Single Malt Scotch Fans

[ghostworks]

[there's no Single Malt icon... for shame]

 

I've been a single malt Scotch fan for... oh, the better part of my 30's at this point

 

I began well - the 1st Scotch that I ever tried was a Macallan 12

 

Since that first taste, I've developed quite a hobby (and inventory) of bottles and tasting memories... and if anyone else who finds this thread is a Scotch fan, I hope you'll share your own thoughts and experiences

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ghostworks]

currently 'In Stock' at the GhostWorks Single Malt Scotch Depository

 

The Macallan

> Fine Oak 10 y.o.

> Cask Strength

> 12 y.o.

> 18 y.o.

 

The Talisker

> 10 y.o.

> Distiller's Edition 1992

> 18 y.o.

> 175th Anniversary

 

The Glenfarclas

> 12 y.o.

> 17 y.o.

 

The Glenfiddich

> Ancient Reserve 18 y.o.

 

The Glenmorangie

> 10 y.o.

 

The Glenlivet

> 12 y.o.

 

...I'll offer some tasting notes in future posts

[Alph Seeker]

QUOTE (ghostworks @ Apr 5 2009, 05:02 PM)

currently 'In Stock' at the GhostWorks Single Malt Scotch Depository The Macallan > Fine Oak 10 y.o. > Cask Strength > 12 y.o. > 18 y.o. The Talisker > 10 y.o. > Distiller's Edition 1992 > 18 y.o. > 175th Anniversary The Glenfarclas > 12 y.o. > 17 y.o. The Glenfiddich > Ancient Reserve 18 y.o. The Glenmorangie > 10 y.o. The Glenlivet > 12 y.o. ...I'll offer some tasting notes in future posts

Awesome!

 

I'll try to come back here again.

 

I have tried many of what you have here - consider myself a casual taster, but I know what I like.

 

Mac 18 - wow, love it - wish I could justify buying a bottle.

 

Other favorites: Mac 12, oak 10. Have not tried the cask strength - how does it compare? Also heard good things about the Elegencia, if you can find it - supposed to be at duty free shops.

 

One of my favorites for the price is the Glenfiddich Solera reserve 15 y.o. Currently, I have a bottle of the Ancient reserve 18 and I really like it, but I did not taste a huge difference between them.

 

Glenmorangie - been a while, but I liked that too.

 

Glenlivet 12 - been a while also, but that's because I liked it, but found for a little more $$ I liked the Glenfiddich 15 much better.

 

Talisker -- Not my taste -- too peaty for me.

 

Thanks!

 

(yeah, should be a dram glass)

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

QUOTE (ghostworks @ Apr 5 2009, 05:52 PM)

[there's no Single Malt icon... for shame]

There is now...

 

 

 

[Lerxster]

QUOTE (1-0-0-1-0-0-1 @ Apr 8 2009, 02:09 PM)

QUOTE (ghostworks @ Apr 5 2009, 05:52 PM) [there's no Single Malt icon... for shame] There is now...       Sweet!   Always like to have a bottle of the Fine Oak 10 on hand. The Glenfiddich is special.

[ghostworks]

QUOTE (1-0-0-1-0-0-1 @ Apr 8 2009, 01:09 PM)

QUOTE (ghostworks @ Apr 5 2009, 05:52 PM) [there's no Single Malt icon... for shame] There is now...       you, sir are a genius   I toast a healthy dram in your general direction, laddie

[ghostworks]

QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM)

Awesome! I'll try to come back here again.

 

please do!

 

QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM)

Mac 18 - wow, love it - wish I could justify buying a bottle.

Me too - a friend brought it over as a special gift, and did not want to make the long trip back home with an open bottle hidden in the car and Scotch on his breath... lucky me

 

QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM)

Other favorites:  Mac 12, oak 10.  Have not tried the cask strength - how does it compare?

The cask strength is a monster - it was the 2nd scotch I ever tried, and as a novice drinker I had no idea that cask strength bottlings are intended to be drunk cut with 30% to 50%water - I floored myself and burnt out my nose trying this straight... I should get around to a proper tasting, but I haven't had the courage

 

QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM)

One of my favorites for the price is the Glenfiddich Solera reserve 15 y.o.  Currently, I have a bottle of the Ancient reserve 18 and I really like it, but I did not taste a huge difference between them.

this is good to know - the Ancient is expensive and currently unavailable (or at least hard to find)

 

QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM)

Glenlivet 12 - been a while also, but that's because I liked it, but found for a little more $$ I liked the Glenfiddich 15 much better.

agreed - the 'livet is very basic, clean, simple - those aren't bad things

 

the 'fiddich certainly has more character and a smoother ride

 

QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM)

Talisker -- Not my taste -- too peaty for me.

 

yay! more for me

 

(and as far as peat goes... you better stay away from the 1/4 cask Laphroaig - http://www.rushmessageboard.com/cpmb/style_emoticons/default/angryfire.gif oof!!! )

 

 

QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM)

...should be a dram glass

aye! we need one of those, too!

