BS: Question about Scotch

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 15 May 13 - 04:44 PM

At this very moment I am raising a dram of 12 year old Aberlour to three people who are dear to me.
Andy,since 1957. He's in hospital with severe vertigo. He will be 91 in August.
My younger brother, Erlon, 77 today.
Utah Phillips who would also be 77 today.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 May 13 - 04:27 PM

One or two people would disagree, Dave, just a quick browse found umpteen recommendations to add a little still water but, hey, I know what you mean and every man to his own taste. As long as he doesn't try to inflict it on everyone else and insist everyone else is wrong! :-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 15 May 13 - 02:48 PM

Bill D is correct about cask strength, sip it very slowly and savour every drop, but no water.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 May 13 - 11:12 AM

Very interesting site, thanks Dave! Chapter six covered the information exactly!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 May 13 - 11:08 AM

I must say that I tend to use a bit of water in standard strength so I think I would find cask strength too strong for my pallette. I am pretty sure though that the 'standard' 40% ABV came about to standardise whiskys as, ably demonstrated above, cask strengths can vary wildly. I could be wrong of course. And often am!

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 15 May 13 - 10:44 AM

Aberlour A'bunadh tastes... ummm... intense. Somehow, the basic flavor, when carried by higher proof, has a different effect on the system.. from taste buds to brain. One does not 'toss back' a dram of cask strength, just to prove you can do it. And a tiny dash of water does seem to help 'open' the flavor... (make up your own verbs).

I have a very small amount of Aberlour A'bunadh left... if I decide on a treat after my craft show, it will mean choosing between A'bunadh & Takisker. Haven't had Talisker in several years.

I used to buy... many years ago, Slivovitz Plum Brandy at 101 proof. People asked me "How can you stand such overwhelming stuff?" Easy... I sip it slowly and gently. I LIKE strong drink occasionally.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 15 May 13 - 09:47 AM

Aberlour A'bunadh 59.5 abv

Ardbeg Uigeadail 54.2 abv

and

Lagavulin 12 year old abv 57.5

the 3 most georgous whiskies on the planet, drank neat of course.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 15 May 13 - 07:05 AM

That
Cask strength" stuff is liquid dynamite!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 May 13 - 03:39 AM

It is indeed diluted before bottling, SRS. The 'cask strength' is higher and there is a very good explanation here.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 May 13 - 11:47 PM

What is the difference, aside from the alcohol proof, between "regular" single malt and "cask strength?" Does it taste different? How do they reduce the alcohol - do they mix water in before bottling to reduce it to (usually) 40%? Or is the 40% a level at which they bottle most of it, and for a stronger brew they leave some of it in the cask longer? If the higher the amount of alcohol means more sugars have been used in the fermentation process, is cask strength less-sweet?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 14 May 13 - 03:19 AM

Hey Concerned, at the weekend I had some 12 year old Lagavulin cask strength, 57.5 abv I'm a pensioner and I don't give a shit what you think.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 13 May 13 - 10:15 PM

I got 4 routes to 4 stores (Google Earth shows me all I need).... now I need to save gas money to drive there---which may preclude my buying spirits when I get there... *grin*

(mostly, it's being too busy next 3 weeks to do anything except make crafts and run the craft show at our annual folk festival....if I sell the right piece, I may treat myself to a bottle of something nice.)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 May 13 - 07:46 PM

Bill, have you worked out the route for your field trip to Total Wine and Spirits? They haven't expanded to Maine, the closest store to Kendall is in Norwalk, CT.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 13 - 07:43 PM

handout? you get hand outs? I'd kill for a hand out! They throw their used ullage at me!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Elmore
Date: 13 May 13 - 06:38 PM

Can You buy sex workers with food stamps?

