OT: Question for Scotch lovers.

RUissy1

All-Conference
Jul 13, 2001
5,402
1,010
0
The higher the aging, the smoother the drink. Anything over 15 years, blended or single malt, should be smooth as silk. My Scotch of choice is Johnny Walker Gold, although there is something called Gold Reserve, stay away from that.
I actually prefer the Gold or the Platinum over the more $$$ Blue.
 

Scarletnut

All-Conference
Jul 27, 2001
5,475
4,178
77
I actually prefer the Gold or the Platinum over the more $$$ Blue.
Loved the Platinum but I was told they don’t make it anymore. My house Scotch is Glenlivet 15, otherwise I’ve converted to anejo tequilas (Cincoro, Clasa Azulejo).
 

Jtung230

Heisman
Jun 30, 2005
19,180
12,342
82
Never been complimented on my "rack" before...LOL. I really enjoy the A'bunadh and Tamdhu for that reason. I add water to bring them down to around 95-100 proof to enjoy neat and extend bottle as well.
I was going to say it’s a big rack.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Jm0513

DJ Spanky

Heisman
Jul 25, 2001
48,155
59,049
113
Dewars-blech? I have tried every blended under the sun and dewars hands down is the best blended out there. Straight up, rocks, with soda, Dewars is the best blended out there including all the JW labels. Just because its about $40 for 1.75L bottle does not mean Bad scotch. I love scotches and as far as blendeds go Dewars is the best for my palate. Anyone who says differently is a scotch snob who uses price as their guide and not their taste buds!
This stuff?



I'll repeat myself: BLECH! Only way I'd drink it is in a mixed drink. Nothing to do with being a scotch snob, I don't like it. Just like I'm not partial to Glenlivet. The best blend out there? Not even close, I'd take a bottle of Johnny Walker Green over that any day of the week.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Purple-Ed
Oct 21, 2010
15,536
15,032
113
This stuff?



I'll repeat myself: BLECH! Only way I'd drink it is in a mixed drink. Nothing to do with being a scotch snob, I don't like it. Just like I'm not partial to Glenlivet. The best blend out there? Not even close, I'd take a bottle of Johnny Walker Green over that any day of the week.
Sparky you are evaluating your scotch by price not taste. There is a reason Dewars is the most popular selling brand of scotch in the world and it is not the cheapest scotch.
dewars is my go to as far as blendeds otherwise I will sip a nice single malt.
scotxh is mostly marketing…the producers will charge what they can get even though scotches cost relatively the same amount to produce. People who spend over $200 for a bottle of scotch are getting ripped off. But it is everyone’s right to spend whatever they want and if they think it is better than who am I to tell them different. It’s a free country, at least until the democrats want to control scotch because it pollutes the atmosphere and adds to global warming through burning wood, peat and oak barrels.
 

Purple-Ed

All-Conference
Mar 12, 2006
3,057
1,463
0
I've never been a fan of Scotch whiskey, preferring Bourbon or anejo Tequila on the rocks instead for something to sip on. However, I recently tried The Sassenach blended Scotch whiskey which I found to be smoother and less harsh tasting than the other Scotch brands that I've tried and rather enjoyed it. Has anyone else tried it and if so, what were your thoughts and how did it compare to other brands that you've had/ prefer?
Try The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old single malt scotch.
I think it's a good gateway to learn about scotch.
 

Purple-Ed

All-Conference
Mar 12, 2006
3,057
1,463
0
Sparky you are evaluating your scotch by price not taste. There is a reason Dewars is the most popular selling brand of scotch in the world and it is not the cheapest scotch.
dewars is my go to as far as blendeds otherwise I will sip a nice single malt.
scotxh is mostly marketing…the producers will charge what they can get even though scotches cost relatively the same amount to produce. People who spend over $200 for a bottle of scotch are getting ripped off. But it is everyone’s right to spend whatever they want and if they think it is better than who am I to tell them different. It’s a free country, at least until the democrats want to control scotch because it pollutes the atmosphere and adds to global warming through burning wood, peat and oak barrels.
Dewars is piss, and besides, isn't McDonalds the best " selling brand " restaurant in the world?
 

koolraddad

Senior
Mar 13, 2010
743
643
93
I actually prefer the Gold or the Platinum over the more $$$ Blue.
Agreed. Blue is overpriced and lacks body and taste, to me. The original Gold, at 75 or so a bottle was the best. The Platinum was supposed to replace the Gold, but did not do well.
 
