Fiance's Boss is a scotch drinker...

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: Descartes
Glenlivet or Glenrothes for a Speyside malt. I love Glenlivet and I'll even use it for mixed drinks just because I can. I love Rusty Nails with a Glenlivet 12 year.

Glenmorangie or Aberlour for a Highland. Aberlour in particular is all from a Sherry cask, I believe. It has a great flavor, but don't put it on the rocks and certainly don't try mixing it (I have).

I'm not a fan of Glenfiddich.

And I think JWB is just fine for mixed drinks.

Ah, yet another Glenlivet 12 Rusty Nail fan

The flavors are just so synergistic. Tried it once with Dewers and it tasted rancid.

 

[ThePresence]

Originally posted by: SMOGZINN

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: Fiat1

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: Fiat1
Drink you Scotch with a splash of soda instead of water for a great treat. Then you might try to make your own soda with one of these soda siphons and you will never use water again.

Like Club soda / tonic water?

Yes club soda will work. Fresh Soda made with CO2 doesn't add any flavor and it gives it a
effervescent quality.

It will dull the taste and kill the aromas, just like ice. What a waste.

pretty much all the experts agree that a splash of water actually opens up the flavors of scotch. I personally like a single ice cube, but if you can make some soda that will work well too.

Personally, I give a crap what the experts think. I do what tastes good to me. I never put water into a single malt. To each their own I guess.

 

[finite automaton]

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton
What's a good noob-scotch-drinker scotch to get started with? I've had scotch once, and disliked it. However, at one point in life I disliked beer as well.

Glenlivet 12 no doubt. Most people that I know (both male and female) were adverse to scotch prior to me pouring them a small glass of Glenlivet 12 over two ice cubes. These people traditionally were beer, rum, vodka, Jack Daniels/Coke type drinkers.

Glenlivet 12 introduces the single malt scotch flavors very nicely and in a tame fashion with a clean aromatic floral nose with a medium palate that continues with a slight apple/pear note and finishes with a slight vanilla tone that rounds off the the finish with a tiny hint of smoke.

Thanks. Is this something that can be had at any decent liquor store?

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton
What's a good noob-scotch-drinker scotch to get started with? I've had scotch once, and disliked it. However, at one point in life I disliked beer as well.

Glenlivet 12 no doubt. Most people that I know (both male and female) were adverse to scotch prior to me pouring them a small glass of Glenlivet 12 over two ice cubes. These people traditionally were beer, rum, vodka, Jack Daniels/Coke type drinkers.

Glenlivet 12 introduces the single malt scotch flavors very nicely and in a tame fashion with a clean aromatic floral nose with a medium palate that continues with a slight apple/pear note and finishes with a slight vanilla tone that rounds off the the finish with a tiny hint of smoke.

Thanks. Is this something that can be had at any decent liquor store?

Yes, for about 30$. 25$ if you catch a sale. Supposedly, it is "America's best selling scotch" so it should be very accessible.

If you haven't sipped on many alcohols before, it is important to smell it first, and then take a sip and leave it in your mouth for about 5 seconds while calmly moving the scotch around your mouth while inhaling through the mouth very slowly through mostly closed lips so that the scotch contacts all parts of the tongue while the aromas escape and fill the nostrils for a more flavorful "tasting".

 

[Ilmater]

Macallan 12 yr
Balvenie Doublewood

Both reasonable prices, both pretty much universally liked by scotch drinkers.

 

[Kirby]

I'd like to enjoy scotch. It seems to be a high-brow drink and I like being high-brow.

I've had the Glenfiddich 18 year and the expensive JW, but would still rather have a nice bourbon to sip on.

 

[silverpig]

Find some stuff called Finlaggan. Trust me.

The big liquor stores here had a special premium scotch thing for November. They brought in a bunch of scotches they don't normally carry and offered them for sale and provided a little advertising pamphlet with descriptions. Many of the scotches were rated by Jim Murray.

He rated one scotch as 96 points. It cost $4k for the bottle.
He had a few that were 95 points. Most were in the $700-$2k range, but there was one for $80 CAD. It was Finlaggan. His description went something like this:

"If you don't get a bottle of this scotch, you will regret it the rest of your life."

I managed to fandangle my way into getting one that had been reserved but not yet picked up (they were ordering more in), and I am VERY happy with it. I normally like Lagavulin which is $100 a bottle here, and my uncle let me try his special Lagavulin 18 limited edition that was part of this scotch run, and while excellent, I think the Finlaggan is better.

