BS: Question about Scotch

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:06 AM

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” — Mark Twain


“There is no such thing as bad whiskey. Some whiskeys just happen to be better than others. But a man shouldn’t fool with booze until he’s fifty; then he’s a damn fool if he doesn’t.”

? William Faulkner

All very wise, apart from the spelling. Decades ago, I read a quote somewhere that went something like: "There's no bad whisky. There's only very good whisky and excellent whisky" but I can't find it now.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:07 AM

Gosh, my preview version of that post didn't look like that!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 01:27 PM

Mind you the taste of Talisker was a bit like medical liquid.

I loved that toffee flavour of Whyte and Mackay. Sainsbury's Irish whiskey was light and perfumed, it was my favourite - but they stopped doing it.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 02:26 PM

Ah yes, I remember that Sainsbury's one. Very nice it was.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 05:44 PM

" "There's no bad whisky. There's only very good whisky and excellent whisky" but I can't find it now. "

I have this partial bottle of 8 year old Glen Gyle that might change your mind. It was a gift along with some good stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:22 PM

I don't think we have that one here.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Donuel
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:31 PM

A good 20 year old Scotch with a splash of Drambuie is what I prefer.
Some call it a rusty nail.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Raggytash
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:36 PM

Philistine

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: gillymor
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:52 PM

Bill you reminded me of a bottle of McClelland’s Single Malt Lowland that was gifted me (probably regifted as it was from a teatotaller) and it was so bad that I took one swig of it and stuck it in the kitchen closet where it remained for years until one desperate, boozeless night after running out of beer at a jam session we disposed of it. I see now they're getting $26 A bottle for that truly nasty swill.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:59 PM

Philistine indeed. Putting something sweet into a 20-year-old malt is the action of a man who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a bottle of whisky. He needs to stick to kiddie alcopops.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Oct 23 - 12:44 AM

My local newspaper ran this story but it has a paywall, so I think this will serve (but damn, it's a day too late!): Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Opens Entry For Limited-Release Lottery Featuring Highly Sought Products

10/23/2023

Entry deadline 5:00 PM Friday

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), through its Limited-Release Lottery, will award lottery winners the opportunity to purchase 4,429 bottles of rare whiskeys.

Pennsylvania residents and licensees will have until 5:00 PM Friday, Oct. 27, to opt in to the lottery by visiting the Limited-Release Lottery web page.

This event will feature six products in five lotteries. Participants may opt in to one, several, or all of these lotteries. If a participant wins the right to purchase a bottle in a drawing, they will be removed from subsequent drawings in that lottery. Purchase is limited to one bottle per participant per lottery. Only one entry per household per lottery is allowed; duplicative entries will be disqualified.

Lotteries will be held, in the following order, to award the opportunity to purchase individual bottles:

Lottery 1

Blanton's Gold Straight Bourbon, $119.99 each – 477 bottles for individual consumers, 159 bottles for licensees.
Blanton's Straight From the Barrel Bourbon, $149.99 each – 483 bottles for individual consumers, 160 bottles for licensees.

Lottery 2

Eagle Rare Straight Bourbon 17 Year Old 2022 Release, $109.99 each – 1 bottle for individual consumers.

Lottery 3

Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Straight Corn Whiskey 20 Year Old 2023 Edition, $289.99 each – 150 bottles for individual consumers, 49 bottles for licensees.

Lottery 4

Russell's Reserve Straight Bourbon 13 Year Old Barrel Proof, $149.99 each – 566 bottles for individual consumers, 188 bottles for licensees.

Lottery 5

Stagg Straight Bourbon Barrel Proof, $54.99 each – 1,647 bottles for individual consumers, 549 bottles for licensees.
Both retail entrantsOpens In A New Window and licensee entrantsOpens In A New Window should carefully review the lottery Terms and Conditions, as failure to comply will result in disqualification.

Individual consumers and licensees interested in entering one or more drawings must have an active account with FWGS.comOpens In A New Window with billing information on file. Each participant is encouraged to verify that accurate, up-to-date billing information is associated with his or her customer account, to prevent transaction delays or cancellations. Once the Limited-Release Lottery registration period closes, entrants will not be able to update payment information. If someone is selected as a winner and payment is declined for any reason, the entrant will forfeit their entry and the opportunity to purchase the bottle. Entrants are encouraged to review their accounts to verify that payment/billing information and delivery location are accurate before entering the lottery.

Store delivery of Limited-Release Lottery products is required; failure to identify a valid store for delivery may result in the loss of the right to purchase that product. All lottery item(s) purchased will be delivered to the physical Fine Wine & Good Spirits (FW&GS) location chosen by the entrant at the time of entry. Only individuals submitting eligible entries will be able to pick up their lottery purchases in their designated stores after presenting valid photo ID; bottles will not be released by stores to alternate pickup persons or anyone other than the lottery entrant. Winning entrants who fail to personally appear to pick up their lottery purchase(s) or who otherwise attempt to circumvent these requirements will be disqualified.

