Cask scotches come in all different alcohol volumes as they are simply undiluted. Some of them aren't much higher than 80 or 86 proof. Acquired taste, perhaps to a beginner, but better overall in the long run, IMO. Just a cap of water is all you need...
You might have without knowing it. Look for these brands at a better liquor store: Cadenheads Murray McDavid Signatory Duncan Taylor & Co
I recommend Speyburn to anyone who wants a nice "everyday" Scotch. It's a 10-year-old single malt that's light and drinkable but has enough complexity to make it interesting. We can get it for about $24 at my favorite local place (Corridor in Laurel, MD)
I found an old bottle of JW Red in the cupboard of the cottage. Turns out the bottle was there in 85 when the cottage was bought so I have no idea how old it really is. Im giving it a sample right now and I took this shot with my cell phone - forgive the quality. Its pretty good, check out the old lable. How old is red to begin with? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Sorry, for digging up an old post. I bet I'm not the only F-chatter to refer to this post when shopping for scotch. I just signed up at BevMo here in California, and they have a pretty decent selection. I opted for a Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or based on the recommendation from Scotty. I am not disappointed. $70. -DrC
How "old" the scotch is ceases to matter once it leaves the cask and hits the bottle. Unlike most wines, "bottle time" adds nothing to whiskey... JW red is the bottom of JW's line and blended from whatever isn't selected to go on aging further. Tolerable, but never great. Then again neither is the Black... Back to the original question, knowing the recipient makes picking a good scotch for gifting much easier. If you've never shared a dram with them it at least pays to sneak a peek in their liquor cabinet to give you a hint about their personal taste. If you see a bottle of MacAllan you might give the 15 yr Fine Oak a try as a safe bet with a refined finish. Just don't throw a bottle of Caol Ila at that guy though as all that peat might kill a heather lover If you see Islay malts on the shelf anything Laphroaig is safe, but the 1/4 cask may be a "treat" as it is a bit unique for some. Caol Ila IS a good choice for this guy... If you just don't know what they like, or if you see only blended whiskey in his cabinet, you might want to go with one of the double or triple wood offerings. A Balvenie double wood or portwood would be a special gift for a guy who usually drinks JW Red, Chivas, Dewars, etc...
I usually drink Glenlevit and Macallan, but last month I recieved a bottle of 18yr Balvenie Portwood. So delicious, I had to hide it from myself so I wouldnt drink it all.
Edward C: Gave our president, an avid scotch guy, a bottle of Lagvulin for Christmas last year. He was over the moon thankful and it was only $90. Feff
That's funny! I particularly liked Torn, Roller Coaster, Fasten Your Kilt, Scott-ish, and Stage Fright. A mixture between Smores and Fasten Your Kilt is probably pretty close to my own reaction on the first taste. Unfortunately, the nose now reminds me of solvents I've used in the laboratory, which doesn't particularly make me want to drink it. All the best, Andrew.
I love Balvenie Double-Wood. Not only do I think the name is mirthful in an entirely immature way, the whisky is so delicious I feel like pouring over ice cream and making a float. The nose is what makes it, IMHO.
I'm much more of a fan of non-peaty malts. By all accounts of peat fans, it's a fine malt - it's just not for me. All the best, Andrew.
My birthday was last month and my wife took me to a scotch tasting dinner. We sampled about 10 different scotches. Cragganmore 12 was extremely delightful.
I'm afraid I don't know Glen Garioch, but Glenmorangie make some fine whisky. I like their Quinta Ruban (12 years old, port casks). All the best, Andrew.
I like almost all of the Macallan line, but I also enjoy almost anything Glenmorrange. Has anyone tried the Macallan Cask Strength? It is an ender to the evening...very smooth...very strong and will definately pack a punch. Much stronger alcohol percentage than any other scotch I have ever tasted.
