Proseltyzing my father-in-law

[Attila]

My father-in-law is a devoted Scotch drinker. Next time I visit the in-laws, however, I am gonna bring a bottle of bourbon over and see if I cant make him see the light.

Anyone have an ideas to what a good scotch to bourbon crossover bottle would be? I have a bottle each of WTRB and WTAS on hand . . .

I was thinking of taking a bottle of WT Sherry Signature and a bottle Bowmore Sherry Cask, but seeing as I have never had WTSS, so I am not so sure that would be such a good tool to help him see the light.

Any ideas?

[kickert]

I am sure you will get many replies here and I would guess that most of those will be about bourbons that have similar characteristics to scotch (of course it all depends on what type of scotch your father in law drinks).

Let me offer a perspective that may be a bit different. While the spicy character of a rye bourbon may be more similar to scotch, I would recommend something with a sweeter flavor to it - perhaps Elmer T Lee.

Here is my rationale. I have gone through the process in reverse - from bourbon to scotch. What I have found is that I actually prefer scotches that are completely dissimilar to bourbon. In fact I tend to drink Islay or Highland scotches - the peatier the better. The reason is simple: they each have such unique characters. If I want something that tastes like bourbon, I will drink bourbon. I want my scotch to taste like scotch.

So perhaps the best way to get your father-in-law to join the bourbon fold is to introduce him to something that scratches a different itch than his scotch does. Truth be told, if he likes the taste of scotch there is no bourbon that can mimic that.

[Attila]

perhaps Elmer T Lee.

Thanks.

I've never had it. Sounds tasty though.

Is there a difference between the single barrel or the 9yr., or are they the same?

[fishnbowljoe]

Just my opinion, but there are two or three ways to go about this.

Ease into it with a wheater, MM or one of the Weller bourbons. Hit him hard with one of the higher proofs or ryes. Stagg, Bookers or OGD 114. Or go with one of the Van Winkle bourbons.

Like I said, just my opinion. I've tried converting a couple of my friends who drink Jack Daniels. They've tried MM, KC and JB. Even gave one a bottle of ETL for his birthday. No dice. They'll only drink bourbon if there is no Jack or if they run out of it (re MM,KC and JB). At least they keep some around for when I visit. Let us know how it goes. Joe

[kickert]

I have never heard of the 9 year old, I only know of the single barrel which comes without an age statement.

If you are looking for a similar pour that is a bit cheaper, Bulleit is a great option (although not as complex as the ETL).

[StraightBoston]

Referring to a previous thread, I actually swayed a couple of my SMSW-loving friends with the burgundy label Evan Williams 15yo. In my experience, it is the wood, rather than the rye vs. wheat vs. corn variations that translates best to scotch. For example, 1792 even with its high-malt mashbill has not appealed to Scotch drinkers in my house.

(And even if you hadn't told me before, "proselytizing" -- even misspelled (I had to look it up myself) -- would have given me the hint that you're not native Japanese!)

[Sijan]

I'd consider taking something like Lot B or Van Winkle 15 yo. Very high quality bourbon, in other words.

I've always heard that Blanton's is a "scotch drinker's bourbon" but I'm not really sure what makes that so. Dryness?

Do you know what type of Scotch he likes?

[sku]

What type of Scotch does he like?

I drink equal parts Scotch and Bourbon and have often tried introducing Bourbon to malt drinkers.

Generally, I think Elijah Craig 18 is a good malt for Scotch drinkers. The oaky notes in particular make it appealing. I would especially recommend it for fans of rugged Northern Highlanders.

I think Pappy 20 is a good choice, especially for those who appreciate a smooth Speysider.

I've noticed that peat lovers (myself included) tend to like Rye. I think they identify with the very pronounced flavor profile.

[ILLfarmboy]

I'd consider taking something like Lot B or Van Winkle 15 yo. Very high quality bourbon, in other words.

I've always heard that Blanton's is a "scotch drinker's bourbon" but I'm not really sure what makes that so. Dryness?

I have heard the same thing. In fact I was going to post as such when I first saw this thread, but Internet problems delayed me, then I lost interest.

I have heard die hard scotch drinkers complain that bourbon is too sweet. So, unlike many posters I wouldn't use a wheater.

[Attila]

Do you know what type of Scotch he likes?

All types. He keeps several bottles around the house and they are from all over. He is not Catholic about his drinking. He drinks shochu (Japanese vodka), belgian beer (my fault), Japanese beer, wine, etc. etc.

[Attila]

I think Pappy 20 is a good choice.

Funny you should say that considering I just got a bottle of Pappy 20.

[dcb]

same here, I've been introducing various bourbons to my father in law. We both love Islay scotches like Laphroaig so I figured a high rye bourbon would appeal since a bold flavor is what he digs. The EC12 and Saz 18 both went over very well.

[Attila]

This is what I hit him with to date:

- August: WTAS

- September: Bowmore Dawn (port cask)

- October: Van Winkle 15

His order of preference (judging how fast they are going) Bowmore - PW15 - WTAS

Already purchased and waiting:

- November: Pappy 20

- December: Bowmorre Darkest (sherry cask) and VWFRR13 (so I will have something to drink when I visit).

Thanks for your input!

[Special Reserve]

Attila,

I'll volunteer to be your honorary Father-in-Law.

Maybe some day I'll have a Son-in-Law will be like you, if I'm lucky.

Will