In light of attempts by previous lottery winners to illegally resell products obtained through Limited-Release Lotteries, the lottery Terms and Conditions remind residents that the sale of alcoholic beverages without a license is strictly prohibited under Pennsylvania law. When entering a Limited-Release Lottery, a participant will be asked to acknowledge that he or she has read and understands these terms and conditions.

Limited-Release Lotteries are open to Pennsylvania residents and licensees age 21 or older who provide both a verifiable Pennsylvania billing address and a FW&GS store address at registration. Any registrant with a billing address that cannot be verified as a Pennsylvania address will be removed from the lottery. Entries will be vetted for duplicative names, addresses, and other information, and duplicates will be deleted from the lottery pool.

Lottery drawings will be witnessed by an independent third party. Winners will be selected at random by computer program. Participants will be notified by email when the lottery process is complete.

The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. Taxes and store profits – totaling nearly $20.3 billion since the agency's inception – are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania's schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.pa.gov

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Oct 23 - 10:32 AM

I was reminded of this thread today, and I thought I would add my recent acquisition of this:
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/highland-park/highland-park-15-year-old-viking-heart-whisky/

Sipping it very slowly

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Oct 23 - 01:53 PM

It turns out that the Total Wine store nearest to where I'll be moving soon doesn't carry hard liquor. Evidently Virginia has adopted a 'hard liquor only at state ABC stores' policy. I've never been to one, so I have no idea of what they carry.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Oct 23 - 07:24 PM

I got my interest in Scotch thru MacAllan's. Aberlour is a fine substitute.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 20 Oct 23 - 02:57 AM

Lidl's Ben Bracken malts are surprisingly good for about £17. They do Highland, Islay and Speyside with the latter being my favourite. I also start to sing Sir James the Rose when I drink it. Because it rhymes:-D

On a blended tangent, anyone know what has become of Stewart's Cream of the Barley? I used to like that but have not seen it for years.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Oct 23 - 12:05 PM

We've been reading the same discussion elsewhere; after a couple of dozen tests of different single malt products I settled on the store brand at Total Wine (actually, they say it isn't a store brand, but they buy about 95% of what that company makes, so few others carry it). The Shieldag Highland variety. I recently was in a different store poking around and found a Macleod's Islay single malt that has about the same amount of smoke and peat (and they say salt); I think it's more typical for that flavor mix in the Islay, from talking to a couple of clerks about varieties.

Anyway, the complexity and less-sweet aspects of Scotch appeal to me much more than sweet cocktails (the subject of that other discussion).

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Oct 23 - 01:32 PM

The Shieldag that I like is as close as I could come to the Ardbeg without the sticker shock, and the Macleod fits in that (though it's closer to the price I paid for Ardbeg last time I bought it.)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 15 Oct 23 - 12:21 PM

I've become inordinately fond of Ardbeg Ten in recent times.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 15 Oct 23 - 01:59 PM

I never buy malts for myself, Maggie. I solicit them from my nearest and dearest at Christmas and for my birthday, which events, fortuitously, are just about six months apart. Ardbeg Ten usually comes in at about £45 which is very pricey, but swooping is done when it's on offer anywhere.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Oct 23 - 07:32 PM

Well I've always found that Abelour is just a bit dull. Sorry to be a contrarian. I'm biased because I'm a confirmed heavy peat man, so don't listen to me!

Tragically, I've just seen Talisker ten at fifty-two quid in Waitrose. I'm in mourning.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Sol
Date: 19 Oct 23 - 07:17 PM

From my limited experience, I have found Aberlour to be my 2nd favourite. Macallan's being it's only superior.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Oct 23 - 01:16 PM

"..don't listen to me!"
Got it, Steve. I understand...sort of... why folks choose heavy peat. I also understand why some choose very hot peppers, but I don't listen to them either!
   I suppose we 'could' pool our money and share some Talisker.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 05:44 PM

" "There's no bad whisky. There's only very good whisky and excellent whisky" but I can't find it now. "

I have this partial bottle of 8 year old Glen Gyle that might change your mind. It was a gift along with some good stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: gillymor
Date: 22 Oct 23 - 04:43 PM

I'm not much of a Scotch drinker but I have a bottle of Lagavulin 16 sitting on a side table in the living room that serves as a memorial to my late friend and fishing buddy, Don who left it to me, probably as a posthumous effort to convert me to the stuff but I haven't got the heart to open it.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: gillymor
Date: 23 Oct 23 - 07:01 AM

50 ccs 12 yr. old single malt stat!
Seems like there was a time back in the '70's or 80's when rock stars were shooting up booze for fun.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: gillymor
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 04:40 AM

SRS, I'm well familiar with this whisky as it was my old pal's favorite tipple on special occasions. The bottle, which has been the centerpiece of a small shrine for about 6 years is going to a family member after I'm no longer around. He'll be able to appreciate it far more than I ever could.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: gillymor
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:52 PM

Bill you reminded me of a bottle of McClelland’s Single Malt Lowland that was gifted me (probably regifted as it was from a teatotaller) and it was so bad that I took one swig of it and stuck it in the kitchen closet where it remained for years until one desperate, boozeless night after running out of beer at a jam session we disposed of it. I see now they're getting $26 A bottle for that truly nasty swill.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Raggytash
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:36 PM

Philistine

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Donuel
Date: 23 Oct 23 - 06:35 AM

I was surprised to learn there are people who take Scotch intravenously. They say they can still taste it.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Donuel
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:31 PM

A good 20 year old Scotch with a splash of Drambuie is what I prefer.
Some call it a rusty nail.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Oct 23 - 02:46 PM

I think Kendall decided Abelour was his favorite, if I recall the results as we tasted various brands available when this thread started over a decade ago. That's about the only thing I know about that brand.

