What Wee Dram Are You Enjoying Now - Spring/Summer 2013

[Alden]

You started a thread titled: "Top Shelf Scotch - Highland Park 18 VS 15?" where you stated:

Also, is this one heavy on the peat?

I really don't like a heavily peated scotch.

If you "really don't like a heavily peated scotch" Lagavulin (either the regular 16 year old or the Distillers Edition which is essentially the 16 finished in ex-sherry casks) would be the last thing you would want to buy.

On a scale of 0 (no peat smoke) to 9 (sticking your head in a column of smoke generated by burning wet peat) Highland Park would rate about 3-4, Lagavulin 7-8!!!

Thanks for that information. Crossing it off the list... :grin:

[ChainWhip]

Thanks for that information. Crossing it off the list... :grin:

I'd say give it a try first if you can - the peat is subdued or muted by the sherry finish on the Lagavulin DE IMO (will acknowledge its still there).

It's really quite delicious though.

[ChainWhip]

Tried some of this (Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask / Cask Strength):

My "To-Buy" list keeps getting longer and longer and longer...

[KyFriedChicken]

Sipping on The Hakushu 12 by Suntory and I have to say I'm extremely impressed.

[bad_scientist]

I opened one of my 2002 Macallan cask strength bottles yesterday. The bottle has a truly hideous label, a bright unnatural red, but I didn't have to hide it, as the cork broke and I had to decant it into an ORVW10 bottle. Then I noticed that it's an even uglier bottle...

As for the whisky, it's delicious. I was nervous because the version from 2009 or so was a rubbery mess, but this is a clean, rich malt and sherry bomb. Pretty much exactly what you'd expect from a good Macallan, no real difference in the flavor profile with the higher proof, but what flavor is there is a bit more intense.

[Alden]

I opened one of my 2002 Macallan cask strength bottles yesterday. The bottle has a truly hideous label, a bright unnatural red, but I didn't have to hide it, as the cork broke and I had to decant it into an ORVW10 bottle. Then I noticed that it's an even uglier bottle...

As for the whisky, it's delicious. I was nervous because the version from 2009 or so was a rubbery mess, but this is a clean, rich malt and sherry bomb. Pretty much exactly what you'd expect from a good Macallan, no real difference in the flavor profile with the higher proof, but what flavor is there is a bit more intense.

Rubbery? That's a first for me.

Like when a big truck slams on brakes on the highway and you are a couple cars behind?

That sounds hideous.

[bad_scientist]

Rubbery? That's a first for me.

Like when a big truck slams on brakes on the highway and you are a couple cars behind?

That sounds hideous.

It sure is. It's a lot like you described but without any tar or asphalt. Boy, this sounds ridiculous

[Alphanumeric]

Perfect example of how people's tastes differ so much. I've tasted over 200 single malt scotches, many I would not buy due to price but the Deanston virgin oak is probably the only one I would never buy again - regardless of price!

Well now you've got me on the "relative to the 12 yr" line of thinking again. I might have to reconsider!

[Alphanumeric]

It's interesting to see how much drinking can help to sort through one's personal preferences. My first Scotch was Talisker DE. I was quite taken with it in the beginning but now that I can identify flavors beyond 'yum', it doesn't have nearly as much appeal and I find myself reaching for the 10 yo before the DE.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Monkey Shoulder I originally paid little mind now sits happily in my glass.

[portwood]

It's interesting to see how much drinking can help to sort through one's personal preferences. My first Scotch was Talisker DE. I was quite taken with it in the beginning but now that I can identify flavors beyond 'yum', it doesn't have nearly as much appeal and I find myself reaching for the 10 yo before the DE.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Monkey Shoulder I originally paid little mind now sits happily in my glass.

Excellent point. Taste develops over time (and sometimes from one day to the next) and with experience. Be careful taking the statement "this is the best whisky I've ever had"* at face value from someone with limited experience. The statement is meaningless if the person has tasted only a handful of different drinks.

Context is also very important. I'm sure even a ho-hum whisky will leave a great impression when tasted for the first time with great company in a memorable environment - the distillery for example.

At the end of the day, smell/taste is very personal. What's great/awful to one person may be the complete opposite to another person - or the same person under different circumstances.

* by the same token "the worst whisky I've ever had" means nothing if the person has only tasted a few expressions.

[DaveOfAtl]

Intended to start the night with a Great King Street New York Blend and ended up having three pours. Really hitting the spot. I love the touch of peat.

