/ck/ - Food & Cooking

>good
>whiskey thread

Pick one. Let me break down how it's going to go:

>lafroog lafroog lafroog
>only drink islay
>token mention of japanese single malt
>some guy pretends to be from scotland and wonders why everyone doesn't drink bbbxymryuubububwubbuagy 137 year old master select
>confused redneck starts posting bourbon
>best method of criticizing someone's drinking habits to inadvertently reveal your own sexual identity problems
>more lafroog

Recently finished my bottle of Caol Ila. Very good reasonably priced Islay whisky.

I've been sipping on this for a while now.

Does anyone know any nice peated or whiskies I could try next?

>>4192585
I'll admit: I am not a regular poster on this board. But I was in the mood, so I saw no harm.

I guess I'll just continue drinking, if thread isn't alive.

But for starters: What was your first whiskey? How was it? How fares your collection if you have one?

>>4192591
Isle of Jura was nice, if you haven't tasted it yet.

>>4192579
Talisker 18 years old
original scotch single malt whiskey!!!

this is pretty good
i wouldnt say itis the best i ever had but it is solid and the price is pretty good got it for under 100$

>>4192585
>>some guy pretends to be from scotland and wonders why everyone doesn't drink bbbxymryuubububwubbuagy 137 year old master select

>>4192600
here i found a review on youtube
i dont agree with these guys but anywho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbF9G3d3U

>>4192592

First whiskey ever was JW Black Label.

First "good" whisky that got me into whisky was Lagavulin 16.

I no longer keep bottles of spirits around, I end up getting tired of drinking the same thing over and over.

>>4192608
Yeah, but I got to say that if you have to start somewhere, Black Label ain't a bad choice.

I had a "only spirits"-stage in my teens when I had the stomach and stamina for it. But nowadays I find whiskey the most pleasant spirit for silent days when you have time for a bottle.

Damn, this is fine stuff.

>>4192600
This is my favourite stuff, luckily my local supermarket sells it for £34 per bottle

Glendronach 12, my most recent purchase. I wanted a nice, sherried whisky to round out the collection. I'm enjoying it quite a bit - the sherry seems much more present and intense than in the similarly priced Macallan 12.

>>4192591

For peated whiskeys, there's always the ubiquitous Laphroaig 10, which is always a safe bet. Ardbeg 10 is a half-step up, and is also really good. If you want to try something different, give Ledaig 10, Caol Ila 12 or Bowmore 12 a shot.

Just a warning to anyone thinking of trying some Aberlour 10, it's cheap for a reason!

>>4192641

I agree.

This was the first whisky I bought for myself. As it ages it gets a weird vinegary sour note.

>>4192585
Lagavulin 16>Laphroaig.

>>4192638
Not a fan of sherried whiskies. A lot of people love it but I think Maccallan must be the most boring "good" whisky I've ever tried. There's just nothing there. I guess that's what a lot of people want though rather than a nice Islay bite.

>>4192654

My grandfather is a big fan of Lagavulin. My grandmother got him a bottle of Lagavulin 25 year old cask-strength several years ago which he recently opened and let me try.

It was very good, a bit rounder than the 16 yo. I shit my pants when I checked what that bottle is worth at the moment, though.

>>4192660
Yeah I'd love to go higher, but Lagavulin 16 is my special occasion bottle as it is....

>>4192585
Sadly, that's still all too accurate. But unless more threads get started where there ends up being some measure of reasonable discussion, that's the way it'd stay.

So, a few tips:
- Don't think that "more expensive = better whisky". While this sometimes holds true, you'll need to spot overpriced bottlings and marketing gimmicks. That's what general reviews are for.

- Stick to your own experiences to influence the type of bottle you'll end up purchasing next. Whisky is best enjoyed the way you enjoy it, not whatever liquor snobs try to pass off as law.

- Be wary of the "you need to develop your palate to like it" kind of advice. In my experience, you either like something, or you spit it out. That's fine, and there are tons of styles out there to pick from.

- Experiment. Try blends, different single malts, whisky from other countries if at all available, and other spirits (preferably mid-to-high-end) like rum, gin, etc.