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 13 - 05:30 PM

Food stamps? Welfare? Bloody luxury. There's you bloody lot lording it over us with yer food stamps and bottles of Chateau de Chatelais. I get three ha'pence a week in handouts from t'local rag and bone man and spend it on me ration of extra strong lager and heroin. And still have enough change to buy a fish supper for thirty seven naked coal pickers.

Tell the kids nowadays and they won't believe you...

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 13 - 04:14 PM

Some people just don't understand sarcasm when they see/hear it!
I've never been on food stamps or welfare in my adult life.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 13 May 13 - 03:26 PM

yes, Kendall.. for shame! ;>)

I was gonna share my 8 year old Glen Gyle with you at the Getaway, but now that you've admitted your Liberal ways, I may have to get you to hold the gun on me and make me drink it myself!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,concerened
Date: 13 May 13 - 01:47 PM

You are lucky to have food stamps..and now you are using them to buy booze?
e..you should be ashamed of yourself...thousands starving in the world and you can abuse a liberal caring system that feeds you? .and for nothing? Dreadful..hang your head in shame.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 12 May 13 - 07:23 PM

No, no one gave me any Scotch for my birthday, now I shall have to save up my food stamps for three or four years and buy it myself.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,concerened
Date: 12 May 13 - 03:47 PM

And that was against me with a nasty comment about my spelling.Well..hey!! I am big i am good.. to err is human to forgive devine..no need for your patronising remarks..

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,concerened
Date: 12 May 13 - 02:59 PM

Well, well, well..amazing aint it..a little criticism
and the self rightouse smug clowns join forces.The only personal attack came from Bill D.. the self admitted sponger.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 12 May 13 - 12:17 PM

No. sigh

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 May 13 - 10:31 AM

Hey, Kendall, I forgot to wish you happy birthday earlier this week. Did anyone give you Scotch for the occasion?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 May 13 - 09:19 AM

There is a much better term for people who give no-one but themselves any pleasure. Wanker. Sound like anyone round here?

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 12 May 13 - 07:16 AM

Only if we allow it.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Elmore
Date: 11 May 13 - 10:59 PM

Doesn't matter what the topic is. Some troll comes out from under the bridge to screw up the thread.(Was that a mixed metaphor?)

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 11 May 13 - 09:09 PM

I expect by now he knows he is not welcome with that attitude.
"A sword, in its scabbard, keeps another so."

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 13 - 08:07 PM

Ignore him. He's a troll. Pour a dram and enjoy it!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 11 May 13 - 07:19 PM

He came to the right place!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 11 May 13 - 04:12 PM

Mr. 'concerened', sir... YOU made a special effort, hiding your real name, to find fault with people for discussing their favorite drinks... when they can afford them. YOU assumed we were rich, and called us several nasty names.

YOU need lessons in manners...

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 11 May 13 - 01:25 PM

Be careful with the personal attacks. That's the only no no here.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,concerened
Date: 11 May 13 - 12:15 PM

Well Bill D leaving aside that you are a self admitted bludger, who doesnt mind sponging of his good mates.you are also some kind of a smug buffoon whose only come back is my inabillity to spell

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 11 May 13 - 10:19 AM

You know what they say about opinions.
\
From what I've seen here, a rich mudcatter is an oxymoron.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 11 May 13 - 10:16 AM

"...privalaged clowns with your gold plated salaries..."

*grin*... don't I wish! I have at most 2-3 beers a WEEK, and make a bottle of Scotch last for months. Wine at holiday dinners... and mostly that brought by others.

At least my near poverty status doesn't prevent me from decent spelling.

Ah well, anonymous criticisms are popular on almost every topic.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 13 - 10:05 AM

Why bother, "concerned"? Did you read the whole thread? The discussion has to do with affordability, special occasions, and quality of the brand. You object to consumers educating themselves?

