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=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: Relaxer on March 12, 2013, 03:46:10 pm

Title: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 12, 2013, 03:46:10 pm
Figured we have a beer thread so for those of us who like things a little stronger, here is a whisky thread.

I'm a bourbon man all the way. Almost every night, I go home and have about 2.5 ounces of this
(http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1050794x.jpg)
along with a splash of simple syrup, maybe 5 dashes of bitters, and a drop of water. So good. Willett goes up to 20+ years but then you're talking big money. I like the 13 year because you can find it for under $100 and even the snobbiest drinkers will like it.

If I'm feeling like a cocktail, I'll make this iteration of a Manhattan.
4 ounces of
(http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1039898x.jpg)
2 ounces of Vya sweet vermouth, 2 ounces of Grand Marnier and 8 ounces of orange juice. Mix with ice in shaker and enjoy ~3 glasses.

The other day I asked some alcoholic buddies where I should begin with scotch. I've had it before but it just never appealed to me. They all agreed on a recommendation, so I swung by Schneiders on the way from work yesterday and bought a bottle of
(http://www.lovescotch.com/product_images/product11264_resize.jpg)

Looking forward to trying it tonight.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 12, 2013, 04:00:34 pm
i was going to ask, "what is the (e) for?" but then i read

http://www.thekitchn.com/whiskey-vs-whisky-whats-the-di-100476
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on March 12, 2013, 04:19:29 pm
hmmm not sure I'd recommend Laphroaig to a Scotch virgin - its a peat/smoke bomb, which while very very good is a fairly extreme example of the style - there are lots of other significantly different, and in some respects, more approachable Scotches

And lets not forget the fairest maiden of them all - Irish Whiskey - here are some very worthy examples that are well worth while seeking out

(http://www.oldliquorcompany.com/contents/media/midleton%20very%20rare%201999.jpg)

(http://img1.findthebest.com/sites/default/files/821/media/images/Bushmills_16_Year_Old_Single_Malt_Irish_Whiskey_1.jpg)

(https://www.weinquelle.com/fotos/Redbreast_12_Years_Single_Pot_Still_Cask_Strength_10451.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 12, 2013, 04:35:39 pm
I had a feeling (re: the scotch recommendation) that there was an element of "look how big my dick is" but while I am somewhat of a scotch neophyte, I'm accustomed to bourbon that's extremely strong so hopefully I can get over the heat and focus on the nuance, so to speak.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: nkotb on March 12, 2013, 04:41:07 pm
Where's this specialty thread?

"look how big my dick is" 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: nkotb on March 12, 2013, 04:42:06 pm
I do love this idea...I don't know enough about whiskey/scotch/bourbon.  I'll never been that guy (similar to beer...I like to try new things but I'll never have a cellar full of vintage bottles), but it's good to know where to start.

Carry on.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 12, 2013, 04:51:53 pm
I got into whiskey two ways. First, I had a boss who introduced me to lunchtime Manhattans. Except he was an 80+ year old man and after lunch, he'd go home and take a nap and I'd have to go back to work. I actually got into trouble when this woman reported to the boss that I was drinking on the job. When we had our inevitable talk about it, he started out with "well this is awkward."

The second was after a hundred+ times of bringing a six-pack to a party, a friend of mine said "Dude, just pick up a pint bottle of whiskey. It's so much easier and it's cooler." And I thought to myself, hey he's right!

But I gotta say, there is something so satisfying about sipping a fine drink that is 62% alcohol. We're not animals.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 12, 2013, 05:09:27 pm
I just got convinced that I need to now own that Redbreast Cask Strength so I'll be going to Schneiders again.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: stevewizzle on March 12, 2013, 05:51:00 pm
(http://www.highwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/double-rye-label.jpg)

a favorite as of late.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: imbecile on March 13, 2013, 10:31:30 am
hmmm not sure I'd recommend Laphroaig to a Scotch virgin - its a peat/smoke bomb, which while very very good is a fairly extreme example of the style - there are lots of other significantly different, and in some respects, more approachable Scotches



I was going to make this exact comment after the opening post.  Laphroaig is indeed a bold move for a first try at scotch.  That being said, the Quarter Cask is mellower than their other iterations.  That also being said, Laphroaig was also my first scotch way back and it hooked me in a big way and the brand is still my go-to.

I'd go for something from the Highlands after the Laphroaig to emphasize the contrast in flavors available while still having the smoke from the Islay scotches.  Don't listen to people who say that Highland Park is an intro scotch for ladies, it's a good intro for anyone (more body I'd say than Laphroaig).  Also, for the price (really inexpensive), Cragganmore is really solid as well, which is a Speyside scotch.

On the other end of the spectrum and more subtle than the above are the big guys we've all heard of Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Macallan.  In this realm (Lowlands) some solid intros (again, relatively inexpensive) would be Balvenie Double Wood and Aucentoshan 10yo.

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on March 13, 2013, 10:41:13 am
(http://www.highwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/double-rye-label.jpg)

a favorite as of late.

big fan.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on March 13, 2013, 10:48:23 am
thank you so much for this thread.  Super new to whiskey.  Husband and I have decided it's time we learn to appreciate it!  So far, my favorite is Redbreast...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Jaguar on March 13, 2013, 10:53:34 am
Regarding scotch, also research which ones might be best with a lemon twist, neat or with a small cube or two of ice. By a small cube of ice, I mean one of those tiny bar/restaurant cubes, not those humongous home refrigerator cubes. Break it down if at home. Sometimes it helps cut the heat or strength if you aren't use to such a drink although some (usually the better ones) scotchs are destroyed by ice. A lemon twist will sometimes add just the right enhancement like a spice to some foods. Keep in mind, that's a lemon twist, not a slice of lemon. Don't even go there! A raw oyster is nice too with some of them but that's a pain so you may want to wait until you're in the right bar for that one. Once you develop a taste for scotch, it's a pretty nice drink but drink very, very sparingly because it will kick your ass!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 13, 2013, 10:57:22 am
http://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation/video/the-wrong-way-to-consume-alcohol/n31710
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on March 13, 2013, 11:06:33 am
Why? (just curious)


  Super new to whiskey.  Husband and I have decided it's time we learn to appreciate it! 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 13, 2013, 12:05:07 pm
Well, I tried the Laphroaig last night. Had 2 ounces with a splash of water in my fine Glencairn glass. Kicked back and relaxed and... BLECH. I conclude that I just don't like scotch or at least, I don't like it yet. It was such a sweet relief to then pour a glass of the Willett bourbon and return to Flavor Country.

That said, I am going to get a bottle of that Redbreast Cask Strength because I want to try it. I tried Schneiders last night but they didn't have it. I suspect the liquor store on 9th Street across from the Convention Center will have it. That place is great.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on March 13, 2013, 12:14:13 pm
you were warned that Laphroaig was a bold place to start... stuff is really, really peaty.

what about going to a bar and sampling there?  might be better to spend $6-10 on a taste vs. $50+ on a bottle.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on March 13, 2013, 12:28:10 pm
Are you guys into whiskey for the taste or the buzz?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 13, 2013, 12:32:37 pm
I love the taste of bourbon. In fact, while I definitely enjoy the buzz, it can be a hindrance because I don't like to get drunk. So if I'm drinking Willett, which is up to 130 proof, I can only enjoy two of them before I hit that limit of "Okay, enough." Last night, I was wishing I could've had another but after the glass of scotch and the rescue glass of bourbon, I'd hit the limit.

Also, I just found this description of Islay scotch:
Quote
Islay

These whiskies?s come from the island of the same name and give them a full flavour peaty malts often with flavours of iodine and tar.

Oh yummmmm! I just love the flavor of iodine and tar.

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Jaguar on March 13, 2013, 01:01:01 pm
For those needing training wheels for scotch or just trying to use up a bottle just to get rid of it, you may want to try these ideas. Not at all what I would recommend to a scotch drinker though since it's like mixing cider and water into your beer. Or taking a good steak and loading it up with ketchup, A1 and fried breading. What a waste!

Mix your scotch with Coke. Like a rum and Coke but with a different liqour edge.

Mix your scotch with milk. Sounds weird but not as bad as it sounds.


Now bourbon is something I can't stand, especially in a very sweet cocktail like a Manhattan. Way too sickening sweet for me. Great for cooking and baking but I've rarely had a bourbon drink that I can handle. Jack Black neat isn't bad though.

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 13, 2013, 01:14:52 pm
(http://www.chicagoparent.com/media/4014844/jackblack(2).jpg)

Yes, yes, drink from me. But I can't promise it will be neat.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Jaguar on March 13, 2013, 01:27:19 pm
^ I knew something was wrong with that. Got the brand wrong. I was thinking of Johnny Walker Black (the Red is nasty!). He's a much more proper gentleman.

Edit: Scratch that too! That's scotch but not that great of a brand.

I don't know what it was I had that I didn't mind. Could have sworn that it was some sort of a black lable bourban and thought it was some sort of a Jack Daniels. I don't know. It was many years ago and never went back.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 18, 2013, 10:27:09 pm
Just finished a bottle of good, but middling, Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye (http://alcoholreviews.com/2012/02/13/22012-catoctin-creek-organic-roundstone-rye-whisky/), and I'm about to tuck into a High West Double Rye (http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2011/01/28/review-high-west-double-rye/), which I'm really excited about.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on March 19, 2013, 08:02:06 am
Bought a bottle of Bushmills 10.  Loving it.  The vanilla notes especially.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 19, 2013, 10:01:58 am
I don't think I've had a High West that I didn't like, and I've loved some of them. That was the beauty of the Red Palace. They carried most, if not all, of the High Wests as long as all sorts of other ryes and you could try them out without dropping $40+ for a bottle.

I think I'm going to walk up to Modern Liquors today and get a new bourbon based solely on how cool the bottle looks. They have all these craft-y looking brands there and I want to try something new.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Jaguar on March 19, 2013, 10:23:07 am
Be careful buying based on cool bottles. I made that mistake once with a vodka. Think it was a Van Gogh. Nice arty bottle but the vodka was surprisenly harsh. It wasn't just run of the mill, it was downright bad! Made the regular brand rails almost taste good.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: nkotb on March 19, 2013, 10:35:02 am
Lately, I've been drinking more and more Old Fashioneds as my cocktail of choice.  Any whiskeys to try/avoid with that one?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 19, 2013, 10:45:55 am
Hey me too! I love Old Fashioneds and pretty much enjoy one every night.

I tend to have a bourbon for mixing into Manhattans (usually Four Roses) and then a good bottle for the more straight drinks (usually Willet 13 or Noahs Mills). I feel like the Old Fashioned requires a quality bourbon so I use the good stuff for that.

The other night, my wife and I went out to dinner at this brand new restaurant and I ordered an Old Fashioned and they gave me one made with scotch.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: slappy on March 19, 2013, 12:21:05 pm
Lately, I've been drinking more and more Old Fashioneds as my cocktail of choice.  Any whiskeys to try/avoid with that one?
I discovered a couple years back the answer will always be completely different depending on who you're asking and what they consider an Old Fashion.
- Some people muddle with fruit, some don't and just throw in a cherrry and orange slice. Some don't even add fruit.
- Some add soda water, they tend to add lemon instead of orange
- Wisconsin makes an OF with Brandy

Personally, I like using a mid-shelf rye like Bulleit Rye with muddled Demerara sugar, a Luxardo Maraschino Cherry (I go without a cherry if the nasty fake one's are the only around.) and twist of orange peel.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Got Haggis? on March 19, 2013, 12:25:27 pm
I like

Highland Park
Tamdhu
Talisker

Tamdhu is probably the least harsh

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on March 19, 2013, 12:36:45 pm
I know nothing about whiskey, but I know this is a great song about whiskey....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqe3qyxNrwA
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 19, 2013, 01:19:47 pm
I think the Bulleit Rye is really good, better comparatively than the Bulleit Bourbon (which is also perfectly fine too).

