Scotch Whiskey--The drink of the gods

[Steve Williams]

O.K I know that ambrosia was the drink of the gods, but a good single malt must come a close second.

Lots of threads here are praising the virtues of sake (a fine drink indeed), but a single malt (not a blended whiskey) is much better.

Those of you in the US who only have sourmash, bourbon etc... I do feel pity for you (hey a potential food and drink flame war??)

http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/frame.htm

[Neil Yamamoto]

Steve wrote:
"Those of you in the US who only have sourmash, bourbon etc... I do feel pity for you."

Hey, I agree with you. As a confirmed bottle carrying Scotch addict, Single malt Scotch is indeed a holy drink.

There are a lot of scotch fans here on e-budo. Toby Threadgill, Earl Hartman, John Lewis, who lurks but doesn't post, me, all enjoy the wee dram on occasion.

But hey, you would not have some of the great single malts if it weren't for bourbon casks.

Whisky, it's all good, except for that damn blended crud. Blended whisky is only acceptable when your tounge is already numb from the first 4-5 single malts.

[Joseph Svinth]

See also http://www.maltwhiskey.com/default3.htm

Now, some of these sites sound as if they were written by martial arts teachers. I mean, go to the history sites and there you discover that whisky is thousands of years old. This is not the case. Beer, wine, brandy, applejack, and the like are ancient, but double and triple distilled alcohol only dates to the 1270s, when some Iranians created a drink they called sugar wine and we would call rum. This in turn led to the establishment of slave-labor sugar plantations, first in the Eastern Mediterranean and then in the Americas, and of course to Christian distilleries such as those in Scotland. Still, as the Highlands were not the center of the fourteenth century scientific world, I doubt that you'd find many Scottish monks distilling home brew much before the 1350s.

Several other websites that turn up good information are http://www.maltwhiskey.com/default3.htm , http://www.potstill.com , and http://www.cooleywhiskey.com/Background.htm

I haven't tried a single malt Irish, but I must say I prefer the Irish blends to the Scotch.

[Alacoque]

I have to jump in here and say that, after a considerable amount of research, in my opinion, Tyrconnell single malt Irish whiskey is just about the best Irish to be had.

[Steve Williams]

Originally posted by Neil Yamamoto



But hey, you would not have some of the great single malts if it weren't for bourbon casks.

Whisky, it's all good, except for that damn blended crud. Blended whisky is only acceptable when your tounge is already numb from the first 4-5 single malts.


Some of the better single malts are from sherry casks, this gives the distinctive taste. (if I understood your inference correctly)


I can only agree about the blended stuff, but is it ever really acceptable ???

[Alacoque]

And Tyrconnell happens to be matured in ex bourbon casks

[Steve Williams]

Going to have to try some now, do you know if it is available here?

I hope that your "considerable research" is of the practical kind, makes any research of this type much more worthwhile.


BTW try some Gleddronach, on the whole I prefer island and speyside malts, but this is a good highland single malt (15 year old)

[Neil Yamamoto]

Steve obviously prefers the sherry aged whiskies. Gelndronach is great stuff, I prefer the Macallan for a sherry aged. We can only hope that Suntory does not try and overproduce and ruin the stuff.

But you would be surprised how many distilleries use not only sherry casks but bourbon casks. Glenmorangie uses bourbon casks and has an agreement with Makers Mark bourbon distillery for their bourbon casks. Glenlivet, Glen Rothes, Belvenie all make use of sherry and bourbon casks. There are more, but those are off the top of my head.

Matter of fact, there is a cask of Makers Mark aging at the Glenmorangie distillery and a cask of Glenmorangie at the Makers Mark distillery as an experiement to see how the climates affect the aging process on the whisky.

Tyrconnell is fantastic stuff. The only other one that comes close is Connemeara. Heavier flavor, slightly oily texture like an Islay whisky, but no smoke like in a Scotch.The new Coolye single malt Irish was very disappointing. Thin and harsh, not much to it. Tyeconnell should be available in your neck of the wood Steve. But it is hard to find. Took forever for it to turn up in WA state.

Slainte'

[hyaku]

A friend came over to a kenkyukai a short time back bringing a bottle of Arbelour 10 year old single malt. I'm saving it until it gets a bit cooler.

