What Water of Life/Scotch are drinking or purchased 2025?

[Skinsfan1311]

On 2/19/2025 at 10:04 PM, Kepler said:

 

New pickup for me.  I was looking for the Uigeadail but this was on ps of 

 

[Skinsfan1311]

On 2/19/2025 at 10:04 PM, Kepler said:

 

New pickup for me.  I was looking for the Uigeadail but this was on sale for $76, just a few bucks more than the Uigeadail.  I figured, why not.  Wouldn't get another chance at this one for the price.  First impression is at 57% abv, it's a beast. Intense but very interesting. Lots of intense peppery spice to go with the campfire smoke.  I'm sure I'll be experimenting with some drops of water.

I have them both, and I prefer the Corryvreckan, with a tiny cube, or a splash.

[Skinsfan1311]

On 2/19/2025 at 10:04 PM, Kepler said:

 

New pickup for me.  I was looking for the Uigeadail but this was on sale for $76, just a few bucks more than the Uigeadail.  I figured, why not.  Wouldn't get another chance at this one for the price.  First impression is at 57% abv, it's a beast. Intense but very interesting. Lots of intense peppery spice to go with the campfire smoke.  I'm sure I'll be experimenting with some drops of water.

I have them both, and I prefer the Corryvreckan, with a tiny cube, or a splash.

Now I'm triggered

[Skinsfan1311]

On 2/19/2025 at 10:04 PM, Kepler said:

 

New pickup for me.  I was looking for the Uigeadail but this was on sale for $76, just a few bucks more than the Uigeadail.  I figured, why not.  Wouldn't get another chance at this one for the price.  First impression is at 57% abv, it's a beast. Intense but very interesting. Lots of intense peppery spice to go with the campfire smoke.  I'm sure I'll be experimenting with some drops of water.

I have them both, and I prefer the Corryvreckan, with a tiny cube, or a splash.

Now I'm triggered

[StarSurfer55]

I need some advice on how to reset your palate.  I have a Bruchladdich Laddie 10 that tastes like burnt rubber. At first that was all I tasted.  I then tried an American malt and that helped a bit as I know can tell that there is a nice malt underneath the burnt rubber (band-aid?) taste in the Laddie 10.

 

I am a microbiologist by training and for four years of school, we cleaned our lab counter tops with double strength Lysol.  Lysol is a phenol based disinfectant and that smell is etched in my memory.  So to me, all the peated scotches taste like lysol.  

 

However, I would like to learn to enjoy (maybe tolerate) the peaty schotch whiskys a bit more.   I have thought about using a HIgh West Campfire as transition but at $80 a bottle, that seems a bit much for something that I may not like.

 

Any tips on how to make this transition?

[Kepler]

12 hours ago, StarSurfer55 said:

I need some advice on how to reset your palate.  I have a Bruchladdich Laddie 10 that tastes like burnt rubber. At first that was all I tasted.  I then tried an American malt and that helped a bit as I know can tell that there is a nice malt underneath the burnt rubber (band-aid?) taste in the Laddie 10.

 

I am a microbiologist by training and for four years of school, we cleaned our lab counter tops with double strength Lysol.  Lysol is a phenol based disinfectant and that smell is etched in my memory.  So to me, all the peated scotches taste like lysol.  

 

However, I would like to learn to enjoy (maybe tolerate) the peaty schotch whiskys a bit more.   I have thought about using a HIgh West Campfire as transition but at $80 a bottle, that seems a bit much for something that I may not like.

 

Any tips on how to make this transition?

 

I thought the Laddie Ten was unpeated?  No?

Have you ever tried the new "Classic Laddie" NAS expression?  I really like it and I don't get any peat in it. I find it to be very "fresh" and a great spring and summertime pour.   I never tried the Laddie Ten.

 

As far as your other question about learning to enjoy peated scotch whisky, ...  the sense of smell is so strongly linked to our memory banks in our brains, your connection to Lysol in your memory will likely be tough one to overcome.

