BS: Question about Scotch

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 05:20 PM

The Whisky Advent Calendar.

It is $238.78.

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Prefer gin? Check out The Ginvent Calendar!

Nobody's missing out around here - Merry Christmas!!!

*SPOILER ALERT* You can view the contents below if you really want to know by selecting 'Read more' - although we've still placed them in a random order so the surprise won't be completely ruined!

You're very welcome!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 12:47 PM

http://sciencealert.com.au/news/20143108-26097-2.html

Scotland's 'space whisky' will return to Earth next month

Three years ago, researchers fired whisky to the International Space Station as part of an experiment to see how the conditions in space change flavours. Next month, the whisky will return to Earth.

A vial of malt whisky from Scotland's Ardbeg Distillery was launched to the International Space Station in October 2011 along with some particles of charred oak. A team from US-based space research organisation NanoRacks said it was an experiment to see how the two interacted in almost zero gravity conditions.

The whisky has been orbiting the Earth's atmosphere for 1,045 days so far, and is expected to land in Kazakhstan on 12 September. According to the BBC, it was launched by a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur in Kazakhstan, and an identical bottle of whisky has been kept at the distillery as a control.

Once the space whisky returns, it will be compared with the Earth whisky to see what changes have occurred.

more on the topic at the link

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 12:53 PM

The shot shot round the world?

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Janie
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 10:01 PM

So, let's get down to the important part - who gets to do the taste tests?

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 14 - 10:11 PM

I love Ardbeg. I'll do it!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 01:53 PM

Ardbeg tastes like turps that's been used for swilling out ashtrays.

Surely Kazakhstan is a big enough place that they can come up with something better of their own.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 02:11 PM

Little do you know. I don't see a preference expressed by you in this thread, Jack. Do you drink Scotch?

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 03:39 PM

Someone gave us a bottle of Japanese scotch. It showed a lot of prize medals on the label. Fair, but I prefer the real products.
A little got drunk, and then it stood on the shelf for ages. I poured it down the drain last week.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 07:06 PM

Ardbeg is a heavily peated malt, which I carefully avoid. The only malt with peat in it at all that I have liked is Springbank, and there the peat is light....and tempered by some hard-to-describe 'salty' essence.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 09:04 PM

The 10-year-old Ardbeg is just about perfect, but anything stonger with smoke or peat is too much. Laphroaig about makes my jaws lock.

A very close approximation to the Ardbeg is the Shieldaig (a store brand (!) from Total Wine in the U.S.) Highland single malt. It comes in at less than half the price. Not quite as much peat as Ardbeg.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Joe_F
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 10:01 PM

Q: H. L. Mencken recorded: "It was the opinion of my father...that all the Baltimore beers were poisonous, but he nevertheless kept a supply of them in the house for visiting plumbers, tinners, cellar-inspectors, tax-assessors and so on, and for Class D social callers." Perhaps your Japanese Scotch might have been kept with that in mind.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 11:45 PM

Way above I mentioned the Glen Gyle that I offered Kendall. It could be used as Mencken advised.

And...hmmm... all my reading said that Ardbeg was heavy on the peat. *shrug*. I still doubt I'll go out of my way to try it.

My birthday present from my wife was a trip to the local county booze booth for my choice....always difficult to choose something new. I finally settled on a 12 yr. Glen Garioch, which turned out to be quite nice...B+/A-... highland malt.

I am quite happy.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 14 - 11:59 PM

It took me a while to sort smoke and peat in some Scotch varieties. Ardbeg is as strong as works for me. Shieldag has a very nice blended Scotch, they call finest old, that doesn't have much peat, but a nice hint of smoke.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 05:10 AM

Where to find whisky in Kazakhstan:

http://www.mygola.com/almaty-d1006128/whisky-bar

I hope they stock Bushmills by the time I get there.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: eddie1
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 06:57 AM