Hyakutake Colin

[john mark]

with all due respect, IMHO Johnny Walker Blue is the best.

[Joseph Svinth]

Another Irish whiskey site: http://homepage.eircom.net/~whiskey/pajos.htm#Bar

[Steve Williams]

Originally posted by hyaku
A friend came over to a kenkyukai a short time back bringing a bottle of Arbelour 10 year old single malt. I'm saving it until it gets a bit cooler.

Hyakutake Colin

Arbelour is an excellent whiskey, currently working through a bottle of Laphroaig (Islay), bit stronger than the others (57.3%) but still a great "tipple".

[Tony Peters]

Originally posted by john mark
with all due respect, IMHO Johnny Walker Blue is the best.



Only if you plan on sterilizing surgical instruments. I have yet to taste a bottle of anything from them that didn't taste over produced and bland. But then I prefer my singlemalt to be a bit more raw.

[Earl Hartman]

There`s no need to insult bourbon to build up Scots whisky. Bourbon is different from Scots whisky, that`s all. This is not surprising, since true sour mash is made from corn, not barley.

While I am not any where at the level of knowledge of some of the posters here, I put in my vote for Oban. Very smooth, with a honey-like sweetness, and just the right amount of smoke, not too much, not too little. A very nice drink indeed.

However, you cannot make a mint julep out of single malt, nor should you even try. You need a good bourbon, and on a hot summer day, a tall chilled glass full of chipped ice, bourbon and mint is hard to beat. I would imagine, however, that a good single malt is the best thing for a cold night out on the moors (or anywhere else, for that matter).

BTW, any calvados or kirschwasser fans out there?

Earl

[Jeff O]

Personally, there is nothing better than enjoying a Dalwhinnie 15 y/o on the rocks with a splash o' water after closing up the dojo for the night or having some good friends in town for training.

This is one heck of a post, too. Perhaps we can correlate the ability to perform randori based on the year, type, region, and quantiy of scotch consumed. :-)

To a new-found commonality in budo - I shall have another!

Train Safe,

[maney]

Water in Whisky??? Bleck! On the rocks?!?! Bah!


:)


When I was in Edinburgh a few years I had a great deal of fun wandering Royal Mile Road looking for some very specific McEwen to bring back for the Clan President as a gift. That has got to be, by far, the best I've had to date (though the MacAllan isn't far behind with the Dalwhinnie right on it's heels).

It's just too bad it isn't quite cold enough too truly enjoy yet this year.

fpsm (Highland Athlete, Whisky Drinker and Kempoka)

[Edited by maney on 09-20-2000 at 12:46 PM]

[Jeff O]

I know, I know - no self respecting scotch drinker puts water in it. But it makes the bottle last a heck of a lot longer! The on-the-rocks-thing came from my grandfather. I am not one to disrespect my Brooklyn NY grandpa. :-)

When I run out of Dalwhinnie, old faithful is MacAllan 12 year. I enjoy the Dalwhinnie a bit more; it seems smoother.

Haven't had McEwen to my knowledge -I'll have to try that the next time I am out.

[maney]

Well see, there's a wee problem with that admirable goal. Namely, they don't make the stuff anymore. The distillery closed. Hence the reason for the searching "Whisky Row" during my trip to Edinburgh. *If* you can find it, it is definitely worth it.

fpsm

[Steve Williams]

Originally posted by Earl Hartman
There`s no need to insult bourbon to build up Scots whisky. Bourbon is different from Scots whisky, that`s all. This is not surprising, since true sour mash is made from corn, not barley.

While I am not any where at the level of knowledge of some of the posters here


I know it is wrong to slight Bourbon as it obviously has its place (although not at my "place" :laugh: )

I also am nowhere near the level of some of the posters here, but I know what I like.

In all seriousness (I may get lambasted for this) I am currently drinking a measure of Jim Beam "Worlds finest bourbon", (it is evening in the UK, so I am not a sad alcoholic) and it is not so bad (it was given as a present, I wouldn't buy the stuff).