 

Personally, as a peat newbie myself, I really like the Port Charlotte 10.  Unlike some of the others, it was finished in French wine casks and it has a sweet wine-type finish as the very last note that sticks with your palate after you are finished with the taste.  I find it very approachable.  You might give it a try.  Personally I feel that if a person doesn't enjoy Port Charlotte 10 then maybe peat is just not in the cards.  Good luck sir, let us know your experience if you find something that works for you!

[Kepler]

On 3/2/2025 at 4:51 PM, Skinsfan1311 said:

I have them both, and I prefer the Corryvreckan, with a tiny cube, or a splash.

Now I'm triggered

 

Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad I purchased the Corryvreckan, especially at the closeout price, it was a no-brainer for me. I can still try the Uigeadail anytime for the regular price.  Actually my next Ardbeg purchase might be the Wee Beastie. I tried a sample of it awhile ago and I quite liked it, especially for the price.

 

I know from several of your posts that you are a huge fan of that 19 yr Traigh Bhan.  Do you have a favorite batch that you recommend?   Any batches that you would say to pass on?  

 

 

[Skinsfan1311]

15 hours ago, Kepler said:

 

Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad I purchased the Corryvreckan, especially at the closeout price, it was a no-brainer for me. I can still try the Uigeadail anytime for the regular price.  Actually my next Ardbeg purchase might be the Wee Beastie. I tried a sample of it awhile ago and I quite liked it, especially for the price.

 

I know from several of your posts that you are a huge fan of that 19 yr Traigh Bhan.  Do you have a favorite batch that you recommend?   Any batches that you would say to pass on?  

 

 

No problem!

 

I've only had 2 releases of the 19 yr and both were/are excellent so I don't have enough experience with them to recommend, or pass, on a particular batch.   With an average price around $325.00 they fall into the category of "special bottles" that I rarely open.  I don't drink a lot of Scotch, and it's mainly limited to the cooler months, so those "special bottles" last a long time.       That said, I still haven't met an Ardbeg that I don't really enjoy.   I wanted to like the Wee Beastie....but I didn't replace the bottle when it was gone.   It was pretty good, but I'd just assume spend a few more $$ and get the 10 year.   That said, I would recommend it to anyone just getting into Islay whiskey, as it's very reasonably priced and approachable.    

 

 

 

 

[Skinsfan1311]

On 3/3/2025 at 10:35 AM, StarSurfer55 said:

I need some advice on how to reset your palate.  I have a Bruchladdich Laddie 10 that tastes like burnt rubber. At first that was all I tasted.  I then tried an American malt and that helped a bit as I know can tell that there is a nice malt underneath the burnt rubber (band-aid?) taste in the Laddie 10.

 

I am a microbiologist by training and for four years of school, we cleaned our lab counter tops with double strength Lysol.  Lysol is a phenol based disinfectant and that smell is etched in my memory.  So to me, all the peated scotches taste like lysol.  

 

However, I would like to learn to enjoy (maybe tolerate) the peaty schotch whiskys a bit more.   I have thought about using a HIgh West Campfire as transition but at $80 a bottle, that seems a bit much for something that I may not like.

 

Any tips on how to make this transition?

If peated whiskey tastes like Lysol, I wouldn't bother.  It doesn't sound like something that can be overcome, so why waste the time and money?    

[StarSurfer55]

2 hours ago, Skinsfan1311 said:

If peated whiskey tastes like Lysol, I wouldn't bother.  It doesn't sound like something that can be overcome, so why waste the time and money?    

Thanks to you and Kepler for the advice.  I may give it  a try again but you may be correct in that it may be somthing that you really can’t get past.  That Lysol odor is so etched in my brain that it can’t be removed without a lobotomy.

[Skinsfan1311]

2 hours ago, StarSurfer55 said:

Thanks to you and Kepler for the advice.  I may give it  a try again but you may be correct in that it may be somthing that you really can’t get past.  That Lysol odor is so etched in my brain that it can’t be removed without a lobotomy.

That's a good call....life is too short and if you have to acquire a taste for something, it probably tasted like shit in the first place!     My trigger is mildew....which is all I taste in anything with truffles and blue cheese and is the reason that I've given up on them....

