The Whisky Thread

[Grizzly]

My personal favourite will always be a Bunnahabhain, ideally one that has a bit of extra age on it to mellow out the peatier edges.

 

[YandaB]

I'm not a regular spirit drinker, I've only ever liked the more expensive ones that friends might share with me (with the exception of one very expensive bottle purchased at St Andrews a couple of years ago). Is there a way of determining which ones won't take out the back of my throat when drinking them? A price point perhaps, a particular style. I quite like the idea of a taster pack but if they are all "throat burners" that won't help me choose.

 

[BrianM]

Glengoyne 12 yo is my favourite. I also like Dalwhinnie Winters Gold which Tesco do for £20ish a bottle every now and then.

Glengoyne is a cracking dram, Fortrose golf club get some special bottles from them ???

 

[Blue in Munich]

I'm not a regular spirit drinker, I've only ever liked the more expensive ones that friends might share with me (with the exception of one very expensive bottle purchased at St Andrews a couple of years ago). Is there a way of determining which ones won't take out the back of my throat when drinking them? A price point perhaps, a particular style. I quite like the idea of a taster pack but if they are all "throat burners" that won't help me choose.

This is a guide to the styles;

https://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/discover/enjoying-scotch/scotch-whisky-regions/

As to the health or safety of your throat, there is no easy answer as everyone's throat and palate taste differently. Maybe start with the Lowlands and work up from there? I'd avoid Laphroaig as a starting point...

 

[Blue in Munich]

Glengoyne 12 yo is my favourite. I also like Dalwhinnie Winters Gold which Tesco do for £20ish a bottle every now and then.

Do you keep your Winter's Gold in the freezer as they suggest? Completely changes the character (for the better) for me.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

The addition of a few drops of water can help to reduce the alcohol burn sensation ??

 

[Jimaroid]

I like a dram and Laphroaig is the one that does it for me. Although there are also many speysides I really enjoy I always gravitate back to Laphroaig as the one that defines what a good dram should mean.

 

[Fade and Die]

I'm not a regular spirit drinker, I've only ever liked the more expensive ones that friends might share with me (with the exception of one very expensive bottle purchased at St Andrews a couple of years ago). Is there a way of determining which ones won't take out the back of my throat when drinking them? A price point perhaps, a particular style. I quite like the idea of a taster pack but if they are all "throat burners" that won't help me choose.

I always enjoy a stay at a nice hotel, be it a wedding or just a night away where I can try five or six different ones. I spend most of the evening just looking along the top shelf before trying a few. (Always a giggle to ask the young bar tender if he has any Glen Hoddle?) ?

 

[Blue in Munich]

https://www.whiskyadvocate.com/12-classic-whiskies-you-forgot-you-love/

@yandabrown the first 3 might provide a gentle introduction to the world of malt whisky.

@JamesR scroll a bit further down and you'll find where Tullamore D.E.W gets its name from.

 

[tugglesf239]

Here is my collection.

Must admit not many are open at the moment as I’m reluctant to crack a couple open without good reason to do so.

The blue label will be cracked open when my decree absolute arrives in the next few weeks ?

The Glenmorangie was bought 10 years ago when my eldest was born. Saving that till when she’s 18.

The rest will get popped when the need arises ?

The Aldi Japanese whisky sits among some very good drops, but I’ll tell you know. It’s a gorgeous tasting whisky and id thoroughly recommend it to anybody who fancies a cheeky Japanese dram.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

I also like Penderryn Madeira cask
From Wales normal price £37, but often to be found on special in Tesco etc for £27 ??

 

[Fromtherough]

Have tried and failed to enjoy a decent whisky with my father-in-law on a few occasions. I’m not sure neat spirits are for me. I did like the smell, but the burning throat and weird aftertaste made it more of a chore than an enjoyable experience. Especially when I knew how much the bottle cost (we normally struggle with what to get him for Christmas so a decent bottle is an easy solution). Might add a bit of water as someone said above next time, to see if it dissipates the fire. Although, I imagine my FiL will look at me like I’ve just insulted his wife. At the minute I can understand why some are referring to drinking whisky to “working through a bottle”.

 

[cliveb]

I also like Penderryn Madeira cask
From Wales normal price £37, but often to be found on special in Tesco etc for £27 ??

Tried Penderryn out of interest a few years back and hated it. (Well, when I say "hated", I had to finish the bottle - wasn't going to chuck it away. But it will not pass my lips again).

If we're talking about whiskies from non traditional countries, one that I quite enjoy is Paul John peated, from India.

My standard day to day tipple is Talisker.

 

[Jimaroid]

I think my entry point to single malts was Glenmorangie. That was the first one that helped me realise the gulf between the good and the cheaper, nastier blends or brands generally available. It was the first whisky that left a pleasant glow on my palate rather than an acrid burn. It still took a little while to acquire the taste though and I think that came with curiosity and ultimately realising that whisky isn’t a single defined flavour and the fun of it is in finding your own favourites. Some of my favourite distilleries are capable of making whisky I do and don’t like, which can be confusing, and expensive!