My kids always grouse a little when I make my Old Fashioned (2.5 oz of bourbon, ~.3 oz of simply syrup, 5-6 shakes of bitters, and orange peel) because it means they have to eat an orange.
"Awwww, we just HAD an orange!"
"Too bad suckers, I want mouths on oranges STAT"
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on March 19, 2013, 01:27:05 pm
How old are your kids? My five year old is an orange nut. She ate five baby oranges in a day a couple of weeks ago.

I think the Bulleit Rye is really good, better comparatively than the Bulleit Bourbon (which is also perfectly fine too).

My kids always grouse a little when I make my Old Fashioned (2.5 oz of bourbon, ~.3 oz of simply syrup, 5-6 shakes of bitters, and orange peel) because it means they have to eat an orange.
"Awwww, we just HAD an orange!"
"Too bad suckers, I want mouths on oranges STAT"
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 19, 2013, 02:25:38 pm
8 and 4. They're very good boys.

So I just got back from Modern Liquors. They have such a wide variety of bourbons there, like twice as much as Schneiders, which everyone (at least on Cap Hill) always says is the best liquor store ever. However, I didn't bring my phone so I couldn't do a little spot research so I just went with a nice 7 year Bookers, which runs 127 proof. That oughta ease my existential pain.

The bummer is that I've slowly become pretty friendly with the owner. Today, he said "Have you ever had the Templeton? It's real good, you wanna see?" I was thinking he was going to show me the bottle, but dude pulls out a half-full bottle and two glasses from under the counter. Had to think about it for a minute and then said "I love that you offered this, I would love nothing more than to try it with you, but if I walk back into the office with liquor on my breath, my boss will say "NOT AGAIN" so sadly I had to decline.

But the overall bummer is that my company is moving at the end of the month and the fact is, Modern Liquors will be out of the way and no longer a viable option. Just when I was getting to be known as a regular (and eligible for the mythical Pappy Van Winkle 'list'), it will all go away. Sigh.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 19, 2013, 03:08:54 pm
i love how james tries to talk about something other than whiskey . . . and then relaxer answers and shoots him down by going on back to the ole topic at hand.  nice, mate.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 19, 2013, 09:50:06 pm
Well, it is the thread topic. And I never really shy from talking about my kids. They've utterly ruined my life but they're great guys and I'm having a ball with them.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 20, 2013, 11:43:28 am
So I just got back from Modern Liquors. They have such a wide variety of bourbons there, like twice as much as Schneiders, which everyone (at least on Cap Hill) always says is the best liquor store ever. 

I love Schneider's, mostly because of the service and location (on my walk home).
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 20, 2013, 11:51:45 am
Agreed. They are helpful, and it is also on my way home from work plus I can stash my bike in the corner of the parking lot without a lock and not worry about it getting stolen. But their bourbon selection is a bit pedestrian, to take a highbrow stance. Also, since I'm always going in there at around 6 pm, with a large backpack on, it's often challenging to move around because it's usually crowded and the aisles are so damn narrow. But I've still dropped a lot of lettuce there and they are pretty helpful.

The Booker's last night was real good. I didn't realize that it's just pretty much top-of-the-line Jim Beam.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: slappy on March 20, 2013, 12:23:08 pm
Interesting article on the wood barrels importance in whisk(e)y. Didn't think the Scotch would be the first to start experimenting with the wood barrels.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=whiskey-makers-break-tradition-to-make-new-flavors (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=whiskey-makers-break-tradition-to-make-new-flavors)

Barrels for whiskey may sound boring, but they are integral to the flavor of both bourbon and rum.
Used bourbon barrels are sent to the Caribbean and used to age Bacardi Rum. 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on March 20, 2013, 02:32:30 pm
Next time you're there, ask them why they no longer carry Founders beers.

So I just got back from Modern Liquors. They have such a wide variety of bourbons there, like twice as much as Schneiders, which everyone (at least on Cap Hill) always says is the best liquor store ever. 

I love Schneider's, mostly because of the service and location (on my walk home).
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 20, 2013, 03:39:00 pm
still trying arent you?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on March 20, 2013, 03:53:25 pm
Trying what? I heard a rumor about Schneider's and Founders beer, wanted to see if there's any truth to it.

still trying arent you?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Jaguar on March 20, 2013, 03:55:25 pm
Take the beer to the beer aisle.  ;)

Well, what do you know?  :D

Golden West Cafe:
"Whiskey Wednesday! $1 off all whiskeys starting at 5p! Have you ever tried "The Xavier" (Saranac Root Beer and Jack Daniels, Root Beer for grown fold) or "The Madhatter Manhattan" (Bulleit Rye, Angostura Bitters and Earl Grey Infused sweet vermouth)"
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 20, 2013, 04:04:06 pm
Wow, I like the sound of that Madhatter Manhattan very much. Is Earl Grey...vermouth something exclusive to GW Cafe or is it something you can buy around?

Also, I may have posted this before but this is a delightful summer drink.

2 oz rye or bourbon
1 oz grand marnier
1 oz sweet vermouth
4 oz orange juice

shake the shit out of in ice, pour, feel like a king
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on March 20, 2013, 04:32:18 pm
Tip: Bulleit Bourbon is generally 30% cheaper in the state of MD vs. buying in DC.

Also, it's great to drop a cinnamon or vanilla stick into a bottle on occasion.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: imbecile on March 20, 2013, 04:40:03 pm
Tip: Bulleit Bourbon is generally 30% cheaper in the state of MD vs. buying in DC.

Also, it's great to drop a cinnamon or vanilla stick into a bottle on occasion.

Yes, I made some cinnamon infused bourbon a few months back and use it to make old fashioneds in which i use maple syrup instead of the sugar cube.  It's a delightful change up to a standard old fashioned. 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on March 20, 2013, 05:13:20 pm
Tip: Bulleit Bourbon is generally 30% cheaper in the state of MD vs. buying in DC.

Also, it's great to drop a cinnamon or vanilla stick into a bottle on occasion.

Yes, I made some cinnamon infused bourbon a few months back and use it to make old fashioneds in which i use maple syrup instead of the sugar cube.  It's a delightful change up to a standard old fashioned. 

Indeed, during the holiday season the cinnamon old fashioneds were flowing at the casa!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Jaguar on March 20, 2013, 05:15:00 pm
Wow, I like the sound of that Madhatter Manhattan very much. Is Earl Grey...vermouth something exclusive to GW Cafe or is it something you can buy around?

I would assume they steep the liquor in some Earl Grey tea.

I've got some tea infuser sets designed specifically for soaking with alcohol. They can be good but the down side is that I find the tea packets soak up at least an ounce of liqour that just gets thrown out with the used leaves.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 20, 2013, 10:34:38 pm
Wow, I like the sound of that Madhatter Manhattan very much. Is Earl Grey...vermouth something exclusive to GW Cafe or is it something you can buy around?

I would assume they steep the liquor in some Earl Grey tea.

I've got some tea infuser sets designed specifically for soaking with alcohol. They can be good but the down side is that I find the tea packets soak up at least an ounce of liqour that just gets thrown out with the used leaves.

Church & State on H Street makes their own bitters and infused vermouths - I took a great Manhattan "class" there a year or two ago.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on March 21, 2013, 09:06:37 am
So does Jackie's Sidebar in Silver Spring and Rye in Fells.  Love bars that do that!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on March 21, 2013, 09:06:52 am
and Passenger in DC.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on March 22, 2013, 09:00:41 am
the High West Double Rye is FANTASTIC.

better neat than with an ice cube.

shockingly good in a manhattan with a solid whiskey/vermouth ratio (9 cl : 2 cl), but I feel kind of bad mixing it given how good it is neat.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 28, 2013, 04:46:55 pm
I just picked this up for too much money but the idea of crushing my head in with some 134.5 proof juice sounds appealing right now

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7171436880_888ec26ff2_z.jpg)

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on April 01, 2013, 10:34:10 am
Bought a bottle of Red Breast this weekend.  SO GOOD.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 12, 2013, 10:03:39 am
I got all inspired and picked this up last night.
(http://www.whiskyintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/redbreast-12-cask-small.jpg)

Gave it a shot last night and based on a small sample, I know I like it much better than scotch but bourbon is still my #1 love. My Irish buddy James got all excited this morning when I told him about it and now we're going to hang out and drink it tonight while watching golf.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on April 12, 2013, 11:40:45 am
glad my redbreast recommendation is going down well  ;D
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 12, 2013, 11:48:48 am
Yeah, I think I'm going to like that Redbreast, and I'm looking forward to getting real plowed on it tonight. That said, I hedged my bets by picking this up as well:
(http://www.sunband-designs.com/AVB/Drinks/Bourbon/Noahs%20Mill.JPG)

Y'know, I really do love the Willetts but I think this might be my favorite bourbon.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 12, 2013, 01:42:18 pm
just popped open a bottle of Smooth Ambler Spirits "Old Scout" 7 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey:

(http://www.smoothambler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/RYEmr.jpg)

it's pretty good.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 12, 2013, 02:04:28 pm
How much does that cost?
I've been very impressed with the Buillett rye but usually I get the Redemption because it's also very good plus the bottle is cool.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 12, 2013, 02:48:59 pm
How much does that cost?
I've been very impressed with the Buillett rye but usually I get the Redemption because it's also very good plus the bottle is cool.

this was in the $35-40 range, got 10% off at Schneider's because I was looking to spend less.

the bottle is not very cool, which stinks.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 30, 2013, 11:49:58 am
Aww poor neglected whisk(e)y thread...
I still welcome each and every evening with a finely stirred Old Fashioned. Looking forward to making one soon with this, which was just released and will be available for a few minutes, at best (available at Caskers).

(http://uncrate.com/p/2013/08/elijah-craig-21-bourbon.jpg)

I also have this coming in the mail this week. Haven't had this on its own, only in Sazerac cocktails. If I don't like it in the traditional way, with the spoon and sugar cube, I'll just make Sazeracs, which is a fine alternative.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Clandestine-absinthe-bottle.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 30, 2013, 12:51:16 pm
I'm interested to hear your review of that absinthe when you finally get it.

Julian's America is considering sponsoring a Gin, Scotch, and Italian Cordial themed spinoff of this thread.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 14, 2013, 05:35:47 pm
(http://www.whiskycritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/wtf.jpg)

This is really good. Its a blend of WIld Turkey bourbon and rye and it is delicious. Like, I can't get over how much I love it, and its making me want to delve into regular Wild Turkey, which I've eschewed until now for some reason.

As for the absinthe, its hard for me to say how good it is because I have little experience with it. But I've enjoyed it on its own though my attempts at a Sazerac have not been particularly successful. I have enjoyed the process of pouring some in a glass and slow-dripping a sugar cube into it
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 14, 2013, 05:44:46 pm
Part of the reason I am so blown away by the WT Forgiven is that I've been trying out some high-end bourbons and have been disappointed by them. That 21 yr Elijah Craig, which cost $150, is a major disappointment, being extremely woody without much payoff. Another $100+ bottle was the James Pepper 15 yr, which was good but not nearly worth the price. In fact, the only high-end that really met expectations was the Jefferson Presidential Reserve 21 yr, and that was $200 so while I liked it a lot, I'm not inclined to buy it all the time.