Find Finlaggan. Get it for her boss.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: nkgreen
I'd like to enjoy scotch. It seems to be a high-brow drink and I like being high-brow.

I've had the Glenfiddich 18 year and the expensive JW, but would still rather have a nice bourbon to sip on.

Absolutely nothing wrong with a good sip of Woodford Reserve or Booker's when the going gets rough

While some people shun drinks like the mint julep, I had one based on woodford reserve and it was very very tasty. All of the flavors that woodford reserve brings to the table were well mated to the mint. The bartender put a touch of cane sugar in it which was OK, but I'd typically take it w/o the sugar.

 

[Kirby]

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: nkgreen
I'd like to enjoy scotch. It seems to be a high-brow drink and I like being high-brow.

I've had the Glenfiddich 18 year and the expensive JW, but would still rather have a nice bourbon to sip on.

Absolutely nothing wrong with a good sip of Woodford Reserve or Booker's when the going gets rough

While some people shun drinks like the mint julep, I had one based on woodford reserve and it was very very tasty. All of the flavors that woodford reserve brings to the table were well mated to the mint. The bartender put a touch of cane sugar in it which was OK, but I'd typically take it w/o the sugar.

Shit, I wish I could afford Booker's. "Nice" to means Makers or Conecuh Ridge.

 

[finite automaton]

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton
What's a good noob-scotch-drinker scotch to get started with? I've had scotch once, and disliked it. However, at one point in life I disliked beer as well.

Glenlivet 12 no doubt. Most people that I know (both male and female) were adverse to scotch prior to me pouring them a small glass of Glenlivet 12 over two ice cubes. These people traditionally were beer, rum, vodka, Jack Daniels/Coke type drinkers.

Glenlivet 12 introduces the single malt scotch flavors very nicely and in a tame fashion with a clean aromatic floral nose with a medium palate that continues with a slight apple/pear note and finishes with a slight vanilla tone that rounds off the the finish with a tiny hint of smoke.

Thanks. Is this something that can be had at any decent liquor store?

Yes, for about 30$. 25$ if you catch a sale. Supposedly, it is "America's best selling scotch" so it should be very accessible.

If you haven't sipped on many alcohols before, it is important to smell it first, and then take a sip and leave it in your mouth for about 5 seconds while calmly moving the scotch around your mouth while inhaling through the mouth very slowly through mostly closed lips so that the scotch contacts all parts of the tongue while the aromas escape and fill the nostrils for a more flavorful "tasting".

Dear lord that's a hack of a test

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton
What's a good noob-scotch-drinker scotch to get started with? I've had scotch once, and disliked it. However, at one point in life I disliked beer as well.

Glenlivet 12 no doubt. Most people that I know (both male and female) were adverse to scotch prior to me pouring them a small glass of Glenlivet 12 over two ice cubes. These people traditionally were beer, rum, vodka, Jack Daniels/Coke type drinkers.

Glenlivet 12 introduces the single malt scotch flavors very nicely and in a tame fashion with a clean aromatic floral nose with a medium palate that continues with a slight apple/pear note and finishes with a slight vanilla tone that rounds off the the finish with a tiny hint of smoke.

Thanks. Is this something that can be had at any decent liquor store?

Yes, for about 30$. 25$ if you catch a sale. Supposedly, it is "America's best selling scotch" so it should be very accessible.

If you haven't sipped on many alcohols before, it is important to smell it first, and then take a sip and leave it in your mouth for about 5 seconds while calmly moving the scotch around your mouth while inhaling through the mouth very slowly through mostly closed lips so that the scotch contacts all parts of the tongue while the aromas escape and fill the nostrils for a more flavorful "tasting".

Dear lord that's a hack of a test

Its not that bad, its pretty much the same as the proper way to drink wine, cognac, anything that has good aromas that need to be taken in.

 

[finite automaton]

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton
What's a good noob-scotch-drinker scotch to get started with? I've had scotch once, and disliked it. However, at one point in life I disliked beer as well.

Glenlivet 12 no doubt. Most people that I know (both male and female) were adverse to scotch prior to me pouring them a small glass of Glenlivet 12 over two ice cubes. These people traditionally were beer, rum, vodka, Jack Daniels/Coke type drinkers.

Glenlivet 12 introduces the single malt scotch flavors very nicely and in a tame fashion with a clean aromatic floral nose with a medium palate that continues with a slight apple/pear note and finishes with a slight vanilla tone that rounds off the the finish with a tiny hint of smoke.