It always strikes me as unusual that some of you in the UK (or all of you in the UK?) can buy hard liquor in the grocery store. Most of the states I've been in will allow beer and wine sales in grocery venues, but higher proof needs a separate business. Only in Arizona did I see everything for sale in one place (and that was in Walgreens pharmacies - I don't remember if hard stuff is sold in groceries? They may need to be in a separate room because of minors in the store.)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Oct 23 - 05:09 PM

gillymor, it's a shame not to open it, just to see what they were sharing with you. If you aren't fond of it the contents still might be welcome by occasional guests to your home.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 Oct 23 - 05:46 PM

I think the Scotch I really loved was Talisker. About four seconds after the first taste, there was this peppery after taste. Quite exquisite.

If God really has it in for me _ I'll spend the first million years of eternity going round apologising for my behaviour chasing that after taste.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 01:27 PM

Mind you the taste of Talisker was a bit like medical liquid.

I loved that toffee flavour of Whyte and Mackay. Sainsbury's Irish whiskey was light and perfumed, it was my favourite - but they stopped doing it.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Oct 23 - 03:49 PM

Back when I still drank alcohol (i.e. Pre-2006) my favourite Malt was Bunnahabheinn, from the NE coast of Islay. Heavy, dark, peaty. Eighteen years since I had a taste. Visited the distillery several times during my sea-going years.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:06 AM

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” — Mark Twain


“There is no such thing as bad whiskey. Some whiskeys just happen to be better than others. But a man shouldn’t fool with booze until he’s fifty; then he’s a damn fool if he doesn’t.”

? William Faulkner

All very wise, apart from the spelling. Decades ago, I read a quote somewhere that went something like: "There's no bad whisky. There's only very good whisky and excellent whisky" but I can't find it now.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:07 AM

Gosh, my preview version of that post didn't look like that!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 02:26 PM

Ah yes, I remember that Sainsbury's one. Very nice it was.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:22 PM

I don't think we have that one here.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 23 - 06:59 PM

Philistine indeed. Putting something sweet into a 20-year-old malt is the action of a man who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a bottle of whisky. He needs to stick to kiddie alcopops.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 24 - 08:12 PM

Bringing back a great old thread, started by our classic single-malt member Kendall. It's a good read for anyone who's considering changing brands.

Sometime next week I'm hoping for good news on the political front, once all of our votes are counted. Looking for a celebratory bottle.

The choices I'm considering: Bowman 12 and Highland Park 12. Thoughts? (They're in the generally good-for-me price point; the high-dollar ones aren't on my list.)

The whiskey flavor map near the top of the thread was expired so I found a current link to the same map, but I see quite a few additions on a more recent version of the map. (This thread did start almost 15 years ago.)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Raggytash
Date: 02 Nov 24 - 09:37 PM

Highland Park is one of the best Whiskys ever produced, you won't go wrong with that!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 02:09 AM

”Highland Park is one of the best Whiskys ever produced, you won't go wrong with that!”

I agree 100% with you, Raggy! Lester Simpson put me on to it on one of our several sailing trips around the West Coast of Scotland, and it became my only tipple until the end of my drinking career. The Whisky of the Gods!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Thompson
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 06:40 AM

Might get a bottle of Jemmys or Black Bush, but only if the results are as hoped. Though I suppose a driodar can be a comfort as well as a celebration.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 07:56 AM

"Jennys Black Bush"

Now that brings back memories ;)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 08:01 AM

Naughty naughty, Nigel! :-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Thompson
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 08:16 AM

Ah, I think Black Bush is always regarded as a mildly naughty name. As for Jemmy…

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 11:14 AM

(ahem) Has this thread got the 'Cat inebriated? it's looping.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 11:37 AM

I was very enamoured also of Bunnahabheinn back in the day, but it was a very heavy, peaty whisky from a small distillery on the Islay shore of the Sound of Jura, a small quantity was all I could handle, and it was difficult to get hold of here in the Backwoods. Highland Park is a lighter tipple, more suitable for guzzling, and easier to obtain, so I stayed with it until health issues brought down the curtain on my alcohol consumption. Nineteen years since a drop passed my lips…

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 01:43 PM

The earlier map of Scotch (from 2012). And in skimming through I see discussions of ice or water - it has been years since I used either. These days it's neat.