM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on December 20, 2011, 11:31:14 PM
Southern Comfort is whiskey liqueur, not whiskey.   :(  Very different than Jura, which seems to be high-end single malt Scotch.  :hmm:

I guess single malt is good for a present for its status/specialness... I've never tried it.  I love blended Scotch though.  My favorites are Famous Grouse, White Horse, and Ballantine's.  They are all pretty affordable in their regular shelf form, but I think they all make "__ year" superior aged versions that might be good for a fancier gift.

SoCo is gross.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Josquius on December 21, 2011, 12:06:03 AM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on December 20, 2011, 11:31:14 PM
Southern Comfort is whiskey liqueur, not whiskey.   :(

According to a friend of mine (who is currently sans internet darn it) so is all American whiskey :p

QuoteVery different than Jura, which seems to be high-end single malt Scotch.  :hmm:
Yeah, I`ve no idea. You never catch him drinking regular off the shelf normal whiskey, only southern comfort, but he does like more expensive normal whiskey.


QuoteI like Laphraoig which is very peaty.

I've got a bottle of anCnoc which I like a lot.  It's also a relatively easy whiskey which makes it easy to share.
Hmm....easy ey....that sounds interesting. Strange colour though.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: 11B4V on December 21, 2011, 12:10:07 AM
Quote from: Tyr on December 21, 2011, 12:06:03 AM
According to a friend of mine (who is currently sans internet darn it) so is all American whiskey :p

No it's not.


Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 21, 2011, 12:13:14 AM
Quote from: Tyr on December 21, 2011, 12:06:03 AM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on December 20, 2011, 11:31:14 PM
Southern Comfort is whiskey liqueur, not whiskey.   :(

According to a friend of mine (who is currently sans internet darn it) so is all American whiskey :p

SoCo doesn't even have whiskey in it anymore, just whiskey flavoring.  American whiskey is essentially the same as Scottish or Irish, just using different grains, most notably corn to make bourbon.  They are all distilled spirits made from grain mash.  Unlike SoCo which is a liqueur made by combining neutral spirits with flavorings.  All American whiskey is actually whiskey.

EDIT:  I guess "blended whiskey" is a little different, since they are largely neutral grain spirit (i.e. vodka), but that is basically what we call "Canadian whiskey" (Seagram's 7, Canadian Club, Crown Royal) and Canadians call "rye," with a few handles of American blended whiskey lurking on the bottom shelf of the liquor store.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Viking on December 21, 2011, 12:17:02 AM
When it comes to Scotch at least... give him a bottle with a name he does't know/doesn't understand and has a number which is at least 10 on the label and he will be happy and even if he doesn't like that particular whiskey he will love finding out that this is not his preferred type of whiskey.

Southerne Comfort; however; not being a whiskey and being fit only to mix with soft drinks on the theory that soft drinks are neither sweet nor alcoholic enough for you; suggests that he is not a Whiskey man and giving him a peach schnapps might be a better option.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: jimmy olsen on December 21, 2011, 12:27:25 AM
Quote from: Viking on December 21, 2011, 12:17:02 AM

Southerne Comfort; however; not being a whiskey and being fit only to mix with soft drinks on the theory that soft drinks are neither sweet nor alcoholic enough for you; suggests that he is not a Whiskey man and giving him a peach schnapps might be a better option.
I like taking the hardest whiskeys and scotch and mixing them with sodas.

Am I a monster?
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Josquius on December 21, 2011, 12:31:27 AM
Quote from: Viking on December 21, 2011, 12:17:02 AM
When it comes to Scotch at least... give him a bottle with a name he does't know/doesn't understand and has a number which is at least 10 on the label and he will be happy and even if he doesn't like that particular whiskey he will love finding out that this is not his preferred type of whiskey.