The WT Forgiven runs ~$50 on Caskers and Drinkupny, by the way.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on October 14, 2013, 05:52:14 pm
Oh yeah, the whisk(e)y thread!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: slappy on October 15, 2013, 11:50:21 am
Anyone tried poteen/poitín in an old fashion? Got a bottle of Knockeen Hills Farmers Strength.
I'm debating infusing the bottle.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 15, 2013, 05:23:25 pm
i dont like this thread, relaxer, and i refuse to post in it
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 16, 2013, 08:38:36 am
Why don't you like it?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 16, 2013, 10:13:01 am
i hate brown liquor, of any kind.  makes my nose curl and my gag reflex kick in . . . dont even go there.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: slappy on October 16, 2013, 02:44:42 pm
i hate brown liquor, of any kind.  makes my nose curl and my gag reflex kick in . . . dont even go there.

Here you go racist ...

(http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server1700/e6b77/products/7116/images/7245/jim-beam-jacobs-ghost-white-whiskey__53874.1359816257.1280.1280.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 16, 2013, 02:48:18 pm
with brown men . . . my gag reflex, does not kick in

and that sounds nasty, that white whiskey
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on October 16, 2013, 02:57:42 pm
$200 for a bottle of whiskey? Good lord, how long does it last?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: atomic on October 16, 2013, 03:10:16 pm
$200 for a bottle of whiskey? Good lord, how long does it last?

200 dollars for some might be like 2 dollars to you.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on October 24, 2013, 05:35:05 pm
here relaxer . . . just for you

http://www.bellegrove.org/

Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey is now available for special order at your local Virginia ABC store. Use #953070 for Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey ($42.50) and #953069 for Belle Grove 1797 Spirit ($27.90). You can buy the Spirit and age your own whiskey in these neat mini-barrels pictured here. Stop into the shop and check them out. A portion of whiskey sales benefit Belle Grove, so cheers!

(https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1381724_10151794196728893_1246878098_n.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 24, 2013, 06:34:20 pm
$200 for a bottle of whiskey? Good lord, how long does it last?

200 dollars for some might be like 2 dollars to you.
Damn it, I forgot to log out!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 25, 2013, 10:06:24 am
I am way too impatient to age my own whiskey but I liked reading that site.

At first I thought it was promoting Belle Meade whisky, which I see on shelves sometimes. There's a Belle Meade bed & breakfast our near Culpepper/Sperryville that I always see when I'm driving to Old Rag Mountain and I always like to think that they're a distillery as well as a B&B.

As for the $200 bottle, that is extravagant but sometimes you drop the extra cash for front row seats or dura ace components or a bottle of booze that is legally old enough to make long sweet love to. There are many excellent whiskeys available for under $50 and I could drink them forever and be okay with that.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 29, 2013, 10:22:12 am
or a bottle of booze that is legally old enough to make long sweet love to. 
nice!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 06, 2013, 03:39:57 pm
(http://drinks.seriouseats.com/images/2013/08/20130825birthdaybourbon.jpg)

Pretty much the only bourbon that could tear me away from the WT Forgiven bourbon-rye mash-up is the Forester Birthday Bourbon. This just may top my Best Whiskeys of the Year list, a list that I was inspired to make because of this whiskey.

Heavy sweet influence of caramel and vanilla. I read it described somewhere as 'cream soda in a bottle' and that's not too far off. It's 98 proof so it's not so strong that you can't enjoy a few glasses of it. Apparently it's very difficult to find, but I got it from www.drinkupny.com with no problems and I'm about to order a few more. Excellent drink.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 06, 2013, 03:46:28 pm
So I am guessing you would recommend I buy this for my husband for Christmas?  He is still figuring out what he likes.  So far, Woodford Reserve for an every day bourbon, Knob Creek and Buffalo Trace for mixed drinks, and four roses/angels envy/jefferson.

Oh and the blends from a brand that now escapes me.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 06, 2013, 03:56:27 pm
I just bought it for him.  I figured you would say yes and the flavors that are described are exactly the ones he loves in all the favorite bourbons so far. 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 06, 2013, 04:06:15 pm
Excellent choice. If my wife bought a bottle of this for me, I'd immediately suspect she was having an affair with an incredible man and I would be happy for us both.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 06, 2013, 04:09:28 pm
And while I'm typing, I will say that your first post left me dangling. Four Roses/Angels Envy/Jefferson.... for what? Because I love all three of those and they are among my first recommendations when someone says "So what's a good bourbon for around $40?" especially the Angels Envy and Four Roses.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 06, 2013, 04:13:24 pm
I continue to type. I feel like Knob Creek, for the price, is so overrated, overly expensive and just not all that. There are so many whiskeys, in my opinion, that are better and cheaper. For example, Bulleit usually runs $10 cheaper, is available everywhere including Safeway, and is much better. Elijah Craig 12 Year is another very very good one, and usually runs less than $25. Old Grand Dad 114 is another that is economical yet packs a real nice punch.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 06, 2013, 04:15:40 pm
Exactly.  He's trying the ones around the 40 dollar range to start.  Elijah Craig is next on his list.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 06, 2013, 04:16:21 pm
I think he bought Knob Creek just for one to mix with things.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 06, 2013, 04:17:26 pm
I started the whole thing when my friend gave me a shot of Red Breast and I said "I don't like whiskey" and he said "you do now".

So I bought that, and then he started researching bourbon and now we need to buy a bar for all the new liquor in the house.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 06, 2013, 04:21:46 pm
High West.  That's the other one I was trying to remember.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 06, 2013, 04:30:38 pm
I just finished a bottle of the High West Double Rye and really loved it, it's now probably my favorite rye. Took the plunge on a bottle of Whistle Pig Rye out of Vermont, we'll see about that one. Redemption Rye is okay but not really worth the $30, I think.

Other bourbons in the $40-$50 range you ought to try are:

(http://bifty.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/blantons-bourbon-original-single-barrel.jpg)

(http://www.bourbonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Russells_Reserve_Single_Barrel_Bourbon.jpg)

(http://www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/noahs-mill-bourbon.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 06, 2013, 05:05:31 pm
Blantons is on our list.  Hadn't heard of the other two! 

I want to start a conversation about them, but I'm afraid he will find out about the Birthday Bourbon and try to seek it out.  He always tries to buy his presents before I give them, and I have to let him know about them.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 06, 2013, 05:11:46 pm
the High West double rye is what I've had and I liked it alot.  We have another one at home that is also very good.

That Birthday Bourbon sounds amazing from the reviews I've read and has made a bunch of top 5 lists.  Thanks for letting me know where to order it because it's all sold out from the distributor in MD and I'd have to go hunting.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 25, 2013, 02:47:16 pm
Relaxer, have you gotten your birthday bourbon order?  They keep saying they're getting it the next week and the next week, etc. 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on November 25, 2013, 04:29:05 pm
just picked this one up

(http://acorkabove.com/images/Pappy23.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 25, 2013, 04:35:34 pm
man drank $100 grand of someone else's whiskey
gulp gulp gulp (http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/weird/Caretaker-Charged-with-Drinking-100K-of-Whiskey-199676371.html)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 25, 2013, 04:40:41 pm
my nightly drink lately has been:

2 oz. High West Double Rye
3/4 oz. Dolin Rouge Vermouth
1 dash Fee Bros. Grapefruit Bitters
1 dash Fee Bros. West Indian Orange Bitters

it's quite good.  i'm letting my wife drink all the beer in the house now.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 25, 2013, 04:43:41 pm
I also have this coming in the mail this week. Haven't had this on its own, only in Sazerac cocktails. If I don't like it in the traditional way, with the spoon and sugar cube, I'll just make Sazeracs, which is a fine alternative.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Clandestine-absinthe-bottle.jpg)

tell me about your sazerac efforts - what went wrong?  it's what I always order at good cocktail bars, and I want to start making it at home.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on November 25, 2013, 04:48:27 pm
I got this book/app recently and really like it:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speakeasy-cocktails-learn/id453698398
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 11, 2013, 04:54:55 pm
Relaxer, have you gotten your birthday bourbon order?  They keep saying they're getting it the next week and the next week, etc. 

Whoops, I didn't realize this thread lived on after I had left.
K8t, I received the first bottle within a week of placing my order. I then went back on and ordered three more, all of which are in 'Processing' limbo, so I suspect I'm suffering the same fate that you are. And I just emailed them and they said it won't be until January, so I'm sorry about that because I think you were hoping this to be a Christmas gift.

One thing you might do, instead, is get him a bottle of Few Rye, which today was announced as Whiskey Advocate's Craft Whiskey of the Year.

(http://caskers.com/wp-content/uploads/rye1.png)

I will admit that I haven't had it yet but I just placed an order on Caskers so will be able to try it very soon. And it has the novelty of being an award-winning juice so maybe give it a shot. I'll add as well that Caskers tends to sell out on things so place your order soon if you want it.

To answer/comment on a few other posts:

My terrible Sazerac efforts are fading from memory but I just feel like my ratios were off and it just didn't taste that good. Now, I will say that about once every other week, I'll get a wild hair up my ass and will spend an evening sipping on absinthe. I'll pour 2 ounces into a chilled glencairn glass, lay my absinthe spoon over the mouth and put a sugar cube on top, chill 6 ounces of water in a shaker and then slowly pour over the sugar cube. It's a real refreshing sippin drink, but like cotton candy, Disneyworld and the reverse cowgirl, it's best enjoyed occasionally.

Brennser, how on earth did you manage to get that Pappy Van Winkle? I'm kind of angrily jealous. Here's a related anecdote: Last weekend, a buddy of mine and I took all of our kids out to Carderock to hike and climb and etc. Afterward we went to Matchbox on Cap Hill. The waitress came up and first thing, she asked "Are either of you guys bourbon fan?" Why YES, YES I AM, TELL ME WHY RIGHT NOW! They had the Pappy! They had the 10 yr and 20 yr. So I had a glass of the 20 yr, which I've not had before (in fact, the only PVW I've ever had is the 15), and it was glorious.

I'm probably projecting a little, because PVW is such a mythical whiskey, but it is legitimately great. I would do very weird and terrible things to get my hands on a bottle.

Hoya, I like that drink recipe a lot. Looks like a nice variation of a Manhattan. I have everything on there except for the Dolin Rouge Vermouth. Is using Carpano workable? That's all I have at the moment.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on December 11, 2013, 04:56:24 pm
just picked this one up

(http://acorkabove.com/images/Pappy23.jpg)

I hope you didn't get bent over for as much as I've seen it around DC this year... A store in Chinatown was selling a bottle for $1,299, while selling the 12 year for $399.

lomutherf'nl
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 11, 2013, 05:00:38 pm
I would pay $400 for an unopened bottle of PVW. It would be ridiculous, asinine, wasteful and awful, but sometimes you indulge your hobbies.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on December 11, 2013, 05:01:55 pm
I would pay $400 for an unopened bottle of PVW. It would be ridiculous, asinine, wasteful and awful, but sometimes you indulge your hobbies.

The 12 year?

I pondered it for a second, then my senses got a hold of me.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on December 11, 2013, 05:04:01 pm
Wouldn't alcohol and the consumption thereof be considered more of an interest than a hobby?

Hobbies are things like running or painting or playing the guitar.

This came up in an offline conversation, that's why I'm asking.

I would pay $400 for an unopened bottle of PVW. It would be ridiculous, asinine, wasteful and awful, but sometimes you indulge your hobbies.

The 12 year?

I pondered it for a second, then my senses got a hold of me.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 11, 2013, 05:04:20 pm
Yeeeaahhhhh, no. Despite my boastful post, no, I wouldn't pay that much for a 10 or 12 year whiskey. If it were the 15 yr, I would probably bite my cheek and give myself a little cut on the thigh and then pay up.

