What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

[unclebunk]

But right now I'm just finishing an Auchentoshan, ... almonds and chocolate-covered cherries, bitter cocoa, hints of peat and smoke.

Just got my first bottle of Auchentoshan recently and was really impressed. It went over big with a number of house guests.

[edo]

Just got my first bottle of Auchentoshan recently and was really impressed. It went over big with a number of house guests.

This is my first bottle (almost gone now.) My first pour or two, I wasn't too impressed. I guess it wasn't what I was expecting or I didn't give it enough time... But it was colder than cold-hell here a couple weeks ago. Heating is shit in paradise, so we take a deep hot bath in the winter to get warm. Japanese bath tubs are much shorter and deeper than in the US, and they have a heater that keeps the water hot. I went in with a triple pour of Auchentoshan, and came out much later (after everyone else had gone to bed) a true believer with great appreciation for the stuff.

[unclebunk]

This is my first bottle (almost gone now.) My first pour or two, I wasn't too impressed. I guess it wasn't what I was expecting or I didn't give it enough time... But it was colder than cold-hell here a couple weeks ago. Heating is shit in paradise, so we take a deep hot bath in the winter to get warm. Japanese bath tubs are much shorter and deeper than in the US, and they have a heater that keeps the water hot. I went in with a triple pour of Auchentoshan, and came out much later (after everyone else had gone to bed) a true believer with great appreciation for the stuff.

I wasn't expecting much either, perhaps because Auchentoshan is a Lowland whisky which I tend to associate with "pleasant" but "bland." I know that I shouldn't make that broad generalization but I do. But mid-way through my second pour I began to really appreciate the subtle charms of Auchentoshan and was able to tease out some wonderful flavors that sold me on the whisky. It's kind of like my experience with Bunnahabhain in that I first thought it was the blandest of Islays but soon began to appreciate what a truly fine dram it really is after I put my preconceptions to rest.

[JamesW]

Last night I had a nice pour from the standard Black Bottle NAS (~5yrs old) before hitting the single malts. I've always like the BB, and last night it was superb. For about $20 in the US, you really can't beat it for value. While being quite young, it has very pleasant smoke and peat, is slightly sweet mid-palate which then turns into a slightly dry-ashen finish that lingers nicely.

If you like the Islays as much as I do, this is a must-have everyday pour. To stretch your premium dollars a bit further, I also suggest adding a splash of the Laphroaig QC. This really adds some nice complexity.

[unclebunk]

Last night I had a nice pour from the standard Black Bottle NAS (~5yrs old) before hitting the single malts. I've always like the BB, and last night it was superb. For about $20 in the US, you really can't beat it for value. While being quite young, it has very pleasant smoke and peat, is slightly sweet mid-palate which then turns into a slightly dry-ashen finish that lingers nicely.

If you like the Islays as much as I do, this is a must-have everyday pour. To stretch your premium dollars a bit further, I also suggest adding a splash of the Laphroaig QC. This really adds some nice complexity.

I've done that a lot, James, and it's mighty fine. But now you've got me thinking about Laphroaig QC. I might light a fire, pour some LQC and watch the snow continue to fall. What better way to spend a cold winter night!

[JamesW]

I've done that a lot, James, and it's mighty fine. But now you've got me thinking about Laphroaig QC. I might light a fire, pour some LQC and watch the snow continue to fall. What better way to spend a cold winter night!

I'm right with you on that. Reaching for the Laph as we speak

[JamesW]

Added some Ardbeg 10 (which seemed a little dry tonight) and now some Lagavulin 12 CS. This dram is superlative. Wow! Just outstanding.

[unclebunk]

Had my Laphroaig Quarter Cask pour, followed by a LQC/Black Bottle combo. I was going to call it a night but think I'll have a small Laphroaig Cask Strength before turning in. That LQC really is outstanding!

[edo]

Last night I had a nice pour from the standard Black Bottle NAS (~5yrs old) before hitting the single malts. I've always like the BB, and last night it was superb. For about $20 in the US, you really can't beat it for value. While being quite young, it has very pleasant smoke and peat, is slightly sweet mid-palate which then turns into a slightly dry-ashen finish that lingers nicely.

If you like the Islays as much as I do, this is a must-have everyday pour. To stretch your premium dollars a bit further, I also suggest adding a splash of the Laphroaig QC. This really adds some nice complexity.

If you guys can get hold of Finlaggan, that's a good cheap(er) mystery Isla. I think it's young Caol Ila.

[Brisko]

My newest open bottle is anCnoc 16. Matured in all ex-bourbon casks-- it is rather naked, but I really like it. Some pineapple juice, dandelions, and grapefruit rinds in the nose.

Speaking of a splash of Laphroaig, I've found that certain non-offensive but not very exciting single malts, especially those with a little sherry touch (Tomintoul comes to mind) can be improved drastically with a dab of Laphroaig Cask Strength.