Southerne Comfort; however; not being a whiskey and being fit only to mix with soft drinks on the theory that soft drinks are neither sweet nor alcoholic enough for you; suggests that he is not a Whiskey man and giving him a peach schnapps might be a better option.
As I said his casual drink of choice is southern comfort (and lemonade) but he liked the jura. He wasn`t too happy about my mam wasting it in hot toddies and cakes (!!!!).
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: 11B4V on December 21, 2011, 01:12:31 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on December 21, 2011, 12:27:25 AM
Quote from: Viking on December 21, 2011, 12:17:02 AM

Southerne Comfort; however; not being a whiskey and being fit only to mix with soft drinks on the theory that soft drinks are neither sweet nor alcoholic enough for you; suggests that he is not a Whiskey man and giving him a peach schnapps might be a better option.
I like taking the hardest whiskeys and scotch and mixing them with sodas.

Am I a monster?

No, just a girl. :lol:
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on December 21, 2011, 03:54:30 AM
Southern Comfort is really in a different category of drink to Scotch or Bourbon  :hmm:

He'd probably prefer something more along the Kirsch or Slivovice lines.

There is always Drambuie, probably closest to the ideal of being similar to Southern Comfort but a bit more upmarket.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: jimmy olsen on December 21, 2011, 03:55:26 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 21, 2011, 03:54:30 AM
Southern Comfort is really in a different category of drink to Scotch or Bourbon  :hmm:

He'd probably prefer something more along the Kirsch or Slivovice lines.

There is always Drambuie, probably closest to the ideal of being similar to Southern Comfort but a bit more upmarket.
My English grandmother loves Drambuie
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on December 21, 2011, 04:06:30 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on December 21, 2011, 03:55:26 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 21, 2011, 03:54:30 AM
Southern Comfort is really in a different category of drink to Scotch or Bourbon  :hmm:

He'd probably prefer something more along the Kirsch or Slivovice lines.

There is always Drambuie, probably closest to the ideal of being similar to Southern Comfort but a bit more upmarket.
My English grandmother loves Drambuie

:cool:

So did one of mine, there was always a bottle at Christmas. It definitely hits the spot of being more upmarket than Southern Comfort whilst being in the same general category. But, it might also be Tyr's granny's favourite tipple, perhaps it is more or less an old English ladies' drink, we have to be careful here  :hmm:

BTW Tim, what part of England does your grandma come from?
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Brazen on December 21, 2011, 04:33:48 AM
Bourbon drinker friends recommend Knob Creek. Plus it's amusing to ask for. Maker's Mark too.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: jimmy olsen on December 21, 2011, 04:34:30 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 21, 2011, 04:06:30 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on December 21, 2011, 03:55:26 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 21, 2011, 03:54:30 AM
Southern Comfort is really in a different category of drink to Scotch or Bourbon  :hmm:

He'd probably prefer something more along the Kirsch or Slivovice lines.

There is always Drambuie, probably closest to the ideal of being similar to Southern Comfort but a bit more upmarket.
My English grandmother loves Drambuie

:cool:

So did one of mine, there was always a bottle at Christmas. It definitely hits the spot of being more upmarket than Southern Comfort whilst being in the same general category. But, it might also be Tyr's granny's favourite tipple, perhaps it is more or less an old English ladies' drink, we have to be careful here  :hmm:

BTW Tim, what part of England does your grandma come from?
20 miles from Stone Henge
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Brazen on December 21, 2011, 04:41:44 AM
A friend of mine is a member of the Whisky Club in London - note spelling, it's mainly Scotch. I went there one evening, but although I could taste the difference (some floral, some honey-like, some peaty, some "Oh my god, someone's tipped an ashtray in my mouth") it was wasted on me. Adding a small mount of still water is recommended, by the way. Ice and/or Coke isn't :P
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: besuchov on December 21, 2011, 04:59:22 AM
Syt' second suggestion  is awesome. Lagavulin is one of my favourites.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on December 21, 2011, 05:40:44 AM
Ty Tim, that's mongers country you know  :P
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Josquius on December 21, 2011, 05:53:57 AM
Drambuie....hmm....it is a bit common, he would certainly have had it before I can't recall him mentioning any like for it.