Thanks. Is this something that can be had at any decent liquor store?

Yes, for about 30$. 25$ if you catch a sale. Supposedly, it is "America's best selling scotch" so it should be very accessible.

If you haven't sipped on many alcohols before, it is important to smell it first, and then take a sip and leave it in your mouth for about 5 seconds while calmly moving the scotch around your mouth while inhaling through the mouth very slowly through mostly closed lips so that the scotch contacts all parts of the tongue while the aromas escape and fill the nostrils for a more flavorful "tasting".

Dear lord that's a hack of a test

Its not that bad, its pretty much the same as the proper way to drink wine, cognac, anything that has good aromas that need to be taken in.

Well then I've been doing it wrong. Usually for me the test is: gulp it and pray that it doesn't taste bad

 

[UTmtnbiker]

Truer words have never been spoken.

My wife bought some McClellands single malt scotch thinking it was Macallans. She thought it was a smoking good deal as the price was significantly cheaper. 3 bottles of the stuff. It's barely drinkable and I still have 2 and half bottles of the stuff left.

I would gladly trade it all for a high end bottle of blended scotch for it any day.

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: CRXican

Originally posted by: finite automaton
What's a good noob-scotch-drinker scotch to get started with? I've had scotch once, and disliked it. However, at one point in life I disliked beer as well.

Johnnie Walker Red or Black

Meh, stay away from the blends. For a cheap first bottle, sure. But might as well get them started on the singles than that Walker stuff.

Famous Grouse is an amazing blend. Better than a lot of singles.

Well, just like there are tons of terrible blended scotches, there are many not-good single-malts.

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: Amused
It's amazing how little people know about liquor anymore since everyone mixes it and kills the taste. This is why companies like Absolut and Grey Goose can sell what is little better than well brand liquor for top shelf price and get away with it. They are the Bose of Vodkas.

The best way to learn about whiskeys and scotches is to sip it straight, on the rocks, or on the rocks with a splash. Same with vodkas. Ever wonder which vodka is best? Start drinking gimlets and you'll find out fast.

Glenfiddich 12 and 18 y/o is excellent on the rocks and/or with a splash. To me, Scotch is always tastier with a splash. The 21 year old is like a dream.

Try Jonnie Walker red or black straight and you'll quickly taste the difference bwtween them and premium single malts.

For whiskey, I like Jameson neat. It's funny when people claim to like whiskey and claim to love Jack Danniels. Get them to try that neat then some Jameson and they quickly change their tune.

I like my scotches and whiskeys smooth, not too burnt and not too sweet. When it is too much of one or the other it overwhelms all the subtle flavers even a slob like me can pick up on. (Canadian whiskeys and blends are way too sweet, Walker too burnt)

So true. People calling Absolut a fantastically smooth vodka, and Jack Daniels a brillaint whiskey. Just bizarre. Worst though, was when I used to bartender I had a few guys who came in and order Grey Goose Bloody Mary's. I don't even know what they were thinking. Mixing an overpriced vodka with something that will obscure Vladdy anyway.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: nkgreen
I'd like to enjoy scotch. It seems to be a high-brow drink and I like being high-brow.

I've had the Glenfiddich 18 year and the expensive JW, but would still rather have a nice bourbon to sip on.

Nothing wrong with that. I drink wine most of the time, with Scotch and beer taking up the rest of the time.

If you're not acclimated to Scotch by itself, you could try a few mixed drinks that still project much of the Scotch character. My favorites are, in order:

Rusty Nail (I prefer this with a Glenlivet 12)
Godfather (Great with a basic blended scotch. JWB works fine)
Rob Roy (Also great with a JWB)

 

[Turin39789]

lag u vell un

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: finite automaton
What's a good noob-scotch-drinker scotch to get started with? I've had scotch once, and disliked it. However, at one point in life I disliked beer as well.

Glenlivet 12 no doubt. Most people that I know (both male and female) were adverse to scotch prior to me pouring them a small glass of Glenlivet 12 over two ice cubes. These people traditionally were beer, rum, vodka, Jack Daniels/Coke type drinkers.

Glenlivet 12 introduces the single malt scotch flavors very nicely and in a tame fashion with a clean aromatic floral nose with a medium palate that continues with a slight apple/pear note and finishes with a slight vanilla tone that rounds off the the finish with a tiny hint of smoke.