In fact, here are some prices I just saw on CL:

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year -$1,250
Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year - $850
Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year - $650
Pappy Van Winkle 13Year Rye - $475
Pappy Van Winkle 12 year- $425
Pappy Van Winkle 10 Year - $325
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on December 11, 2013, 05:05:55 pm
Wouldn't alcohol and the consumption thereof be considered more of an interest than a hobby?

Hobbies are things like running or painting or playing the guitar.

This came up in an offline conversation, that's why I'm asking.

I would pay $400 for an unopened bottle of PVW. It would be ridiculous, asinine, wasteful and awful, but sometimes you indulge your hobbies.

The 12 year?

I pondered it for a second, then my senses got a hold of me.

I consider an interest and a hobby the same thing.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 11, 2013, 05:06:12 pm
Wouldn't alcohol and the consumption thereof be considered more of an interest than a hobby?

Hobbies are things like running or painting or playing the guitar.

This came up in an offline conversation, that's why I'm asking.

Ehh, I don't know. I spent a lot of time reading about whiskeys, I collect them, I delve into them and experiment with them and spend way too much time thinking about them.

I think something like food or drink can constitute a hobby.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on December 11, 2013, 05:14:03 pm
Yeeeaahhhhh, no. Despite my boastful post, no, I wouldn't pay that much for a 10 or 12 year whiskey. If it were the 15 yr, I would probably bite my cheek and give myself a little cut on the thigh and then pay up.

In fact, here are some prices I just saw on CL:

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year -$1,250
Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year - $850
Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year - $650
Pappy Van Winkle 13Year Rye - $475
Pappy Van Winkle 12 year- $425
Pappy Van Winkle 10 Year - $325

Considering the suggested retail price is $79, $119, and $259 for the 12, 20, and 23... that's just ridiculous.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 11, 2013, 05:22:50 pm
Yeeeaahhhhh, no. Despite my boastful post, no, I wouldn't pay that much for a 10 or 12 year whiskey. If it were the 15 yr, I would probably bite my cheek and give myself a little cut on the thigh and then pay up.

In fact, here are some prices I just saw on CL:

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year -$1,250
Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year - $850
Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year - $650
Pappy Van Winkle 13Year Rye - $475
Pappy Van Winkle 12 year- $425
Pappy Van Winkle 10 Year - $325

Considering the suggested retail price is $79, $119, and $259 for the 12, 20, and 23... that's just ridiculous.
True, but that's a bit like saying a Van Gogh painting is only comprised of $3 worth of paint and a two-dollar frame.

Okay, that simile doesn't really work but once I started typing, I couldn't bear to stop.

It's the scarcity that drives these prices up. It is virtually impossible to buy a bottle for retail without deep connections. I make a habit, when I'm traveling, to pop into liquor stores in hopes that outside of DC, some local yokel will have some. It's only happened once and when the guy pulled out a bottle of the 20 year, I about shat my pants. Then he said he'd let it go for the fair price of one thousand dollars and I sucked my shame right back into my body.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 13, 2013, 02:52:56 pm
One thing you might do, instead, is get him a bottle of Few Rye, which today was announced as Whiskey Advocate's Craft Whiskey of the Year.

(http://caskers.com/wp-content/uploads/rye1.png)

I will admit that I haven't had it yet but I just placed an order on Caskers so will be able to try it very soon. And it has the novelty of being an award-winning juice so maybe give it a shot. I'll add as well that Caskers tends to sell out on things so place your order soon if you want it.

i've been drinking it at the Queen Vic on H Street for a couple of months now, it's a very good rye.

Hoya, I like that drink recipe a lot. Looks like a nice variation of a Manhattan. I have everything on there except for the Dolin Rouge Vermouth. Is using Carpano workable? That's all I have at the moment.

sure, it's workable, but you should really get your hands on Dolin if you drink vermouth drinks regularly, it's worlds beyond most vermouths.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 13, 2013, 03:21:10 pm
I'm looking forward to getting that Few Rye. I haven't developed a taste for rye yet, but it's not so far from bourbon that it will be too difficult. Besides, between the High West Double Rye and the Whistle Pig Rye, I'm really developing an affinity for the stuff.

In fact, the Whistle Pig Rye is so good that I'm tempted to get the WP Boss Hogg Bourbon except that it's $150 and I'm taking a break from the high-cost stuff right now.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 13, 2013, 03:23:46 pm
And I just looked up that Queen Vic place. I am definitely going to check that place out. For one thing, it's only about 6-7 blocks north of where I live.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on December 13, 2013, 04:34:07 pm
just picked this one up

(http://acorkabove.com/images/Pappy23.jpg)

SHUT YOUR MOUTH.

Jealous.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on December 14, 2013, 12:13:28 pm
just picked this one up

(http://acorkabove.com/images/Pappy23.jpg)

SHUT YOUR MOUTH.

Jealous.
sorry K8teebug!

Relaxer - I got it for a very fair price - (a little) less than the $400 you said you'd be willing to pay - it was one of those holy shit am i really doing this moments though - is it worth it? Who the hell knows - i think it tastes great and fwiw my wife who abhors whiskey had a taste and liked it

and Whistle Pig is absolutely fantastic - definitely one of my favorite whiskeys
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on December 14, 2013, 06:08:40 pm
just picked this one up

(http://acorkabove.com/images/Pappy23.jpg)

SHUT YOUR MOUTH.

Jealous.
sorry K8teebug!

Relaxer - I got it for a very fair price - (a little) less than the $400 you said you'd be willing to pay - it was one of those holy shit am i really doing this moments though - is it worth it? Who the hell knows - i think it tastes great and fwiw my wife who abhors whiskey had a taste and liked it

and Whistle Pig is absolutely fantastic - definitely one of my favorite whiskeys

A suggested retail price of roughly $260 and sold for $400 is much more palatable than the prices I saw around town, not sure how you scored it for that price, but I'd say that's definitely worth it.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 16, 2013, 09:45:14 am
There's a bar in RVA that has a couple of cases of both the Pappy 20 and 23-year available, and I did not think it was anywhere near worth the price they were charging per shot (around $60 for a 2 oz shot of the 23). If I'm going to spend ~$300 for a bottle of liquor, I can get alot more bang for my buck in scotch.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on December 16, 2013, 09:47:57 am
There's a bar in RVA that has a couple of cases of both the Pappy 20 and 23-year available, and I did not think it was anywhere near worth the price they were charging per shot (around $60 for a 2 oz shot of the 23). If I'm going to spend ~$300 for a bottle of liquor, I can get alot more bang for my buck in scotch.

The question is, how was the show of the year last night?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 16, 2013, 09:49:09 am
There's a bar in RVA that has a couple of cases of both the Pappy 20 and 23-year available, and I did not think it was anywhere near worth the price they were charging per shot (around $60 for a 2 oz shot of the 23). If I'm going to spend ~$300 for a bottle of liquor, I can get alot more bang for my buck in scotch.

The question is, how was the show of the year last night?
It was not "show of the year" imo. It was good, though. I'm more hyped for QOTSA tonite, although I'm sure DFA1979 will be there, stinking the entire venue to high hell.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 16, 2013, 11:35:59 am
Matchbox on 8th St. SE was selling 2 oz drinks of Pappy 20 yr for $20. I was well-chuffed at that.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 23, 2013, 05:21:50 pm
And I just looked up that Queen Vic place. I am definitely going to check that place out. For one thing, it's only about 6-7 blocks north of where I live.

and 3 blocks north of where I live.  Hello neighbor.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 24, 2013, 10:32:39 am
And I just looked up that Queen Vic place. I am definitely going to check that place out. For one thing, it's only about 6-7 blocks north of where I live.

and 3 blocks north of where I live.  Hello neighbor.
you both probably have ironic mustaches too
 (http://www.quarterlifemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Ironic_Mustache.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on December 29, 2013, 10:04:33 pm
And I just looked up that Queen Vic place. I am definitely going to check that place out. For one thing, it's only about 6-7 blocks north of where I live.

and 3 blocks north of where I live.  Hello neighbor.
you both probably have ironic mustaches too
 (http://www.quarterlifemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Ironic_Mustache.jpg)

we live a number of blocks SOUTH of H Street, in Capitol Hill proper -- ironic mustaches are NORTH of H Street

(I did have a pretty sweet stache a couple of years ago. Nothing ironic about it.)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 09, 2014, 01:32:12 pm
Living Social is running a deal

Scotch package (https://www.livingsocial.com/cities/1-washington-d-c/deals/962977-choice-of-premium-liquor-or-scotch-packages?afsrc=1&utm_campaign=digest_dailydc&utm_content=1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=blast)

? $99 ($150 value) for a Scotch package
The Scotch package includes a Glenmorangie ten year, an anCnoc 12 year, and an Old Pulteney 12 year.


Never had anCnoc or Old Pulteny to know if this is a good deal or not
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Bagley on January 09, 2014, 02:46:04 pm
Had the pleasure of Clyde May's  Alabama whiskey at Little Miss Whiskey's recently.   Made with apples and reminiscent of Armagnac. No liquor store around DC (that I've checked) has even heard of it, let alone carry it.  Ideas anyone?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 09, 2014, 03:00:54 pm
I had Green Hat gin, which is from DC, for the first time yesterday. Very nice.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on January 09, 2014, 03:09:06 pm
I had Green Hat gin, which is from DC, for the first time yesterday. Very nice.

I love the Green Hat!  I managed to snag a bottle of their Ginavit which I have enjoyed a bit too well on several occasions :)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 09, 2014, 06:17:42 pm
I just ordered the following from Drinkupny. Wanted to try some new brands.

Cacao Prieto "Widow Jane" 7 Year Old Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Ezra Brooks "Ezra B." Single Barrel 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

High West "Campfire" Blended Whiskey (750ml)

Willett Single Barrel "Estate Reserve" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Wathen's Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 27, 2014, 05:00:04 pm
this order JUST turned up today, more than three weeks later, and missing one of the bottles. pretty sure I'm going to stop ordering from drinkupny, especially because I"m finding other online dealers

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/12177650283_b2f41d2fd5_c.jpg)

still, I'm sitting pretty right now. kinda wish these had shown up later in the week so I could save them for my superbowl party. oh well
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on January 27, 2014, 05:22:19 pm
this order JUST turned up today, more than three weeks later, and missing one of the bottles. pretty sure I'm going to stop ordering from drinkupny, especially because I"m finding other online dealers

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/12177650283_b2f41d2fd5_c.jpg)

still, I'm sitting pretty right now. kinda wish these had shown up later in the week so I could save them for my superbowl party. oh well

Do you plan to drink four bottles by Sunday?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 27, 2014, 05:25:42 pm
Man, Superbowl is SIX WHOLE DAYS from now, plus my friend bill's wife just left him and he's coming over tonight. I don't even think these things will make it to SNL.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 27, 2014, 05:26:56 pm
Also, I'm an alcoholic so that should be factored in as well.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Unsanity on January 27, 2014, 05:27:15 pm
I got a bottle of Wasmund's single malt whiskey from Copper Fox Distillery over the weekend. That stuff was something else. It felt like I was drinking a cigar haha.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on January 27, 2014, 07:03:36 pm
Also, I'm an alcoholic so that should be factored in as well.

Noted... and now that I know you work at NPR, can you get me a job there?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 27, 2014, 07:17:20 pm
Well, you need to be a stoner to begin with.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on January 28, 2014, 11:54:33 am
I just ordered the following from Drinkupny. Wanted to try some new brands.

Cacao Prieto "Widow Jane" 7 Year Old Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Ezra Brooks "Ezra B." Single Barrel 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

High West "Campfire" Blended Whiskey (750ml)

Willett Single Barrel "Estate Reserve" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Wathen's Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

that campfire is really really good.