Knob Creek. Tee hee. Its not common in the UK is it? I do recall seeing it for the first time a few weeks ago at a (well, the) pub here and giggling like a school girl.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Caliga on December 21, 2011, 06:11:29 AM
Quote from: Brazen on December 21, 2011, 04:33:48 AM
Bourbon drinker friends recommend Knob Creek.
:cool: Made in the building Princesca works in.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 21, 2011, 07:50:10 AM
Quote from: Viking on December 21, 2011, 12:17:02 AM
Southerne Comfort; however; not being a whiskey and being fit only to mix with soft drinks on the theory that soft drinks are neither sweet nor alcoholic enough for you; suggests that he is not a Whiskey man and giving him a peach schnapps might be a better option.

This.  Maybe Jagermeister or Goldschlager.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Scipio on December 21, 2011, 08:06:35 AM
Buy him a pair of balls.  SoCo is for girls.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 21, 2011, 08:13:21 AM
For girls who like to puke.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on December 21, 2011, 08:48:54 AM
Quote from: Tyr on December 21, 2011, 05:53:57 AM
Drambuie....hmm....it is a bit common, he would certainly have had it before I can't recall him mentioning any like for it.

It is good for smoothing out cheap whiskey.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Ed Anger on December 21, 2011, 09:18:17 AM
Anybody else not surprised that Josq thought of booze as a Christmas present?
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: lustindarkness on December 21, 2011, 10:19:47 AM
I know that like whisky, thats all I know about it. :)

Partial to scotch. Just about anything that says aged 12 years or more works for me.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Jacob on December 21, 2011, 12:10:42 PM
Drambuie is pretty tasty in small quantities, but it's more of a hit and miss thing if someone will like it. If you know he likes Whisky, your safest bet is to get a single malt from Scotland.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Barrister on December 21, 2011, 12:14:15 PM
Tyr, you live in Japan.  Could you not have gotten him some weird Japanese whisky?  It doesn't have to be good - it's just unique enough that it came from Japan.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on December 21, 2011, 12:45:42 PM
Scotch I've tried recently and liked:

Glenfarclas

Balvenie (all kinds)

Dalwhinnie

Ardbeg


The last one is an Islay, which I usually don't like as much as the Speysides. I like the peat but I want the woody earthyness too (Macallan, for example). Usually the Islays tend toward the lighter peat-only style like Lagavulin and Laphroaig--which I like less, no matter what the bloody Prince of Wales thinks. I liked the Ardbeg much more. The other day was the first time I'd tried Glenfarclas, which I'd describe as somewhere between Balvenie and Macallan. It was rich and heavy like Macallan, but not enough to leave that residue in the glass afterward.


Oh, and there are some surprisingly good Japanese things, I've heard. Never tried them though.

Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Valmy on December 21, 2011, 12:45:53 PM
I know that whiskey comprises a disturbingly large percentage of my Irish and Scottish ancestors' culture.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Jacob on December 21, 2011, 01:25:39 PM
Quote from: Barrister on December 21, 2011, 12:14:15 PM
Tyr, you live in Japan.  Could you not have gotten him some weird Japanese whisky?  It doesn't have to be good - it's just unique enough that it came from Japan.

Japan produces at least one single malt whisky. It's not bad.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Warspite on December 21, 2011, 03:24:59 PM
Right now, I have an Ardbeg and Macallan on the go. They're both very good.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 21, 2011, 06:37:04 PM
I'm still scratching my head over the possibility that there exists a man whose primary drink of choice is Southern Comfort and this man also appreciates fine whiskey.

I'm fine with either of those concepts intellectually, but together they do not work.

FWIW I'm not saying liqueurs never have a place in your mouth, in extreme moderation it's not the worst thing to enjoy certain classic mixed drinks on rare occasions. However any proper man drinks real whiskey, neat, not some sugary concoction from Nawlins.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 21, 2011, 06:47:44 PM
A proper man's liquors:

Single Malt > Irish Whiskey (HQ Only) > Bourbon > Rye Whiskey > Rum > Tequila

Any proper man can drink any of these and he's being acceptable. Whiskey (in its forms) and bourbon at worst can be served with a splash of water, no ice, no mixer. Rum and tequila may be mixed as long as it is only on special occasions and as long as the man predominantly consumes those spirits un-mixed. The only exception to the above rules is that bourbon may be mixed in the form of a Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby, or at home on the day of the Kentucky Derby if you are celebrating the festivities remotely.

