Scotch Whiskey that can compete with Blue Label?

[Rio Rebel]

JW Gold Label is smoother than Blue Label. While still expensive, it is considerably cheaper than Blue.

Wow, that's amazing. So according you, Johnnie Walker is actually SMOOTHER when you age it 18 years instead of 21? All of the known properties of Scotch distilling are suspended for this brand, and it actually gets more harsh in those last 3 years?

I am astounded. Thank goodness you are here to enlighten us on such a thing. Nobody could possibly have known...

 

[lxskllr]

Wow, that's amazing. So according you, Johnnie Walker is actually SMOOTHER when you age it 18 years instead of 21? All of the known properties of Scotch distilling are suspended for this brand, and it actually gets more harsh in those last 3 years?

I am astounded. Thank goodness you are here to enlighten us on such a thing. Nobody could possibly have known...

Older isn't always better with whisky. They all have a perfect age, and the oldest isn't always the best. I haven't had the Gold, so I can't comment on this particular case, but I've had many where I prefer the younger whisky.

 

[roguerower]

As a poor college student, my favorite liquor is JW Black. Smooth, tastes delicious, and leaves me nice and warm.

Haven't been able to try Blue yet...soon though.

 

[dank69]

Wow, that's amazing. So according you, Johnnie Walker is actually SMOOTHER when you age it 18 years instead of 21? All of the known properties of Scotch distilling are suspended for this brand, and it actually gets more harsh in those last 3 years?

I am astounded. Thank goodness you are here to enlighten us on such a thing. Nobody could possibly have known...

They are both blended scotches. They are blended from completely different scotches for different properties.

 

[slackerinabox]

Wow, that's amazing. So according you, Johnnie Walker is actually SMOOTHER when you age it 18 years instead of 21? All of the known properties of Scotch distilling are suspended for this brand, and it actually gets more harsh in those last 3 years?

I am astounded. Thank goodness you are here to enlighten us on such a thing. Nobody could possibly have known...

I don't know what I'm talking about at all, but I've had JW Gold and liked it alot. I didn't A/B it nor am I educated enough to say it's better than Blue (and doubt it, based simply on economics), but it's definitely tasty.

 

[slackerinabox]

As a poor college student, my favorite liquor is JW Black. Smooth, tastes delicious, and leaves me nice and warm.

Haven't been able to try Blue yet...soon though.

Splurge on the gift box - 200ml bottle of each black, green, gold, blue (I'm probably forgetting something.. Red?).. $80, and makes a nice gift too.

 

[lxskllr]

As a poor college student, my favorite liquor is JW Black. Smooth, tastes delicious, and leaves me nice and warm.

Haven't been able to try Blue yet...soon though.

Black is a favorite of mine, and is many times my first choice in a poorly stocked bar. I'll take JW Black over Glenlivet every time.

 

[dank69]

I don't know what I'm talking about at all, but I've had JW Gold and liked it alot. I didn't A/B it nor am I educated enough to say it's better than Blue (and doubt it, based simply on economics), but it's definitely tasty.

Remember smoother != better. I actually prefer Green, which is a single malt blend, but it is definitly not smoother.

Splurge on the gift box - 200ml bottle of each black, green, gold, blue (I'm probably forgetting something.. Red?).. $80, and makes a nice gift too.

+Red -Green

 

[KMc]

Why beat up someone on our own side (ATOT reader who likes scotch)...? Sometimes people overreact over the most simple of things. I'm impressed that ATOT stood up and did things properly this time around.

Wow, that's amazing. So according you, Johnnie Walker is actually SMOOTHER when you age it 18 years instead of 21? All of the known properties of Scotch distilling are suspended for this brand, and it actually gets more harsh in those last 3 years?

I am astounded. Thank goodness you are here to enlighten us on such a thing. Nobody could possibly have known...

Spoke too soon, Dullard. Nice try everyone! We made it 26 posts!

 

[slackerinabox]

Spoke too soon, Dullard. Nice try everyone! We made it 26 posts!

Some people just need hugs! But the rest of this thread has been much appreciated - we should have a "Recreational Substances" forum - I nominate lxskllr and one of the dudes with bob marley avatars for mods

 

[Rio Rebel]

Firstly, I'm a completely neophyte and completely get that Johnnie Walker Blue is probably over rated, and that true scotch connoisseur know better- that's why I'm asking here

I really don't drink often at all, the last time I had a sip of alcohol was months ago. But Johnnie Walker Blue had a smooth drinkability that I love - it's warm and delicious. I think I may buy a 200ml bottle for fun (I know that's tiny, but I don't want to buy a $180 bottle!).. Is there anything else I should try?