Oct 21, 2010
15,536
15,032
113
Dewars is piss, and besides, isn't McDonalds the best " selling brand " restaurant in the world?
Dewars is not piss and it is not the lowest priced scotch. Plus it carries the queens seal of approval(LOL). Seriously, I have tried all the blendeds out there and Dewars is the smoothest most flavorful scotch at any price.
If you want to spend huge amounts of money to impress yourself that you are drinking black, blue, gold, platinum or whatever label cost you the most then knock yourself out. Dewars is the standard by which all other scotches are measured.
 

Purple-Ed

All-Conference
Mar 12, 2006
3,057
1,463
0
Agreed. Blue is overpriced and lacks body and taste, to me. The original Gold, at 75 or so a bottle was the best. The Platinum was supposed to replace the Gold, but did not do well.
I enjoy the Green. I think the Blue is waaaaay overpriced and is uninspiring.
 

DJ Spanky

Heisman
Jul 25, 2001
48,155
59,049
113
Sparky you are evaluating your scotch by price not taste. There is a reason Dewars is the most popular selling brand of scotch in the world and it is not the cheapest scotch.
dewars is my go to as far as blendeds otherwise I will sip a nice single malt.
What the F*** are you talking about? I base my selections strictly by taste. I don't give a **** if it's the best selling scotch in the whole f'ing galaxy, it's blech to me. Don't like it. Sorry if that offends you, but don't make up **** and automatically assign me to it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rutgers56_rivals

mildone_rivals

Heisman
Dec 19, 2011
55,607
51,272
0
I know that sounds contradictory but in my mind it is not...LOL

I have had both "neat" and I prefer my scotch in 95-100 proof range.
I've been to several scotch tasting nights over the years. Including one by Macallan where the guy doing the presentation was extremely knowledgeable. He made the point that adding a drop or two of water to a glass of good scotch opens it up and allow it reach it's full flavor potential. I think he basically recommended that.

Or something like that, it was a while ago and I was drinking a lot of scotch at the time. 😃

Which means I'm an uncultured swine because, despite the advice of an expert, I still add no water or ice to scotch when I drink it. But that's okay, being an uncultured swine has it's benefits too.
 

mdh2003

All-Conference
Feb 4, 2003
4,866
3,795
78
I've been to several scotch tasting nights over the years. Including one by Macallan where the guy doing the presentation was extremely knowledgeable. He made the point that adding a drop or two of water to a glass of good scotch opens it up and allow it reach it's full flavor potential. I think he basically recommended that.

Or something like that, it was a while ago and I was drinking a lot of scotch at the time. 😃

Which means I'm an uncultured swine because, despite the advice of an expert, I still add no water or ice to scotch when I drink it. But that's okay, being an uncultured swine has it's benefits too.
True, but with 120 proof, if you only add a few drops or none, it’s way more burn than fun. I know, I’ve done it, lol!

Unless, of course, the pain IS the fun. In that case…….FLAME ON!
 

mildone_rivals

Heisman
Dec 19, 2011
55,607
51,272
0
True, but with 120 proof, if you only add a few drops or none, it’s way more burn than fun. I know, I’ve done it, lol!

Unless, of course, the pain IS the fun. In that case…….FLAME ON!
No pain no gain. LOL

I like Goslings Bermuda rum for making Dark and Stormies. I was at a liquor store a few years back and grabbed a couple large bottles to shore up my depleted supply of it. Fast forward to a party and after mixing a couple D&Ss, I realized that I'd accidentally picked up 151 proof, I think, Goslings. Yuk. Ew. Barf.

I gave away the bottles. But it occurs to me that I could probably just alter the Rum to Ginger beer ratio from the roughly 50/50 I normally use to something like 30/70 or so and it'd be fine. Maybe.
 