[Jeff O]

That is unfortunate, Mr. maney. At least you were able to enjoy it :-)

There is an Irish bar here in town that has quite a collection of scotch. Perhaps I shall ask one of the older bartenders if he recalls McEwen. At least I can here an oldtimer tell me what "real scotch" was like. Half the reason why I enjoy Scotch is that it seems those in their upper years drinkng scotch are more sociable and have better stories than those who drink bourbon whiskey (no disrespect to whiskey drinkers). But that is for a different post.


Funny thing about this whole post - Many of the Japanese Shihan I have visited seem to really enjoy bourbon whiskey; Jim Beam, Old Grand Daddy, Wild Turkey. I haven't ever heard or seen Scotch given as a gift or drank much at a bar. Although I am sure it takes place. I will have to ask about this.....

[Edited by Jeff O on 09-20-2000 at 04:14 PM]

[Steve Williams]

For all you whiskey-philes try this site http://www.scotchwhisky.com/maltmadness/forum.html

[Neil Yamamoto]

OK so bourbon is not to the taste of some here. I can probably change your mind on this matter if you try some or one of these.

Makers Mark - regular red seal stuff is great,but if you can find the 101 gold seal, you are in for a treat. The black seal as I recall was every bit as good but can only be had if you live overseas or have a friend who you steal some from in the U.S.

Rip Van Winkle
10 year old is great, 15 year old is fantastic and the Pappy Van Winkle Family stuff is drop dead incredible. Takes your breath away and is as smooth as a freshly shaven leg on a good looking woman.

Eagle Rare
Fooled a friend who is a cognac drinker in to liking bourbon with this stuff one night.

Any of the small batch from Jim Beam - Baker's, Basil Hayden's, Booker's, Know Creek. All great with slight different flavors. Basil is 7 year old, crisp and spicy, Knob Creek is higher proof and aged longer 9 yrs, so is more developed in flavor. But both use the same grain mix

Booker's is cask strength at about 126 proof and no single age specified and Bakers is toned down to 107 and is 7 yrs.

Old Charter Proprieters Reserve - hard to find, worth buying.

Wild Turkey 12 year old and Kentucky Spirit. Both from the Wild Turkey brand and just incredible.

Elmer T Lee- From Ancient Age distillery and right up there with any of the bourbons I listed.

Even though it is Tennessee whisky, not bourbon, George Dickel Reserve makes Jack taste like it's been kidney filtered before bottling,


Do I have a problem with booze? No, I just try new ones when I see them instead of drinking the same stuff all the time. That's about all I remember off the top of my head. Back to work.

PS Johnny Walker Blue? Sorry, a great blend but hardly worth the cost. Try Teachers Highland Creme. For under $20 a bottle it is one of few blends with a high percentage of single malt used -70%. I keep this around and feed it to my friends who don't appreciate single malts. And fool a lot of people that it is a single malt.

[Steve Williams]

Recently got back from Japan, and bought a bottle of Suntory 12 year old Single malt at the duty free.

Actually a very good whiskey, they say the Japanese take everything from the west and make it better :smilejapa

Cheers to all :toast:

[Neil Yamamoto]

Good stuff that Suntory 12 year old. The 18 is not as good.. Steve, try the Karuizawa if you can find it on your next trip. If you like the Suntory 12, you will like the Karuizawa.

Nikka was good, but seemed more like a lowland whisky and I seem to recall you like the Sherry highland scotches

[Paul Mathews]

Since no one else has mentioned it; has anyone tried Cardhu? Next to Oban it is my favorite.

True Story: I was in Dallas for a seminar and we ended up at a restaurant (I forget the name) which was billed (I think) as "A great Italian restaurant and a heck of an Irish bar." Since it was supposed to be an Irish bar I ordered Bushmills Black Label. The waiter came back and announced that they didn't have any (nor had the bartender heard of it). They also didn't have any single malt scotch. So I ordered Maker's Mark. The waiter came back and informed me that they had Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, no Maker's Mark. I was so aggravated I drank iced tea.

Paul

[Neil Yamamoto]

Cardhu was one of my early attempt at Scotch whisky. I think it is a very good highland whisky with a very fresh floral honey taste, a hint of smoke and a smooth finish. As my tastes changed, I lost my taste for it. I wouldn't turn it down if offered one though.