Lyrics - Our Glens

I love Scotland Glens, and whatever else we lose,
Please leave us our Glens, our glorious Glens
Or mountains are grand, Ben Lomond, Ben Nevis too,
You can have all these Bens, but leave us our Glens.
Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glendronach,Glen Grant
Can you do without them, if you must know, I can't
Put a drop in a glass of Glen Grant or Glen Drottar
It's a perfectly bearable way to drink water
Take our Highland Schottishe, or marches, strathspeys and reels,
Take our old Scottish Waltz, but leave us our malts,
Remove if you will our Ladies conveniences,
And our Gentlemens, but leave us our Glens
Glenfarclas, Glen Lochy Glen Garioch, Glen Faul
I once knew a man who had sampled them all
Glen Ugie, Glenkinchie, Glen Isla, that's plenty
He looked 65, but in fact he ws 20.

I'd willingly lose our culture, or most of it,
Including that mess called Full Highland Dress
With the whole ethnic bit, with haggis and Hogmanay
I'd gladly dispense, but leave us our Glens
Glenturret, Glen Scotia and last week Glen Fyne
Was rare at communion when we ran out of wine
Glenglassoch, Glen Lossie, Glendullan Glenmorangie
I prefer them to Cointreau which I find too orangey.

So breathes there a Scot whose views and priorities
When laid on the line are different from mine
Take our jobs take our homes, take anything else you will
Wife, family and friends, but leave us our glens
Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glendronach,Glen Grant
Can you do without them, if you must know, I can't
Put a drop in a glass of Glen Grant or Glen Drottar
It's a perfectly bearable way to drink water

Our Glens
Buff Hardie/James Donald

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 10:15 AM

If I'm lucky I get 2 decent bottles of Malt for xmas.
It used to be 4 or 5 but the price per bottle now is too exorbitant.
Those were the days I could experiment with different regional distilleries and tastes.

Also the range of barely affordable bottles available in local supermarkets is pretty limited.

I do actually like the very peaty smokey, almost medicinal flavoured malts.
The ones that physically tingle the palate in the same way as a strong matured cheddar cheese.

Xmas/New Year malts, one of the few remaining vices I can still look forward too.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 10:24 AM

My compromise favourite for the past few years is the Talisker 10 years old.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 10:54 AM

A Bottle O' The Best
Sung by Ed Miller

(Words and music by Jack Foley, Grian Music)

Oh, when your time o' work is done
And you've earned yourself some fun
In the pub you start to sup your drink
And clinkin' every cup
Through the pint-pots you're perusin'
And you're boozin' till you're snoozin'
And you're losin' all your senses to the drink
And when all these folks so prim
Are swiggin' swill up to the brim
Wi' nips o' gin and numbered Pim's
wi' Sugar rubbed around the rim
Ah, let them drink it till they drop
For the sly besotted Scot
He'll be breakin' out a bottle o' the best!

Aye, to hell wi' all the rest
Give me a bottle o' the best
The amber bead I'll down wi' speed
It's not bad taste or waste, just greed
And a whiskey-still I'll kill
I'll drink my fill and if I spill a gill
You know I will, I'll lick it off the floor!
I'll not touch Teachers*, Grants* or Haig*
Give me Bowemore* or Laphroaig*
Glen Farglas* in a glass,
Well you can throw the top away
For there's no use to pretend
Oh, you'll need the cork again,
When you've broken out a bottle o' the best

And the English like their ale
Warm and flat straight out the pail
They aye slitter* wi' their bitter*
It would slaughter Jack The Ripper
And they sip their cider rough
They sniff their snuff and huff and puff
And as if that's not enough they start to sing!
Of when Jones's Ale was New*
And John Barleycorn's Fine Brew*
Oh, Fathom the Bowl*, The Barley Mow*,
Roll Out The Barrel*, just a few;
But their songs are far surpassed
By the tinkle in the glass
When you've broken out a bottle o' the best!