- Taking the time to experiment good whisky is the key factor. Take some time alone in a quiet environment. Much better than if you end up sipping it in a loud room full of people...

Has anyone tried Glenfarclas 15?
I've heard good reviews from a few friends but it's a bit pricier than i'm used to for similarly aged whiskies

>>4192672
And a few suggestions:

- Some lesser known single malts like Bruichladdich (Islay), Glendronach (Speyside/Highland) and Longrow / Springbank make some fantastic whiskies. Look for reviews on YouTube.

- While Irish whisky is generally milder, they still have an amazing depth in some cases: Redbreast and Connemara are highly recommended.

- Some nice bourbon & Canadian whisky : Forty Creek Double Barrel (C), Wiser's Legacy (C), Van Winkle Lot "B" (US), Baker's (US).

- Some good blends: Teacher's Highland Cream (though I'm told to avoid some of the latest batches), Chivas Regal 18, most bottlings from Famous Grouse.

>>4192672
It tastes like Christmas. Sherry, spices, ginger ect. Pretty sweet. Not my usual thing but I like it. It is pricey but then I can't think of a similar Whisky for cheaper i'd buy.

>>4192674
I have tried the 12 and it's a bit too sweet for my taste, but I've heard the 15 is better, and the best overall value would be the 17, which is usually not that much more expensive.

>>4192579
I've never tried that, but I guess I'll look for it now. >>4192585
Sorry that you're so upset, but Laphroaig is a great Scotch, and Islay makes peaty Scotches that people tend to enjoy. I prefer Lagavulin to Laphroaig, to be honest, but I also drink more mellow drinks. The Glenrothes is very pleasant, and you never know the flavor you'll get from each bottle. Connemara is one of my favorite Irish Whiskeys, but I do tend to enjoy the peat.

>>4192694
Thanks, i like my whisky a bit sweet so maybe i will try the 12 first

>>4192592
My first whisky was Jack Daniel's, and like most people at the time (18-19), I assumed everyone drank "hard liquor" for effect.

I had little knowledge of what whisky even was until I was 25 and someone had me taste Glenfiddich 12. It blew my mind (I was used to bottom shelf stuff) and I discovered that good spirits can be enjoyed on the same level as good food.

Still, most people will think you're either lying or exaggerating when you vaunt your favorite whisky. As I later found out, it's because that, to a lot of people, alcohol itself has a strong pungent taste & smell, which is off-putting.

I've done experiments with plenty of friends and family members: some report nothing at all from the same glass, while others say it smells and tastes of sewage (not Islay stuff, just some of the mildest whiskies).

I like the Glenmorangie 10 year. Nice and smooth, with a lot of fruit accents - an ideal entry level whisky.
I've been meaning to try the Lasanta, too.

>>4192600

$100?

I picked some up before Christmas for £25.

I didn't understand what they meant when it tastes of the sea before I bought it, now I do. It's the experience of being in a lighthouse with salty waves crashing up against the walls.

I have an unopened bottle of this under my bed.

It was selling for £300 on the internet a year ago but everyone seems to have sold out. I don't know if I can justify drinking it when I could sell it.

>>4192868
drink it all in one sitting from the bottle.

How does one start drinking Whiskey and appreciating all it has to offer? I'm just starting to enjoy and compare different kind of wines and was looking at whiskey now.

Would Black Label be the best quality/cheap entry level stuff as was discussed in this thread?

/ck/ what should I have?
Scotch I have:
Lagavulin 16
Highland Park 18
Glenfarclas 21
Dalmore 12
Bruichladdich Infinity(first Edition)

and 4 more single malts plus alot of bourbons and ryes. P-please help

>>4193032
>alot of bourbons and ryes
>bourbons and ryes
Redneck alert.

>>4192686
>Teacher's Highland Cream (though I'm told to avoid some of the latest batches)

THIS... holy shit . awful stuff

>>4193043
>2013
>Not enjoying different spirirts
Yeah, nah

>>4193016
For more or less the same price, I'd recommend Glenfiddich 12yo rather than Black Label. It'll give you a good indication of what you can expect from many single malts. If you're into bourbon, try Maker's Mark. Better yet, try both, as has been suggested: the more you sample, the better you'll be at spotting quality and what to look for in a whisky.