[compliance]

Curiosity got the best of my tonight so I opened my Bere Barley 2006. This is certainly a different profile! I get mild lemon, creamed corn, vanilla, light peat, grass, and the taste that I normally associate with pot stilled whiskey. I was slightly disappointed at first because I couldn't fit it into a box I like, it's almost like an irish pot still crossed with good tequila? Confusing! Two drams and I'm good with it. It's fun.

[thiemb]

Cracked open a new bottle of Balvenie DW. I don't go to the dark side too much these days but always love this pour.

[Virus_Of_Life]

Kilchoman Machir Bay, can't say exactly what it is about this, but I freaking love it. For a fairly inexpensive bottle it has great qualities and is definitely one I want to always have a open bottle of at least for a while.

[Alden]

Cracked open a new bottle of Balvenie DW. I don't go to the dark side too much these days but always love this pour.

I have a half bottle left of the Balvenie DW. It's a non-peated Speyside dram, very fruity and floral and with a nice taste of sherry from the second barrel.

It's a good scotch to introduce to someone who has never had a single malt before.

[bad_scientist]

Kilchoman Machir Bay, can't say exactly what it is about this, but I freaking love it. For a fairly inexpensive bottle it has great qualities and is definitely one I want to always have a open bottle of at least for a while.

That sounds great to me! I've read multiple comments on how Kilchoman is reminiscent of Port Ellen. Have you had the new "normal proof" Port Charlottes? I think they're called An Turas Mor and The Peat Project.

[thiemb]

I have a half bottle left of the Balvenie DW. It's a non-peated Speyside dram, very fruity and floral and with a nice taste of sherry from the second barrel.

It's a good scotch to introduce to someone who has never had a single malt before.

agreed. It was my gateway to scotch, probably the same for many others.

[squire]

It's a good one to start with or to stay with for that matter.

[Virus_Of_Life]

That sounds great to me! I've read multiple comments on how Kilchoman is reminiscent of Port Ellen. Have you had the new "normal proof" Port Charlottes? I think they're called An Turas Mor and The Peat Project.

I haven't, I am pretty new to Scotch honestly, so the only Port Charlotte that I have had to this point is a single cask selected by Malts of Scotland (cask #967). It is very good, so yes I want to get more of the regulars and broaden my experiences some.

I definitely cannot speak to Kilchoman being similar to Port Ellen as the only PE I have had so far is the 9th annual which I find spectacular, but I have to think there is some serious potential there and would like to add a couple other expressions to the cabinet.

[Clavius]

A little HP12 tonight.

[ChainWhip]

Had a small pour of Kilchoman 2010 Summer Release that I got from a trade with a gracious SB member. I'm impressed with this young Islay and the great people that put their efforts into making this beautiful expression. Clean peat, sea/brine, citrus, oak/vanilla... good stuff.

I'll be looking forward to adding Kilchoman to my bunker.

And now finishing off the night with 25ml of Compass Box Oak Spice Tree

Edited May 20, 2013 by ChainWhip

[ChainWhip]

Working through my Compass Box Sampler pack - starting off with the Oak Cross & ending with Peat Monster.

Edited May 21, 2013 by ChainWhip

[timd]

Dang... where to start:

Longrown 14, Longrow 18, Longrow Red

Benriach 21 Peat & Sherry

Springbank Calvados, SB 18

Glendronoch 21

Balcones Single Malt

Brucladiach Peat

And that doesn't include the bourbon... Oy!

[ChainWhip]

So your palate may be fried after that (but good form my man - well played!)...

I'm interested in your impressions of the Longrow 18 & the Benriach 21.

Edited May 21, 2013 by ChainWhip

[timd]

So your palate may be fried after that (but good form my man - well played!)...

I'm interested in your impressions of the Longrow 18 & the Benriach 21.

Longrow 18 is epic. I can't find fault. If you like a well formed whisky with loads of character (up to and including peat/smoke), this is the dram for you! The 18 years didn't take any edge off the peat - it's still bristly and vibrant, and the typical Springer construction is rock solid... Just a super high-quality dram, worth every (unaffordable) penny. Legen---- wait for it and I hope you aren't lactose intolerant ---- dairy. As good as it gets, but it doesn't come cheap.

The Benriach 21, and I didn't pay for it at all - is a solid dram. But, compared to Lagavulin DE (also a peated & PX offering) blows doors off this at 1/2 the price... Sure to get some solid age with PX finish you'll be at the $100+ level, but nothing works with a peat monster better than a PX finish on 16+ years. The Benriach is good - but the peat went in one direction and the sherry in another - with a "unappealing funk" in the middle. I like "funk" - but Curiositas and Talisker DE are both better at less than 1/2 the price, and Lagavulin DE at 1/2 blows this away... Nothing terrible here, just more "challenging" and less integrated than I'd expect from a pour of this age & price.