And the Irish wi' their pride o' Erin
Think they can deride
Our golden water wi' their patter
When they're out there on the batter*
Sixteen hundred pints o' stout
A drinkin' bout without a doubt
And if they've no got the gout they start to dance
To Father O'Flynn* and Larry O'Gaff*,
Biddy the Bowleife* for a laugh
The Young May Moon*, The Garryown*
And The Blackbird* drives them daft;
But their jigs have no appeal
To the Scot who likes to reel
When he's broken out a bottle o' the best!

Aye, a bottle o' the best
That's what it is, nay idle jest
No Mickey Finn, no bathtub gin
No rotgut wine that tastes like Vim*
Have no fear it's not like beer
Malt whiskey's bright and strong and clear
Aye, it's also bloody dear, but what the hell!
And it belts ye in the belly
Like a heavyweight Lochgelly*
A glow begins to grow,
Six in a row turns you to jelly
And then you fall down in a heap
Then you dream perchance to sleep
For you've broken out a bottle o' the best
Aye, you've broken out a bottle o' the best!

*Nips - shots; Teacher's, Grant's, Haig - blended Scotch whiskies; Bowmore, Laphroaig, Glenfarclas - single malt Scotch whiskies; Slitter - to make a mess; Bitter - English beer; Jones Ale Was New, etc - English drinking songs; Batter - a drinking binge; Father O'Flynn, etc - Irish Dance tunes; Vim - a bathroom cleanser; Lochgelly - leather strap once used as punishment in Scottish schools. It was named after the town of Lochgelly where it was manufactured.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 14 - 01:32 PM

Talisker is certainly a way to attain sensual input from malt!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 12:28 AM

Just in case you thought everything that can be said about whisky has been said, I give you

The Space Glass

This "Space Glass" Lets You Drink Whiskey In Orbit

My current favorite is still the $50/750ml Ardbeg, and the Total Wine knockoff called Sheildag Highland Finest Old (at less than half the price of Ardbeg) is a good substitution. Since I'm not in space, I use a lovely crystal glass for my single malt.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 04:54 AM

A friend of ours does whisky tastings: very entertaining and lots of info about the various distilleries. 5 drams in one evening, punctuated by a break for oatcakes and Scottish cheeses.
The last one included Tamdhu, Knockando, Glengoyne and A'Bunadh, and started with a blend.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,Sol
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 08:43 AM

My fav malts are Macallans, Aberlour & Glen Moray.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Vashta Nerada
Date: 17 Aug 17 - 10:53 AM

One more word on the subject of how to drink whisky.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Aug 17 - 11:52 AM

There are two newish Taliskers around, neither of which can hold a candle to the original Talisker 10-y-o. They're called Talisker Storm and Talisker Skye. Don't waste yer money. Go for the real thing. When it comes to Laphroaig, however, I love both the original 10-y-o and the Quarter Cask. In my opinion, Laphroaig Select is an inferior beast. Mrs Steve bought me a bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail for our 40th wedding anniversary. Without question, it's the finest malt I've ever tasted. I never, ever put water in my whisky and I'd rather hack off my family jewels with a rusty machete than put ice in it.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Aug 17 - 08:31 PM

Macallan was the first malt I ever experienced, forty years ago. Macallan 10-year-old was always my very favourite. But then they started messing around with names and I never knew what was what. I'm not paying thirty quid or more to be disappointed by a dram that I thought was going to take me back all those years but doesn't. I'd be happy if someone could clear this up. What's the equivalent, if there is one, of the Macallan 10-y-o of old?

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Aug 17 - 11:51 PM

I am now accustomed to drinking my favorite Scotch without ice or water.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 02:33 AM

More than forty years ago I was on Syke and paid a kings ransom for a 25 year old Talisker. It was not pleasant. An old chap sitting at the bar said put a tad of water into it. I, like you Steve, thought such a thing was almost sacrilege, but he quite insistent and he was right. The water released all the oils and flavour and it transformed into a most wonderful dram, so don't knock a touch of water.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 03:30 AM

I thought it was just 'The Macallan' Steve but I could be wrong. Going full circle to the start of the thread I find Ardmore just as good and often at a reduced price in Morrisons :-) Shame we don't get our staff discount on spirits. They brought that in when they thought a minimum price per unit of alcohol was going to be introduced. That never happened but they never reintroduced the discount :-(

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 03:34 AM

My apologies - The thread started about Aberlour - That is what I meant on all counts in my post above. I think Ardmore is a highland rather than a Speyside. I am sure I have had it but can't bring it to mind.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 09:08 AM

Just checked with the bible, Ardmore is a Speyside.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 09:50 AM

That's because it was founded by a Yorkshireman, Dave.