Any straight drink made from the above liquors will always trump all other drinks.

However, outside of this there are two "real liquors" which have their time and place: vodka and gin. Gin is the one liquor it is okay to always consume it mixed in some form, as its taste is not inherently magnificent as is a proper sampling of a gentleman's liquor. That being said, there are limits. The proper way to consume gin, if you will consume gin, is in a cocktail glass with a splash of vermouth and possibly an olive garnish. Gin and tonics are acceptable in moderation. Any mixing of any other kind with gin is mostly forbidden.

Vodka is unfortunately not a gentleman's liquor at all. However it is a "real" liquor in that if you cannot afford anything better drinking vodka, neat, is better than some of the more effeminate alternatives. However, only an animal or a slav would ever prefer vodka over one of the other liquors. Vodka is also, when properly distilled, a decent base for the ultra rare occasions when it is acceptable to indulge in certain fruity/frozen cocktails that require a mostly tasteless liquor base. Unless you are in cruise ship, at a theme party, or in Hawaii it is unlikely you are in one of those occasions. (And in most of those scenarios silver rum is still preferred.)

Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on December 21, 2011, 06:57:38 PM
Gin is disgusting.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on December 21, 2011, 07:13:48 PM
Otto feels very strongly about his drinking.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 21, 2011, 07:15:16 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on December 21, 2011, 07:13:48 PM
Otto feels very strongly about his drinking.

It's up there with family and 19th century Prussian history.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Viking on December 21, 2011, 07:21:01 PM
Quote from: Warspite on December 21, 2011, 03:24:59 PM
Right now, I have an Ardbeg and Macallan on the go. They're both very good.

Havard gave me my first bottle of Macallan. Despite him being norwegian he hates the norweenie friendly smokey whiskeys like Ardbeg.

If you like the smokey stuff Ardbegs are good, if you like the clean stuff Macallan is good.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 21, 2011, 07:26:25 PM
I second the Japanese Scotch idea... that will be a great conversation piece for him whether or not he actually likes the taste. 
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Jacob on December 21, 2011, 07:30:53 PM
Yamazaki is, I believe, the premier Japanese single malt but according to wikipedia there are others: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_whisky
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 21, 2011, 07:32:09 PM
Given his tastes maybe a bottle of Midori.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Caliga on December 21, 2011, 07:35:16 PM
On my desk right now I have a bottle of Glenlivet 15-year French Oak Reserve and a bottle of Laphroaig 10 year. :bowler:
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 21, 2011, 07:38:04 PM
Quote from: Jacob on December 21, 2011, 07:30:53 PM
Yamazaki is, I believe, the premier Japanese single malt but according to wikipedia there are others: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_whisky

Greeks are also totally crazy about Scotch, but I think they've had a harder time with domestic manufacture due to European laws. 

I also remember reading a Graham Greene novel loaded with references to Argentine Scotch (mainly how shitty it is and how much the ex-pats want the real thing... and the American ambassador pointedly drinks Coca-Cola during a diplomatic meeting that, at least in Graham Greene's world, would have properly been a booze-drenched affair...)
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 21, 2011, 07:47:06 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on December 21, 2011, 07:32:09 PM
Given his tastes maybe a bottle of Midori.

The only time I've heard anyone order Midori (with pineapple juice) was by a middle-aged black woman in a bar next door to Philadelphia last real porno theater, going on a surprisingly interesting rant directed at the Irish bartender about how her (great?)grandfather was an Irish immigrant who was the first big textile industrialist in Philly to have an integrated workforce, and ended up marrying his black secretary, etc.   :scots:

Then she settled for an off-brand version since it was half the price of the Midori.   :sleep:
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 21, 2011, 07:48:45 PM
The only time I've heard of a grown man drinking SoCo was about a day ago here.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 21, 2011, 07:59:12 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on December 21, 2011, 07:48:45 PM
The only time I've heard of a grown man drinking SoCo was about a day ago here.