 

http://www.sparklingstemware.com/stores/stemware/catalog/scotchglass.jpg

Edited April 9, 2009 by ghostworks

[Tinwoodsman]

I tried athe Glenmorangie at the local watering hole and liked it, also received a bottle of 15 Yr. Glenfarclas from a friend that I helped out.

 

I thought they were both excellent ... drank them neat.

 

 

Thanks for posting this thread!

[Hatchetaxe&saw]

I'm not at home, but I'll give it my best shot.

 

Highland Park 12 & 18

Macallan 12 & Elegancia

The Speyside 12

Glenfiddich 12, 15 & 18

Glenrothes(12 I think)

Tyrconnell

Bushmills 10

Bushmills 16

Connemara

Glenmorangie 10

Lagavulin 16

Cragganmore 12

Glenlivet 12

Jura 10

Ardbeg 10

Bowmore Surf & Darkest

Talisker 10 and Distiller's Edition

Auchtenoshen 12

Balvenie Doublewood & 15

Midleton Very Rare

Laphroaig and Quarter Cask

Cardhu

Caol Ila 12

 

There's a few more, but I'm drawing a blank.

 

Have some exquisite blends too:

 

Whyte & Mackay 21

Johnny Walker Black Label

Power's 12 year (probably my favourite of all time, along with Bowmore Darkest)

Johnny Walker Blue Label - we are not worthy.

 

 

[Alph Seeker]

QUOTE (ghostworks @ Apr 8 2009, 07:01 PM)

QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM) Awesome! I'll try to come back here again.   please do!   QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM) Mac 18 - wow, love it - wish I could justify buying a bottle. Me too - a friend brought it over as a special gift, and did not want to make the long trip back home with an open bottle hidden in the car and Scotch on his breath... lucky me   QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM) Other favorites:  Mac 12, oak 10.  Have not tried the cask strength - how does it compare? The cask strength is a monster - it was the 2nd scotch I ever tried, and as a novice drinker I had no idea that cask strength bottlings are intended to be drunk cut with 30% to 50%water - I floored myself and burnt out my nose trying this straight... I should get around to a proper tasting, but I haven't had the courage   QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM) One of my favorites for the price is the Glenfiddich Solera reserve 15 y.o.  Currently, I have a bottle of the Ancient reserve 18 and I really like it, but I did not taste a huge difference between them. this is good to know - the Ancient is expensive and currently unavailable (or at least hard to find)   QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM) Glenlivet 12 - been a while also, but that's because I liked it, but found for a little more $$ I liked the Glenfiddich 15 much better. agreed - the 'livet is very basic, clean, simple - those aren't bad things   the 'fiddich certainly has more character and a smoother ride   QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM) Talisker -- Not my taste -- too peaty for me.   yay! more for me   (and as far as peat goes... you better stay away from the 1/4 cask Laphroaig - http://www.rushmessageboard.com/cpmb/style_emoticons/default/angryfire.gif oof!!! )     QUOTE (Alph Seeker @ Apr 8 2009, 11:37 AM) ...should be a dram glass aye! we need one of those, too!   http://www.sparklingstemware.com/stores/stemware/catalog/scotchglass.jpg Good to know about the cask strength. If you cut it, please post back with how it compares to the 12, for example after cut. Could this be a money saver?   QUOTE http://www.sparklingstemware.com/stores/stemware/catalog/scotchglass.jpg   This looks exactly like what I had last night! (the Glen 18.)

[ghostworks]

QUOTE (Hatchetaxe&saw @ Apr 9 2009, 09:03 AM)

Glenrothes(12 I think) Lagavulin 16 Ardbeg 10 Auchtenoshen 12 Caol Ila 12

whoa there, laddie!

 

that's a respectful cellar...

 

when you have a moment, could you give us some notes on the ones I've highlighted (above)?

 

I've been interested in trying them all

 

also - what are your preferences (peaty, smoky, honey etc)?

 

just curious

[Hatchetaxe&saw]

QUOTE (ghostworks @ Apr 10 2009, 03:18 PM)

QUOTE (Hatchetaxe&saw @ Apr 9 2009, 09:03 AM) Glenrothes(12 I think) Lagavulin 16 Ardbeg 10 Auchtenoshen 12 Caol Ila 12 whoa there, laddie!   that's a respectful cellar...   when you have a moment, could you give us some notes on the ones I've highlighted (above)?   I've been interested in trying them all   also - what are your preferences (peaty, smoky, honey etc)?   just curious Here goes, I am an amateur, but hopefully this will give you something to go on. I'll score them as well, like Michael Jackson used to: 70 good, 80 very good, 90 excellent, 100 The Angel's Share!   Glenrothes - Not sure about this one, there are better, older ones. I find it quite acidic, very sharp, too citrusy, with a poor finish. 70, at a push   Caol Ila - Smoky, peat, strong taste of the sea, salt, seaweed. Long finish, each mouthful delivers a wonderful experience. 90   Ardbeg - Great appearance, no colour, and slightly clouds when you add water, down to the non chill filtering apparently. Again like the Caol Ila, but more intense, more fire, a classic Islay, smoke, peat, antiseptic. Finish isn't that long, but to be honest it beats the shit out of your tastebuds, so they need a break! 90   Auchentoshan - one of the few Lowlands I have. Very good, dark coppery colour, sweet, wine taste, aniseed/liquorice, long finish. 85   Lagavulin - Hail the mighty Lag. Medicinal, iodine, smoke, peat, sea, salt. There is so much going on, stunning whiskey, the perfect Islay malt. Finish goes on and on. Amazing. I'd give it a 100, because I can't fault it, everything is balanced perfectly.     My own favourite flavours would be honey, in particular, some of the Irish malts and aged blends. Powers 12 year old is amazing, it's honey in a glass, beautiful colour too, dark sherry, gorgeous. Same with the Bushmill 16 Single Malt. Very subtle, with long honey overtones.   And I'm a sucker for that taste of the sea, that medicinal, seaweedy kick you get off the guys I listed above.   We had friends over last night, and we tried the Johnny Walker Blue, Talisker Distillers Edition & Highland Park 18. Exquisite, every one!   If you have any recommendations, please pass them on!!   Slainte!

