Whiskey - The Why and Wherefore

[pemazel]

As much as I like Laphroaig (considerably), I may enjoy Ardbeg even more -- in addition to its peatiness are wonderful vanilla tastes.

To me the epitome of a wonderful apres-dinner whiskey is Lagavulin: it got the peat but not the burnt tyres of Laphroig, it is amore suave drink.
Pre-dinner: Tallisker.

Paul

[Arpey]

In my middle ages I finally learned how to drink Scotch Whiskey. The secret - avoid ice and if needed mix with room temperature water.
My preference: Abelour Abunadh
Scotch before dinner; a sautern, port, cognac or a brandy afterwards

[BirdofSydney]

I've sampled a few decent, if not excellent scotches. Preferred method is a large cube of frozen spring water in the tumbler, which slowly melts to give the right dilution.

I tried 18 year old Glenfiddich the other week, and was thoroughly unimpressed. Still much, much too sweet for my liking, not nearly enough smoke...

[eg]

My daily tipple is generally the grape, but with company I enjoy Jameson's 12yr as an aperitif. I find Irish light enough to enjoy before a meal, while Scotch I reserve to accompany cigars or later in the evening. Right now my cabinet includes open bottles of Cragganmore 12yr, Bowmore 15yr and Dalwhinnie 15yr. I also have a Suntory 12yr, Glenfiddich 12yr, and a Bushmills 10yr Single Malt -- gifts I haven't tried nor yet had a request to open.

As a change-up I recommend Mount Gay Extra Old rum. If you like Rye (my weakness with mix after Sunday morning touch football in cooler weather ) you might try Wisers 18yr or Canadian Club 12yr.

[alden]

You should try a bottle of good Calvados gents. An example: The "reserve Calvados" from Julien Fremont made in St Georges en Auge, Normandy

[whyescalar]

Woodford Reserve. Neat is perfect. A splash of water is good, too. Anything from the Van Winkle distillery is very good, Bourbon-wise.

Big fan of trying the local tipple, and Calvados is an excellent suggestion. A perfect paring with a fine cigar is Tequila, also neat, añejo or reposado Tesoro de Don Felipe or Herradura. The odor of the stuff, agave from the smoky hills of Jalisco, is similar to Lapsang Souchong, or Laphroaig.

[jrandyv]

Having tried a number of scotches, my favorite, above all, is the Macallan. For every day I drink the 12; for special occasions I have a gradually reducing bottle of 18.

[Leyburn]

Irish whiskies are definitely worth a look. Two of my favourites are: Midleton Very Rare, has a really velvet finish, dangerously drinkable and Redbreast 12 Year Old.

[Leyburn]

I forgot to add that given that I am an irish man, i may be a little biased.

[Parishow]

[quote="alden"]You should try a bottle of good Calvados gents. An example: The "reserve Calvados" from Julien Fremont made in St Georges en Auge, Normandy[/quoteQuestion:



Does one drink Calvados..neat?

H.E. Lewis

[iammatt]

One does.

A great resource for Clvados (and all brandies, whiskeys and Chammpagne)

http://www.dandm.com/category_products_ ... t=Calvados

[Sammyo77]

To me the epitome of a wonderful apres-dinner whiskey is Lagavulin: it got the peat but not the burnt tyres of Laphroig, it is amore suave drink.
Pre-dinner: Tallisker.

Paul

I could not agree more with this. And as for the previously recommended Ardbeg, I find it to be a bit one-dimensional. A word of warning, though, no other liquid induces a hangover like an Islay.

I also prefer the Macallan 10 to the Macallan 18.

Another that I like is Bunnahabhain (haven't checked the spelling but that's roughly it). It's an Islay but not at all like the others. I find it, along with the Macallan, a bit sweeter which is sometimes what one is after.

[mikepara]

I think a nice Irish maybe a Black Bush, though blended is a nice Whiskey. Or the Bushmills, 21 year old Single is delicious. Don't be afraid to water it to taste, why do you think there's whisky / whiskey branded water jugs on every bar?

Personally, I'd only drink whiskey long after a meal or before a pint. It's too good to waste on preparing a palate.

Please be wary, getting the wrong one could put you off for life.

[the tailor]

Some may find this interesting ref whisky.

www.whisky.co.uk

[alden]

I recently picked up a good Irish whiskey...Connemara "Peated Single Malt"..its quite good, smoky, not sweet

Cheers