Some other thoughts on getting into whisky.

I enjoy whisky by nosing and sipping rather than drinking and I sometimes feel as if I’m not even swallowing, especially true when sampling whiskies in the higher 50% abv ranges.

That’s not a good entry point though. I also like to mix down with good spring water or ice depending on mood. Some people get snobbish about that but I don’t agree and most distillers are moving with the view that both water and/or ice makes the drink more accessible and can enhance the characteristics and flavours present.

A largeish ice cube that’s swirled and allowed to dissolve in a malt is, I think, a perfect way to get into the finer side of whisky.

If I’m after a longer drink I’ll and dashes of water after every sip. So by the end of a dram I’m only really drinking aromatic water. It’s a very pleasant way to enjoy and extend the wide spectrum of flavours present.

 

[NeilV]

I think my entry point to single malts was Glenmorangie. That was the first one that helped me realise the gulf between the good and the cheaper, nastier blends or brands generally available. It was the first whisky that left a pleasant glow on my palate rather than an acrid burn. It still took a little while to acquire the taste though and I think that came with curiosity and ultimately realising that whisky isn’t a single defined flavour and the fun of it is in finding your own favourites. Some of my favourite distilleries are capable of making whisky I do and don’t like, which can be confusing, and expensive!

Some other thoughts on getting into whisky.

I enjoy whisky by nosing and sipping rather than drinking and I sometimes feel as if I’m not even swallowing, especially true when sampling whiskies in the higher 50% abv ranges.

That’s not a good entry point though. I also like to mix down with good spring water or ice depending on mood. Some people get snobbish about that but I don’t agree and most distillers are moving with the view that both water and/or ice makes the drink more accessible and can enhance the characteristics and flavours present.

A largeish ice cube that’s swirled and allowed to dissolve in a malt is, I think, a perfect way to get into the finer side of whisky.

If I’m after a longer drink I’ll and dashes of water after every sip. So by the end of a dram I’m only really drinking aromatic water. It’s a very pleasant way to enjoy and extend the wide spectrum of flavours present.

Spot on. Water chemically unlocks a whole new set of flavours, often bringing out additional sweetness and fruit, and nearly always improves a high ABV whisky. Many of the experts will water down to less than 30% ABV after initially tasting the undiluted spirit.

 

[Blue in Munich]

I think my entry point to single malts was Glenmorangie. That was the first one that helped me realise the gulf between the good and the cheaper, nastier blends or brands generally available. It was the first whisky that left a pleasant glow on my palate rather than an acrid burn. It still took a little while to acquire the taste though and I think that came with curiosity and ultimately realising that whisky isn’t a single defined flavour and the fun of it is in finding your own favourites. Some of my favourite distilleries are capable of making whisky I do and don’t like, which can be confusing, and expensive!

Some other thoughts on getting into whisky.

I enjoy whisky by nosing and sipping rather than drinking and I sometimes feel as if I’m not even swallowing, especially true when sampling whiskies in the higher 50% abv ranges.

That’s not a good entry point though. I also like to mix down with good spring water or ice depending on mood. Some people get snobbish about that but I don’t agree and most distillers are moving with the view that both water and/or ice makes the drink more accessible and can enhance the characteristics and flavours present.

A largeish ice cube that’s swirled and allowed to dissolve in a malt is, I think, a perfect way to get into the finer side of whisky.

If I’m after a longer drink I’ll and dashes of water after every sip. So by the end of a dram I’m only really drinking aromatic water. It’s a very pleasant way to enjoy and extend the wide spectrum of flavours present.

If I’m testing or tasting I always start with it neat.

If I’m drinking then I may or may not add water in liquid or solid form, depending on how I feel.

 

[YandaB]

Very dangerous thread this! ?.

I've just ordered some miniatures of Glenfiddich 12, Glenlivet 12, Glenmorangie 10, Glenfarclas 10 and Jura 12.

Gives me a littke starter pack to work my way through ?

 

[Maninblack4612]

My all time favourite, bought by wife & daughter for a wedding anniversary about 10 years ago. I have one dram each anniversary & there's probably only one or two left in the bottle. Would set me back over £100 to replace. Beautiful stuff.

 

[DoubleD]

Do you keep your Winter's Gold in the freezer as they suggest? Completely changes the character (for the better) for me.

I have not but I will give it a go.

 

[Maninblack4612]

A couple of years ago I sold a putter on this Forum. The buyer (you know who you are!) was an executive of the Springbank distillery . I mentioned my liking for the spirit & he said he'd send me a sample. I was expecting a miniature. What arrived in the post was a full 75cl bottle. Typical Scottish generosity & a superb tipple too. I do hope that the putter worked.