Scotch

[warubozu]

I would second Tyson's recommendation of Oban 14, it is indeed bit smoother and easier to drink than most other fine single malts and plus it relatively cheap. In some shops it is possible to find a bottle of Oban 14 for under $50.

[mjg]

ok, well perhaps i should order online?
Any suggested scotch retailers i can order from at those types of prices??

The guy i can order stuff from in the store is rather quick, but i also am rather lazy hehe. THanks

[warubozu]

I'm not sure of which particular online store that offers the best prices on single malts but I do know that last week when I was in Costco they had Oban 14 for $39.99.

[daycart1]

I've been very curious about Balvenie, since two or three folks here have trashed it, but the illustrious Michael Jackson (what a name!) gives the "Doublewood" 12 yo (for example) an 87. (Compared to, say Oban 14 which gets 79 or Bruichladdich 15 yo at 80, or Bowmore Dawn at 83).

So I broke down and got a bottle of the doublewood at TJ's for $32. Well, as one would expect, it is a lot like the Glenmorangie special finish jobs. It is very nice, but I have to agree with y'all that it is not quite as nice as the G'morangies. There is a little less nuttiness and spice and rather more orangieness (as Jackson says).

IN case any of you have some lying around, I found that it improves with water. I now do most scotches neat or almost so, some need about 1/4 water, this one needs 1/2 water to smooth out the texture and integrate the citrusy elements.

[Tyson]

My problems with the Balvenie's I've had is that they are all so hot, sharp, and spirity tasting. When I added enough water to smooth them out, they were too diluted. Glenmorangie 15 and 18 are both much better than any of the Balvenie's I've tried.

[daycart1]

Originally Posted by Tyson

My problems with the Balvenie's I've had is that they are all so hot, sharp, and spirity tasting. When I added enough water to smooth them out, they were too diluted. Glenmorangie 15 and 18 are both much better than any of the Balvenie's I've tried.

Yeah, we seem to be pretty close on Balvenie. Say, Tyson, howcome you haven't listed any lowland scotches?

[Tyson]

I'd just end up saying bad things about them. They are just too light, and don't have enough depth/character for my tastes. People who like Irish Whisky tend to like lowlands. I'm not a big fan of either....

[Tyson]

Was drinking some Ardbeg 10 last night, undiluted, my wife comes in the room and says "My god it smells like a peat bog in here". hehe

[daycart1]

Coincidence: also last night I was doing a Laphroaig and my wife said, "it smells like you're drinking mud!"

Today I picked up a bottle of Springbank 175 anniversary. Curse you Booze-fi and sorry about my wallet!

[Tyson]

Let me know what you think of it!