BS: Question about Scotch

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Silas
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 01:23 PM

SRS no.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Jim McLean
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 01:36 PM

I drink Lagavulin with about three quarters whisky to one quarter water. There is an old Gaelic saying when translated states 'choose your company before choosing your drink'
I have always found this very true in the past as a whisky fuelled night can result in great singing and playing or a punch up!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 01:42 PM

(In the photo, the book on the left is older, and gives a lot of history and sen-technical info, as well as lists & reviews of well-known brands. The others are illustrated check lists and brief reviews....one by Michael Jackson (No, not that one - this one, who died a few years ago

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: maeve
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 01:46 PM

Stilly, thanks for taking my suggestion in the spirit I intended it. It's none of my business how anyone handles drinks or food or anything else of the sort; I do like friends to enjoy their experiences to the fullest.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 01:48 PM

"...a whisky fuelled night..."

I don't have those... for whatever reason, I have never enjoyed any drink after a certain point. 3 beers or 1-2 shots of whisky is about my limit. I guess I am just lucky...and it's cheaper!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 03:53 PM

Bill D, it's always nice if you can remember the pleasure of the good drink the evening before, not suffer through a headache the next morning! I hope, when the time comes, you'll recycle that hard copy responsibly. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 06:30 PM

LOL... yup... it goes either to a collector, or to the local recycle authority. (*we have an excellent one...they take almost everything!*)

(I HATE hangovers... it's been many years since I had a serious one.)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Jon Corelis
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 10:19 PM

I follow W. C. Fields's rule: not a drop between 5 am and noon.

Jon Corelis
The sweet nightingale: A Cornish song

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Louie Roy
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 10:54 PM

I only drink anymore when I'm alone or with somebody. Louie Roy

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Long Firm Freddie
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 03:44 AM

This is a commercial site that has loads of information about Whisky (and Whiskey):

Royal Mile Whiskies

They explain all about the different whisky regions and the individual distilleries. They say it's fine to drink whisky any way that you like, but also tell you how to taste whisky like the blenders do.

They stock single malts from about £20 a bottle up to a 70 year old Glenlivet at £13,000 - limited to one bottle per customer!

The staff get to try free samples supplied by the distilleries and their tasting notes are posted on the site. Nice work if you can get it...

They have six varieties of Aberlour from £27 to £185 - they all sound delicious!

Enjoy!

LFF

PS No, I'm not on commission or related to the organisation in any way - alas.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 09:07 AM

I rarely drink at all, and even then, a shot of Scotch just before dinner. However, if Gordon or Dani are about.....It's lucky that I see either of them so infrequently.

Who was it who said, "I know my limit, but I always pass out before I reach it"?

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 01:20 PM

Wan drink maks a new man o' ye.
An' then the new man wants a drink an aw.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 02:20 PM

Good one John, and when the old man wakes up next morning he has someone to blame!
         Slainte Mhath!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 02:35 PM

Oops, just noticed errant apostrophe. Humble apologies.

--nipped by a mud elf

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: gnu
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 03:30 PM

Apostrophes are not a requirement among friends.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 09:47 PM

I never did understand the percentages on the side of the bottle - is it important? What does it tell you?

I can't help feeling its a pity to confine this thread to whisky - there are so many wonderful experiences to be had with wine, and brandy and other stuff that I don't know about I suppose.

When you're in in Spain and you uncork a rioja, and that fabulous tarry smell...that promises a wonderful robust taste of Spain itself. Theakstons Old peculiar - quaffing a glass, freezing your nuts off, overlooking a fabulous view like Monsall Head - perhaps with a few Kettles crisps, and some wonderful friends for company.

Booze....you wrote my life.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 09:48 PM

Just the good bits....

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 10:32 PM

Okay, I picked up a bottle of the Famous Grouse, much better than the Johnny Red Label - that can stay in the cupboard for visitors who like the smoke. I added a little water, but it seems too warm at room temperature. I'm going to have to wean myself off the cold drink by adding at least one cube, guys.

