Yet another scotch whisky thread. Costco edition!

[mple]

Local Costco started selling Scotch. Choices are:

Glenlivet 21 - $125
Glenlivet Nadurra - $50
Laphroaig 18 - $80

What would you pick and why?

 

[torpid]

Don't like any of those for the price. If I had to pick one, it would be the laphroaig because the other two aren't worth drinking. I don't prefer laphroaig in general but over those two, for sure.

 

[lxskllr]

Laphroaig because peaty Islays are my favorites.

 

[KMc]

Unless you already know that you appreciate Islay malts, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise with the Laphroaig. It's just about the opposite end of the malt spectrum from the Speyside Glenlivets.

I really like the Nadurra. Be aware that it's cask strength, so it's designed to be enjoyed with a little spring water. Drink this guy neat and it'll likely blow your head off. That also means it goes a little farther than a typical bottle would, so it's a great buy at $50.

The Glenlivet 21 is pretty fantastic, but you don't really need to spend $125 to have some good whisky.

 

[zinfamous]

Laphroaig because peaty Islays are my favorites.

this

 

[IAteYourMother]

Laphroaig 10 was pretty great and unique, I'd love to try the 18.

 

[Anubis]

Laphroaig because peaty Islays are my favorites.

normally id say this but you really have to like the taste of the Islays, i just picked up some Quarter Cask

so i voted for the Nadurra

 

[Saint Nick]

Drink scotch whiskey all night long and die behind the wheel.

 

[fstime]

Is Laphroaig 18 more mild/mellow than the 10? I thought the 10 was very "in your face" smokiness which I didn't care for. Talisker 10 has a much nicer smooth smoky taste to it.

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

Is Laphroaig 18 more mild/mellow than the 10? I thought the 10 was very "in your face" smokiness which I didn't care for. Talisker 10 has a much nicer smooth smoky taste to it.

I wonder the same thing because I'm of the same opinion of the Laphroaig and Talisker. The former is a little over the top, even while I really enjoy a dram of Lagavulin from time to time.

 

[SMOGZINN]

I would vote for the Glenlivet 21 because I like a scotch old enough to order it's own scotch (So, Dawg, I hear you like scotch...)

Really, I voted for the Nadurra, if that is their Nàdurra 16 Year Old, then it is a good scotch at a great price.

 

[bignateyk]

Trick question, I would choose bourbon (Woodford Reserve).

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

Trick question, I would choose bourbon (Woodford Reserve).

Pardon me, but this thread is for adults only.

 

[Slew Foot]

My Dad usually drinks Johnnie Walker Black. I got him a Blue for is birthday, I know its more expensive but is it really any better?

 

[sjwaste]

Is Laphroaig 18 more mild/mellow than the 10? I thought the 10 was very "in your face" smokiness which I didn't care for. Talisker 10 has a much nicer smooth smoky taste to it.

18 is a touch more mellow than 10, but I actually prefer 10 and would prefer it if they cost the same. I personally don't think the 18 is worth much of a premium at all over the 10.

 

[sjwaste]

I should add, that's an exceptional deal on Glenlivet 21. It's currently on sale in NH for $149, and we have LOW liquor prices. For reference, the regular price on Laphroaig 18 is $75, and the Nadurra (16yr) is $60.

I'd say go for the 21. It's not common to find a whisky that old at that price. Even though age isn't everything (see my comments on Laphroaig 10 vs 18), it's a rare treat to drink that stuff.

 

[lxskllr]

My Dad usually drinks Johnnie Walker Black. I got him a Blue for is birthday, I know its more expensive but is it really any better?

Better is a relative term. Don't get hung up on age. Some people prefer younger whisky's, and other prefer older. Myself, I like them 15-18 years. In any case, I don't think the Blue is so much better to justify the price increase, but that's a nice gift, and I'm sure it was appreciated. I've bought expensive whisky, and I don't think it passes the bang/buck test, but I enjoyed it for the unique experience. They're all different, and I'll try any new whisky I can, wallet permitting.

 

[sjwaste]

Better is a relative term. Don't get hung up on age. Some people prefer younger whisky's, and other prefer older. Myself, I like them 15-18 years. In any case, I don't think the Blue is so much better to justify the price increase, but that's a nice gift, and I'm sure it was appreciated. I've bought expensive whisky, and I don't think it passes the bang/buck test, but I enjoyed it for the unique experience. They're all different, and I'll try any new whisky I can, wallet permitting.

I don't think JW is worth the money. For what the bottle you're looking at costs, there's always a better option in the price range - at least if we're talking their commercially available stuff, and not things that are for collectors or hard to find, as I haven't had any of those.

 

[lxskllr]

I don't think JW is worth the money. For what the bottle you're looking at costs, there's always a better option in the price range - at least if we're talking their commercially available stuff, and not things that are for collectors or hard to find, as I haven't had any of those.

Perhaps not, but it would be least likely to offend if you aren't sure of your audience. It's a solid whisky, and anyone that likes whisky should enjoy it, even if it isn't a favorite. JW Black is my goto understocked bar brand. I prefer it to Glenlivet 12. Blends are nice, but their strength is their weakness. They're consistent from bottle to bottle. With singles, you'll sometimes get variation. Some batches may be mediocre, but OTOH, some batches will be exceptional. I prefer gambling on the singles to get the exceptional batches, but I still enjoy a good blend.

 

[vi edit]

If they still have the Macallan 18 year under the Kirkland brand that's a great bottle of scotch too.

 

[Fritzo]

Truthfully, always get a single malt. Anything more complex will only be appreciated by those that know what they're doing, and they're far and few between.

It's hard to beat Gentleman Jack for the price/taste. I'd have to sample Costco's offerings though- they usually sell top-notch stuff.

 

[Skeeedunt]

I really like the Nadurra. Be aware that it's cask strength, so it's designed to be enjoyed with a little spring water. Drink this guy neat and it'll likely blow your head off. That also means it goes a little farther than a typical bottle would, so it's a great buy at $50.

I find most cask strength to be too overpowering on its own, but any time I try to add water it just ends up tasting like watered down scotch. Am I missing something, or just high?

Anyway, I'm not a fan of the Islays, and I love Glenlivet 18, so I'd say go for the 21 if you don't mind paying the price. It's a bit tough to justify as I could get 2 bottles of 18 for the same amount, but it's nice to pick up something extra fancy once in a while.

 

[torpid]

I find most cask strength to be too overpowering on its own, but any time I try to add water it just ends up tasting like watered down scotch. Am I missing something, or just high?

Anyway, I'm not a fan of the Islays, and I love Glenlivet 18, so I'd say go for the 21 if you don't mind paying the price. It's a bit tough to justify as I could get 2 bottles of 18 for the same amount, but it's nice to pick up something extra fancy once in a while.

I didn't find the Nadurra super strong. Certainly not like the barrel-strength bourbons I've had.

 

[mmntech]

Just came in here to post that it still blows my mind that Costco in the States sells booze.

 

[SMOGZINN]

Just came in here to post that it still blows my mind that Costco in the States sells booze.

Not in every state. They certainly don't at my local one in Texas.

I find most cask strength to be too overpowering on its own, but any time I try to add water it just ends up tasting like watered down scotch. Am I missing something, or just high?

Sounds like you are adding too much water. Some people will disagree, but IMHO you just want a dash per jigger or scotch. If I have 1.5 oz of cask strength scotch, I want maybe 1/4 an oz of water.