I'm glad you posted this thread. I really love Scotch, and I think several people have already shared some useful information for you. I'm going to give you some more, mixed with my own opinion:

Generally speaking, you look to the age for smoothness and the brand/location for distinctive quality. If most Scotch tastes the same for you, and you really are looking for the smoothest you can find, you should be focusing more on the age than the brand. As you correctly guessed, Johnnie Walker is the most overrated of Scotch whiskey - it is not bad, but it is the most well known and one of the most expensive blends.

To get straight to the point, you are looking for something smooth. I would try to get an 18 year (Most people can't tell a significant difference between 18 and 21 for most brands, and the price difference is considerable.) I think you'll enjoy an 18 year Chivas Regal as much or even more than the 21 year JW blue. And you can get 18 year Chivas in the $55-60 range. Not bad for 1/3 the price.

The next step is to look at single malts. Most people don't prefer the Islay malts right off (someone above suggested Lagavulin and Laphroag - two of my favorites. But you probably have to work up to the taste of those. People usually find them too "peaty" - smoky - to their taste.)

Try Glenlivet or Glenfiddich to start your journey into single malts. They are very good values - in many stores their 12 years are the same price as JW black label (12 yr). Since you're looking for smooth, you might try the 18 or 15 year Glenlivet or Glenfiddich. I've seen the 15 year for as little as $40, and usually about $65 for the 18 year.

Some of the suggestions in this thread are excellent, like the 12 year Macallan or the Talisker. But those are usually appreciated only once you start experimenting more and tasting the distinct differences in the single malts. Personally, I love Aberlour (12yr) as a very nice Scotch that most of my friends like, and I can get it under $40. There are many nice Scotches in the $40-50 range, generally 12 year, that you will start to appreciate.

Summary: My advice to start out is to try an 18 yr Glenlivet, or Glenfiddich. Either of those will be under $70 and a MUCH better value than JW blue for a better Scotch.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Sorry for the harsh post above. It was frustrating to read someone post something so patently wrong as if they knew what they were talking about. But that doesn't mean I should have been so rude in my response.

And yes, older does not always mean better. But it is a very consistent rule that as you stay in the same brand, older means smoother. To say that an 18 year Scotch is smoother than the same brand at 21 years is not a matter of opinion, it is simply false. (And someone may point out that with blends there is not the same consistency as with single malts. This is true, but it does not vary so much that it could actually be smoother. The variation in taste is minimal, otherwise you wouldn't be able to market a blend because you wouldn't know what to expect when you tasted it...)

 

[TallBill]

I'm definitely gonna pick up a bottle of doublewood if I can make it to Binny's tonight. I've never had scotch before and was looking to start trying some.

 

[dank69]

Sorry for the harsh post above. It was frustrating to read someone post something so patently wrong as if they knew what they were talking about. But that doesn't mean I should have been so rude in my response.

And yes, older does not always mean better. But it is a very consistent rule that as you stay in the same brand, older means smoother. To say that an 18 year Scotch is smoother than the same brand at 21 years is not a matter of opinion, it is simply false. (And someone may point out that with blends there is not the same consistency as with single malts. This is true, but it does not vary so much that it could actually be smoother. The variation in taste is minimal, otherwise you wouldn't be able to market a blend because you wouldn't know what to expect when you tasted it...)

As I posted above, they are completely different scotches. Check your facts before you say something I posted is false.

 

[lxskllr]

And yes, older does not always mean better. But it is a very consistent rule that as you stay in the same brand, older means smoother. To say that an 18 year Scotch is smoother than the same brand at 21 years is not a matter of opinion, it is simply false.

For a specific example, Highland Park. The 12yr is much better than the 25. By 25yr old the scotch is spent, and it's past it's prime. Smoother is a subjective statement, but I consider smooth to be lack of bite, and a rich flavor with a light sweetness. Using that standard, I also consider The Macallan past it's prime at 25yr. My preference is the 15, and no older than 18.

 

[slackerinabox]

I'm glad you posted this thread. I really love Scotch, and I think several people have already shared some useful information for you. I'm going to give you some more, mixed with my own opinion:

Generally speaking, you look to the age for smoothness and the brand/location for distinctive quality. If most Scotch tastes the same for you, and you really are looking for the smoothest you can find, you should be focusing more on the age than the brand. As you correctly guessed, Johnnie Walker is the most overrated of Scotch whiskey - it is not bad, but it is the most well known and one of the most expensive blends.

To get straight to the point, you are looking for something smooth. I would try to get an 18 year (Most people can't tell a significant difference between 18 and 21 for most brands, and the price difference is considerable.) I think you'll enjoy an 18 year Chivas Regal as much or even more than the 21 year JW blue. And you can get 18 year Chivas in the $55-60 range. Not bad for 1/3 the price.

The next step is to look at single malts. Most people don't prefer the Islay malts right off (someone above suggested Lagavulin and Laphroag - two of my favorites. But you probably have to work up to the taste of those. People usually find them too "peaty" - smoky - to their taste.)