I saw several of the others, but I'd left my list behind. Next purchase I'll try a single malt.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 10:39 PM

Grouse is a fine start... I would never turn a dram of it down.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,Jim Knowledge
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 06:53 AM

I `ad that Jock McTavish, the single malts connoisseur, in my cab the other day. `ed come down to the Smoke to do some whisky judging. `ed obviously `ad a good time cos `is sporran was all round `is backside.
I said, "Morning Jock, it looks like you did the business last night."   
`e said, "Aye Jimmie there were some bonnie drams to be taken."
I said, "Tell me Jock, as man with your experience, what do you reckon is the best whisky then?"
`e said, "The best whisky laddie? It`s the cheapest!!"

Whaddam I Like??

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 01:31 PM

I have a bottle of Johnnie Walker double black that I'd give him.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 01:45 PM

ah 'Jim', Jock McTavish obviously never had a Bottle of the Best

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: gnu
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 02:30 PM

I was at a pub last night and two large ladies were seated nearby and talking with very thick accents. I asked, "Are you girls from Scotland?" One said, "Wales you idiot." I apologized and asked, "Are you whales from Scotland?"

Yes, I know that has nothing to do with thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 03:02 PM

Add cold water. I keep a wee bottle of spring water in the fridge for this very purpose. Tap water is not suitable for the job.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 05:34 PM

I'm just having a nightcap, a very large Ardbeg 10year old, gorgeous.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Paul Burke
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 05:51 PM

Al- you bin drinkin' zoider? I've never known you so romantic before...

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 05:51 PM

Might break out the Glen Garioch (pron Geerie) later!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bainbo
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 05:57 PM

I found this whisky taste map a useful guide when I came across it propped up in a couple of bars in Glasgow. I didn't need any encouragement to try something new, but this gives you confidence to order something that's likely to be to your taste.

On the chart, Aberlour is veering towards rich, rather than light, but delicate, rather than smoky.

I once explained to a barman that I found the peaty Islay malts too overpowering, so he pointed me in the direction of Old Pulteney, and it has now become my malt of choice - especially when it's on "Rollback" at Asda, as it is at the moment; £21 instead of £27 or £28. But I've enjoyed some of the other Highlands or Speysides when I can get them: Springbank, Glen Ord and Oban, which I first tried when we were staying not too far from Oban. Like wine, it aways seems to taste better in the place it's come from!

I find whisky is good for any ailment, as well, not just colds. It doesn't actually cure anything, but after two or three I stop caring that I've got it ...

---

That link had expired, a new link to the same version of the map was replaced Nov. 2024. The map is a good starting point. ---mudelf

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Beer
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 05:57 PM

If yer not to far away I'll come over.
ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bainbo
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 06:01 PM

...when I came across it propped up in a couple of bars in Glasgow.

I should make it clear it was the map which was propped up in a bar. Not me. Not to start with, any

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bainbo
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 06:02 PM

way

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 06:35 PM

...ahh, but Springbank is not a Speyside! It is a Campbelltown... one of only 3-4... most of which come FROM the Springbank distillery....but is is wonderful!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 07:05 PM

That whisk taste map that Bainbo posted set me back a bit... it lists Highland Park up in the middle of 'smokiness'.... but I never really thought of it as smokey at all. Now, I see reviews that say: "Highland Park distills their single malt Scotch from hand-turned malt, a considerably aromatic peat .."