Thanks. Is this something that can be had at any decent liquor store?

Yes, for about 30$. 25$ if you catch a sale. Supposedly, it is "America's best selling scotch" so it should be very accessible.

If you haven't sipped on many alcohols before, it is important to smell it first, and then take a sip and leave it in your mouth for about 5 seconds while calmly moving the scotch around your mouth while inhaling through the mouth very slowly through mostly closed lips so that the scotch contacts all parts of the tongue while the aromas escape and fill the nostrils for a more flavorful "tasting".

Dear lord that's a hack of a test

Its not that bad, its pretty much the same as the proper way to drink wine, cognac, anything that has good aromas that need to be taken in.

Well then I've been doing it wrong. Usually for me the test is: gulp it and pray that it doesn't taste bad

Yeah, you're basically wasting your money, imo.

I would add that after bringing additional air into your mouth you should exhale through your nose. This brings the vapors from the mouth back up through the nose (retronasal olfaction). This is the manner in which you determine what a wine, beer, coffee, tea, Scotch, etc. tastes like.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: TheVrolok

Originally posted by: Amused
It's amazing how little people know about liquor anymore since everyone mixes it and kills the taste. This is why companies like Absolut and Grey Goose can sell what is little better than well brand liquor for top shelf price and get away with it. They are the Bose of Vodkas.

The best way to learn about whiskeys and scotches is to sip it straight, on the rocks, or on the rocks with a splash. Same with vodkas. Ever wonder which vodka is best? Start drinking gimlets and you'll find out fast.

Glenfiddich 12 and 18 y/o is excellent on the rocks and/or with a splash. To me, Scotch is always tastier with a splash. The 21 year old is like a dream.

Try Jonnie Walker red or black straight and you'll quickly taste the difference bwtween them and premium single malts.

For whiskey, I like Jameson neat. It's funny when people claim to like whiskey and claim to love Jack Danniels. Get them to try that neat then some Jameson and they quickly change their tune.

I like my scotches and whiskeys smooth, not too burnt and not too sweet. When it is too much of one or the other it overwhelms all the subtle flavers even a slob like me can pick up on. (Canadian whiskeys and blends are way too sweet, Walker too burnt)

So true. People calling Absolut a fantastically smooth vodka, and Jack Daniels a brillaint whiskey. Just bizarre. Worst though, was when I used to bartender I had a few guys who came in and order Grey Goose Bloody Mary's. I don't even know what they were thinking. Mixing an overpriced vodka with something that will obscure Vladdy anyway.

Exactly. When i drink vodka I buy the cheapest shit you can find with cranberry juice to take out. Spill it who cares. Buddy forgot his "crown" I'll share. Costs like $5 a half gallon and takes just like absolute or skyy

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: TheVrolok

Originally posted by: Amused
It's amazing how little people know about liquor anymore since everyone mixes it and kills the taste. This is why companies like Absolut and Grey Goose can sell what is little better than well brand liquor for top shelf price and get away with it. They are the Bose of Vodkas.

The best way to learn about whiskeys and scotches is to sip it straight, on the rocks, or on the rocks with a splash. Same with vodkas. Ever wonder which vodka is best? Start drinking gimlets and you'll find out fast.

Glenfiddich 12 and 18 y/o is excellent on the rocks and/or with a splash. To me, Scotch is always tastier with a splash. The 21 year old is like a dream.

Try Jonnie Walker red or black straight and you'll quickly taste the difference bwtween them and premium single malts.

For whiskey, I like Jameson neat. It's funny when people claim to like whiskey and claim to love Jack Danniels. Get them to try that neat then some Jameson and they quickly change their tune.

I like my scotches and whiskeys smooth, not too burnt and not too sweet. When it is too much of one or the other it overwhelms all the subtle flavers even a slob like me can pick up on. (Canadian whiskeys and blends are way too sweet, Walker too burnt)

So true. People calling Absolut a fantastically smooth vodka, and Jack Daniels a brillaint whiskey. Just bizarre. Worst though, was when I used to bartender I had a few guys who came in and order Grey Goose Bloody Mary's. I don't even know what they were thinking. Mixing an overpriced vodka with something that will obscure Vladdy anyway.

For that kind of mixed drink, yeah you can get away with any cheap vodka. The tomato, pepper, hot sauce, are all potent flavors that cover up anything.