[Kepler]

On 3/4/2025 at 2:45 PM, Skinsfan1311 said:

No problem!

 

I've only had 2 releases of the 19 yr and both were/are excellent so I don't have enough experience with them to recommend, or pass, on a particular batch.   With an average price around $325.00 they fall into the category of "special bottles" that I rarely open.  I don't drink a lot of Scotch, and it's mainly limited to the cooler months, so those "special bottles" last a long time.       That said, I still haven't met an Ardbeg that I don't really enjoy.   I wanted to like the Wee Beastie....but I didn't replace the bottle when it was gone.   It was pretty good, but I'd just assume spend a few more $$ and get the 10 year.   That said, I would recommend it to anyone just getting into Islay whiskey, as it's very reasonably priced and approachable.   

 

Good stuff, and I hear ya - thanks for the info.  In the meantime I'm going to get more familiar with this Corryvreckan before buying more of them.

[GaryT]

In pre-celebration of my birthday tomorrow, decided to crack open a Cutty Sark Tam O'Shanter 25 year old.  One of my top 5 pours (maybe top 3), and even with hammer fees and outrageous shipping (won at auction and was the ONLY bottle I won), still worth every penny!

Cheers!

[markandrex]

Happy Birthday, cheers!

[smokinjoe]

Happy Birthday, Country!!  

[jvd99]

Drinking samples I curated a long time ago, Ardbeg 10 from 2013 and Supernova

[Kepler]

Started with the Classic Laddie and now having a nightcap of the 2013 Bruichladdich Barley as I watch the end of some of the late March madness games.  

This barley is excellent

[Kepler]

I had a pour of Oban 14 at the hotel bar.  It was just as good as I'd remembered it the first time I tried it.  Eventually I'll have to pick up a bottle of my own.

[Scotch_Collector]

I picked up two new malts yesterday. One is Whispering Waters Braeval 9 year single malt scotch aged entirely in first fill Pedro Ximenez sherry cask and bottled at cask strength (60.2%). The second is from the Holyrood Distillery, a newer distillery that uses different yeast strains to affect the flavor of the whiskey. I got single cask #89 (link below). It is also aged in PX casks, but is a very different animal. It is bottled at 60% ABV. 

 

The Whispering Waters Braeval 9 year PX is awesome. Rich and sweet sherry forward with amazing depth and spice as well. The finish is a little more oak forward than I expected and prefer, but I think given a week or two to open up in the bottle and it will be perfect. 

 

This the densest PX flavor profile I have in my collection and I have a lot of sherry and quite a few PX cask finishes. 

 

The Holyrood #89 is incredible. If a PX single malt (like the one above) had a baby with champagne, this would be it. 

 

Incredibly fruity and light but with a rounded sherry sweetness that makes this amazingly balanced. Drinks very smooth for 60% and how young it is. 

 

Both of these are awesome bottles for anyone into non peat sherry cask malts. 

 

 

https://holyrooddistillery.co.uk/single-cask-89/

[Scotch_Collector]

On 3/3/2025 at 10:35 AM, StarSurfer55 said:

I need some advice on how to reset your palate.  I have a Bruchladdich Laddie 10 that tastes like burnt rubber. At first that was all I tasted.  I then tried an American malt and that helped a bit as I know can tell that there is a nice malt underneath the burnt rubber (band-aid?) taste in the Laddie 10.

 

I am a microbiologist by training and for four years of school, we cleaned our lab counter tops with double strength Lysol.  Lysol is a phenol based disinfectant and that smell is etched in my memory.  So to me, all the peated scotches taste like lysol.  

 

However, I would like to learn to enjoy (maybe tolerate) the peaty schotch whiskys a bit more.   I have thought about using a HIgh West Campfire as transition but at $80 a bottle, that seems a bit much for something that I may not like.

 

Any tips on how to make this transition?

I agree with what has been said. I wouldn't fight the association. There are many non peat single malts out there that are amazing. If you want to drink malt whiskey, stick with the non peat or very low peat examples. 