Stephen King wrote a book under the "Bachman" pseudonym that, IIRC, involved a man drinking a lot of SoCo and 7-Up, then blowing up his house after they try to take it from him to build a highway.  I guess there is that legendary Janis Joplin photo too.

I haven't even seen a lot of hard-partying young women drinking SoCo.  Flavored vodka seems to have taken the field.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Scipio on December 21, 2011, 08:09:11 PM
Whatever happened to Suntory?

In any case, there are almost no liquors as good as the best single malts.  Some very few cognacs are near them, but cognac is a scam wrapped in a marketing packaged wrapped in a rapper.  Top Irish whiskeys can match top bourbons, but no rye whiskey can match top bourbons.  Some few vodkas are transcendent, but frankly, they are not worth the delta over the midrange.  Vodka is as big a scam as cognac.  The best rums are better than the best ryes, and may equal good bourbon.  If vodka is the crescent wrench of the liquor world, and rum the phillips screwdriver, tequila is the hex wrench.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on December 21, 2011, 08:14:49 PM
It's getting so easy to make really good vodka with modern tech that the "bad" vodka has really caught up to the good stuff. The difference is so slim now. Depends more on whether you like potato or grain than anything. Still no excuse to package it in plastic though.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Josquius on December 21, 2011, 08:18:20 PM
QuoteWhatever happened to Suntory?
Horrific cheap stuff.

Quote from: MadImmortalMan on December 21, 2011, 08:14:49 PM
It's getting so easy to make really good vodka with modern tech that the "bad" vodka has really caught up to the good stuff. The difference is so slim now. Depends more on whether you like potato or grain than anything. Still no excuse to package it in plastic though.
I kind of disagree.
That the medium stuff is catching up with the good stuff- yeah, probally.
But the bad stuff, the supermarket own brand stuff and Glenns and the like, 5 pounds a bottle, remains awful.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on December 21, 2011, 08:49:36 PM
I have some great Scotch downstairs. But I'm drinking rum because I don't want to associate Scotch with a cruddy mood.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Caliga on December 21, 2011, 09:01:44 PM
I don't drink when I'm in a bad mood.  Bad, bad idea.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 21, 2011, 09:05:56 PM
Quote from: Caliga on December 21, 2011, 09:01:44 PM
I don't drink when I'm in a bad mood.  Bad, bad idea.

Drinking fixes my mood.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: garbon on December 21, 2011, 10:43:10 PM
Quote from: Caliga on December 21, 2011, 09:01:44 PM
I don't drink when I'm in a bad mood.  Bad, bad idea.

:yes:

I find drinking just amplifies my mood - so drinking when upset makes me all the more. :(

I like Macallan.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Sheilbh on December 22, 2011, 12:50:01 AM
I third the Japanese whisky idea. 

Also I love and broadly agree with OvB on booze.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: jimmy olsen on December 22, 2011, 01:44:53 AM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on December 21, 2011, 06:57:38 PM
Gin is disgusting.
I agree completely.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: The Brain on December 22, 2011, 02:34:59 AM
There is a Swedish whisky:

http://www.mackmyra.com/
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Barrister on December 22, 2011, 03:04:40 AM
Quote from: Scipio on December 21, 2011, 08:09:11 PM
Whatever happened to Suntory?

In any case, there are almost no liquors as good as the best single malts.  Some very few cognacs are near them, but cognac is a scam wrapped in a marketing packaged wrapped in a rapper.  Top Irish whiskeys can match top bourbons, but no rye whiskey can match top bourbons.  Some few vodkas are transcendent, but frankly, they are not worth the delta over the midrange.  Vodka is as big a scam as cognac.  The best rums are better than the best ryes, and may equal good bourbon.  If vodka is the crescent wrench of the liquor world, and rum the phillips screwdriver, tequila is the hex wrench.