Try Glenlivet or Glenfiddich to start your journey into single malts. They are very good values - in many stores their 12 years are the same price as JW black label (12 yr). Since you're looking for smooth, you might try the 18 or 15 year Glenlivet or Glenfiddich. I've seen the 15 year for as little as $40, and usually about $65 for the 18 year.

Some of the suggestions in this thread are excellent, like the 12 year Macallan or the Talisker. But those are usually appreciated only once you start experimenting more and tasting the distinct differences in the single malts. Personally, I love Aberlour (12yr) as a very nice Scotch that most of my friends like, and I can get it under $40. There are many nice Scotches in the $40-50 range, generally 12 year, that you will start to appreciate.

Summary: My advice to start out is to try an 18 yr Glenlivet, or Glenfiddich. Either of those will be under $70 and a MUCH better value than JW blue for a better Scotch.

You know, I was tempted to try Chivas 18 based on the commercials, but then felt like a tool for wanting to try something based on TV ads That and glenlivet will be tried soon as well.

I might swing by the liquor store and see if they have little sampling bottles and pick up all/most of the stuff recommended here... Would make for a helluva night, though I might end up missing a 6 AM flight!

 

[Platypus]

I'm definitely gonna pick up a bottle of doublewood if I can make it to Binny's tonight. I've never had scotch before and was looking to start trying some.

Depending on how you like your liquor you should definitely add water in some form to it. I think it opens up the flavor considerably but don't add too much water. If you like it slightly chilled I would put one cube in max.. if you take it neat put a splash of water into it. You don't want to water it down so the ratio is something of a science you'll pick up as you drink scotch more.

That's a great scotch, I would also highly recommend a Macallan 12 (15 if you don't mind the price bump, totally worth it) if it's your first run with trying scotch.

 

[slackerinabox]

As I posted above, they are completely different scotches. Check your facts before you say something I posted is false.

How about this - I believe both of you so much that I'll do the A/B myself.. AND ENJOY IT!

 

[Rio Rebel]

How about this - I believe both of you so much that I'll do the A/B myself.. AND ENJOY IT!

I'd rather you believe him, and drink something other than JW.

To me, Johnnie Walker is the Scotch equivalent of Bose. It's not bad, but it's much more marketing than quality. Many people who dabble in it think JW is the brand of choice, but just about anyone who really likes Scotch will not prefer JW if there are other quality choices. (All of this is a matter of taste, so I can't speak in absolutes, but I really think you'll be glad you expanded your horizons a bit).

 

[Platypus]

I'd rather you believe him, and drink something other than JW.

To me, Johnnie Walker is the Scotch equivalent of Bose. It's not bad, but it's much more marketing than quality. Many people who dabble in it think JW is the brand of choice, but just about anyone who really likes Scotch will not prefer JW if there are other quality choices. (All of this is a matter of taste, so I can't speak in absolutes, but I really think you'll be glad you expanded your horizons a bit).

I think your comparison is pretty much spot on. I hate to tell people not to get JW because it's not bad.. but there are so many other wonderful choices out there that in my opinion run circles around JW.

 

[TallBill]

Depending on how you like your liquor you should definitely add water in some form to it. I think it opens up the flavor considerably but don't add too much water. If you like it slightly chilled I would put one cube in max.. if you take it neat put a splash of water into it. You don't want to water it down so the ratio is something of a science you'll pick up as you drink scotch more.

That's a great scotch, I would also highly recommend a Macallan 12 (15 if you don't mind the price bump, totally worth it) if it's your first run with trying scotch.

I'll have to experiment, but I like "stronger" flavors in my beer. I thoroughly enjoy Goose Island's Bourbon County stout which is about as strong as it gets.

 

[slackerinabox]

I'd rather you believe him, and drink something other than JW.

To me, Johnnie Walker is the Scotch equivalent of Bose. It's not bad, but it's much more marketing than quality. Many people who dabble in it think JW is the brand of choice, but just about anyone who really likes Scotch will not prefer JW if there are other quality choices. (All of this is a matter of taste, so I can't speak in absolutes, but I really think you'll be glad you expanded your horizons a bit).

That's exactly why I posted my disclaimer - I *know* that I only know of jw because of marketing and that there must be better choices out there, even though I like JW Blue very much. But that's what's so fun- the journey, discovering what's better and then eventually being snobby enough to mock my friends for ordering JW Blue, the same way I mock them for liking Omaha Steaks ("that shit isn't even prime meat! it's choice! You can get choice from walmart!"

 

[Platypus]

I'll have to experiment, but I like "stronger" flavors in my beer. I thoroughly enjoy Goose Island's Bourbon County stout which is about as strong as it gets.

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.

 

[Oyeve]

Glenlivet.....excellent single malt. Had some a coupla days ago for my B-day. I little goes a long way.

 

[lxskllr]

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.