>>4193032
A collection is never complete, and whisky is a pricey mistress.

Here are some alternatives / similar offerings to what you have:

- Lagavulin : try Ardbeg 10yo for a bigger peat punch.

- Highland Park 18: get a bottle of Springbank 12yo cask strength : it has similar characteristics, but it packs more heat and is a good introduction to quality cask strengths.

- Glenfarclas 21: get a bottle of Glendronach 15 or aberlour 12 (non chill-filtered if available) for a different take on sherry cask maturation.

- Dalmore 12: get a good aged & characterful blend or vatted malt like Chivas 21yo, or Compass Box Oak Cross & Spice Tree.

- Bruichladdich: get the Laddie Ten if you can find it, or if you don't mind spending a little more, their Black Arts release. As an alternative, try the Longrow if at all available, either the CV or 14yo. Campbeltown malts are sadly far too unknown.

>>4193044
So the rumors are true...my last bottle is from 2009 or so and it was still quite good. Supposedly they messed with the recipe and/or distributors.

A decent alternative to that would be Dewar's White Label.

>>4193059
Thanks for the inputs! I'll try some of those out some time. And yes it is indeed true, a collection is never complete. I always find stuff I want to buy. I spend too much on good booze..

Will everybody get mad if I ask for things to add on my bourbon/rye collection?
I have:
High West Rendezvous Rye
Bulleit
Makers Mark
Knob Creek
Rittenhouse 100 Bottled in Bond
Buffalo Trace
Jim Beam Black
Old Charter 12 year

>Drinking blends
>2013

>>4193075
I suggest

Van Winkle 12yo Lot "B", possibly the best bourbon under 100$.

Alberta Premium, a good smooth, quality Canadian rye, particularly the 25yo if you can find some, it's dirt cheap.

Elijah Craig 12yo

Baker's (similar to Van Winkle Lot B)

Woodstone Creek Straight Bourbon, if you live in the US and are lucky enough to have access to that.

>bbbxymryuubububwubbuagy 137 year old master select

>mysideshaveattainedcriticalmass.j

>>4192605
>>4193151

That could pass for a welsh shanty-town name

I've nearly gone through this bottle, my buddy bought it for me. It's the only whiskey I've really tried, and to be honest it took me a bit to start enjoying it.

What are some other whiskeys to get into. I want to broaden my taste and like >>4193016 see all the drink has to offer.

If you don't think old crow is the best valued whiskey you can get then you can go fuck yourself faggot, you are wrong

>>4193158
See >>4192686, >>4193059 and >>4193122

Though quite a few those are well above the price point of Whyte&Mackay, you could try Glenfiddich12 or Glenlivet 12, which are usually about 10$ more than the usual scotch blends. Chivas 12 is also a nice stalwart.

Other good less expensive American whiskeys: Jim Beam Black, Maker's Mark, Evan Williams Single Barrel.

If you find whiskey to be a bit too harsh and or bitter, rum is a good alternative, e.g. Appleton Estate 12yo, not too expensive and complex enough.

This stuff is my stand-by for under $50/bottle. If I'm going to go for something nice, I'll leave bourbon behind and just head for Remy Martin XO.

>>4193179
forgot pic

>>4193163
Wow, just looked up the average price of that. Sadly, outside the US, most bourbon is way overpriced. In Canada, if I were to pay 6-15$ for whisky, I'd be genuinely scared of dying after 2 glasses.

Still, considering that in the US JB Black is a few dollars more, I'd say it's worth it. I'm curious to try Old Crow now though,

>>4193198
Canadian living in the US here. My liver hates me. You don't want good alcohol to be this cheap.

>>4193217
I've been to New Hampshire and went into a liquor store...when I realized how much we're getting fleeced...I've been considering moving ever since.

But you make a good point. With the amount I've ended up spending over the years here, I'd most likely be bankrupt by now, there.

>>4193198
Not all cheap bourbon in the US is good, most of it is pretty awful. There are a few exceptions, Old Crow being one of them. IMO it is of the same or better quality than the middle tier bourbons but it is priced the same as some of the poor quality ones. Hence why I say it is the best value.