I never got my order from November.  Ended up buying Jefferson's. 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 28, 2014, 12:56:20 pm
Yeah, I didn't get my second order of the Forester Birthday either. It's disappointing and the same thing happened a month later with Drinkupny, which is why I won't be ordering from them anymore.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: stevewizzle on January 28, 2014, 01:12:06 pm
High West "Campfire" Blended Whiskey (750ml)

that campfire is really really good.

is this distributed? or special order only?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: stevewizzle on January 28, 2014, 01:24:24 pm
went to radiator whiskey last night in seattle. incredible place, great food.  did a local flight with three different distilleries: oola, mischief, and westland.  all three, not so bad, and particularly a fan of the mischief john jacob and oola 100% rye.  westland just opened, and while it didn't blow me away, it was a great pairing for the beef brisket.  apparently they have a very unique distillery, similar to scotch distilleries i'm told, and i'll be touring it in a few weeks.  i'll report back  8)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 28, 2014, 01:38:33 pm
High West "Campfire" Blended Whiskey (750ml)

that campfire is really really good.

is this distributed? or special order only?

You can get High West Camp Fire (and other HW variations such as Double Rye and Bourye) at most liquor stores that feature $50+ brands. Schneiders, at 3rd and Mass NE, is a good place for HW bottles.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: stevewizzle on January 28, 2014, 01:41:43 pm
High West "Campfire" Blended Whiskey (750ml)

that campfire is really really good.

is this distributed? or special order only?

You can get High West Camp Fire (and other HW variations such as Double Rye and Bourye) at most liquor stores that feature $50+ brands. Schneiders, at 3rd and Mass NE, is a good place for HW bottles.

i would love to shop there, but i'm oh so far away.

moved to seattle a few months ago.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 28, 2014, 01:45:39 pm
Try Caskers. You have to register for an account but it's free and I've gotten lots of great deals here. It's $50 here, which is cheaper than anything you'll find at a store.

http://caskers.com/product/high-west-campfire-whiskey/ (http://caskers.com/product/high-west-campfire-whiskey/)

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on January 28, 2014, 02:05:54 pm
Relaxer,

Did you drink 1.25 bottles of booze last night?

 :D

I was given a bottle of Willett Pot Still Reserve as a gift recently that's pretty tasty.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 28, 2014, 02:18:51 pm
Fortunately, Bill came to my place and we put down a bottle of Old Medley that had moved to the front of the line. If we'd gone to his place, which is empty, hollow and loveless, I'm pretty sure things would've gotten real ugly.

But since we were in my house, with a sleeping wife and children upstairs requiring some semblance of calm, it was kept in check. Plus he tried chewing tobacco for the first time and within 30 seconds had to run outside to throw up and after that, it was pretty just a slide into our saying good night to each other.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 28, 2014, 02:20:07 pm
And yeah, the Willett Pot Still is very good. There's not a Willett whiskey that I don't like, and I really like their ryes and their Estate Reserves, which get up in the years (though they also cost a damn fortune). It's a great brand to explore.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 28, 2014, 02:33:57 pm
If we'd gone to his place, which is empty, hollow and loveless, I'm pretty sure things would've gotten real ugly.
I am a horrible person, but I laughed out loud at the dramatic sentence structure.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 28, 2014, 07:15:47 pm
I am sitting here at leisure sipping on the Camp Fire whiskey by High West.

The taste of scotch is very prevalent, which isn't my preferred tone. My hope was that this might be a gateway to appreciating scotch but if anything, it's confirming my xenophobic love for American whiskey. It's definitely a muted scotch taste but it's there.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on January 28, 2014, 07:24:51 pm
If your friend is looking to make changes to himself in order to woo his wife back, I'm guessing a new found chewing tobacco habit is probably not the wisest change anyway.

Fortunately, Bill came to my place and we put down a bottle of Old Medley that had moved to the front of the line. If we'd gone to his place, which is empty, hollow and loveless, I'm pretty sure things would've gotten real ugly.

But since we were in my house, with a sleeping wife and children upstairs requiring some semblance of calm, it was kept in check. Plus he tried chewing tobacco for the first time and within 30 seconds had to run outside to throw up and after that, it was pretty just a slide into our saying good night to each other.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: slappy on January 30, 2014, 07:06:38 pm
Om nom, nom.
http://www.getsomejerky.com/products/black-label-whiskey-beef-jerky (http://www.getsomejerky.com/products/black-label-whiskey-beef-jerky)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on January 30, 2014, 09:50:42 pm
someone just gifted me a bottle of rowans creek - gonna try some tonight
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: shemptiness on February 07, 2014, 12:06:12 pm
 Learn how to drink whisky  (http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/07/learn-how-to-drink-whisky) 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on February 10, 2014, 10:51:27 am
Pine Orchards Liquors on Route 40 in Ellicott City has almost all the Pappy Van Winkle behind the register.

The 23 year was 1,000
The 20 year was 800
The family reserve rye was 375
and they had the 12 year, but I didn't see a price on that one.

I was there on Saturday...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 10, 2014, 03:23:06 pm
Pine Orchards Liquors on Route 40 in Ellicott City has almost all the Pappy Van Winkle behind the register.

The 23 year was 1,000
The 20 year was 800
The family reserve rye was 375
and they had the 12 year, but I didn't see a price on that one.

I was there on Saturday...

Oh my...
This is all I'm going to be able to think about today.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on February 10, 2014, 03:50:35 pm
If you go up to buy it with the intention of drinking it, please stop by our house so we can have a sip. 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on February 10, 2014, 03:50:56 pm
We'll chip in for the sip!  Just don't have the dollars for a whole bottle...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on February 10, 2014, 03:52:51 pm
wow thats pretty steep

Pine Orchards Liquors on Route 40 in Ellicott City has almost all the Pappy Van Winkle behind the register.

The 23 year was 1,000
The 20 year was 800
The family reserve rye was 375
and they had the 12 year, but I didn't see a price on that one.

I was there on Saturday...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 10, 2014, 04:11:43 pm
As I've said before, I've had the Pappy 20 several times and the 23 once and while its good and all, its nowhere near worth the "mark up" prices it goes for. If I'm spending $800 on liquor, I'm buying two 30yo scotches that would absolutely smoke Pappy.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 10, 2014, 04:13:32 pm
I mean the difference quality-wise between George T. Stagg and Pappy 20 is nowhere hear worth the $650 you're going to pay more for one. Its insane.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 10, 2014, 07:49:32 pm
I agree with you, Julian. I do think it might be the best bourbon I've tasted, but I'm also sure the scarcity helps me to 'project' a bit. That said, I did a blind taste test with the Pappy 20 Yr and two other great whiskeys, and I was able to pick out the Pappy easily. It is very good. It is not, however, $800 good. That said, I'm still interested because I approach this as a hobby and sometimes you just splurge on your hobbies in order to get a full perspective. Or something along those lines.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 10, 2014, 08:05:03 pm
I agree with you, Julian. I do think it might be the best bourbon I've tasted, but I'm also sure the scarcity helps me to 'project' a bit. That said, I did a blind taste test with the Pappy 20 Yr and two other great whiskeys, and I was able to pick out the Pappy easily. It is very good. It is not, however, $800 good. That said, I'm still interested because I approach this as a hobby and sometimes you just splurge on your hobbies in order to get a full perspective. Or something along those lines.
Fair enough. I've splurged on rare scotches, amaros, and gins myself.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on February 11, 2014, 09:44:14 am
I'm just the messenger.  I'd love to try it if I won the lottery!  But one bottle is more than I spend on running clothes/shoes in a year (and I spend a fair amount!)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 11, 2014, 10:05:15 am
I'm just the messenger.  I'd love to try it if I won the lottery!  But one bottle is more than I spend on running clothes/shoes in a year (and I spend a fair amount!)
You run that much?

Can we list K8teebug in the Unresolved Sexual Tension thread? Certainly we can find someone to pair with this trim young woman for the general populace's "will they or won't they" amusement.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on February 11, 2014, 10:07:22 am
Um, I've been married for over 10 years.

Yes, I do run that much.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 11, 2014, 10:13:32 am
Um, I've been married for over 10 years.

Yes, I do run that much.
Pam and Roy were engaged for that long!

How many times do we all have to go over this. It's NOT about two people hooking up. It's about the rest of us wondering if they MAY hookup and tuning in weekly to see if they might.

I swear, I feel like I'm the only one trying to create content and designing future plot lines around here sometimes.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 14, 2014, 05:21:24 pm
so what have people been drinking lately? my thing recently is to have some of this

(http://www.bourbonenthusiast.com/dbimages/DSC_1251.jpg)

with a little syrup, 8 shakes of bitters and a solid glurp of this

(http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1106900x.jpg)

to me, the campfire tastes just like scotch even though its supposedly dominated by bourbon and rye. but it does bring that sourness and when mixed with the above, it gives my sweet whiskey drink an appealing new tone. almost sensually muscular, you might say (not me though)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: stevewizzle on February 14, 2014, 06:06:18 pm
I swear, I feel like I'm the only one trying to create content and designing future plot lines around here sometimes.

future user name change coming soon...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 14, 2014, 07:11:08 pm
I swear, I feel like I'm the only one trying to create content and designing future plot lines around here sometimes.

future user name change coming soon...
STRUGGLING Community ORGANIZER maybe. I'm not giving up on you people yet.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on February 21, 2014, 12:01:27 pm
I watched the perfect movie for both fans of whiskey and Scottish accents last night.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1924394/

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on February 26, 2014, 01:41:58 pm
http://press.fourseasons.com/washington/hotel-news/2014/bourbon-steak-celebrates-st-patricks-day-with-special-pappy-van-winkle-at-four-seasons-hotel-washington-dc/

Pappy Dinner
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 26, 2014, 05:31:26 pm
http://press.fourseasons.com/washington/hotel-news/2014/bourbon-steak-celebrates-st-patricks-day-with-special-pappy-van-winkle-at-four-seasons-hotel-washington-dc/

Pappy Dinner

Whoa. Heavily considering this but my wife isn't interested. Might have to organize a sausage fest.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on February 26, 2014, 05:39:17 pm
http://press.fourseasons.com/washington/hotel-news/2014/bourbon-steak-celebrates-st-patricks-day-with-special-pappy-van-winkle-at-four-seasons-hotel-washington-dc/

Pappy Dinner

Whoa. Heavily considering this but my wife isn't interested. Might have to organize a sausage fest.

It would be nice to see the menu as well, but I'm sure it's top notch.

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on February 26, 2014, 05:55:10 pm
it's the four seasons.  the food will be top notch.

a buddy of mine has a whiskey collection that would make relaxer drool.  it's in a huge glass case we've started referring to as "The Alter."  i'll have to post some pix.  anyhoo, the other day i tried some Pappy VW for the first time.  i think it was 20 year.  damn fine stuff, probably the best bourbon i've ever tried (not that i'd tried that many bourbons, nor do i consider myself an aficionado).  as others have stated previously, i'm not certain it's $800 good.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 26, 2014, 05:55:25 pm
Oh, they're serving food at this?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on February 26, 2014, 06:12:41 pm
Oh, they're serving food at this?

Yup... five course meal... which almost pays for itself.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 30, 2014, 05:59:11 pm
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/30/jack-daniels-angers-competitors-over-tennessee-whiskey-rule/
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on March 31, 2014, 10:54:49 am
Picked up a bottleof Whistle Pig at Magruders on Saturday - only 59.99 which I thought was a good price

And a buddy stopped by with a bottle of Pinhook bourbon which was very good

http://drinkwire.liquor.com/post/bourbons-of-the-fall-part-2

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 31, 2014, 11:47:52 am
WhistlePig rye or bourbon? I've only had the rye and it was good but I feel like there's better rye out there for the price, like High West's Double Rye or even Wild Turkey Rye.