Q. How does a Yorkshireman make an omelette?


A. First, he nicks three eggs...

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 03:14 PM

As the saying goes ' you can't make omelttes without nicking eggs ' [ old Lancashire proverb ]

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 03:17 PM

and tonight I be mostly drinking Ardbeg Uigeadail, surely one of the finest whisky's in the world.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 05:54 PM

Indeed, Dave. I happen to have a small supply of that meself.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Joe_F
Date: 19 Aug 17 - 06:09 PM

In the Jewish version, it's a Rumanian omelet. First, steal three eggs....

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 20 Aug 17 - 05:59 AM

My other favourite is Lagavulin 12 year old, another peat monster from Islay.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 20 Aug 17 - 06:02 AM

Thanks Dave - I could do with a copy of that bible :-)

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 20 Aug 17 - 12:29 PM

Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, published annually by Dram Good Books, not cheap, tends to be a bit the same every year, I last bought one in 2016 I don't bother now.
You could probably buy it cheaper online


Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 20 Aug 17 - 01:50 PM

The Whisky shop is only 5 miles away from us and, using my bus pass, I can be there in 20 minutes. I could learn a lot there. Not sure how long it would take me to get back...

:D tG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 21 Aug 17 - 02:16 AM

I have been a regular customer of Wrights for many years, great shop.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 21 Aug 17 - 02:01 PM

There's a community funded distillery being constructed near Dingwall at the moment, called Glenwyvis, and there is a share offer open at the moment! Have a look at Glenwyvis Distillery Ltd and you can learn more, think they also have a facebook page? And - you can watch as the distillery is being put together.
If you cannot afford shares you could always support in another way by paying to have your name as a subscriber carved onto a wall or beside a pathway.
they are already producing gin, hope to start distilling whisky soon, tho it will be three years before you get to taste any- ---!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Aug 17 - 03:14 PM

Must meet up sometime then Dave. I think I could learn a lot! Have you visited the Gin bar in Skipton as well?

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Aug 17 - 02:22 AM

Gin Bar in Skipton ? no but I'll have a look next time I'm there, I usually call in at The Wooly Sheep for a pint or 2 of Taylors when I'm in Skipton.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Aug 17 - 04:17 AM

VSQ Bar

I noted with interest that the drinks range was chosen with the assistance of Wrights!

Wooly Sheep is good but I tend to gravitate to either the Narrow Boat or the Beer Engine. Early Doors is quite good as well if you are there early on and their beer is very reasonably priced.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Aug 17 - 05:42 AM

I'm off up to Wright's in a while for a bottle of Ardbeg 10 year old and a bottle of Aberlour A'Bunadh, this also a great whisky at a great price for 60.5 abv

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Aug 17 - 08:07 AM

I am off to Whitby tomorrow so will not get chance to go to Wrights until the first Saturday in Sept but I shall bear your recommendations in mind :-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Aug 17 - 08:50 AM

This A'Bunadh, batch 58 was bottled at 61.1 abv. delicious.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 13 Sep 17 - 04:48 AM

Won a bottle in Saturday's raffle: Smoky Black Grouse. Apparently a blend of smoky peaty single malts, so probably won't suit my taste: will let you know!
Yes to A'Bunadh!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 13 Sep 17 - 04:52 AM

Free whisky always suits my taste. Just don't start the evening with it, that's all.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Sep 17 - 07:38 AM

...and the ABV of the standard whisky x 10 is...

400!