+1 on the Redbreast 12
Of course, if you want to sell your car in favor of a dram, a bottle of Macallan's 50-year old (1928 bottling) sold a few months back at auction for $24,000, topping the American price for their 60-year old in a Lalique crystal bottle (in case my wife was wondering what I might want for Xmas) that was a paltry $18,600 at a sale last year. For my money the 18 is great, and well worth the price. Their 25 is even better, but not by much (one point higher in the Whisky Bible) and it is 4-5 times the price (about $850-900 a bottle versus $150-200 for the 18). Leaving now to have a bit of the 18... Bob H
Pretty much everything I get is cask strength. It allows the addition of a few drops of water to release the oils and open up the nose and taste without diluting the spirit. Small sips held on palate for taste and alcohol evaporation. Hell who needs nyqil to clear up sinuses.
I sampled the Port Charlotte PC9 the other day, and found it "just OK." I know others that have really raved about it, but I thought the overwhelming peatiness made it kind of a one-note wonder. I like a peat-forward dram, too. I enjoy Laphroig, and REALLY enjoy the last two releases of Bruichladdich Octomore. Surprised that the PC9 didn't do it for me.
I've found that pc9 improved at the half bottle level, became more complex..and this prehaps speaks to the benefis of decanting. I am smitten by pc6..what a fresh fierce young whiskey. I plan on stashing a few bottles. Some places have it on sale for $500! PC5 when you can find it is $700. The final iteration PC10 is supposed to be on its way here as a limited release like the others. I thought the port charlotte evolution concept series was fascinating and applaud bruichladdich creating the editions. Curious about octomore and supernova....havent tried any of the peat powerhouses yet. I try to stick below $100 a bottle but looks like I should spring for the octomore. Yamazakii 18 was nice but the world whiskey I like to have is amrut portonova. Hard to find. There are probably no bad arbegs or laphroaigs!
I've found that pc9 improved at the half bottle level, became more complex..and this prehaps speaks to the benefis of decanting. I am smitten by pc6..what a fresh fierce young whiskey. I plan on stashing a few bottles. Some places have it on sale for $500! PC5 when you can find it is $700. The final iteration PC10 is supposed to be on its way here as a limited release like the others. I thought the port charlotte evolution concept series was fascinating and applaud bruichladdich creating the editions. Curious about octomore and supernova....havent tried any of the peat powerhouses yet. I try to stick below $100 a bottle but looks like I should spring for the octomore. Yamazakii 18 was nice but the world whiskey I like to have is amrut portonova. Hard to find. There are probably no bad arbegs or laphroaigs!
For those who might like the Supernova, you can pick up a bottle of Ardbeg's Uigeadail (about $75 US) or Corryvreckan (about $90 US) for about half the price. The Corrtyvreckan is rated more highly, but my favority (perhaps number 2 or 3 of anything I own or drink) is the Uigeadail. It is, as they say in Scotland, a "man's drink." For those who might like peat prominent, but a little less likely to grab you around the throat, try the Lagavulin 16 (about $75 US). The nose is of sea air, peat and the Scottish shoreline, which might make you think it will be harsh. It is, though, very smooth although substantial. Lagavulin tends to get overlooked due to its proximity to Laphroaig, but is distinct from its more popular cousin in tase. Add in the Uigeadail & a Macallan 18 & I'm certain I could down those for the rest of my life. For the cask strength folks, Macallan's Cask Strength 10 (which is disappearing in favor of their undated CS) is inexpensive and very good, also. Happy holidays, have a dram and enjoy your aqua vitae on the New Year (even if you're not having good luck, you think you are after a few). Bob H
I realize that I'm uncultured, but I actually prefer Macallen 12 or cask strength over Macallen 18. Regards, Art S. PS. I've recently discovered Noah's Mill - very nice!
Laphroaig 18 for me tonight. Very nice. I like it much better than 10....still a nice heavy peat flavor, but much smoother and more complex during an after a sip.
Enjoyed a glass of Lagavulin 16 last night with a few friends and was blown away. Such a strong smoke flavor that it filled the room. Taste wise it was quite smokey as well but went down fairly smooth. Glenlivet 12 followed this and the difference in taste was truly shocking. I've had the Glenlivet before so I knew what to expect but having it shortly after the Lagavulin made it feel flavorless. I may have had a few to many of the 16 though so that may contribute to it.
My latest acquisition is an Aberlour 12 year double cask. I have yet to crack it. Aberlour 10 year is a previous favorite of mine. I'm a fan of the smooth Highland malts - no peat/smoke for me.
I haven't tried the Black Grouse, but probably would enjoy it. I have Macallan, Highland Park and several of the Islay peat-heavy malts, and the Black is a "mix" of those profiles (peat on the nose, but lighter than Laphroaig, etc.). Their Famous Grouse tastes quite similar (to me) to Highland Park. I lived in the UK in the 1990's, and the Famous and Grant's were perhaps the most popular pub brands in Scotland. Both are still very serviceable blended whiskys on a cold night... Bob H
Reading up on rye whiskey (im a scotch guy and don't care for burbon) I picked up a bottle of Willett 4 yr old for $40 just to try- it knocked my socks off. 55% abv I just add a few drops of water and man o man. Highly recommended and at this price point you just have to buy it. Now I'm curious about pappy van winkles rye but thats going to be $$$$! Here's the whisky *****'s review [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKIGGyALTUs&sns=em[/ame]
If you are going to flirt with rye, you HAVE to try WhistlePig. Likewise high proof, but makes an exquiste manhattan. Really delicious.
