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What's (in yer opinion) the superlative Scotch? |
Gigantalope
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 01, 2004
Posts: 913
From: Shinola, California
|  Posted: 2005-11-13 5:38 pm Permalink
Any Why?
For example...I think Ardbeg 10 is about the best thing to drink there is, but it's pricey. An argument can be made that "Finlaggan" is tops (it's a brand name from Trader Joe's) which has a similar peatyness, but is about 1/4 the cost.
McCallan and Dalwhinnie seem to be the ones I offer to people most that they are gushy about.
Atomictonytiki sort of talked me into bringing Scapa to a Scotchtasting, and it was the item which was most clammored for of any malts there.
What is your opinion of this?
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DrMiguelito
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Aug 05, 2005
Posts: 57
From: San Diego
| Posted: 2005-11-14 12:04 pm Permalink
I don't know many scotches, but for Christmas last year my dad got a bottle of Highland Park single malt that was some of the best booze that has ever passed my lips. I think it's quite expensive, though.
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thejab
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-11-14 12:21 pm Permalink
I'm not a big fan of single malt Scotch. I prefer the more balanced flavor of blended scotch. Johnnie Walker Black label is my daily driver for scotch on the rocks or scotch and soda, but a Dewar's or Cutty Sark is fine for highballs as well.
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Feelin' Zombified
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 15, 2003
Posts: 1328
From: The Exotic Shores of Lake St. Clair
| Posted: 2005-11-14 5:54 pm Permalink
Oban 14 year has always been on my short list. Very smokey.
Glenrothes 12 year (I think) is nice when you're looking for something a bit cleaner/crisper.
Any of the older Bowmore (17 yr and older) are wonderful. I've heard them described as salty or "briney" and I guess that is a fitting description. Very tasty.
It seems that (in Michigan at least) Glenlivet & Glenfiddich are paired up at most bars that feature a limited selection... as if the local distributor has a basic "must have" list. When faced with those options, always go with Glenlivet which is suprisingly good considering how common it is.
As for blended, I too reach for Johnnie Walker Black as my standard for mixing. in Rob Roy's mostly... and I did recently get to try Johnnie Walker Blue which was ok, but I was expecting more.
This last weekend I was at a silent auction and was given 3 drink tickets at the door. After I was teased by the great selection of malts behind the bar, I was informed that the tickets were for "well drinks" only. I had to pick between Kmart brand light rum and J&B. I picked the J&B and woke up the next morning feeling like death.
-Z
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Tiki Chris
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 24, 2002
Posts: 1543
From: London
| Posted: 2005-11-15 06:05 am Permalink
Lagavulin, a 16 year old malt distilled on Islay, is my favorite single malt whiskey - and one of my favorite drinks in general. It's got a distinctive, smokey flavor that'll really warm you up on a winter's night.
That said, some folks will tell you that drinking Lagavulin is similar to dragging your tongue along a peat bog. If Lagavulin's intense, peaty flavor is too much, you might give Talisker (distilled on Skye) or Laphroaig (Islay) a try. Both these are very good, not as peaty and less expensive than Lagavulin.
Just bottled this year is Lagavulin's "The Distillers Edition." It's double matured, which seems to make it go down more smoothly and leave more mellow aftertaste.
Cheers,
Chris
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MrBaliHai
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 01, 2002
Posts: 775 | Posted: 2005-11-15 7:00 pm Permalink
Lagavulin and Laphroaig are the best single-malt Islay scotches, as far as I'm concerned: they're meaty, peaty, big and bouncy.
Laphroaig is the more "difficult" of the two; drinking a couple of fingers is like being ritually strangled, set on fire, and tossed into a peat bog as a pagan sacrifice. I was first introduced to it when I lived in Germany 15 years ago, and polished off a fifth on Christmas Eve with a couple of friends.
Lagavulin is also mighty peaty, but has a refined taste that you wouldn't be afraid to bring home and meet your parents.
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Rum Numb Davey
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 17, 2005
Posts: 204
From: Phoenix, AZ
| Posted: 2005-11-16 12:52 pm Permalink
Laphroig is a great peat reek Islay malt for sure (Prince Charles agrees by warrant).
In fact all the Islay malts are nice drams. My favorite however is Ardbeg. It is supernacular and is an enigma.
