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Islay must be a strange place. You got Bowmore, some of which might be mistaken for bourbon (by somebody?!?). You got Laphroaig whose cask strength is bottled smoke, peat and iodine period and about as far from Kentucky as anything that calls itself whisk(e)y. Then there's Ardbeg (I only know 10), another ten degrees of longitude and lattiude past Laphroiag.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost Pollito
"Another color in the painting of Whisky." I get olive green high-gloss enamel, what do you get?
Strange indeed. Don't forget my favorite -- Caol Ila. And Bruichladdich-- masters of ace, Bunnahabhain--- the un-peated islay, Kilchoman (newest on the island), Lagavulin -- liquid bacon, and the long lost legend Port Ellen. I gotta visit soon. I do love the peat and crappy weather with my dram.:cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by edo
Very appropriate description. Too bad I laughed out loud and passed whiskey through my nose.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost Pollito
:slappin: :slappin: :slappin: Perhaps we'll diverge from bourbon on the 10th and try some Caol Ila that we've been aging in a mini barrel. Islay is heaven imo. Well....Kentucky and islay. I've been lucky enough to hang with distillers from both regions, and have concluded that I'm a fan of both Whisk(e)y styles.:cool: Well....all Whisk(e)y styles. Water of life as it is.:grin:Quote:
Originally Posted by unclebunk
I'm with you Joe. It's all good! Caol Ila is the only Islay I've never had, so we might have to hit that barrel at some point. By the way, Islay is an "interesting" heaven. I've been there twice and loved it. Cold, wet, windy, rocky and barren--just the environment and weather you need when you stumble into a local pub and order a dark Scottish ale and a not-so-wee dram of Laphroaig before settling down by the fireplace. Then it's back out to wander the hills in the lashing rain until you need to warm up again and have another round of drinks. What could be better?Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost Pollito
I'm having Bowmore Legend tonight. I've been drinking alot of bourbon (and beer) this summer and I think maybe this shot of lower-aged Islay is a little severe. It's just to much contrast with the sweet bourbon. It's not bad, but I wish I had some JWB, a Speysider or some Chivas.
Just bought my first bottle of Springbank 10 today which I will be hitting tonight. Can't wait to try it!
I've been drinking Lagavulin 16 since it was recommended to me in the Harrod's liquor dept when I visited London in 1991. Even hoarded a few bottles to survive the shortage a few years ago.
2nd favorite is Bowmore. Love the dragon on this bottle.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...s335/bwm30.jpg
Really don't like Laphroig or Ardbeg--both too peaty.
For smoky, not peaty, try Talisker--the only Scotch from the Isle of Skye. Side by side with Lagavulin, you can tell the difference.
At Chicago Gourmet last weekend, tried Glenlivet 21. Very smooth. Reminds me of my early days of single malts--Glenfiddich and Glenlivet.
Picked up a bottle at Binny's today--$25 less than they estimated at the show, so I was pleasantly surprised.
I love the Lagavulin 16 too--possibly my overall favorite Scotch whisky, though the Highland Park 18 runs neck and neck in my book. I've got one Lag 16 open and three bunkered after finding a stash for $55 each ($90 most other places around here), so how could I pass them up? I'd like to try that Bowmore you've got pictured but I'm guessing it's way out of my price range.Quote:
Originally Posted by bigtoys