BUT- I have gotten more people convinced that Scotch is a good thing with Cardhu then any other. That's what is so great about Scotch, so many variations in a type of booze.

If you like Cardhu and Oban, try Linkwood, Glen Elgin, Braes of Glenlivet, Glen Goyne, Glen Grant, Glentauchers, and Clynelish.

Can you say Neil is a scotch freak? I knew you could.

No Makers Mark or Black Bushmill in Dallas? Can you say " What the @#*$ is wrong with you guys? Go by Toby Threadgill's house. Toby will have some good booze on hand guaranteed.

[Michael Becker]

The best I have had was a '79 vintage Lagavulin-life does not get any better! The 16 year old is widely available and very good. Some whiskey writers have stated that the Lagavulin is the premier single malt. It is my personal favourite, but whiskey is entirely a matter of personal taste. Some people find the Lagavulin a bit overpowering.

The 100 proof Macallan is also something to be tried ( as are any bottles of Macallan-the 12 year old is duty free only so not easy to come by ), but some of the vintage stuff is priced in the daylight robbery category ( £1,500 and up! )

Talisker is a very nice 10 year old similar to Islay whiskeys in taste.

For a good malt at a reasonable price you cannot beat the
10 year old Bowmore.

The 15 year old Laphroaig is considered to be the best vintage for that whiskey. It is not as harsh as the 10 year old. I bought a bottle for my Tai Chi instructor and he seemed to like it.

The 18 year old Glenlivet is very nice and reasonably priced-noticably better than the 12 year old.

Glenmorangie is ok in the 10 year vintage but the 18 year old is noticably better. You can now get the Glenmorangie aged in different wood casks, such as sherry. I havent tried them so I cant say how good they are. Personally I am not that keen on the Glenmorangie, but it is ok.

Glennfiddich? Euuck!

I tried a cask strength Connemara Irish wiskey once. EEK! Went down fairly easy but after a few seconds... :burnup: One of the nastiest things I have ever drank-worse than Absinth which I downed once in a slammer cocktail ( now where did I leave my ear...) . Avoid unless going blind appeals.

Burbon? I would much rather drink burbon than many of the Scottish blended whiskey's ( though the Century of Malts ltd edition blend by the Chivas brothers is very good if you can find it-not cheap though ).

If anyone is visiting London from abroad and wants to buy a bottle, a word of advice. Selfridges ( the famous department store on Oxford street ) is considerably more expensive than some of the smaller shops. I paid £30 for an 18 year old Glennlivet in a store near the Scottish borders ( I live in Northumberland ) whereas Selfridges were charging £45! Hell of a markup!

In London try the specialist whiskey, wine and cigar shops on Old Compton street, near Soho. They have a large selection of good booze and cigars and the prices are not bad. They only take cash though and not plastic. Oddbins in Newcastle Upon Tyne have a very good selection ( which is handy for me! )

Cheers!

Michael

[Earl Hartman]

Ummm.....hmmm....cough,cough.....ahem.....1,500 pounds for a bottle of whisky? (sorry, don't know how to make the cool English money symbol). I've heard that cask-strength vintage single malts are expensive, but hoot, mon! I dinna ken it was anything like that!

You can still buy a halfway decent used car for that kind of money. Is this some sort of a joke? And if it's not, who buys something like that? Also, is there anyone who actually thinks it's worth it?

Earl

[Michael Becker]

Earl,

Get your heart medication ready and take a look at this

http://www.scotchwhisky.com/latest/macallanvisit_part2.html

[Michael Becker]

And no, I dont think a 50 year old bottle is THAT much better than say an 18 year old or a 25 year old.

But, if you have money to burn...

( when I win the lottery...)

[Neil Yamamoto]

There was a Japanese business man who paid over $10K for a bottle of McCallan, I believe a 1930's bottling not too long ago.

I can't see myself paying that much for a bottle of booze, but like the rest of you, I would sure like to taste it.

[Earl Hartman]

Michael:

Well, I guess the reputation the Scots have for being good businessmen who ken the value of money is not entirely misplaced. If you can get some idiot to pay that kind of money for any whisky, even a VERY good one, just because its dressed up in a label designed by some fancy-shmancy artist, well, more power to you.