[Kepler]

Balvenie 12 yr Toast of American Oak.  This bottle is about half gone, I think I've had it for a little over a year.  I feel this is pretty good for the price (paid $80 before tax).

 

 

 

 

Edited March 26 by Kepler

[Scotch_Collector]

6 hours ago, Kepler said:

Balvenie 12 yr Toast of American Oak.  This bottle is about half gone, I think I've had it for a little over a year.  I feel this is pretty good for the price (paid $80 before tax).

 

 

 

 

 

Balvenie makes good scotch, especially given that they mass produce. 

 

I just read up on the 12 YR Toast of American Oak. Sounds intriguing. I have quite a few Balvenie bottles in my collection and tend to think 12 YR is a good age for scotch. I liked the Double Wood a lot and found the 12 to be superior to the 17 yr. It was more balanced. 

 

The only Balvenie I have had that I am not really a fan of is the Caribbean Cask. I lot of people swear by it but it's not my jam. I am probably spoiled because I have their original Rum Cask. That is incredible. Much more depth. 

 

I haven't had Balvenie in a while. Time to pour some from the collection.  

[Kepler]

14 hours ago, Scotch_Collector said:

 

Balvenie makes good scotch, especially given that they mass produce. 

 

I just read up on the 12 YR Toast of American Oak. Sounds intriguing. I have quite a few Balvenie bottles in my collection and tend to think 12 YR is a good age for scotch. I liked the Double Wood a lot and found the 12 to be superior to the 17 yr. It was more balanced. 

 

The only Balvenie I have had that I am not really a fan of is the Caribbean Cask. I lot of people swear by it but it's not my jam. I am probably spoiled because I have their original Rum Cask. That is incredible. Much more depth. 

 

I haven't had Balvenie in a while. Time to pour some from the collection.  

 

Good feedback.  I also enjoy the 12 Doublewood and I've been working down an open bottle of that gradually.  When I purchased the 12 DW I remember sampling it and the Caribbean Cask at the same time at the store.  I remember enjoying them both but I chose the DW as my favorite of the two.  Since then I've purchased Caribbean Cask but I haven't opened it yet.  I've had a couple of airplane 50mL sized bottles of it before, but I don't recall details.

I also have a 17 yr DW unopened.  I don't drink a ton of scotch so it can take me years to empty a particular bottle.

 

[Scotch_Collector]

1 hour ago, Kepler said:

 

Good feedback.  I also enjoy the 12 Doublewood and I've been working down an open bottle of that gradually.  When I purchased the 12 DW I remember sampling it and the Caribbean Cask at the same time at the store.  I remember enjoying them both but I chose the DW as my favorite of the two.  Since then I've purchased Caribbean Cask but I haven't opened it yet.  I've had a couple of airplane 50mL sized bottles of it before, but I don't recall details.

I also have a 17 yr DW unopened.  I don't drink a ton of scotch so it can take me years to empty a particular bottle.

 

Thank you. I am new here so I want to make a good impression :). 

 

The Caribbean cask has some fruity and spicy notes from the rum finish. I prefer the depth of the double wood and the balance it has. Having said that, I am sucker for sherry and other wine cask finishes and maturations when it comes to single malts. If I had to guess, the amount of time in the rum finish is probably fairly short. It is a rare find in the scotch world to see a rum finish bottle but I also imagine Balvenie's flavor profile would pick up the rum finish fairly well. In other words, more time would probably have yielded a more distinct rum imprint. It also depends what rum casks were used and other variables. 

 

I have several other spirits (bourbon, rye, and both American and Canadian whiskeys) that are rum cask finished and they seem to pick up the flavor (and sweetness) more. Again, time, cask, type of rum, etc. all matter. 

 

I digressed. The 17 year is definitely tasty and smoother than the 12 year. I have not had either in years but my recollection is that the 12 was a little more balanced.

 

I read that the 17 year was discontinued in 2021. That does not surprise me given the trend to no age statements, younger bottling's, and/or crazy expensive age statement bottles in the world of single malts, in particular scotch. 

Edited March 27 by Scotch_Collector

[jvd99]

Good price on Lag16, but passed

 

Still one of the best values in all of scotch