Lately I've been experimenting a lot with ginger liqueur. This is a recent favorite:

(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1891280_716184381754490_133484882_n.jpg)

Tonight's drink:
3 oz of rye, 1+ oz of Domaine Canton ginger liqueur, 1.5 oz of simple syrup, 1 oz of lemon juice, a few blurps of Angostora bitters

Mix in shaker with ice, pour, experience bliss.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on March 31, 2014, 11:51:38 am
your kitchen, is straight, out of the eighties growing up memories i had in north carolina.  including the booze and shaker cheese.  my parents, liked booze . . . and shaker cheese.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on March 31, 2014, 12:57:06 pm
Best of both worlds:  Dirty Panties (http://www.drinknation.com/drink/dirty-panties)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on March 31, 2014, 01:00:36 pm
WhistlePig rye or bourbon? I've only had the rye and it was good but I feel like there's better rye out there for the price, like High West's Double Rye or even Wild Turkey Rye.

Rye - I luuuurrrve it
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on March 31, 2014, 01:13:24 pm
You guys are making me thirsty.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on March 31, 2014, 01:17:55 pm
Tell me about it. I may have to hit Starbucks for a grande mocha frappuchino light.

You guys are making me thirsty.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 31, 2014, 01:20:52 pm
You guys are making me thirsty.
These pretzels are making me thirsty.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: stevewizzle on March 31, 2014, 01:24:12 pm
Picked up a bottleof Whistle Pig at Magruders on Saturday - only 59.99 which I thought was a good price

And a buddy stopped by with a bottle of Pinhook bourbon which was very good

http://drinkwire.liquor.com/post/bourbons-of-the-fall-part-2



that's a heck of a price. i don't remember seeing it less than $70
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 23, 2014, 04:10:49 pm
I've had a few new ones recently, thought I'd share impressions.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ykw0FZU2L.jpg)

K8teebug, you inspired me to get that Redbreast and I liked it a lot, though not enough to delve into Irish since my love for bourbon runs strong. Then in the span of 10 minutes, I read about this new ulrta-rare Irish whiskey and then had an email from Dinkupny offering it up. It's very good and worth seeking out, plus it's under $50, which is a nice price for a premium whiskey. Strongly recommended if you like Irish. If you don't or are new to it, I'd start with the Redbreast.

(http://caskers.com/wp-content/uploads/rb11-256x350.jpg)

A major disappointment, especially at $65 a pop. Redemption is a new-ish brand that's made a mark, in my opinion, due more to its nifty looking bottles than what's inside. I haven't disliked their regular iterations of bourbon or rye but they're both just kind of 'there' and there's options that are so much better. I had a feeling this 121 proof bottling might have the special something... and, nope. It's just overly hot, middle of the road rye. It is possible to do high proof whiskey that still has nuance and charm -- just get a bottle of Bookers, which is a Jim Beam juice for Christ's sakes -- and Redemption is not that.

(http://kybourbon.net/catalog/images/johnny-drum.jpg)

And really, why drink mediocre drink when there's all these hidden gems out there just waiting to be discovered. The Johnny Drum almost looks to me like one of those dusty $8 bottles you see on the bottom shelf, so the $35 price tag was a leap even though I'll drop twice that on a whim. I don't really subscribe to the chin-stroking "Oh hmm hmm, I detect notes of virgin apples dancing with rutebaga" but instead say, I keep coming back to this. It's really kind of fun and tasty, surprisingly smooth for a 100+ proof, and it's pretty fun to say "Johnny Drum."

(http://coolmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Wild-Turkey-Forgiven.jpg)

I'm pretty sure I already wrote about this one, but I just have to reiterate how good this is. The marketing "story" behind it is pure bunk but I swear, a glass of this is candy in a bottle. Probably my most loved whiskey of the past year and a half (which is around when I started to get into this stuff seriously).
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: stevewizzle on April 23, 2014, 04:53:32 pm
i very much enjoy these posts.

i dont go through whiskey bottles quick enough to keep up with the purchases you and others make, but shit, in the moments i've been at a bar and just want a glass of whiskey, i typically know where to go.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on April 23, 2014, 05:11:03 pm
Best bang for your buck right here...

http://www.thekitchn.com/best-bargain-booze-old-overhol-130359

Been on an Old Fashioned kick drinking this guy lately... my mouth is currently watering thinking of one.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 24, 2014, 01:35:43 pm
My latest Manhattan iteration is the Best Drink I've Ever Had:

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0h9TE9ipoeY/UZ1yoMncreI/AAAAAAAADCI/Qr040PasVs0/s1600/FEW+Rye+Whiskey.JPG)

(http://drinks.seriouseats.com/images/2013/06/20130611smallsizevermouth.jpg)

(http://thecraftybartender.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/163010.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 24, 2014, 02:11:02 pm
After that Few Rye won Whiskey Advocate's Craft of the Year, I grabbed some and it is really great. I must say, however, that the High West Double Rye just hits me in the perfect place so that tends to be my go-to, but I should try the Few again.

That Vermouth looks intriguing. Is it called Antica Formula? I would love to try it. Is it a sweet or dry or all its own thing?

Someone turned me onto Fee Bros. bitters and I instantly fell in love. Love the smoky spicy texture it brings.

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 24, 2014, 02:59:17 pm
http://postprohibition.com/liquor-cabinet/carpano-antica/
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on April 24, 2014, 03:19:41 pm
Thanks.  I'm going to try that.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on April 24, 2014, 03:20:28 pm
I have heard that Few's Rye is great, but their bourbon is meh.  Thoughts?

We finally tracked down a bottle of Blanton's.  Now we just need to find Black Maple Hill.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on April 24, 2014, 03:23:08 pm
I will look into that Irish Whiskey!  I just got a bottle of 2 Gingers just to make hot toddys and for sipping when I"m in the mood for an Irish Whiskey and it's pretty good.  A little on the sweet side, but sometimes I'm in the mood for sweet.

http://www.2gingerswhiskey.com/wp-content/plugins/age-verification/age_verification.php?redirect_to=http://www.2gingerswhiskey.com%2F

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 24, 2014, 03:24:17 pm
Anyone else loving yellow chartreuse and mezcal right now??
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 24, 2014, 03:25:33 pm
http://postprohibition.com/liquor-cabinet/carpano-antica/
^^
I have two bottles sitting in my wine fridge. Definitely have to be careful which drinks you use it in place of standard sweet vermouth, but when it's right it's right.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 24, 2014, 04:04:08 pm
http://postprohibition.com/liquor-cabinet/carpano-antica/

Only $32 at drinkupny, and that gets you a 1L bottle. The guys in my mailroom here at work are getting a little fed up with me constantly having these heavy "FRAGILE" boxes delivered to me, so I will probably swing by Schneiders on my ride home and see if they have it there. In fact, I think I'll get the full list of ingredients Hoya posted and go to damn town.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 24, 2014, 04:04:42 pm
I have heard that Few's Rye is great, but their bourbon is meh.  Thoughts?

We finally tracked down a bottle of Blanton's.  Now we just need to find Black Maple Hill.

I've never had the bourbon, just the rye.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 24, 2014, 04:06:02 pm
http://postprohibition.com/liquor-cabinet/carpano-antica/

Only $32 at drinkupny, and that gets you a 1L bottle. The guys in my mailroom here at work are getting a little fed up with me constantly having these heavy "FRAGILE" boxes delivered to me, so I will probably swing by Schneiders on my ride home and see if they have it there. In fact, I think I'll get the full list of ingredients Hoya posted and go to damn town.

I just bought all of those ingredients at Schneider's on Monday night, so you'll be fine. The Few Rye was hiding up on top of / behind the whiskey wall.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 24, 2014, 04:06:56 pm
(https://www.lwwarehouse.com/images/labels/elijah-craig-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-12-year.jpg)

Also, if anyone is looking to try an excellent bourbon without breaking the bank, the Elijah Craig is a tremendous deal. It's 12 years old and goes for under $30 -- it's listed right now at drinkupny at $27. An excellent bargain for a great bourbon.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on April 24, 2014, 04:25:06 pm
Perhaps a bit slow on the uptake, but I just discovered that MoCo has a cool inventory search :) and has that Wild Turkey for $80  :o

http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/dlcsearch/
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 24, 2014, 05:09:15 pm
You can get it retail (well, at Schneiders) for $60 and for $53 on Caskers, though it's sold out at the moment.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on April 25, 2014, 08:15:59 am
(https://www.lwwarehouse.com/images/labels/elijah-craig-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-12-year.jpg)

Also, if anyone is looking to try an excellent bourbon without breaking the bank, the Elijah Craig is a tremendous deal. It's 12 years old and goes for under $30 -- it's listed right now at drinkupny at $27. An excellent bargain for a great bourbon.

We just finished a bottle of that.  Really good.

I'll let you all know when Pine Orchard has their sale again.  It was just a few weeks ago and I happened to catch it by accident.  Everything in the store (pretty much) is one dollar over cost.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 25, 2014, 12:39:20 pm
What's everyone's favorite daily driver for bourbon?

I've been doing Buffalo Trace for a while (1.75L handles for about $33 @ Costco), but am in the mood to change that up. Heading to Costco for a re-up tomorrow.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 25, 2014, 02:32:04 pm
I had to google "daily driver" and this was the first definition: A bong that is mainly intended for everyday use.

But if you meant, what's your day-to-day bourbon, I'm still feel semi-new at the bourbon game so I'm still trying to experiment and taste all of them. I usually have a high-end bottle and a sub-$40 bottle going.

And while they do vary as I try new stuff, I do often fall back on Elijah Craig, Ol Grand Dad 114 (a great value for a strong whiskey), Wild Turkey 101, and Eagle Rare 10 Yr. If I'm really limited in selection, Bulleitt bourbon will do too.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on April 25, 2014, 02:37:27 pm
Buffalo Trace is my fave.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on April 25, 2014, 02:40:43 pm
How do you feel about Bourbon County Stout or Barleywine?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 25, 2014, 02:45:17 pm
You know, I don't think I've ever had Buffalo Trace. That will be rectified very soon.

Heh heh, I said "rectified"
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on April 25, 2014, 03:45:11 pm
I love Barleywine.  I haven't had the bourbon stout, but I do like that crazy pumpkin ale aged in old bourbon barrels.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 26, 2014, 05:28:21 pm
Hoya, I'm sure I can figure it out, but what proportions do you use for your manhattan last page? I just returned from Schneiders with all the ingredients for your drink -- along with three bottles of Four Roses Cask Strength, which is very amazingand very rare. Highly recommended, though the dude said their supply wouldn't last the weekend
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: HoyaSaxa03 on April 28, 2014, 02:44:17 pm
I've settled lately on a 2 parts whiskey to 1 part vermouth ratio, but in my salad days I would go as high as 4-5 parts whiskey to 1 part vermouth.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 28, 2014, 03:12:23 pm
A proper manhattan is the same as manhattan'a area code: 212. 2 parts bourbon/rye, 1 part vermouth, 2 dashes of bitters.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 28, 2014, 04:01:19 pm
Why, that's brilliant! I just wish NYC's area code was 215.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on April 28, 2014, 04:31:34 pm
Why, that's brilliant! I just wish NYC's area code was 215.
You, sir, enjoy your bitters.