Of course, the value of any luxury (I like whisky but it is not, as yet, a necessity for me) is purely decided by what the person willing to pay the most money decides to spend. I am sure that the enjoyment derived from drinking something that you are sure NO COMMONER WILL EVER BE ABLE TO SET HIS LIPS TO is enough to send any snob into paroxysms of pleasure verging on the orgasmic.

How would you like to be the cellar master in THAT distillery, huh?

"That's funny, the level in the 60 year old barrels appears to be down. Do you know anything about this?"

"Raelly? Why, no, but I'll get right on it."

Earl

[Michael Becker]

Earl

I bet the security is like Fort Knox!

[Steve Williams]

Some of you are infinitely more knowledgable in Scotch than me, I wonder if you could clarify/ confirm something.

Last new year I was in Edinburgh and went on the tour at the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre, a very enjoyable and informative experience :smokin: we were told that once the whiskey is in the bottle then it does not get any better with age, unlike wine. This is then confusing "There was a Japanese business man who paid over $10K for a bottle of McCallan, I believe a 1930's bottling not too long ago"
Why........ :up:

:toast:

[john mark]

Buddy of mine who works for Guinness Plc told me that Scotch only ages in casks.

[Michael Becker]

What happens is that the whisky stays in the cask for 10,12,18,25,50 years and THEN it is put into bottles.

So, what you have is NOT a vintage bottle of whisky as such but vintage whisky in a new bottle.

I wouldnt pay 50p for a 50 year old bottle because it would probably taste absolutely foul ( nearly as bad as say some of the blends ).

As far as whether whisky improves with age in the bottle, then the concensus of opinion is that it cannot. Rather, the whiskey is likely to oxidise and go off ( a good excuse to finish that bottle when the wife starts complaining! ). This is also the case with the majority of wines, so I wouldnt bother with that wine rack in the cellar.

HOWEVER. In one of the 'Food and Drink' programs on the BBC, they found that a bottle of 'Teachers Finest Scotch' whisky that had improved after spending time in the bottle.

Considering that Teachers could not possibly get any worse with age I would not use this as a reason to hide away a single malt.

Cheers!!!

[Edited by Michael Becker on 10-23-2000 at 05:05 PM]

[Earl Hartman]

Regarding wines, red wines with a lot of tannin require a lot of time to mellow. Tannin is a natural preservative found in the skins and seeds of grapes, and is that element which gives red wines their astringency. The more tannin, the more time the wine must age to be palatable, and the longer it will keep. Wines without tannin (white wine) will generally not improve with long aging.

Earl

[Neil Yamamoto]

Michael hit it on the head.

The age you see on a bottle is the youngest whisky that is in the bottle. When you get a single malt, it is a vatting of casks to achieve a certain taste and character the distillery wishes to have in the whisky. There is usually some whisky that is older then the age on the bottle to add depth of flavor and aroma.

The whisky is aged in casks, just like bourbon or wine and picks up flavors from the wood and atmosphere in the warehouse. Once it is bottled it supposedly will not change character any further.

Each whisky hits its peak in flavor and aroma development at different ages. For the majority, this is anywhere from 8 to about 20 years. After 20, it seems to gain smoothness, but loses mouth feel, flavor, and can get too woody a taste. There are exceptions, I have had a 27 year old Glen Rothes that I was more heartbroken over finishing then I was when I broke up with my girlfriend at the time.
And then there is the 30 year old Bowmore, the 40 year old highland park... Like I said, exceptions to the above about age, but this is a sign of a great whisky.

Is it worth what these jokers pay? No, not in my book, but if you got the money, and want to have snob appeal, the go for it.

As to not aging, oxidation will usually leave you a horrible tasting brown liquid that should only be served to people you don't like.

But, it can bring about some pleasant surprises in an open bottle. There is a bottle of Cutty Sark(yech1) in my parent's cabinet that has been open since about 1960. It acutally tastes good.

A friend has a bottle of Bacardi 151 that is about 35 years old. Again, it really tastes good.

But I would not count on this happening on every bottle.