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,concerened
Date: 11 May 13 - 09:29 AM

Got every right to express my opinion as you have, Mr.Thread policeman.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: kendall
Date: 11 May 13 - 08:23 AM

Then go outside and puke. Stay there if you don't like the thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,Concerened
Date: 11 May 13 - 07:56 AM

More crap talked about whiskey/whisky or watever than tyere is about wine.Dont youu self indulgant posers realise that there are more issues on people minds than the percieved quality of drink?
Fact is that most people cant afford the stuff that you lot of privalaged clowns with your gold plated salaries, pensions and/ or buy to rent portfolio sporting liberals and tories nomarks seem to mop up till your eyes bubble..you make me sick..

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 13 - 12:18 AM

:) All those little states lumped together - I should have put the locations onto a Google map for you.

Yes, and in addition to the Scotch, take time to look through their beers (sold by the bottle or the six-pack - you can sample easily), their wines, and see if they have any interesting little 1-jigger samples. There are some point-of-purchase racks with little bottles, but I think they're mostly designer samples. I was hoping they might have things like the little bottle of Ardbeg that my Secret Santa so thoughtfully included in my package last holiday season.

I am sure there are arguments against having large stores move into an area, cutting out the little guy, but I'm tired of having only one sample of a particular variety of a wine to sample at any given small local store. Whether a single vine or a blend, I like to be able to compare. An example - I've been interested in sampling output of the Tempranillo vines, but the store near me ever only had one brand. At the larger store I found straight batches of Tempranillo, and I also found blends. There is one called Red Guitar, Old Vine Tempranillo Garancha (Grenache?) that is spectacular with strong seasoned food, and very affordable. Etc.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 10 May 13 - 10:51 PM

Oooh... that was 300! Do I win a bottle of scotch?

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 10 May 13 - 10:49 PM

Well, it seems Total Wine is 'possibly' easier to get to in Virginia for me. Depends on time of day. (the Laurel, Md store is at he far end of Laurel from where I usually visit)

I will program 3 different locations into my aged head, and try to check 'em out.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 13 - 09:46 PM

Wullie, we expect a report back! Enjoy your trip!

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Wullie
Date: 01 May 13 - 06:26 AM

tHave to say there are other great places to eat not least the Islay hotel will be there in three weeks

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: GUEST,wullie
Date: 01 May 13 - 06:17 AM

try and get to Islay whisky festival end of may each year every distillary has an open day its a long fesytivaleat at Ardbeg for fantastic food
wllie

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Apr 13 - 10:48 PM

I think you'll be amazed at the variety they carry.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Apr 13 - 02:40 PM

Hmmm..Laurel is about 20-25 min. away. Towson is where my son went to college and it is about an hour away.

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Apr 13 - 10:42 PM

There is a hint, Bill, but only a hint. The Shieldaig is a store brand of the place where I put links. Further up the thread is a breakdown of the places they source the whisky the sell under that label. There are stores in Laurel and Towson. Is either of them near you?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Apr 13 - 09:14 PM

Never heard of Shieldaig Highland ... but ANY detectable smoke in Highland Park would surprise me.

(well, their web pages quotes one review: "...a drift of peat smoke.", so I guess there is VERY light addition.) fooled me!

I am not surprised to read : "..we have also received World's Best Single Malt** for Highland Park 21 year old."

Subject: RE: BS: Question about Scotch
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Apr 13 - 11:41 AM

I have a bottle of Highland Park 12-year-old and one of the Shieldaig Highland Finest Old to compare. They overall have very similar characteristics. I would say that there are a couple of more detectable notes in the Highland Park, it has a kind of honey or vanilla finish and not quite as much smoke as in the Shieldaig. But at half the price of Highland Park, the Sheildaig Highland is a very good close second.

I think you can mail order from this place, though I am not sure if it is just wine or if they also send spirits. I suppose I could work out something if someone in the U.S. wants me to make a run and mail something you can't get. There are under 100 stores around the U.S. It might make a nice field trip! I like the variety of wine these folks carry, they have some of the varieties that my grocery store doesn't usually carry and the smaller liquor stores might have a single sample of.

SRS