I've had much better bourbons but honestly I can't afford to be drinking fine spirits on the reg. Old crow suits my tastes and wallet just fine.

>>4193245
Just found out it's by Beam too, so I guess they have a wider portfolio at home. Heaven Hill also appears to have a much bigger range than what gets exported.

What about Old Grand Dad or Wild Turkey? Heard there's a chance they might start importing those this summer.

I'm probably the only one in this thread who actually knows how to pronounce the names of these whiskeys.

That said, I am impressed by the general knowledge of whisky displayed by /ck/

>>4193298
Sorrypal but you're not the speshul snowflake you thought you were

>>4193268

Both are fantastic, especially Old Grand Dad 100 proof and Wild Turkey 101. Really incredible value.

Got this beauty on the cheap.
Really loving it.

>>4193618
That stuff is great, too bad it's ~$300 a bottle where I live...

>>4193075
Rye:
Whistlepig
Old Potrero
Older Hirsch ryes
Willett estate ryes (the absolute best imo)
The BTAC ryes (Sazerac 18 and Thomas H Handy)

Bourbon:
Booker's
Blanton's, especially the Gold Edition
Elijah Craig 12, or the 20 if you've got the money
Elmer T. Lee
Evan Williams Single Barrel
Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel (the regular single barrel is quite good as well)
Jefferson's Reserve or Presidential Select
Rock Hill Farms
Angel's Envy
Any Pappy Van Winkle bourbon
Vintage 17 or 21
Willett estate single barrel bourbons (any of them are great)
George T. Stagg
William Larue Weller
Pritchard's Double Barreled
Parker's Heritage (every year's release is done differently; if you can find the 2011 one it's especially great)

My favorite bourbon is probably either Pappy 15 or George T. Stagg.

>>4193770
nice, man, nice

>>4193618
If you're a fan of Balvenie's scotches you should definitely try their Tun 1401 if you get the chance. I've tried two different batches of it (#2 and #5) and both were absolutely stellar, some of the best scotch I've ever had.

I fucking love Booker's.

I'm not claiming it to be top-shelf, but the price/quality ratio of the Trader Joe's store label Single Malt Scotch is actually unbelievable. It is a $20 liter that drinks like a $35.

>>4194162
fuck, wrong picture, that was of their blended, which is also good.

Maker's Mark.

>>4194162
You know, I work at a TJ's, and get to taste all of their tasty beers and wines....but I live in Virginia, where we can't sell any liquor here D:

>>4194242

>>4194245

>>4194208
The GF gave me a handle of fireball as part of my birthday gift, not really the best of whiskeys but god damn tastes soo good

>>4194247

>>4194257

got a pocket in him overalls jes' fer holdin hot sketti

I had Tomatin the other day. Damn delicious especially for the price. Felt and tasted like sweet melted butter rolling around my mouth.

>>4193077
>first real whisky experience is single malt
>spend years snobbing anything else
>start exploring blends
>mfw they are absolutely fine
I do enjoy my Grouse/Tullamore. Two completely different affordable blends that you can drink all year round

>>4194278

> first real whisky experience is Kentucky Gentleman
> spend years not drinking anything tougher than light rum
> start exploring high end bourbon, flavored whiskeys and whiskey cocktails
> mfw they are delicious and not a kick in the stomach like Gentleman

I do enjoy Maker's and Jim Bean, Evan Williams single barrel or 23 yr, Wild Turkey, Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, and occasionally Fireball in a fuckin' mixed drink.

I prefer gin.

>>4194253

>unaged, raw spirit
>same price or more than aged bourbon

what

>>4194368

Similarly,

> unaged raw spirit
> same price or more than aged bourbon

wodka

>>4194321
dude. you should try some Bulleit and some Jeffersons Reserve. It's good.

For my little brother's wedding this last year in December I gave him a 1977 bottle of Knockando Scotch, 12 year, single malt. Can't find it in the USA anymore, but I found it sealed in a wall on a job I did. Internet said a bottle goes for around $300 after import and what not. Smelled great, but I'm not so much into scotch. He LOVED it.

>>4192579

>>4192579
Trying some of this, got to say I'm really enjoying it. Best Glenmo I've tried.

