Lets talk about . . . Whisky

by **Beanie** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 2:48 am

Edradour is my favourite so far. These were my previous favourite and Bushmills 10yo sm (yeah, yeah, it's Irish). I'm looking forward to trying this one and this one next

One for the coffee lover?

One day, when I win the 'big' lottery or a an unexpected inheritance as the sole beneficiary to a long-lost multi-billionaire relative, I might try this one :shock:

if it's still available then :roll:

by **Jacob** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 5:56 am

Unfortunately I am down to 18 half empty bottles of single malts :cry:

Not traveling nearly enough these days (all of them tax free). I think I had 25 different bottles at one time. Big problem: Which one to drink

Islay are my favorites. Once got hold of a wonderful Ardbeg called Mariner (15yr). Unfortunately I've drunk all of it and haven't been able to find it again.

by **Paul L** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:59 am

I've never really understood whisky and I've certainly tried. I was 17 when my Brother married and his Father-in-Law was a hardened Scot. We shared about 1 1/2 bottles of something or other when I was already pissed. I'm amazed I did not die, it took me 3 days to recover and it was another 20 years before I allowed Whisky anywhere near my lips.

I finally conquered the involuntary wish to empty my stomach but can't pretend I enjoy it. If I'm absolutely pissed off though a shot of Scotch seems to hit the right spot like nothing else. I'm basically tee-total though simply because I don't seem to enjoy alcohol. Either cursed or lucky I guess depending on how you look at it.

I had a fascinating conversation with an 'expert' though about 6 years ago when wanting to buy something special for a good friend. Whether actually true or not, I learned that the purists who consider that 'adding water to their whisky is sacrilege' are misguided as the distillation process by it's very nature is a process of dehydration and rehydration. Water has therefore been added and so adding water in the glass is not the insult it first appears.

Allegedly, for this reason the cask strength whiskies retain more flavour and it is reputedly better to drink cask strength with water (if necessary) than ordinary strength without water.

Optimum age (of the whisky, not the drinker!) is arguable and this chap said 15 to 18 years. "Below 12 years the maturing process is incomplete and 21 years should be the absolute tops only because no further changes take place. Paying a fortune for older whiskies is allegedly only nostalgia, illusion, deteriorating quality and thankfully that combination of deep pockets and willingness to pay. I have no idea how much of this is true but it was fascinating to listen to.

Also about 6 years ago, a bunch of us clubbed together for a present for someone and I sourced a top class speyside malt for her. She insisted in our all trying it, mt heart sank. Peaty kind of thing which would clearly appeal to some TMCers, I struggled to drink it, not my taste at all.

My mate similarly insistend on my sharing a glass of the cask strength something-or-other I mentioned earlier. Strong certainly but it was clearly a class act.

I hope never to be forced to drink whisky again but if I must then I will be guided by the eclectic mix of all of the above comments and will try to make it something cask strength and non-peaty as a result.

by **Mathias** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:17 am

That is one good thing about France, the price of whisky

Here one can find a Lagavulin 16yo for around 38 euros

Some years ago the swedsih Systembolaget sold Ardbeg 1974 for as low as 45 euros if I remember correct. Although the price went up it was still very good. The problem is it tastes soo good the bottles don't last very long ones they are opened. Still got one though

by **Aadje** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:57 am

Jacob wrote:Once got hold of a wonderful Ardbeg called Mariner (15yr). Unfortunately I've drunk all of it and haven't been able to find it again.

I don't know about an 15yo Arbeg Mariner, there is a Bowmore 15yo called Mariner, I think you mean this one:

by **bruceb** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:06 am

Gorgeous bottle! have you had any? How do you like it?

by **Jacob** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:15 am

Aadje wrote:I don't know about an 15yo Arbeg Mariner, there is a Bowmore 15yo called Mariner,

Argh! Of course I do. Still an excelent malt though. And so is Ardbeg.

by **Aadje** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:26 am

Tasted this one at the Bowmore distillery, imho the best quite affordable Bowmore there is; the casks are stored near the sea, closer by then other Bowmore casks, that's why it's called Mariner: salty and peaty

by **Joris** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:58 am

Isn't whisky the stuff you mix with cola ?? :twisted:

by **Aadje** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 10:50 am

Joris wrote:Isn't whisky the stuff you mix with cola ??

You bastard! You infidel!

by **akallio** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:23 am

Aadje wrote:
Joris wrote:Isn't whisky the stuff you mix with cola ??

You bastard! You infidel!

As a punishment from blasphemy, three weeks of instant coffee is issued. Sounds fair?

by **Joris** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:44 am

I say forcefeed him instant coffee mixed with malt whisky for 3 weeks... :twisted:

by **chemistone** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:51 am

Mathias wrote:That is only good thing about France, the price of whisky Here one can find a Lagavulin 16yo for around 38 euros

Got mine for €25 at the taxfree shop.

by **Aadje** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 12:07 pm

Joris wrote:I say forcefeed him instant coffee mixed with malt whisky for 3 weeks...

who, me?! I wasn't the one talkin bout mixin drams with coke! You should be force feeded some instant coffee, or better: instand cappas :twisted:

by **CakeBoy** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:38 pm

Camp Coffee and Coffee Mate anyone? :shock:

Mmmm, smell that chicory!

Lets talk about . . . Whisky

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