 

[Cattlegod]

Johnny Walker Black is is a good starter if you want to start drinking yourself.

http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/Prod...ack&N=0&ProductID=1287

 

[rudder]

Vagina scotch... she will get more promotions that way.

 

[jiggahertz]

Originally posted by: nkgreen

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: nkgreen
I'd like to enjoy scotch. It seems to be a high-brow drink and I like being high-brow.

I've had the Glenfiddich 18 year and the expensive JW, but would still rather have a nice bourbon to sip on.

Absolutely nothing wrong with a good sip of Woodford Reserve or Booker's when the going gets rough

While some people shun drinks like the mint julep, I had one based on woodford reserve and it was very very tasty. All of the flavors that woodford reserve brings to the table were well mated to the mint. The bartender put a touch of cane sugar in it which was OK, but I'd typically take it w/o the sugar.

Shit, I wish I could afford Booker's. "Nice" to means Makers or Conecuh Ridge.

The thing I like about bourbon over scotch, is there are many great quality bourbons priced < $30. It makes sampling one of each much more affordable.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Amused
It's amazing how little people know about liquor anymore since everyone mixes it and kills the taste. This is why companies like Absolut and Grey Goose can sell what is little better than well brand liquor for top shelf price and get away with it. They are the Bose of Vodkas.

The best way to learn about whiskeys and scotches is to sip it straight, on the rocks, or on the rocks with a splash. Same with vodkas. Ever wonder which vodka is best? Start drinking gimlets and you'll find out fast.

Glenfiddich 12 and 18 y/o is excellent on the rocks and/or with a splash. To me, Scotch is always tastier with a splash. The 21 year old is like a dream.

Try Jonnie Walker red or black straight and you'll quickly taste the difference bwtween them and premium single malts.

For whiskey, I like Jameson neat. It's funny when people claim to like whiskey and claim to love Jack Danniels. Get them to try that neat then some Jameson and they quickly change their tune.

I like my scotches and whiskeys smooth, not too burnt and not too sweet. When it is too much of one or the other it overwhelms all the subtle flavers even a slob like me can pick up on. (Canadian whiskeys and blends are way too sweet, Walker too burnt)

Uh... I agree with you about vodkas and cocktails, but American whiskeys, like bourbons and sour mashes, deserve their own love and respect along with Scotch and Irish whiskeys. In which case, Jack is respectable if by no means the best.
Rums can also be respected as well, as long as you stay away from Bacardi, etc. Some South American rums can be as dry, smoky, and complex as any good whiskey.

And BTW, when mixed with bourbons, the splash of water you refer to is known as "branch," i.e. "a bourbon and branch." Although branch can be as much as an equal part of water.

To the OP: if you're looking for fine scotch, single malt and aged more than 12 years is all you really need to know. However, I'm a fan of the Glenfiddich mentioned here. edit: although many other excellent brands have also been mentioned.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: TheVrolok
So true. People calling Absolut a fantastically smooth vodka, and Jack Daniels a brillaint whiskey. Just bizarre. Worst though, was when I used to bartender I had a few guys who came in and order Grey Goose Bloody Mary's. I don't even know what they were thinking. Mixing an overpriced vodka with something that will obscure Vladdy anyway.

1. Comparing Vodkas and Whiskeys is totally apples and oranges. Vodkas are supposed to taste like rubbing alcohol.
2. Jack Daniels is THE standard for Tennessee sour mash whiskeys. I'm not saying it's the best whiskey in the world by any means, or that you have to like sour mashes, but it is an excellent whiskey for the type of whiskey that it is.
3. And Grey Goose Bloody Mary is just stupid ridiculous WTF but I'm not surprised.

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: UTmtnbiker
Truer words have never been spoken.

My wife bought some McClellands single malt scotch thinking it was Macallans. She thought it was a smoking good deal as the price was significantly cheaper. 3 bottles of the stuff. It's barely drinkable and I still have 2 and half bottles of the stuff left.

I would gladly trade it all for a high end bottle of blended scotch for it any day.

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: CRXican

Originally posted by: finite automaton
What's a good noob-scotch-drinker scotch to get started with? I've had scotch once, and disliked it. However, at one point in life I disliked beer as well.

Johnnie Walker Red or Black

Meh, stay away from the blends. For a cheap first bottle, sure. But might as well get them started on the singles than that Walker stuff.

Famous Grouse is an amazing blend. Better than a lot of singles.

Well, just like there are tons of terrible blended scotches, there are many not-good single-malts.

The plastic bottle should have tipped her off