I had a request for a Scotch posting again – and, it has been about six months since I made a Scotch post – so, here’s what’s left on my shelf at the moment.
– Bunnahabhain 28-year Signatory Collection. This was a gift Scotch that is, essentially, my major celebration Scotch. Cardinals won the World Series, bought a house, got a grant, etc. Smooth and tastes like caramel.
– Highland Park 18. Has won several sort of “Scotch of the Year” type awards. It’s not as complex as other Scotches I’ve had, but it’s sort of a sweet, smooth Scotch that will likely appeal to a wide variety of drinkers.
– Ardbeg Alligator. In contrast, this will not appeal to a wide variety of drinkers. It is a peaty, burning, smoky/charcoal Scotch that has a very distinct taste acquired from being aged in charred barrels. It’s not for everyone, and it takes a little bit of water to soften up, but the uniqueness outweighs the harshness.
I’m lucky enough to live, literally, within walking distance of the world’s largest liquor store, so typically when I’m shopping for Scotch, I have plenty to choose from. I’ve also given the Octomore 3.1/152 as a gift, which was the fourth edition in their super-phenolic distillations, and it makes for a very uniquely peaty, nose-filling sensation that lasts forever. Hard to find, but absolutely well worth it. Comes in a kind of silly black matte bottle, however:
Who do you think you are? Halamka?
http://geekdoctor.blogspot.com/2009/09/experience-of-tea.html
By request! Request, I say! I'm not sure who asked for Halamka's tea opinion.
By request! Request, I say! I'm not sure who asked for Halamka's tea opinion.
Radecki – I have enjoyed your posts related to one of the more important medicinal beverages ever concocted by man. Your descriptions and ratings are perfect for my level of snob-ness with regard to Scotch. I am anxious to try some of your suggested brands however I want to calibrate your palate. Can you provide your review of a more ubiquitous selection – maybe even a standard blend e.g. J Walker or Chivas. This will at least give me a calibrated view of your palette.
Hmmm, I wish I could tell you I'd had a blended whiskey of comparison recently. This weekend, as part of a celebration I tried a few new ones – also unlikely to be commonly encountered. The Glenmorangie Signet is probably the most easily found – lovely dark and rich. Then, the opposite, Shackleton's Mackinlay's Highland Malt Whisky Replica – light-bodied and smoky, no idea where you find a bottle of that. Then, a Yamazaki 18, which was tasty, but not as memorable. I've actually gone on rather a money-saving binge recently and switched to bourbon for the summer – I have 17-Year Vintage Bourbon, Balcones Baby Blue, and Willett 7-Year Rare Reserve open at the moment. The Vintage Bourbon is my favorite, at the moment.
Hmmm, I wish I could tell you I'd had a blended whiskey of comparison recently. This weekend, as part of a celebration I tried a few new ones – also unlikely to be commonly encountered. The Glenmorangie Signet is probably the most easily found – lovely dark and rich. Then, the opposite, Shackleton's Mackinlay's Highland Malt Whisky Replica – light-bodied and smoky, no idea where you find a bottle of that. Then, a Yamazaki 18, which was tasty, but not as memorable. I've actually gone on rather a money-saving binge recently and switched to bourbon for the summer – I have 17-Year Vintage Bourbon, Balcones Baby Blue, and Willett 7-Year Rare Reserve open at the moment. The Vintage Bourbon is my favorite, at the moment.