I don't really drink whiskey but a friend bought me a bottle of crown royal for my birthday. A few months later I decided to open it up and give it a try. It tasted like it had no taste so I decided to do a bit of research.

Turns out regular crown royal was for mixing. I guess I should head down to my liquor store and ask for actual advice for whiskey
>at least it wasn't JDs, that shit is just terrible unless you add coke to it

>>4195897
It is indeed. And yeah, crown royal is definitely intended to be a mixer.

I'd be happy to give you some whiskey suggestions if you're interested. What kind of whiskey are you looking for?

>>4195913
I guess the obvious intention was to look for something to sip because I'm not much of a drinker. I remember talking to the guy at the liquor store a while back and there were two that caught my eye, there was this local Canadian one he said was good and this other one that was sealed with wax and he recommended both... I realize that tells you nothing though.

I'm from Ontario so all our liquor stuff is at the government-run LCBO

>>4195920
Yeah I'm from BC so we have pretty much the same thing. I love Canada for the most part but our alcohol prices are just stupid.

Anyway, whiskey is pretty diverse so I'll recommend a few from different styles, and you can pick which one sounds the best to you.

>peaty scotch
Typically Islays though not always. Really in demand right now, but they tend to be pretty 'love it or hate it' whiskies- usually VERY assertive in flavor/nose, typically with lots of smoke/brine/peat flavors. Good ones to try at a decent price are Laphroaig 10, Caol Ila 12, Lagavulin 12, or maybe Bowmore 12 if you're looking for a milder one. If you're willing to spend a bit more, things like Ardbeg Uigeadail, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask, and Lagavulin 16 are all awesome.
>Unpeated scotch
Tend to be more sweet/fruity. Easier to start with in my opinion. Good starters include Balvenie's 12-year doublewood, Aberlour 12 double cask matured, Glenmorangie 10 the original, Glenlivet nadurra, and Dalmore 12. At a bit higher price, Aberlour A'bunadh, Glenmorangie Sonnalta or Quinta Ruban, and older Balvenies are all good.
>Irish
Irish whiskey, in my experience, tends to be smoother and lighter in flavor than scotch. It traditionally includes some unmalted barley due to an old malt tax in Ireland. You're a bit more limited in selection for Irish whiskies; I'd definitely recommend Redbreast 12 and Tyrconnel.
>Bourbon
Bourbon, unlike the whiskies so far, is a corn spirit rather than a barley spirit. It also has to be aged in charred, new-make barrels, which is particularly different than scotch which often ages in second-fill barrels, particularly ex-bourbon casks or sherry butts. Good bourbons to start with are things like Elmer T. Lee, Evan Williams single barrel, Elijah Craig 12, Knob Creek, and Four Roses single barrel. For a higher-end one look for things like Blanton's, Booker's, Jefferson's Reserve, Rock Hill Farms or Willett bourbons.

>>4195939
Damn, comment was slightly too long.
>Rye
Rye whiskey is the American whiskey equivalent of Islay scotch. It tends to be very strongly flavored and its intensity (though in this case lying in spice rather than smoke/brine flavors) can make it somewhat of a love it or hate it style of whiskey.
Ryes like Whistlepig, Rittenhouse, and High West Rendezvous are all excellent; if you want a higher-end one I definitely suggest older Hirsch ryes, Willett ryes, and Old Potrero if you want to try a rye made in the 18th century style.

Anyway, hope that's at least somewhat helpful, and good luck with your whiskey search.

Bought some William Lawson's.

It's as cheap as Four Roses, but not half as good.

http://cocktails.about.com/od/whisyreviews/fr/Whistlepig-Rye-Whiskehtm

Look at the review.
Whiskey drinkers are fucking idiots

>>4195939
>>4195947
Shit, didn't expect you to go in so much detail. Really appreciate your help.

>>4195959
No problem, glad to help. Enjoy your whiskey mate.

>>4195957
What about that review gives you that impression?

>>4195974
>It isn't from x
>therefore I won't drink it.

>>4195984
Think they were pissed off that it was advertised as a local whiskey when it is only bottled locally.

>>4195984
That's not really the review though, that's some idiot commenting on it. But yes, I agree that part was silly.