BigRnj

All-American
Nov 20, 2012
4,991
6,747
63
Never been complimented on my "rack" before...LOL. I really enjoy the A'bunadh and Tamdhu for that reason. I add water to bring them down to around 95-100 proof to enjoy neat and extend bottle as well.
I agree the A’bunadh is definitely better with a bit of water. My son gave me a bottle for Christmas. I find I’ll have only 1 (2 finger) glass vs 2 or 3 of Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, …. I also enjoy a Smokey scotch (currently Oban) but also 1 glass at a time.
 

BigRnj

All-American
Nov 20, 2012
4,991
6,747
63
I have tried a few Japanese whiskeys recently. For Scotch I prefer a smooth non-peaty single malt (Macallan is my favorite) … given that profile anyone have recommendations for a similar profile Japanese whiskey?
 

DJ Spanky

Heisman
Jul 25, 2001
48,155
59,049
113
I've been to several scotch tasting nights over the years. Including one by Macallan where the guy doing the presentation was extremely knowledgeable. He made the point that adding a drop or two of water to a glass of good scotch opens it up and allow it reach it's full flavor potential. I think he basically recommended that.
All the tastings I've been to have recommended that.
Which means I'm an uncultured swine
Tell us something we don't know.....
 
  • Like
Reactions: mildone_rivals

AntiG

All-Conference
Jan 27, 2012
4,527
3,581
113
I have tried a few Japanese whiskeys recently. For Scotch I prefer a smooth non-peaty single malt (Macallan is my favorite) … given that profile anyone have recommendations for a similar profile Japanese whiskey?
most of the Japanese and Taiwanese single malts are non-peated, I'd say give Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Kavalan a try. All are awarded as amongst the best in the world (Yamazaki 18 and Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique and Kavalan Amontillado all have won best single malt in the world in the annual awards) while Hibiki 21 won best blended in the world (the younger ones of these brands are all excellent as well)
 
Last edited:

AntiG

All-Conference
Jan 27, 2012
4,527
3,581
113
Dewars is not piss and it is not the lowest priced scotch. Plus it carries the queens seal of approval(LOL). Seriously, I have tried all the blendeds out there and Dewars is the smoothest most flavorful scotch at any price.
If you want to spend huge amounts of money to impress yourself that you are drinking black, blue, gold, platinum or whatever label cost you the most then knock yourself out. Dewars is the standard by which all other scotches are measured.
Amongst Scotch blends, I'd say Monkey Shoulder and Spice Tree are the two best blended I've ever had; and Suntory Hibiki (regardless of age) is probably the best blended I've ever had. Compass Box Great King Street is solid as well. Nikka makes a good one too.

Dewars, much like the other famous ones like JW or Chivas, for me are not good in comparison to most if not all single malts out there, but I'll drink them over most other alcohol (other than perhaps a good cognac or armagnac) if there is no other whisky to choose from. Have never tried Dewars 18 though. Haven't opened the Chivas 25 that was gifted to me awhile back either. All of the JW's suck IMO, regardless of gold, black, red, blue, have tried them all and generally disliked them all.
 
Last edited:

Eagleton95.99

All-American
Jul 25, 2001
7,551
6,469
113
I've never been a fan of Scotch whiskey, preferring Bourbon or anejo Tequila on the rocks instead for something to sip on. However, I recently tried The Sassenach blended Scotch whiskey which I found to be smoother and less harsh tasting than the other Scotch brands that I've tried and rather enjoyed it. Has anyone else tried it and if so, what were your thoughts and how did it compare to other brands that you've had/ prefer?
Scotch smoothness isn't just about age. Scotch is made with peat and ash to varying degrees, and other stuff. There are 5 distinct scotch making regions, each with distinctive falvors. The Lowland and Speyside scotches are the smoothest having less peat and smoke. Glenlivet is very mild in that regard. The Highland scotches have bigger bolder flavors. More peaty and smokey. Same for the Islay and Campbletown. I like whiskey, but I still haven't acquired a teste for the finest scotches, which often have the most peat and smoke.
 