Earl,

With wine, but I can appreciate the flavors and aroma. But for some reason, wine leaves me feeling like you do after exposure to Natto.


Time for some 18 year old McCallan.

[john mark]

Originally posted by Neil Yamamoto

Is it worth what these jokers pay? No, not in my book, but if you got the money, and want to have snob appeal, the go for it.



And what's wrong with being a snob?

[Margaret Lo]

$10,000.00 can get you:

1. Lots and lots of shoes
2. Lots of sushi
3. Trip to Bali, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia
4. a decent painting in traditional Chinese style from a good young artist of my acquaintance
5. Some good weapons of one on one destruction
6. A night on the town in Paris

-M-

[Neil Yamamoto]

Nothing wrong with being a snob, like I said, you got the money, go for it.

I can think of a lot better uses for $10K though in my life.

[Earl Hartman]

Hey, Margaret! Long time no see! I was wondering what happened to you. I thought you had given up on us. You chose the right forum to write to, you foodie, you.

$10,000 can also get you a steak dinner for two in the Ginza, last time I checked.

Earl

[Margaret Lo]

Hi Earl - I went AWOL for a while because I had no email due to moving both at home and at the office. Technology being what it is it took 3 weeks for my e mail to get back up. I did a big house renovation too so now I can install an outdoor makiwara and invite all my friends over to punch it while drunk. (Oh no not that - :)

Steak on the ginza! yum. Speaking of meat: I have a tip that in Corona in the Queens part of New York City, there is a warehouse called Green Fields which serves up all you can eat Brazilian barbecue. $20.00 per person, and servers run around with skewers of various dead fauna and you point and they unload onto your plate. Meat served with various tropical fermented beverages. he he :D

-M-

[ChrisL]

Having just returned from Japan, I'll confirm that a nice meal in Ginza can be had for less than $10K, but it still ain't cheap!

Had some nice shabu-shabu for about $75 per person. That's kind of "steak-like," no? At least, it was wagyu . . .

I passed on the after-dinner scotch at this particular restaurant . . . $15 for a single Suntory Hibiki isn't a deal anyone should be taking!


Chris Lui

[Steve Williams]

Just cracked open a bottle of Glenfiddich Solera Reserve (15yo).

It is great, did not seem to get the taste for Glenfiddich before, but now I might give it another look...

:toast:

[Michael Becker]

I think I will stick with the Lagavulin I am drinking at his very moment.

None of my experiences with Glenfiddich have been very enamouring.

[Bambi]

I know I'm a whiskey philistine ,the stuff all taste's the same to me after eight pint's of Guinness. :)

BUT..I had an Islay scotch last night for the first time, (can't remember which brand)...urrrgghhhh!! DISGUSTING! Nearly as bad as poitin!!

I could'nt finish the glass! and that is saying something! ;)

BTW has anyone tried redbreast?? it's yummmmy...

[Neil Yamamoto]

Well, scotch is not to everyone's taste.

Irish whiskey is good stuff, the Redbreast from Jameson is a very full flavor blend, if you like that one, try the 1780 and Jameson Gold. The 1780 is a reasonably priced hooch, about $30. The Gold is about double that and probably my favorite Irish when I can get it.

But anyman who likes Guiness has got some taste in my book.

[Bambi]

1780 is a winner but I've never tasted the Jemmy Gold, must try it sometime.

I've heard folk in the states will pay anything up to 15 dollars for a glass of rare scotch in a bar!! Is that true??

Unfortunately good pint of Guinness is becoming rarer and rarer, even in it's homeland :(

[Michael Becker]

Well,like Neil said, it is all down to personal taste...

The $15 shots are from bottles like the rare vintage Macallan, ( some going for over $2000 a bottle! Most of us have had a good choke over that! ).

No bar owner could however hope to charge $15 a shot for a standard 10-12 year vintage. Not if he hopes to stay in business anyway.

[Neil Yamamoto]

It's amazing what booze goes for here. The other night I was in my friends bar and Glenfarclas 25 goes for $15 a shot to most people. I get a much better deal, but that's not important here.

I had a 25 year McCallan at a dinner and it was $60 per shot. Way too much unless some one else is buying. Johnny Walker Blue - $15, Glenlivet 21 -$50. Not worth it in my opinion.

