What Wee Dram Are You Enjoying Now - Fall 2013/Winter 2014

[T Comp]

Is that what was in the box on the Gazebo Table on Saturday, Sean? (I think that 's the one) If so, one of the Top 5 whiskies I tasted all weekend.

Oh man you guys are killing me. That PJL is just fantastic. My first bottle of that was gone in record time. I've been putting off opening another. I currently have RB 12 CS open which is a fine substitute, but PJL wins in my book. Love that stuff. :-)

Yeah, even at the far lower proof the PJL takes it. Cheaper too!

Back at the sampler I preferred the Yellow Spot by a hair over the PJL but now a few months later I give the nod to PJL. Both also have less of the dominant grapefruit I get in RB 12 CS...which is still one hell of a pour but in my 3rd spot next to these two.

[smokinjoe]

Yeah that's the one. Burgundy box. Very nice, right?

That's it. Very, very nice!

[sutton]

Cragganmore 12 - standard bottling. This is a really satisfying dram - love the balance between the hint of peatiness and the fruit. Never had an older Cragganmore, but this standard 12 year is very satisfying as the weather is turning cooler here in New England. And can be had for less than $50 - for me, a very high QPR scotch that can be found everywhere.

[ChainWhip]

Cragganmore 12 - standard bottling. This is a really satisfying dram - love the balance between the hint of peatiness and the fruit. Never had an older Cragganmore, but this standard 12 year is very satisfying as the weather is turning cooler here in New England. And can be had for less than $50 - for me, a very high QPR scotch that can be found everywhere.

I might have to give that a try

[Yeti]

I might have to give that a try

Agreed. Never had a Cragganmore, but you make it sound very appealing.

[sutton]

Agreed. Never had a Cragganmore, but you make it sound very appealing.

As SM scotch goes, I think this is a real deal - the price for admission is very reasonable. It isn't complex, but if you just want something to unwind with out by the fire pit or on the porch as the leaves start to fly, this is a nice one to have around.

[ChainWhip]

As SM scotch goes, I think this is a real deal - the price for admission is very reasonable. It isn't complex, but if you just want something to unwind with out by the fire pit or on the porch as the leaves start to fly, this is a nice one to have around.

Sounds like it'd make a good foundation in a blend too

[sutton]

Sounds like it'd make a good foundation in a blend too

It very well could be; I think it might be a component of one of the JW blends, maybe Green? If that is the case it would be a few years older than the std Cragganmore - The peaty note I pick up is very subtle, kind of like you might get in a blend, more smoky than say a very overt Islay peat note. Just saw it for $45 the other day.

[MtnDew]

I might have to follow suit and get a bottle of the #6

[SqueakScolari]

Going all-Irish tonight.

Started with Redbreast 12 to the Jameson 12 (excellent for the money).

Next up is the Powers Johns Lane 12.

[ChainWhip]

I'd love to grab a 6 but when I did a quick check a few weeks ago I could not find anywhere online with it and my local Seattle area shops are pretty terrible at stocking rare and limited scotch.

I don't think any of the distributors in WA carried the TUN's - where'd you score your #3 from? :-)

I have a #3 open right now - if we ever get a Seattle area SB gathering going (hint hint) I'll bring some to share.

Edit: If you try the #3 and hate it, I get first dibs! =]b

Edited September 27, 2013 by ChainWhip

[LostBottle]

MtnDew, I've got a Tun 6 open if you ever make it to one of our meetups - I'll even charge you $100 less than the $100 Canon charges for a pour.

[ChainWhip]

Here's a tasting w/ all 8 TUN 1401 batches so far:

http://themaltdesk.blogspot.dk/2013/09/tasting-balvenie-tun-1401-batch-1-8.html

[RVTsteve]

modest pours of Black Bottle, JW Green, Springbank 10, HP 12 15 & 18, The Laddie Ten, Laphroaig Cairdeas Portwood, Macallan CS.

Ramping up for Whisky Fest tomorrow.

[ChainWhip]

modest pours of Black Bottle, JW Green, Springbank 10, HP 12 15 & 18, The Laddie Ten, Laphroaig Cairdeas Portwood, Macallan CS.

Ramping up for Whisky Fest tomorrow.

How's that Laphroaig Cairdeas Portwood?

[Guest]

Havin a lagavulin 16 tonight with my steak, yummy!

[RVTsteve]

How's that Laphroaig Cairdeas Portwood?

I really like it. The color surprised me, though not sure it should have, definitely took on some color from the portwood. If you like Laphroaig, I imagine you'll enjoy this. NAS but didn't seem overly young, very comparable to the 10yr in my opinion. You get all the smoke and peat but some of the sweetness from the port. I'd consider picking up another if I came across it, but I was surprised enough to find this one in the wild. Plus I have a 16yr Laphroaig from K&L on order which should round out my Laph needs for some time.

[ChainWhip]

Thanks for that - I'll probably end up pulling a bottle in after reading your impressions.

[Wee Robbie]

Benriach Curiositas 10 Yr. Nice peated Speysider, bonus was on clearout at the Manitoba Government Monopoly $10.75 off so it was $43.16 plus tax. Very nice dram for that price here in Canada.

[AaronWF]

How's that Laphroaig Cairdeas Portwood?

I like it too, though it is a bit one-noted. I think the finish pairs well with the Laphroaig characteristics. I prefer the more gentle Laphroaig expressions, and this one is a little clumsy (though I find the 10yo to be the same), but it's a nice riff for $60.

[ChainWhip]

Thanks Aaron. I wonder if it'll develop some more depth after some opening up time... But I'll get a bottle for the winter/fall bar menu :-)

Edited September 28, 2013 by ChainWhip

[Yeti]

I made some new friends this week who are apparently high-roller type guys. We met at a private cigar lounge last night and after chatting about a few things walked across the street to the liquor store where one of the guys picked up a Glenmorangie Signet...

Which we promptly emptied in about 2 hours. Man, that's some good stuff. I wouldn't buy my own bottle at the price, but it's a delicious chocolate and orange dram for after dinner. Or anytime.

[LostBottle]

I am sipping the Lagavulin Distiller's 1994 tonight. It was open and remained untouched as Summer heat and smokey peat are not a good mix for me, but it is absolutely hitting the spot with this rainy weather.

[MyOldKyDram]

Hibiki 12. Haven't gone to this in awhile. Wont blow your socks off w flavor, but a real nice, pleasant drinker and a fine starter pour for the day!

[WAINWRIGHT]

A nice bold pour of Macallan CS and a Cohiba while out blowing leaves in this more than wonderful fall weather.