>>4192868

Of course you can justify drinking it, but first taste other whiskies for a year or so. When you reach the point where you can differentiate and appreciate, then you take some quality time for yourself, preferable in winter infront of a roaring fire with a good cuban. And you enjoy it. £300 for a crystal clear memory? That is cheap mate.

My local has this as part of their scotch shelf, it is a great session whisky when you are probably too far gone to give anything more expensive the respect it deserves.

>>4196067
Nice, haven't tried that one. It's always cool to find a place that's got some interesting whiskey. When I was younger I lived in a little town in BC (~16,000 people), and we had this random little pub that actually had one of the biggest scotch selections in all of Canada for some reason. No idea why. It was awesome though, the guy who ran it had bought up a whole bunch of bottles from distilleries that closed down and such so there were tons of bottles that hadn't been made in years.

>>4196067
>>4196091

Jura is like the CoD of single malts

Bourbon is America's treasure.

>>4196159
Fuck yeah booker's.

>>4196159
It is indeed. I just finished a bottle of that, it's damn good bourbon. Replaced it with a bottle of pic related, but haven't opened it yet. Probably will tonight.

just got done drinking 2 of these with light ice at the local bar with a Heinenken to sip on

bill was $6.40 (USA)

fuck I love America

>>4196281
Not as good as the Booker's by my tastes, it's about as smooth as whiskey gets, and the complexity and balance are excellent, but it was a little lacking in zest if you get what I mean.

>>4196411
I like them about equally. They're different styles of bourbon, and each an excellent example of their style.

>>4192579
Caol Ila makes some great whisky. Drinking some of their 18 year old right now.

>>4193183
Basil Hayden's is just about the perfect summer whiskey, imo. So light and lively.

>>4196043
I'd second this. Try some cheaper whiskies until you feel comfortable with them and then enjoy yours.

>>4192579
Having some Masterson's rye.

>>4196140
CoD of single malts? Elaborate for one who has never had Jura.

>>4195628
>>4195889
>>4196067
>>4196539
>>4197318
After coming out of 2-day tunnel, I can see that this thread is doing fine. Very nice quality scotches that I've had the pleasure to taste, and am curious to try out now.

But god damn this drink is the bane of my pale existence.

I thank all the posters for the recommendations.

>my friend says he wants to learn about whisky
>pour him a glass of 18yr Laphroaig
>he chugs it down in one gulp
>says it tastes like shit
>no more whisky for you

I agree it's not the greatest whisky but.....I'm not wasting another glass on someone like that, I don't care what it is.

>>4197920

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vROgjKRdc#t=7m03s

>>4192638
>Laphroaig 10

I got a bottle of this yesterday, and I like it. I'm new to scotch, so my question is this: What scotch is like this Lafroog, only with a stronger taste? I feel like the Lafroog is nice but during the duration I taste it, there are long stretches of 'not that much going on'. I want something that tastes like someone kicked me in the jaw with wet, muddy, leather boots.

>>4197968
Ardbeg

I'm just coming back from my local super market and noticed that spirits will be 25% off this friday and saturday. Combine that with the fact that they are already relatively cheap to begin with. Prices are in Euros.

What would /ck/ get?

I'm currently tending towards the Laphroaig 10 or the Highland Park 12 (it's €35.90 before discount). Although a Lagavulin 16 for €44 would be a steal.

Templeton Rye is good the way it is. No ice, no water.
It's my favorite.

>>4198245
You can't go wrong with that selection follow your heart anon

>>4198245
Oban is also good. I notice they have down there Talisker too. It's a tough choice, but I'd probably go for Laphroiag since I've not had it in a while.

>>4197968
Ardbeg. Or try a Lagavulin, they're not as strongly flavored as Laphroaig 10 but they have more going on imo. Or try Laphroaig quarter cask, it's quite a step up in quality.

>>4198245
I think I'd have a hard time passing up a Lagavulin 16 at that price but really it's just whatever you feel like drinking, that's the fun of it.

>>4192579
I'm finally opening the bottle of George T. Stagg bourbon I bought back in the beginning of December. Can't wait.

>>4198366
Man, I bought a bottle of Templeton Rye online but it got broken during delivery so I only got my Old Overholt.

>>4197961