[Gov]

Try some Old Pulteney 12 for a real maritime treat!

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

Hatchetaxe&saw, I don't know much about single malts, but that review seemed anything but amateurish. Your descriptions make me want to buy a couple of those.

[Hatchetaxe&saw]

QUOTE (1-0-0-1-0-0-1 @ Apr 12 2009, 07:25 AM)

Hatchetaxe&saw, I don't know much about single malts, but that review seemed anything but amateurish. Your descriptions make me want to buy a couple of those.

Thanks 73, you're very kind! I've read a few books on whiskies, so I have the terminology, but my palette is still a bit suspect...

 

But the one thing I always do, and this really is the key to releasing flavours, is adding an eyedropper amount of water to each glass. The difference is incredible.

You may as well add kerosene if you're going to add ice. Kills all the flavour.

Ice is good for bog standard blends, but never single malts.

 

If you can get your hands on the Lagavulin, you will not regret it.

[ghostworks]

[ghostworks]

[on another note, The Lagavulin 16 s available at my local liquor store for just over $60 - based on your rec., I'm thinking of securing a bottle this weekend]

 

[Hatchetaxe&saw]

QUOTE (ghostworks @ Apr 16 2009, 02:24 AM)

[on another note, The Lagavulin 16 s available at my local liquor store for just over $60 - based on your rec., I'm thinking of securing a bottle this weekend]

That's a very good price. I hope you enjoy it.

Scottish ice-cubes, I love it! Yep, you've definitely checked into the Pretentious Motel, but that's a good thing....

 

I'm awfully pernickety about the snifter as well. It has to be a snifter, or if I'm really dumbing down, a brandy balloon..........

 

Taxi!! Pretentious Motel!

[ghostworks]

...oh, I still haven't been to the store.

 

Serious Ghost slacking going on...

[goose]

Just a curious question.

 

NPR had an interesting piece on the exploding whiskey market in China. Sales have increased 500% in the past 5 years. Any thoughts on what a growing Chinese interest in whiskey means to prices or availability? Have any of you aficionados noticed any changes recently?

[Hatchetaxe&saw]

QUOTE (goose @ May 9 2009, 04:58 AM)

Just a curious question. NPR had an interesting piece on the exploding whiskey market in China. Sales have increased 500% in the past 5 years. Any thoughts on what a growing Chinese interest in whiskey means to prices or availability? Have any of you aficionados noticed any changes recently?

Prices will come down and availability will increase for most types as most distilleries are owned by large corporations, Diageo etc.

 

However, quality will drop. Corners will be cut.

[goose]

QUOTE (Hatchetaxe&saw @ May 10 2009, 02:32 PM)

QUOTE (goose @ May 9 2009, 04:58 AM) Just a curious question. NPR had an interesting piece on the exploding whiskey market in China.  Sales have increased 500% in the past 5 years.  Any thoughts on what a growing Chinese interest in whiskey means to prices or availability?  Have any of you aficionados noticed any changes recently? Prices will come down and availability will increase for most types as most distilleries are owned by large corporations, Diageo etc.   However, quality will drop. Corners will be cut. Hmmm. Here's a relayed article describing a Jan. 2009 shortage. Interesting that the Chinese prefer to drink their whiskey with green tea.   http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/s...icle5533351.ece

[ghostworks]

as long as the distributors ship the 'wash from the mash tun' to Hong Kong only, we'll be fine

 

[BaldiePete]

I currently have:

 

Highland Park 12YO

Highland Park 15YO

Highland Park 16YO

Highland Park 18YO

Highland Park 21YO (but only a miniature)

Scapa 14YO Cask Strength Non-Chill Filtered

The Glenlivet 12YO

The Glenlivet Nadurra 16YO Cask Strength Non Chill Filtered

The Macallan Fine Oak 10YO

The Macallan Forties style

Laphroaig 10YO

Aberlour 10YO

Ledaig 10YO

Arran 10YO

 

[Gov]

I currently have about 11 open bottles and 40 sealed bottles of various different malts from around scotland