Give me some Glen Rothes 1979 or 1984 at $8 a pour anyday over the inflated prices some places ask. But for my home stash, that's a different story, I'll spend good hard cash on a decent bottle anyday.

[Michael Becker]

:eek:

I was wrong. You ARE being ripped off!

Those prices are OUTRAGEOUS!

You can buy a bottle of the 25 year old Macallan for £99 here http://www.whiskyshop.com/ !!! ( and you should bear in mind that duty on booze in the UK is obscenely high along with the 17 1/2 % sales tax on top. So, if you ordered from the US you could knock of the tax from that price ).

Rather than buy a round in at those prices you might as well save your money and have a holiday in Scotland. You could use the change left over to get blotto on fine whisky while there!

Excuse me while I go back to my 16 year old Lagavulin, an absolute steal at only £22 ( FYI the 16 year old Lagavulin has been rated by one critic as highly as the 25 year old Macallan ).

[Neil Yamamoto]

Ripped off?. Not according to the WA. state government, who loves us and only has our best interests in mind.

25 year old McCallan here is $180 per bottle at lowest, Lagavulin is about $46 per bottle. Still a bit higher then you pay if you convert pounds to dollars.

Washington state taxes are about half, 49.7% per cost of each bottle, H class, restaurant and bar discount is 15%. So if a bottle is $40, then the bar cost is $34. Mark it up the usual bar retail price and you are looking at a bar retail of about $7.50-8 per pour.

Think about the cheap well booze used in most bars. About $9 per bottle, add in about 4 cents of mixer, and that's $3-4 per drink and you get about 10-14 out of a bottle depending on the bar. So a typical bar can make about $2-$3 bucks per drink.

The usual mark up is so the bar makes money, I can live with that. Makes it easy to try a new booze when you don't want to buy a whole bottle.

Scotch is a filthy disgusting expensive habit but it is my only bad habit. My girlfriend may think different though.

[john mark]

Originally posted by Neil Yamamoto
It's amazing what booze goes for here. ... Johnny Walker Blue - $15, Glenlivet 21 -$50. Not worth it in my opinion.



Glen Rothes is a good drink, but I'm partial to Johnny Walker Blue and Gold.

I know they are blended Scotches, but that's the way I like them!!

[Bambi]

"Excuse me while I go back to my 16 year old Lagavulin, an absolute steal at only £22"

16 year old Lagavulin!! That was the islay scotch I had last night!!!

Maybe it was just me...but I thought it was revolting!!
Does all vintage scotch taste like that??

Mind you everyone else seemed to like it...the bottle was empty the next morning!

from now on a humble glass of Power's will do me...

[Nathan Scott]

Me fat bastard Scottish boss just broke open a bottle of 12 year old Glenlivet.

Man that's smooth, sweet stuff. Nice.

Just thought I'd share....

Regards,

[Neil Yamamoto]

Oisin, Islay whiskies can be hard to take. Single malts tend to be a bit bolder and have stronger flavor characteristics then blends, which is why blends are so popular, much easier to drink and enjoy.

But try a single malt like Glenmorangie Sherry wood finish or Glen Rothes. Nice maltly sweet with sherry overtones with some smoky flavors in the background. Or for lighter sweeter tasting scotch, Craggenmore and Cardhu. Much more mild on the smoke and less pungent tasting.

Not a thing wrong with Power's though, it's one of my favorite Irish.

Nathan, try the 18 year old Glenlivet. If you like the 12 year old, the 18 will really make you want to wear a kilt and play the bagpipes. It makes the 12 taste bad by comparision.

[Bambi]

Neil, I've tried Glemorangie before, very tasty. I'll make a point of sampling the other's at some stage over the festive season.

Boy, Do I love this time of year! :toast:

[Steve Williams]

Just found this site
http://www.scotland2000.com/whisky/

This is good also (apologies if it was already mentioned)
http://www.maltwhiskey.com/default3.htm

[Steve Williams]

Don't know about the scotch (never tried it), but the web-site is really slick http://www.morrisonbowmore.co.uk/ (try the "legends" section)