I don't understand all the hatred I have seen towards rye whiskey.  I guess languish just hates Canadian whiskey. :cry:
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Brazen on December 22, 2011, 04:43:33 AM
Driving round Scotland with my Dad, we entered the outskirts of a town. "Smell that," he said, as the odour of fermentation permeated the car, "there's a whisky distillery round here."

Rounding the corner, we were, indeed presented with a distillery. For Smirnoff vodka.  :scots:
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 22, 2011, 08:26:31 AM
Quote from: Barrister on December 22, 2011, 03:04:40 AM
Quote from: Scipio on December 21, 2011, 08:09:11 PM
Whatever happened to Suntory?

In any case, there are almost no liquors as good as the best single malts.  Some very few cognacs are near them, but cognac is a scam wrapped in a marketing packaged wrapped in a rapper.  Top Irish whiskeys can match top bourbons, but no rye whiskey can match top bourbons.  Some few vodkas are transcendent, but frankly, they are not worth the delta over the midrange.  Vodka is as big a scam as cognac.  The best rums are better than the best ryes, and may equal good bourbon.  If vodka is the crescent wrench of the liquor world, and rum the phillips screwdriver, tequila is the hex wrench.

I don't understand all the hatred I have seen towards rye whiskey.  I guess languish just hates Canadian whiskey. :cry:
Canadian (rye) whisky is totally different than (American) rye whiskey and, unfortunately, probably doesn't even warrant mention in the OvB/Scipio world of analysis.  :console:

But I'm never one to say no to a Canadian Club and ginger ale.  :Canuck:   :hug:  I'm also partial to Seagram's 7 as a shot.  Canadian whisky is as smooth as the driven snow of its true North.   :sleep:
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 22, 2011, 09:23:17 AM
Quote from: Barrister on December 22, 2011, 03:04:40 AMI don't understand all the hatred I have seen towards rye whiskey.  I guess languish just hates Canadian whiskey. :cry:

I have nothing against Rye, actually the original American whiskeys distilled around the time of the revolution were all Ryes, and a few companies have revived this whiskey making style in the modern day and produce good products.

I just think most whiskey drinkers think similar to me on the issue. Namely, the best is obviously single malt. I tend to think the highest quality Irish whiskeys come next (Scipio is sort of agreeing when he says the best Irish whiskeys can match the best bourbons), overall I prefer the best Irish whiskeys to the best bourbons, so I rank the Irish whiskeys a slight head above the bourbons. After that you have rye, which are still good and still part of the real whiskey pantheon, but are edged out in quality by the best bourbons and best Irish whiskeys, at least in my opinion.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 22, 2011, 09:26:08 AM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on December 22, 2011, 08:26:31 AMCanadian (rye) whisky is totally different than (American) rye whiskey and, unfortunately, probably doesn't even warrant mention in the OvB/Scipio world of analysis.  :console:

But I'm never one to say no to a Canadian Club and ginger ale.  :Canuck:   :hug:  I'm also partial to Seagram's 7 as a shot.  Canadian whisky is as smooth as the driven snow of its true North.   :sleep:

It depends, some Canadian ryes are still 50%+ rye, but unfortunately there are no rules about labeling a whiskey "rye" in Canada. Most Canadian ryes are 9/10ths corn. In the United States the regulations mandate that American made rye must contain at least 50% rye.

Proper rye whiskey can still be very good, but unfortunately most of the ryes on market aren't great. The ones from Canada that are real ryes are good but again they are a minority of the whole. Traditionally America was a rye drinking country drinking proper rye, but bourbons nearly drove rye production to 0 once it became popular nationwide. It's only in recent years you have started to see some distillers that have revived production of high quality American ryes.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 22, 2011, 09:32:46 AM
There's nothing wrong with corn whiskey of course (that's what bourbon is), but most corn whiskeys that aren't bourbons are not high quality, which is why Canadian corn whiskeys (often presented as ryes) are not usually very good.