Oct 21, 2010
15,536
15,032
113
Scotch smoothness isn't just about age. Scotch is made with peat and ash to varying degrees, and other stuff. There are 5 distinct scotch making regions, each with distinctive falvors. The Lowland and Speyside scotches are the smoothest having less peat and smoke. Glenlivet is very mild in that regard. The Highland scotches have bigger bolder flavors. More peaty and smokey. Same for the Islay and Campbletown. I like whiskey, but I still haven't acquired a teste for the finest scotches, which often have the most peat and smoke.
Try the Lagavulin 16. My favorite "winter" scotch! I will pour a snifter of that on a freezing cold winter night, sit indian style in front of the fire, twirl my glass until it fills my nostrils with the smell of fire, smoke, peat, Earth and drink that golden nectar until I hallucinate that Rutgers are CFB National Champions! LOL!
 

Eagleton95.99

All-American
Jul 25, 2001
7,551
6,469
113
Try the Lagavulin 16. My favorite "winter" scotch! I will pour a snifter of that on a freezing cold winter night, sit indian style in front of the fire, twirl my glass until it fills my nostrils with the smell of fire, smoke, peat, Earth and drink that golden nectar until I hallucinate that Rutgers are CFB National Champions! LOL!
Hmm. Or I could drink a nice burbon and catch a buzz and doze off to sleep without vomiting on myself. Lol.
 

scottsdaleal

Junior
Jul 28, 2001
5,265
385
47
Nikka Taketsuru or Glenlivet 18 are my favorites…but really enjoy most single malts…and try to appreciate their differences.
 

Postman_1

Heisman
Mar 12, 2017
8,089
13,021
113
I stated on Scotch a few years ago on a whim. First bottle I purchased was Macallan 12 and it was ruff drinking. For some reason I went back to it shortly after and was hooked. Next purchase was a Glenmoragie Nectar d'or and Balvenie 12 yo Doublewood I believe. These are all what people refer to as lighter Scotch's or beginner ones. Once I tasted my first Islay (Lagavulin 16) my taste for Scotch was taken to another level. Never knew something could taste like that. Islay or peated Scotch quickly became my favorite.

Here is most of what I have currently. Lots of Islay's, I need another shelf. Not all are opened as I don't like to have to many open at once. I store most of them in their original box's as I like that look better. The price of Scotch has gone up dramatically the last few years so I have not purchased as much lately.

 

Ru-baby

All-Conference
Aug 11, 2001
6,659
3,048
66
If you can pull it off, and appreciate a good dram, Springbank 18 will reorganize your whisky world.
 

Kool RU

Redshirt
Oct 12, 2019
56
32
0
I
I rather like Talisker Storm and Oban Distiller's Edition. The combo of smokiness + sherry finish works for me really well. Bowmore 12 Enigma which was a duty free thing got me hooked on that flavor combo (unfortunately it was discontinued). Very BBQesque.
I have to agree with you on Oban. I'm having an Oban 14 Year Old tonight.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jtung230

mildone_rivals

Heisman
Dec 19, 2011
55,607
51,272
0
I stated on Scotch a few years ago on a whim. First bottle I purchased was Macallan 12 and it was ruff drinking. For some reason I went back to it shortly after and was hooked. Next purchase was a Glenmoragie Nectar d'or and Balvenie 12 yo Doublewood I believe. These are all what people refer to as lighter Scotch's or beginner ones. Once I tasted my first Islay (Lagavulin 16) my taste for Scotch was taken to another level. Never knew something could taste like that. Islay or peated Scotch quickly became my favorite.

Here is most of what I have currently. Lots of Islay's, I need another shelf. Not all are opened as I don't like to have to many open at once. I store most of them in their original box's as I like that look better. The price of Scotch has gone up dramatically the last few years so I have not purchased as much lately.

What’s that white power on the floor there?
 

wisr01

All-Conference
Apr 13, 2006
8,351
3,369
113
I stated on Scotch a few years ago on a whim. First bottle I purchased was Macallan 12 and it was ruff drinking. For some reason I went back to it shortly after and was hooked. Next purchase was a Glenmoragie Nectar d'or and Balvenie 12 yo Doublewood I believe. These are all what people refer to as lighter Scotch's or beginner ones. Once I tasted my first Islay (Lagavulin 16) my taste for Scotch was taken to another level. Never knew something could taste like that. Islay or peated Scotch quickly became my favorite.

Here is most of what I have currently. Lots of Islay's, I need another shelf. Not all are opened as I don't like to have to many open at once. I store most of them in their original box's as I like that look better. The price of Scotch has gone up dramatically the last few years so I have not purchased as much lately.

👍