My favorite moderation to a manhattan is a few dashes of absinthe in addition to the usual 2-1-2.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 28, 2014, 04:55:25 pm
Oh dang, I'm totally going to do that tonight.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 28, 2014, 06:25:13 pm
Enjoying Hoya's recipe. I have to admit, I'm a sweets guy and it was just a bit too bitter/sour for me so I added a wee lil glurp of syrup and then I was in Pleasuretown.

Gonna do an absinthe rinse for my next one, but I have to play it cool because I"m single dad tonight.

One note: the very rare Barrel Strength Elijah Craig is in stock at Schneiders, at a nice and evil 66.6%  8)
It will be gone very soon. It's the best high-proof bourbon I've ever had, though I must admit I've never had Stagg, which people praise to the very heavens.

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: slappy on May 15, 2014, 01:47:34 pm
Unaged George Washington Rye Whiskey distilled at Mt. Vernon goes on sale tomorrow morning.
His plantation manager, James Anderson, is the originator of rye whiskey in the US.
http://www.mountvernon.org/whiskeysale
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on May 15, 2014, 01:51:32 pm
A proper manhattan is the same as manhattan'a area code: 212. 2 parts bourbon/rye, 1 part vermouth, 2 dashes of bitters.

that is so cute!

Anyone had Basil Hayden?  I had it at Vinoteca the other week and it was yummy.

They also had Pappy there, but it was 3 weeks ago, so it may be gone by now.  They had the 15 and the 23?  Two different bottles.  I can't keep 'em straight.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 15, 2014, 01:56:29 pm
Basil Hayden is overpriced but good.

They probably had the 15 and 20? The 23 would have a close to $1000 tag on it and that's probably stick out in your memory.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on May 15, 2014, 02:05:45 pm
Basil Hayden is overpriced but good.

They probably had the 15 and 20? The 23 would have a close to $1000 tag on it and that's probably stick out in your memory.

Vinoteca is a bar, sir.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 15, 2014, 02:13:18 pm
Basil Hayden is overpriced but good.

They probably had the 15 and 20? The 23 would have a close to $1000 tag on it and that's probably stick out in your memory.

Vinoteca is a bar, sir.
Ahh. My apologies.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 15, 2014, 02:16:14 pm
so relaxer, you didn't answer james' question: ever tried an bourbon county brand stout, from Goose Island?  how about their barley wine?  strong bourbon flavor in both.

(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1891280_716184381754490_133484882_n.jpg)

you're not paying for simple syrup, are you?  it's sugar that has been boiled in water.  it's about as hard to make as a cup of tea.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on May 15, 2014, 02:19:21 pm
I don't go into the beer threads and shit them up with talk about whiskey or adverbs or Idaho, so no, I didn't answer his question.

And YES, I buy simple syrup. I know it's easy to make and I used to, until it got dumped over in the fridge and it took me an hour trying to unsticky everything and then I realized "You know what? I can just buy this stuff. We're not animals."
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 15, 2014, 02:22:09 pm
I will post a pic of my liquor cabinet when I get home. I too purchase simple syrup.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 15, 2014, 02:22:42 pm
I don't go into the beer threads and shit them up with talk about whiskey or adverbs or Idaho, so no, I didn't answer his question.
POTM.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on May 15, 2014, 02:24:28 pm
I'm not a big fan of Basil Hayden. I don't think it's bad but it's just kind of there and its mild taste makes me wish there was more something to it. I try not to disparage the Jim Beam whiskeys, mostly because I genuinely like Bookers. But Basil and Bakers are just so middle of the road to me, and Knob Creek is mediocre whiskey with faux-thentic branding and mid-tier pricing. I don't think they're bad drinks necessarily, just that if I got to choose 10 brands, there wouldn't be a Beam in there.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on May 15, 2014, 02:27:35 pm
I like to shoot Basil Hayden's with a nice miller high life on the side.  ;D

hi walky.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on May 15, 2014, 02:33:12 pm
And just for the hell of it, I'm going to list the 10 bourbons I've liked the most over the past couple years. I only list whiskeys that I've owned and drank full bottles of, so no Pappy or Stagg or really old Willett.

1. Wild Turkey Forgiven
2. Four Roses Single Barrel Cask Strength
3. Willett Reserve 9 Yr
4. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
5. Jeffersons Presidential Select 21 Yr
6. Blanton's Single Barrel
7. Russell's Reserve Small Batch
8. Noah's Mill
9. Angel's Envy
10. Elijah Craig Barrel Strength
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on May 15, 2014, 02:39:15 pm
Honorable Mentions:

Eagle Rare 10 Yr
High West Prairie Reserve
Old Medley 12 Yr
Rowan's Creek
Widow Jane
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on May 15, 2014, 03:01:59 pm
I'm not a big fan of Basil Hayden. I don't think it's bad but it's just kind of there and its mild taste makes me wish there was more something to it. I try not to disparage the Jim Beam whiskeys, mostly because I genuinely like Bookers. But Basil and Bakers are just so middle of the road to me, and Knob Creek is mediocre whiskey with faux-thentic branding and mid-tier pricing. I don't think they're bad drinks necessarily, just that if I got to choose 10 brands, there wouldn't be a Beam in there.


Knob Creek tastes like water to me.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on July 25, 2014, 03:06:17 pm
Ahh ye olde whisk(e) thread, I hardly knew ye.

The past few months, I have been on a major Irish whiskey kick. In fact, I had some bourbon the other day and was surprised at how sweet it was.

Inspiration for returning to this thread is the bottle of Midleton Very Rare I bought online.

(http://home.comcast.net/~massbackwards/midleton2.jpg)

Better than Red Breast, better than Green Spot, better than even the toppest of the line Bushmills, this is the greatest Irish whiskey imaginable. In fact it is among the greatest liquors I've ever had. I can't imagine anything I would take over this. The big blower is that it's expensive but it's worth the splurge. It can be had by ordering it from Cappy's Wine and Liquors.

And as K8tbug has written, Red Breast is the 'can't go wrong' Irish whiskey. Even its bottom of the line 12 year offering (which still runs around 450) is just fantastic.

Also, our family took a cruise a few weeks ago and Jameson's was a part of the all-you-can-drink package and I may have actually drank it all. For a cheap-ish whiskey, it is remarkably good.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on July 25, 2014, 03:43:50 pm
its great isn't it!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 25, 2014, 03:58:32 pm
(http://cdn.thewhiskybarrel.com/images/published/3/sources/products/product/1315/bruichladdich-octomore-5-1.jpg)

My most recent big purchase, the Bruichladdich Octomore (I bought the 6.1, but the 4.2 is pictured). I'm a huge fan of peaty, salty islay scotches and this might be the best I've ever had. I'm a huge, huge Bruichladdich fan and this is the best thing they've ever done by far.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on July 25, 2014, 04:02:14 pm
its great isn't it!

Which one, the Jamesons or the Midleton?

Hell, they're both great. But one is nice bowl of ice cream great and the other is winning-the-lottery great.

Or maybe you're talking about Irish whiskey in general, to which I completely agree.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on July 25, 2014, 04:03:00 pm
Also, while I don't like scotch myself, I always love hearing people like Julian describe it. I wish I liked it, I really do. But I don't.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on July 26, 2014, 08:13:54 am
its great isn't it!

Which one, the Jamesons or the Midleton?

Hell, they're both great. But one is nice bowl of ice cream great and the other is winning-the-lottery great.

Or maybe you're talking about Irish whiskey in general, to which I completely agree.

Midleton! I had it for the first time as an 18 year old and it blew me away
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: i am gay and i like cats on July 26, 2014, 08:22:54 am
http://www.copperfox.biz/index/

anybody been here?  this is in my neck of the nowhere.  i hear from my local chef friend, that it is good.  i don't know, because i hate liquor.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on July 26, 2014, 07:47:52 pm
I haven't, but I'm going to Old Rag on Wednesday and just might make a stop in Sperryville. I'm always a little suspicious of purveyors of "American whiskey" because it often means they just didn't feel like following the rules for bourbon. But I like local stuff so will try and get it and the rye.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on July 28, 2014, 08:33:00 pm
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/07/28/your-craft-whiskey-is-probably-from-a-factory-distillery-in-indiana.html#
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on July 29, 2014, 08:55:46 am
At least the labels are still artisinal.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on July 29, 2014, 09:14:24 am
I read that article yesterday. It's true that some of these new labels are just buying whiskey and slapping a label on it (Whistlepig does this, and then marks it waaaay up) but a some of the brands they talk about actually do put a unique spin on it by blending different barrels and whiskies together. High West and Corsair are two newer whiskey companies and they've earned their good reputation by achieving really excellent blends and bringing in new flavors.

There's also something to what Noah's Mill does, which is sample barrel after barrel (there's a job for you) and then pick the ones that fit their flavor profile.

Finally, not all barrels at a distillery are made equally. There are a hundred different variables that new and old labels are aware of and leverage.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 29, 2014, 09:18:15 am
I read that article yesterday. It's true that some of these new labels are just buying whiskey and slapping a label on it (Whistlepig does this, and then marks it waaaay up) but a some of the brands they talk about actually do put a unique spin on it by blending different barrels and whiskies together. High West and Corsair are two newer whiskey companies and they've earned their good reputation by achieving really excellent blends and bringing in new flavors.

There's also something to what Noah's Mill does, which is sample barrel after barrel (there's a job for you) and then pick the ones that fit their flavor profile.

Finally, not all barrels at a distillery are made equally. There are a hundred different variables that new and old labels are aware of and leverage.
Yeah, I agree with this. I'm not a huge American whiskey/bourbon guy (its probably my least favorite style of whisky), but I have had several of these products. High West and Corsair couldn't be more different, despite their shared provenance. I think its a good thing for people to understand where their liquor comes from -- hooray for informed and knowledgeable consumers -- and there are some people who are just slapping a label on a $15 bottle of whisky and charging $40, sure, but everything that comes out of that place is not the same by a long shot.

I think a "Richmond" liquor comes from that place too. Belle Isle Moonshine purports to be made out of the James River, but is actually from one of these whisky-mills.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 22, 2014, 12:15:51 pm
Here's a post I made the other night on another board. I was drunk.

sitting at my kitchen table reading irish whiskey reviews and pouring an ounce or so of whatever I'm reading about

it began when I cracked a bottle of jamesons black barrel, a 12 yr old blend of pot still and something else I don't remember. I really liked this and at ~$30 a bottle, its much cheaper than red breast, which is twice as expensive. rb is better but this is a good economical drink and I will see you later frequently, jameson black barrel

then read all this praise for bushmill 16 yr single malt so I pulled that down and poured an ounce before remembering I just don't much care for this one. its got that sour burnt edge that scotch has and I don't like scotch so there you go

then read a praise to green spot and I smiled smugly and knowingly as I dumped a bunch into the glass because its like reading a puff piece on 'new day rising' because I know its great, I'm just standing in buzzy affirmation with my tribe

continuing along the preaching to the choir path, I said 'fuck suspense' to no one in particular and pulled down the cask strength red breast and embraced all the cliches and sat and stared while enjoying this best drink

all that said, I really was impressed snd touched by that jameson black barrel, which seems like a million weeks ago
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on September 22, 2014, 12:49:34 pm
birthday present from my folks

(http://www.jamesfox.ie/images/midleton_barry_crockett.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 22, 2014, 02:13:27 pm
Holy shit. That's the damn motherlode right there.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 26, 2014, 11:19:41 am
I'm such a dick. I have not been able to stop thinking about that Barry Crockett and just now I said "fuck it" and pulled the trigger and bought it online. I literally cannot wait to regret this.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on September 26, 2014, 12:27:51 pm
did you manage to snag it for less than $250?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on September 26, 2014, 01:14:05 pm
I'm such a dick. I have not been able to stop thinking about that Barry Crockett and just now I said "fuck it" and pulled the trigger and bought it online. I literally cannot wait to regret this.
attaboy! very interested to get your take on it
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 26, 2014, 01:52:13 pm
$220! Not only was that the cheapest price I'd seen, it's the only place that had it in stock. All my usual places didn't have it, and didn't have the Green Spot either. So really in a way, it's like they're paying me. Shipping cost bites but it's not far from what sales tax would've been. Will report back. I'm going to try MY HARDEST not to inhale this in a few days.