It should go without saying the pseudo-whiskeys are of little importance. Southern Comfort was originally a whiskey concoction but now it's not even that, it's actually made from tasteless high proof grain alcohol and then mixed with various flavorings and sold at differing proofs (70 to 100.) I am a liquor snob but I'll cop to drinking certain mixtures on certain occasions that fall outside the appropriate drinks, the unfortunate thing about Southern Comfort is it is just too sweet. Its syrupy taste and consistency actually makes me gag a bit everytime I've ever drank it, so I haven't touched it to my lips in a long time.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: DGuller on December 22, 2011, 10:40:23 AM
Personally, I find sweetened alcoholic drinks revolting.  I would much rather prefer to taste the alcohol directly, rather than feel it vaguely in the aftertaste. 
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Gups on December 22, 2011, 11:24:28 AM
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on December 22, 2011, 09:23:17 AMI have nothing against Rye, actually the original American whiskeys distilled around the time of the revolution were all Ryes, and a few companies have revived this whiskey making style in the modern day and produce good products.

I just think most whiskey drinkers think similar to me on the issue. Namely, the best is obviously single malt. I tend to think the highest quality Irish whiskeys come next (Scipio is sort of agreeing when he says the best Irish whiskeys can match the best bourbons), overall I prefer the best Irish whiskeys to the best bourbons, so I rank the Irish whiskeys a slight head above the bourbons. After that you have rye, which are still good and still part of the real whiskey pantheon, but are edged out in quality by the best bourbons and best Irish whiskeys, at least in my opinion.

Where do blended scotches come in your pecking order?

I'm not much of a spirit drinker but will tonigth have a small glass of the Glenfidditch which has been hanging around in my drinks cabinet for about 5 years now. That or the 1969 Armagnac
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 22, 2011, 11:53:21 AM
Blended scotch is a lively debate. They can be decent, but it's hard to place them in a hierarchical pecking order.

When people talk about single malt they are talking about (99% of the time) Scotch. But technically the best Irish Whiskeys are also single malt (because they fit the definition of single malt whiskey in that they are prepared from a single distillery from a mash using one malt), and these Irish Whiskeys to my palate are better than any blended Scotch whisky. The good blended Scotch is about on par, to my palate, with the higher quality blended Irish whiskeys, but inferior to single malt Irish whiskey.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Jacob on December 22, 2011, 01:45:05 PM
A buddy of mine brought over a bottle of "King of Queens". It was quite passable for blended whisky, I thought, but I have no idea of the provenance.

Do any of you guys know anything about it?
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on December 22, 2011, 02:07:23 PM
Quote
Word Mark:   KING OF QUEENS
Status/
Status Date:   
REGISTERED
12/4/2007
Serial Number:   78752136
Filing Date:   11/11/2005
Registration Number:   3349811
Registration Date:   12/4/2007
Goods and Services:   Alcoholic beverages, namely, scotch whiskey
Mark Description:   NOT AVAILABLE
Type Of Mark:   TradeMark
Published For Opposition Date:   7/18/2006
Last Applicant/Owner:   Gila Tequila, Inc.
Panama

Why is this contact information displayed?
Mark Drawing Code:   Standard Character Mark
Design Search:   (NO DATA)
Register Type:   Principal
Disclaimer:    (NOT AVAILABLE)
Correspondent:   
MANUEL VALCARCEL
GREENBERG TRAURIG PA
1221 BRICKELL AVE
MIAMI, FL 33131
No thank you.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on December 22, 2011, 02:35:35 PM
My wife got a bottle of Jim Beam Red Stag cherry flavored bourbon to make some dessert recipe she had. I tried a nip, and omg it was awful.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on December 22, 2011, 02:36:09 PM
Not a JB fan.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 22, 2011, 02:59:14 PM
Jim is my bourbon of choice.  Unpretentious (cheap).  Rough like bourbon should taste.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Jacob on December 22, 2011, 03:40:35 PM
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on December 22, 2011, 02:07:23 PM
Quote
Word Mark:   KING OF QUEENS
Status/
Status Date:   
REGISTERED
12/4/2007
Serial Number:   78752136
Filing Date:   11/11/2005
Registration Number:   3349811
Registration Date:   12/4/2007
Goods and Services:   Alcoholic beverages, namely, scotch whiskey
Mark Description:   NOT AVAILABLE
Type Of Mark:   TradeMark
Published For Opposition Date:   7/18/2006
Last Applicant/Owner:   Gila Tequila, Inc.
Panama

