Autumn inspired whiskeys

I know you jest...reading various postings it appears everyone here has a good sense of humor. I agree, some imports are tooo pricey...that is what is great about Whisky Fest...I attended last spring in Chicago and could taste Bourbons, Scotch, Irish...even beer. I quickly confirmed what I like and do not like...fortunately, my choices don't run that expensive...I just did not see the significant difference from 12 to 18 to 23 yrs...of course I noted some...but not enough to pay $75-100 bottle. As I posted in tasting...my brother thinks Walker's Delux is fantastic...it does not cost that much and he likes it...it is ok...makes a good whiskey sour...but I prefer to spend my $ on quality over quantity...because I am not an everyday drinker. Tonight, just pulled my first bourbon out...several years old...W.L. Weller Special Reserve..see tasting notes.

Your profile says you are in the Chi-town vicinity. If so, you are in luck.

Here's a well-known store that carries Red Breast .

Yours truly,
Dave Morefield

So is this the place where we can actually spell out the forbidden word?? Let me try it and see what happens.....scotch.......well, no bourbonium lightning bolts as of yet!! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...ons/tongue.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...icons/wink.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...icons/grin.gif

I have to agree with Jono about the pie analogy. I prefer bourbon any day to any other spirit, but I have no problem trying other whiskeys from time to time. The dominant Scots/Irish influence on whiskey making in North America warrants at least a little investigation into the whiskeys that were first made across the sea. If you like 'em, fine. If not, that's okay too.

As far as seasonal drinking I have a few quirks though I can't really explain why. I usually tend toward tequila (100% blue agave) (oops, I just mentioned te***la in a scotch thread on a bourbon forum...how creepy is that?!?!) in the summer. Scotch suits me more as a fall or winter drink. But bourbon is a year long drink for me (there, I saved myself from excommunication with that one!).

But to answer the original question, the Macallan 12 year is outstanding in the single malt category. Are Blends given equal space here too? Johnny Walker Red label is an excellent blend to me. But I'm still a scotch greenhorn and may be that way for some time because it is so ridiculously expensive around here.

Back to bourbon,

-Troy

My gawd, now we are discussing pie! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...ns/shocked.gif I don't much like pie anymore so my calories can come from spirits.
http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...icons/wink.gif
Most people including Linn know that I do not drink only bourbon. I likely know more about bourbon and have more experience with more labels of bourbon than other spirits partly because there are a limited number of bourbon distilleries.

I must admist, though, that this forum is far more active and interesting than those I've seen regarding other spirits. But by volume, I drink more beer than anything. http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...cons/blush.gif

Single or blend is great...no superior attitude here...just a desire to communicate what is good to drink...have not had much experience with tequila outside of mixed drinks. Have not tried the "Red" version. Just like wines today, a lot more blendings of various grapes...geez...way off into left field with that reference!! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...icons/grin.gif How about some Spanish roija or super Tuscan red! Stop me...oh no, I also like a Australian port called Galway Pipe..great for those after Thanksgiving day "pies." Have mouth, will eat and drink! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...cons/smirk.gif

Okay now that I got my requisite shock behind me, I will post somethong constructive:

I have not tasted much whiskey before I stumbled on bourbonia and fell in love, but here is a short list of what i liked:

Balvenie 15 Single Barrel & 21 Port Wood
Bushmills 10 & 16 Year
Black Bush
Old Pulteney 12 Year
Glenlivet 18 Year
Crown Royal Special Reserve

I think one of the things I enjoy the most about bourbon is its assertiveness, and it seems when I revisit any of these resently they have lost their magic a bit.


TomC

Since Jim added this thread I'll contribute. Though I've often extolled the virtue of better bourbons to our local "Irish Pub," I must admit that on occassion when eating there I'll ask for an Irish Whiskey. My favorite is Tryconnel or as I sometimes call it Tyrconnel Five Star. (referring to the five stars on the label) It is a single malt and is somewhat fruity. As the leaves fall and so does the temperature a nice meal in a cozy Irish pub with a good beer followed by a glass of Tyrconnel can sure be a comfort.

There ya go!

Personal tasted are just that--personal. I love all styles of whisk(e)y (Bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, Canadian, etc.). I like most other spirits (brandy, rum, tequila, gin & vodka). I like wine a little (might have it with dinner, that's all my wife drinks, I do NOT have a descriminating palate for it though), but beer... I have to be PRETTY thirsty to drink beer. http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbth...cons/laugh.gif