Laphriog is 20 parts per million phenol, where as, Arbbeg is a whopping 60, but finishes quite delicate!
I'll tip you guys onto a little trade secret of the distillers..Mortlach. Considered by many Malt Maniacs to be the creme de la creme of single malts. Not available through distillery label, but by armchair bottling at fine bottle shops.
By the way, I just designed the ultimate Scotch dramming glass for Bottega del Vino in Verona, Italy. It is called the Johnson's Whisky Tot. If anybody wants one (or four) for Christmas let me know and I will get you wholesale.
Made by hand in lead free crystal.
I have incised the exact measure of "dram" and "gill" into this glass to the cl, which makes it unique. If you want to buy it at retail go to: http://www.bottegadelvinocrystal.com
Otherwise contact me.
A copy of the press release:
BOTTEGA DEL VINO® CRYSTAL STEMWARE RELEASES STUNNING NEW “WHISKY TOT” SINGLE MALT GLASS
Single Malt Whiskys Know No Finer Glass
CHICAGO (August 22, 2005) – Bottega del Vino® (222 N. Maplewood Ave.) is pleased to present its newest hand blown crystal offering, David Johnson’s Whisky Tot, Single Malt Glass, which will be released to retailers on September 30, 2005 (2005 introductory pricing is $19.98; 2006 pricing will increase to $24.98). Executed in Bottega del Vino’s proprietary lead-free crystal, the newly created Whisky Tot’s graceful curves add to the glass’s exquisite presentation and provide an ideal shape for the proper tasting of preferred single malt whiskeys.
Throughout Scotland’s history, a variety of whisky measurements were developed yet only a few remain steeped in Scottish tradition. Bottega del Vino® chose two measurement marks for their Whisky Tot to aid in serving: the famous “wee dram” of Scottish legend, which is equal to one ounce, and the more robust “gill,” traditionally equal to five ounces.
David Johnson, of Phoenix, Arizona, historiographer on Scotch whisky, aided in the design of this unique glass to insure fair measure to the connoisseur with historical panache.
Made with barium oxide instead of lead, the durability of Bottega del Vino® crystal is beyond compare. The stemware defies tradition by making repeated trips through high-power, restaurant-grade dishwashers and escaping without a scratch. Using barium oxide results in a glass that is lighter than lead crystal but gives comparable brilliance due to its high refractive index. Each of the line’s fourteen varieties of stemware and decanters are blown entirely by hand, by Italian countryside artisans who have mastered the age-old craft.
A complete description of the crystal collection as well as a comprehensive list of retailers is available at http://www.bottegadelvinocrystal.com or by calling (888) DEL-VINO. Bottega del Vino® stemware is also available in fine wine and tabletop stores.
[ This Message was edited by: Rum Numb Davey 2005-11-16 12:57 ]
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Gigantalope
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 01, 2004
Posts: 913
From: Shinola, California
| Posted: 2005-11-16 6:52 pm Permalink
Ardbeg, Yeeesss.
I carried a Liter of it home from Ft William like a baby. (Only I wouldn't feed the Ardbeg to a dingo)
I was so pleased to have gotten it...I had read so much about it's muscle but soft finish.
I was furious to see it for sale about two weeks later when they started importing it.
I got some from a Gordon McPhail show once, it was 17yr and silky...however I must confess to likeing the more assertive younger Islays.
Ever try Ledaig? (from Mull?) It's very nice, but it's friend Tobermorey is to be avoided at ALL costs.
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Kon-Hemsby
Grand Member (8 years) 
Joined: Sep 17, 2003
Posts: 1225
From: Andover, England
| Posted: 2005-11-17 04:22 am Permalink
J&B is a great everyday whiskey
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Rum Numb Davey
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 17, 2005
Posts: 204
From: Phoenix, AZ
| Posted: 2005-11-17 2:16 pm Permalink
Slainte Kon-Hemsby:
Ever try the J&B Ultima...now that is a superlative Scotch with over 100 Single Malts in the blend.
Sadly, I have drained my last bottle last year, and it is hard to find.
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Just finished a bottle of Havana Club Anejo 3 Anos, which was excellantly suited for many rum cocktails!