Why is this contact information displayed?
Mark Drawing Code:   Standard Character Mark
Design Search:   (NO DATA)
Register Type:   Principal
Disclaimer:    (NOT AVAILABLE)
Correspondent:   
MANUEL VALCARCEL
GREENBERG TRAURIG PA
1221 BRICKELL AVE
MIAMI, FL 33131
No thank you.

Yikes.

Thank you. I'll feed it to guests in mixed drinks then.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Scipio on December 22, 2011, 03:48:41 PM
My bourbon of choice has become Ezra Brooks. It's a good balance of smoothness, flavor, and low cost.  However, most of the time at my house we stock Heaven Hill #1, which is not a straight bourbon, since we mostly drink mixed drinks (actually, my wife mostly drinks whiskey and diet Coke). 

But my true preferred daily whisky is George Dickel Cascade Hollow.  There's just something about it.  I used to drink Maker's Mark or Dickel No. 12, but the Cascade Hollow is fabulous for one or two a night after dinner (or before dinner).
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on December 22, 2011, 04:04:00 PM
Or both.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 22, 2011, 07:56:15 PM
I usually get Old Granddad.  Or Evan Williams.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: jimmy olsen on December 22, 2011, 08:30:53 PM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on December 22, 2011, 08:26:31 AM
Quote from: Barrister on December 22, 2011, 03:04:40 AM
Quote from: Scipio on December 21, 2011, 08:09:11 PM
Whatever happened to Suntory?

In any case, there are almost no liquors as good as the best single malts.  Some very few cognacs are near them, but cognac is a scam wrapped in a marketing packaged wrapped in a rapper.  Top Irish whiskeys can match top bourbons, but no rye whiskey can match top bourbons.  Some few vodkas are transcendent, but frankly, they are not worth the delta over the midrange.  Vodka is as big a scam as cognac.  The best rums are better than the best ryes, and may equal good bourbon.  If vodka is the crescent wrench of the liquor world, and rum the phillips screwdriver, tequila is the hex wrench.

I don't understand all the hatred I have seen towards rye whiskey.  I guess languish just hates Canadian whiskey. :cry:
Canadian (rye) whisky is totally different than (American) rye whiskey and, unfortunately, probably doesn't even warrant mention in the OvB/Scipio world of analysis.  :console:

But I'm never one to say no to a Canadian Club and ginger ale.  :Canuck:   :hug:  I'm also partial to Seagram's 7 as a shot.  Canadian whisky is as smooth as the driven snow of its true North.   :sleep:
I am also partial to Canadian Club and Seagram's 7 :)
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on December 22, 2011, 08:35:51 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on December 22, 2011, 08:30:53 PMI am also partial to Canadian Club and Seagram's 7 :)

We'll raise our huge tumblers of Canadian whisky high on Sunday in honor of the National Basketball Association and the Boston Celtics.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on December 22, 2011, 08:47:54 PM
I've decided to drink some whiskey. 
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: Razgovory on December 23, 2011, 02:46:09 AM
Actually, this thread inspired me to buy some Drambuie for my Dad for New Years.  He mentioned that it was favorite.  He used to be a bar tender, and so presumably has a lot of knowledge of drinks.  And fights.
Title: Re: Anyone know much about whiskey?
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on December 23, 2011, 02:58:47 AM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on December 22, 2011, 02:35:35 PM
My wife got a bottle of Jim Beam Red Stag cherry flavored bourbon to make some dessert recipe she had. I tried a nip, and omg it was awful.

Yeah every time I see the commercial for that stuff, it makes me almost cringe.  I've had "black cherry" flavored booze before and it seems to be just universally bad.  At least to me.