Scotch Whiskey that can compete with Blue Label?

[Platypus]

I prefer whisky without water. Over 86 proof I'll usually add a bit, or if I'm traveling with my flask, and want to stretch it I'll add water, but I prefer it straight.

Personally I feel adding water has less to do with strength than it does with flavor. I feel like certain scotches in particular taste more complex with a splash of water than without. To each their own though

 

[lxskllr]

Personally I feel adding water has less to do with strength than it does with flavor. I feel like certain scotches in particular taste more complex with a splash of water than without. To each their own though

I think it's the mouth feel I like less with water added. It does open up the aroma, but the mouth feel seems different somehow.

 

[TallBill]

Great choice in beer, that's one of my absolute favorites since it came out.

If you like it a little stronger then go ahead and put less water in (I do too, you'll find your own golden ratio) but don't skip adding water altogether. It tastes good without it but you don't get the same depth of flavor. I hate to relate it to a drink mix without enough water but I feel like that's how it is.

Heck yeah, I actually found it on tap last week too. Tasted like sweet bourbon syrup. If Binny's has 4-packs for sale, I'll pick one up along with the doublewood Might as well get a few six packs to bring tomorrow as well!

 

[Platypus]

Heck yeah, I actually found it on tap last week too. Tasted like sweet bourbon syrup. If Binny's has 4-packs for sale, I'll pick one up along with the doublewood Might as well get a few six packs to bring tomorrow as well!

Pro-tip, the Binnys' out in the burbs keep a stock of this stuff in the backroom but won't give it to you unless you ask them to check.

There are a few bars in the city that have it on tap including Goose Island itself though it's seemingly random due to the seasonal aspect of the beer.

 

[TallBill]

Pro-tip, the Binnys' out in the burbs keep a stock of this stuff in the backroom but won't give it to you unless you ask them to check.

There are a few bars in the city that have it on tap including Goose Island itself though it's seemingly random due to the seasonal aspect of the beer.

Yeah, I've purchased it from there once before. Hmmm, I still have one Founder's breakfast stout in the back of my fridge too I really need a beer fridge.

 

[Legendary]

Another vote for Balvenie doublewood, my winter scotch of choice

 

[CRXican]

I didn't realize the Balvenie DoubleWood was a single malt. I had my mom pick some up since she was going to Trader Joes. It was going to be a Christmas gift but now I want to keep it lol.

 

[Nik]

Red Breast.

/thread

 

[Platypus]

Red Breast.

/thread

Red Breast is a pot still irish whiskey.. not really a contender for this, although tasty.

 

[IronWing]

Alcohol consumption is a kidney punch to family Christmas. You shouldn't drink.

 

[thawolfman]

Can I hijack this thread and request a recommendation of a cheaper scotch to try for the first time? I don't think I've ever actually had it before, but would like to expand my horizons

 

[TallBill]

Just picked up a bottle of Balvenie doublewood as well as a 4 pack of Bourbon County Stout. Yey for my taste buds.

Btw, the little info booklet that came with the doublewood even says "Add a small amount of water to release the rich boquet and flavour of the whisky"

It also suggest, "You may also find it useful to sip water between tastings to help cleanse the palate".

 

[rgwalt]

Some of my favorites:

Edradour (great highland malt if you can find it)
Glengoyne
Laphroig
Lagavullin
Mortlach
Auckentoshen
Springbank
Longrow
Talisker
Jura
Oban

If you like JW and are looking for a good single malt, why not try JW Green label? It is JW's single malt and is pretty good. I also cannot say enough about Jura. It is a very good single malt that is distilled on the island of Jura, but it does not have the characteristic heavy peat/smoke/iodine/salt flavor of an island malt... just a little bit in the background. However, it does have a lot more "going on" than a generic highland malt... very "full bodied" with lots of flavor.

 

[Ayrahvon]

Can I hijack this thread and request a recommendation of a cheaper scotch to try for the first time? I don't think I've ever actually had it before, but would like to expand my horizons

There are a few good options around the $20 mark, but anything below I couldn't honestly recommend. My 'cheap' scotch of choice (or the one I give to friends who don't have a clue) is currently a Speyburn 10 year. Highland malts tend not to stand out as much as some of their counterparts in terms bold flavor (they don't tend to be overly peaty, but often have a sweeter start), but that is exactly why I think they are a good starting point.

I think it's a pretty good starter scotch for anyone, but I've Balvanie Doublewood for $30 before... and at the price difference it's well worth forking over the extra $10.

As for a splash of water in my scotch, it really depends on the scotch for me. I agree with Platypus in that I find adding water is much more about 'texture' than flavor for some scotches. I happen to prefer the 10 year Laphroaig with a larger splash of water than a 16 year Lagavulin or the 15 year Laphroaig. However, how much water (or any water at all) is completely up to personal preference. Try it both ways and decide for yourself.

Edit: Like RGWalt, I'm a fan of Oban as well, and now I'm going to have to find some Jura!

 

[Arkaign]

A lot of JW hate here. Well hate is too strong a word. JW is definitely very good, but there's no denying that it's overpriced for what you get. I don't have too much to add other than this :

Single malts are an acquired taste to a certain extent. You will find a more complex flavor, and of course the price can go right up to the stratosphere. But as far as 'smooth', as in easy to drink and not too overpowering, I think you'll discover that most of the single malts will be a different experience in comparison to the old standbys like JW Blue or even Red.

 

[Colt45]

Fuck Scotch.
Irish whiskey, followed up by a tossup between rye and bourbon, depending on the mood I'm in.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Single malt is my favorite, Balvanie Doublewood was given to me for a present this year, very nice and smooth. I am really enjoying it again and again and.......

 

[lxskllr]

Can I hijack this thread and request a recommendation of a cheaper scotch to try for the first time? I don't think I've ever actually had it before, but would like to expand my horizons

Famous Grouse is my favorite cheap scotch. It's a blend, but better than any of the contenders(JW Red, Dewars, JB) in it's price range.