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Len
Member
Joined: Jan 02, 2006
Posts: 1 | Posted: 2006-01-02 08:46 am Permalink
HOLY SMOKES!!!
Rum Numb Davey's single malt glasses are BEYOND fantastic!!!
If you enjoy single malt whisky, do yourself a favour and
order a few of these glasses.
Your scotch has NEVER tasted better!
cheers!
Len
Quote:
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On 2005-11-16 12:52, Rum Numb Davey wrote:
By the way, I just designed the ultimate Scotch dramming glass for Bottega del Vino in Verona, Italy. It is called the Johnson's Whisky Tot. If anybody wants one (or four) for Christmas let me know and I will get you wholesale.
Made by hand in lead free crystal.
I have incised the exact measure of "dram" and "gill" into this glass to the cl, which makes it unique. If you want to buy it at retail go to: http://www.bottegadelvinocrystal.com
Otherwise contact me.
A copy of the press release:
BOTTEGA DEL VINO® CRYSTAL STEMWARE RELEASES STUNNING NEW “WHISKY TOT” SINGLE MALT GLASS
Single Malt Whiskys Know No Finer Glass
CHICAGO (August 22, 2005) – Bottega del Vino® (222 N. Maplewood Ave.) is pleased to present its newest hand blown crystal offering, David Johnson’s Whisky Tot, Single Malt Glass, which will be released to retailers on September 30, 2005 (2005 introductory pricing is $19.98; 2006 pricing will increase to $24.98). Executed in Bottega del Vino’s proprietary lead-free crystal, the newly created Whisky Tot’s graceful curves add to the glass’s exquisite presentation and provide an ideal shape for the proper tasting of preferred single malt whiskeys.
Throughout Scotland’s history, a variety of whisky measurements were developed yet only a few remain steeped in Scottish tradition. Bottega del Vino® chose two measurement marks for their Whisky Tot to aid in serving: the famous “wee dram” of Scottish legend, which is equal to one ounce, and the more robust “gill,” traditionally equal to five ounces.
David Johnson, of Phoenix, Arizona, historiographer on Scotch whisky, aided in the design of this unique glass to insure fair measure to the connoisseur with historical panache.
Made with barium oxide instead of lead, the durability of Bottega del Vino® crystal is beyond compare. The stemware defies tradition by making repeated trips through high-power, restaurant-grade dishwashers and escaping without a scratch. Using barium oxide results in a glass that is lighter than lead crystal but gives comparable brilliance due to its high refractive index. Each of the line’s fourteen varieties of stemware and decanters are blown entirely by hand, by Italian countryside artisans who have mastered the age-old craft.
A complete description of the crystal collection as well as a comprehensive list of retailers is available at http://www.bottegadelvinocrystal.com or by calling (888) DEL-VINO. Bottega del Vino® stemware is also available in fine wine and tabletop stores.
[ This Message was edited by: Rum Numb Davey 2005-11-16 12:57 ]
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Gigantalope
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 01, 2004
Posts: 913
From: Shinola, California
| Posted: 2006-01-02 1:03 pm Permalink
Those glasses are nice...a pal gave me some very similar which I found out later cost over 70.00
something special in a vessel like that...like a portal which allows the Scotch Gods to be interpreted more clearly.
I just got some White Horse, which while it sounds like a Hawaii-5-0 term for heroin, is a nice Blend...I'd love a dram just this minute...but my f-ing fence blew down.
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hiltiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 10, 2004
Posts: 2773
From: Reseda, calif.
| Posted: 2006-01-02 10:15 pm Permalink
Someone gave me a bottle of Oban and a bottle of The Glenlivet and told me they were really good!!!
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Rum Numb Davey
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 17, 2005
Posts: 204
From: Phoenix, AZ
| Posted: 2006-01-06 12:59 am Permalink
Hiltiki: Oban is very nice malt..I once played shinty in the wee hamlet of Oban..got me arse kicked by some hurling Gaels. Let's say it was like Field Hockey on steroids.
The Glenlivet is certainly fine single malt, as well..but not my cup o' tea.
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Chip and Andy
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 13, 2004
Posts: 2078
From: Corner table, Molokai Lounge, Mai-Kai.
| Posted: 2006-01-06 05:03 am Permalink
[ This Message was edited by: Chip and Andy 2009-06-05 17:04 ]
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