Perhaps it is the type of peat that keeps it tolerable to my non-expert taste buds.... I just know that I do not care for Lagavulin or Laphroig.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 07:36 PM

A little smoke is okay, or the flavor of the barrel, but that is an interesting map to help characterize what it is we've been discussing here- and avoid something that is over the top in a particular flavor. I'll put a copy of that with my little list of your recommendations.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 09:08 PM

This has become a very interesting thread. Thanks all.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 12 - 01:14 AM

I agree. Thanks for starting it, Kendall. I've learned a lot.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 05 Mar 12 - 08:04 AM

The good thing about alcohol that you don't like, it can be added to the cooking.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bainbo
Date: 05 Mar 12 - 10:02 AM

"Alcohol that you don't like"

No, I'm sorry. You've lost me.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 05 Mar 12 - 10:24 AM

The good thing about alcohol that you don't like, it can be added to the cooking.

Bad move. Never use wines for cooking that you would not otherwise drink. Apart from anything else it stops you getting the perk of attacking the bottle while you cook!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,songbob
Date: 05 Mar 12 - 04:07 PM

I don't drink as much whisky as I used to (and I never was a big toper anyway). My stomach rebels. However, I can take a little now and then, and I do drink hard cider (Strongbow and Woodchuck Dark and Dry are a coupe of good 'uns) and rum & coke (or Dark & Stormy -- dark rum and ginger beer) on hot days.

That said, my favorites have been the less-peaty ones, of which Knockando is my particular favorite. I've had MacCallan (sp?) and Cragganmore and Oban and (of course) Laphroig. In fact, we once made it a project to at least taste each of the brands mentioned in "Bottle of the Best", though we avoided, as the singer did, Teacher's, Grant's or Haig. Of the ones we did taste, Glen Farclas was top-notch, the others just okay.

Probably because my stomach demands it, I put a sliver of an ice cube (never a whole one!) in my glass. It seems to smooth things out.

I have a bottle of Tobermoray (sp?) unopened, which we're holding till we have our ritual watching of "I Know Where I'm Going," which features radio-phone messages to the Isle of Tobermoray (as well as a delightful ceilidh scene and snippets of folksong here and there). What will we encounter when we taste Tobermoray? Is it peaty, smoky, strong or smooth or what? Will I like it?

Thanks

Bob Clayton
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1866385923/hokey-dokey-music-cd-project

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Elmore
Date: 05 Mar 12 - 04:27 PM

Times are tough. Used to drink Red Robin (Irish) or The Dalmore. Now we drink Passport with a teaspoonful of Drambuie.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Elmore
Date: 05 Mar 12 - 04:39 PM

Oops, meant Redbreast. Been drinking too much Passport.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: EBarnacle
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 12:48 AM

Bob, an authentic Dark and Stormy can only be made with Glosing's Black Seal Rum and ginger beer. Lesser rums just don't make it.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: EBarnacle
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 12:49 AM

Oops, that should be Gosling's etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 05:02 AM

Hmm, the combination of Gosling and Barnacle are difficult to resist. So I won't
Did you feel like a silly goose after that typo?

HONK!!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 02:43 PM

Of course guest songbob meant Laphroaig, one of the finest whiskies ever made.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 02:49 PM

I know about the Gosling's, but the true, truer Dark and Stormy also uses the local ginger beer of Bermuda, I understand.

And the true, truer, truest Dark and Stormy is ONLY drunk at the conclusion of the Miami-Bermuda yacht race.

And since I don't know when that is, nor the label of the ginger beer (and probably couldn't get it in the States anyway), I don't feel all that compelled to use Gosling's Black Label for the rum, as long as it's decent (and dark) rum. I particularly like Barbancourt (Haitian) rum, although I got a bottle of a very nice rum called Flor De Cana, which I've been verra, verra keerful about drinking too quickly, lest it all go bye-bye.

But does anyone know what that Tobermoray Scotch will be like?

Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 09:09 PM

Tobermory according to Michael Jackson's guide." Palate: dry, peaty, fruity, but not intense. Island character there, but relatively restrained."

a medium malt

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: EBarnacle
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 12:02 AM

Gosling's ginger beer is available in some places in the US. They introduced their house brand in 2009. There are several sites devoted to the D & S.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 07:25 PM

Stay away from Bermuda ice cream, it's awful.