One for the whisky lovers

[sjmuktop]

I do love my spirits, in particular whisky and brandy.  

If I'm at the pub, though I do sometimes opt for a red wine, which will usually be a Malbec or a Merlot, more often than not these days, I opt for whisky.

My preference is always a single malt Scotch (no blended malts, please). I do occasionally enjoy a delicious bourbon (like Woodford Reserve), and my palate also appreciates a good brandy - especially a cognac or Brandy de Jerez. 

I have in recent times taken to enjoying a whisky or two in the evenings to mark the end of the day. I love sitting back, putting my feet up, putting on music or something to watch, whilst slowly sipping a quality malt. My favourite Scotch is currently Talisker 10, sometimes neat or with just a dash of water to open some sweetness, in my Waterford Crystal cut glass tumbler (I still don't have a Glencairn yet). I always drink my whisky neat or with a dash of water. I never commit any criminal acts like adding ice and / or a mixer. 

I do love what you might call 'contemplative' sipping sessions. That is, where I just sit listening to the ticking of my mantle clock whilst enjoying the flavours and aromas of the Scotch or brandy I happen to have in my hand; no other external distractions or sounds. 

Though I like non-age statement (NAS) Scotch whiskies, I prefer single malts with age statements. 

Anyone else here a whisky lover? Scotch? Bourbon? What is favourite whisky and how do you like it? In what environment? 

In terms of Scotch, I do like the gentle Speysides (The Singleton 12, Glenfiddich 12, The Glenlivet 12), but also enjoy lightly to moderately peated whiskies like Talisker (10 and Skye) or Highland Park 12. No Laphroaig or Ardbeg yet. Talisker is my favourite whisky thus far on my whisky journey. I'd love to know what you like and any recommendations would be very welcome.

Sláinte!

[+ JamesB]

I’m a big fan of blended Scotch, and my go to bottles are usually Buchanan’s 18 Year or Royal Salute 21. For special occasions, I’ll break out the Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

[wsc]

I'm in complete agreement with the no ice/no mixer enjoyment of Scotch. It should be at room temperature (or warmed with your hand) to bring out the flavors and to not dilute the essence. The Speyside Scotches can vary a great deal for my palate, but the Glenlivet is uniformly reliable. The 12-year is fine, but the 18 is regal - golden and smooth!

But my heart belongs to Islay. The Lagavulin and Ardbeg are enchanting, and the Laphroaig is more familiar than mother's milk, assuming her milk is at a high proof and bears a resemblance to gasoline.

Bourbons are generally too sweet for me, and for some reason make me drunker faster (not what I'm looking for!) A cordial such as Frangelico or B&B are lovely endings, unless I'm in the mood for danger, then maybe a Black Sambuca.

Champagne is also always welcome, but not to excess. Too many bubbles will put me on my butt.

[jeezifonly]

I like variety. 2 of anything is the limit, and I never mix. Wine for me is some sips during a meal. Champers only for toasts. 

Whiskey, at home can be Tennessee or Bourbon. Evan Williams my go-to, while having Four Roses Small Batch on hand for my 'neat' friends. Scotch is not a fave of mine, nor, evidently, of the people who come by for a drink. I make a good highball, great Perfect Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour with lemons from my tree. I find an Old Fashioned too sweet for me. 

But I also enjoy a dry Sapphire martini sometimes - it's a foolproof order at restaurants, and I make a fine one. Anejo (rocks or neat) before Mexican food is perfect if I don't trust the 'rita's. Like I said, variety. And everything pairs well with a little ganj. Cheers

🥃

[BSR]

11 hours ago, wsc said:

The Speyside Scotches can vary a great deal for my palate, but the Glenlivet is uniformly reliable. The 12-year is fine, but the 18 is regal - golden and smooth!

If you can find it, try Glenlivet 25:  smokey, peaty, smooth as silk.  It was a bargain for quite some time until the price skyrocketed a ~dozen years ago.  Despite the leap in pricing, it’s still far less expensive than this 25 …

I'll gladly drink Macallan 12, will be tickled pink to sip Macallan 18, and will be your best friend until the day you die if you serve me a glass of Macallan 25.

Edited 4 hours ago by BSR
Typo

[dutchal]

The Scots themselves, as I understand it, usually drink the single malts only after adding some spring water.

https://uisgesource.com/

Since I live in NYC and our water is mountain water, I usually add a single ice cube to a single malt in lieu of spring water.  (Two ice cubes with a more generous pour of the whiskey.)

[BSR]

5 minutes ago, dutchal said:

The Scots themselves, as I understand it, usually drink the single malts only after adding some spring water.

https://uisgesource.com/

Since I live in NYC and our water is mountain water, I usually add a single ice cube to a single malt in lieu of spring water.  (Two ice cubes with a more generous pour of the whiskey.)

I’ll drop an ice cube, stir it for 15 seconds, then pop it into my mouth to avoid adding too much water to the single malt.  A few drops of water in scotch is perfect; too much ruins it.

[+ JamesB]

1 hour ago, BSR said:

I’ll drop an ice cube, stir it for 15 seconds, then pop it into my mouth to avoid adding too much water to the single malt.  A few drops of water in scotch is perfect; too much ruins it.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Whiskey-Beverage-Reusable-Birthday/dp/B07N87QGRJ

[+ MikeThomas]

Macallan, Bowmore, Lagavulin and if I'm feeling the call ... Ardberg.

Armagnac and sometimes an after dinner Port ... Sandeman or Taylor.