GREEN SPOT IRISH WHISKEY 750  43.99

MIDLETON BARRY CROCKETT 750  219.99

1 100042 GROUND SHIPPING 16.75

Total: 282.73


Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 26, 2014, 02:18:12 pm
Whisky Bottle Share meet up!?!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 26, 2014, 02:24:17 pm
Sure thing. I'll bring my finest bottle of Old Crow.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on September 26, 2014, 03:15:41 pm
I'm bringing Polish everclear!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 09, 2014, 04:32:10 pm
I'm such a dick. I have not been able to stop thinking about that Barry Crockett and just now I said "fuck it" and pulled the trigger and bought it online. I literally cannot wait to regret this.
attaboy! very interested to get your take on it

OKAY
I am about halfway through the bottle of Barry Crockett and feel that I can post my initial impressions.

Which are? It's good. It's not $200+ good or even, frankly, $100+ good. But it's not like the 21 Yr Elijah Craig I bought and really disliked. The Midleton BC is a good drink and I enjoy it, but honestly, the Midleton Very Rare, which runs $100 cheaper, was much more enjoyable to me. I genuinely loved that one, I can't say that I love the Barry Crockett. But I'm very happy to have had it and tried it.

At this point, if I had to rank the Irish Whiskies, I'd probably go:
1. Green Spot
2. Midleton Very Rare
3. Red Breast 12 Cask Strength
4. Powers John Lane 12
5. Red Breast 15
6. Midleton Barry Crocket Legacy
7. Jamesons Black Barrel
8. Tullamore Dew Phoenix
9. Jamesons Gold Reserve
10. Bushmills Malt 16
9,000,000,000. Two Gingers

Others that didn't make the list for one reason or another: Teeling, Wild Geese Rare, Knappogue 12, Irishman Single Malt
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 09, 2014, 04:37:50 pm
Also, one other tip. Hi-Time Wine Cellars is probably the most economical option for ordering whiskey online. Their prices are very good and while the shipping costs can get into the $15 to $20 range, you don't pay sales tax and they really do package it up very well. Strongly recommend them. In fact, as long as I'm being really fucking useful, here are my top online purveyors of online boozio. Options #1 and #2 are a mile ahead of the rest in terms of reliability, speed of delivery and price.

1. Hi-Time Wine Cellars: http://www.hitimewine.net/home.php

2. Cappy's Warehouse Wine & Spirits: http://www.cappyswineandspirits.com/

3. Worldwide Wine & Spirits: http://www.ctwineandspirit.com/

4. Drinkupny: http://www.drinkupny.com/ (I really don't recommend this place. They have a tendency to email you a week after you placed your order to say "Oh sorry, we're out of stock")

5. Caskers: https://caskers.com/ (this is a free membership thing. It's like a Gilt for booze, in that you get daily emails with 5-6 different mid- to high-end liquors that are on special. I don't buy much from them because the prices at Hi-Time and Cappy's are usually better, but I sure do enjoy those daily emails and their write-ups)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 09, 2014, 06:56:13 pm
In retrospect, I'd switch #8 and #9 on my Irish list. The only thing the Tullamore has going for it, to my palate, is the 55% ABV. It isn't one that I siiiiiiip and think "oh yeah"
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 09, 2014, 06:57:41 pm
In fact, I am terribly tempted to dump my glass of Tullamore and continue with the Green Spot I just received in the mail but we're not animals.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on October 13, 2014, 07:59:41 am
I'm such a dick. I have not been able to stop thinking about that Barry Crockett and just now I said "fuck it" and pulled the trigger and bought it online. I literally cannot wait to regret this.
attaboy! very interested to get your take on it

OKAY
I am about halfway through the bottle of Barry Crockett and feel that I can post my initial impressions.

Which are? It's good. It's not $200+ good or even, frankly, $100+ good. But it's not like the 21 Yr Elijah Craig I bought and really disliked. The Midleton BC is a good drink and I enjoy it, but honestly, the Midleton Very Rare, which runs $100 cheaper, was much more enjoyable to me. I genuinely loved that one, I can't say that I love the Barry Crockett. But I'm very happy to have had it and tried it.

At this point, if I had to rank the Irish Whiskies, I'd probably go:
1. Green Spot
2. Midleton Very Rare
3. Red Breast 12 Cask Strength
4. Powers John Lane 12
5. Red Breast 15
6. Midleton Barry Crocket Legacy
7. Jamesons Black Barrel
8. Tullamore Dew Phoenix
9. Jamesons Gold Reserve
10. Bushmills Malt 16
9,000,000,000. Two Gingers

Others that didn't make the list for one reason or another: Teeling, Wild Geese Rare, Knappogue 12, Irishman Single Malt

I really like 2 Gingers in a hot toddy when I've had a bad day.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on October 13, 2014, 08:00:17 am
I also had a terrible experience with Drink Up NY.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on October 17, 2014, 10:30:20 am
And just like that, I get a shipping notification that my order from LAST NOVEMBER was shipped to me. But it was this year's bourbon, and not last years, and they didn't even write/call to see if I wanted this year's release.

And they shipped it to my old place of employment.

Better get a full refund on that..

ugh.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 17, 2014, 04:03:03 pm
Holy shit, thank you for posting that. I'm in Florida and keep getting these emails that a box requiring adult signature just arrived at work and I've been cruising all my online liquor stores to figure out what drunken purchase I made that I can't remember.

The weird thing is I rarely drink bourbon anymore.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 03, 2014, 02:57:02 pm
Perfect Pour is holding a rare bourbon raffle on November 14th. It's free to enter, but you have to do it in person at the store. Winners will be notified by phone or email with a choice of bottles available for purchase.

No prices, but they mention Eagle Rare, George T. Stagg, Thomas H. Handy, William Larue Weller, and Pappy.

Just an FYI!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 03, 2014, 04:15:12 pm
Wow, I've never even heard of this place. Looks impressive, how are their prices? I'll never make it up there but it looks like a great place if you live in the area.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on November 03, 2014, 04:55:22 pm
Wow, I've never even heard of this place. Looks impressive, how are their prices? I'll never make it up there but it looks like a great place if you live in the area.

Great store... like most MD places that sell booze and aren't state run, their prices tend to be a bit on the higher side.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on November 03, 2014, 04:57:11 pm
People on Beer Advocate used to bitch all the time for their price gouging on rare beers.

They may have changed ownership since that time though, I'm not sure.


Wow, I've never even heard of this place. Looks impressive, how are their prices? I'll never make it up there but it looks like a great place if you live in the area.

Great store... like most MD places that sell booze and aren't state run, their prices tend to be a bit on the higher side.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on November 03, 2014, 05:11:47 pm
People on Beer Advocate used to bitch all the time for their price gouging on rare beers.

They may have changed ownership since that time though, I'm not sure.


Wow, I've never even heard of this place. Looks impressive, how are their prices? I'll never make it up there but it looks like a great place if you live in the area.

Great store... like most MD places that sell booze and aren't state run, their prices tend to be a bit on the higher side.

I find the price gouging on "rare" beers to be across the board in the DC area. Regarding regular six packs, I find the prices to be a buck or two higher.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: James Ford on November 03, 2014, 05:14:23 pm
The Whole Foods (at least the VA ones, less so the DC ones) and Total Wines are pretty consistently fair in their pricing on rare beers.

People on Beer Advocate used to bitch all the time for their price gouging on rare beers.

They may have changed ownership since that time though, I'm not sure.


Wow, I've never even heard of this place. Looks impressive, how are their prices? I'll never make it up there but it looks like a great place if you live in the area.

Great store... like most MD places that sell booze and aren't state run, their prices tend to be a bit on the higher side.

I find the price gouging on "rare" beers to be across the board in the DC area. Regarding regular six packs, I find the prices to be a buck or two higher.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 03, 2014, 05:22:05 pm
Who cares about rare beers.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 04, 2014, 09:23:49 am
Wow, I've never even heard of this place. Looks impressive, how are their prices? I'll never make it up there but it looks like a great place if you live in the area.

They are slightly above what other stores charge in the area, but not super expensive. Some of their beer is pricey, but it's nice to be able to make a 6 pack of whatever you want. The employees are really nice and helpful. Dominick really knows his bourbon, whiskey, and scotch.

As for beer, they pretty much carry EVERYTHING you can get in MD. So, I don't mind paying an extra dollar for that service.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 04, 2014, 09:24:48 am
I was pissed at them because they are a major reason I can't go to Wegmans and buy booze, but I got over it.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 04, 2014, 01:29:54 pm
Why can't you go to Wegmans anymore?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 05, 2014, 11:40:27 am
I live in Columbia, and in MD, you cannot go to just any store and buy beer/wine/booze. Wegmans was planning to sell it on the upper level of the Columbia store, and Perfect Pour led a campaign to stop it.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/howard/news/ph-ho-cf-wegmans-liquor-0802-20120730-story.html#page=1

And perfect pour's stance

We need your help!
As many of you have seen and heard, Wegmans is coming to our part of the world. What you may not know is that they have applied for a liquor license. This would be in direct violation of Maryland law which does not allow sales of alcohol in grocery stores. We hear politicians talk about the value of small business in this state and we have all been sad to the the corner hardware store disappear as big box stores take their place. Well, lots of neighborhood stores will disappear if the big stores are allowed to dominate the liquor industry.
We, at The Perfect Pour, have tried to create a store where selection and service are a "cut above". We work seven days a week and employ 15 members of the local community. We have only one product line to sell - the grocery stores have already put local florist out of business and when did you last visit a butcher shop??
If you support us and agree with us please send an email to PETER FRANCHOT, PFRANCHOT@comp.state.md.us, the Comptroller of Maryland and please come in and sign our petition to block this license when you come in this week.
Sincerely, Tom, Evelyn and Staff
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: shemptiness on November 05, 2014, 08:43:22 pm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/11/05/japan-beats-scotland-to-win-worlds-best-whiskey-title/?tid=pm_pop
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on December 04, 2014, 10:58:07 am
Nick Offerman's My Tales of Whisky Music Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dyM41174nM
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 04, 2014, 11:49:01 am
I will watch that at some point.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DmgB-Qa3L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)

In other whisk(e)y news, this book showed up on my office's "free books" shelf. It's a good book for learning the basics of whiskey and how they're made, history and differences behind the various types, etc. The author is a little too "Can you actually believe me? A chick? Loves whiskey? I am just such a chick that loves whiskey!" but it's still a fun read.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 04, 2014, 11:52:36 am
A woman!?! Who drinks whiskey!?! Well, I never! The boys at the yacht club shall hear of this!!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on February 12, 2015, 12:27:14 am
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/whiskey-wedge
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 12, 2015, 04:20:18 pm
While I can get behind the idea in theory, that is WAY too much ice to be adding to your love sauce. Also, what happens when the ice detaches itself from the glass? Every time you take a sip, you're gonna have ol Iceberg Jones nudging at your nose.

In other news, I bought a premium tequila the other day:

(https://www.beltramos.com/images/labels/casa-noble-tequila-anejo.gif)

This is very good. I could really see you Scotch weirdos getting into this. It has that same kind of appealingly dirty sour taste that Scotch has. It's been a real eye-opener.

Ultimately, however, I'm still drinking Irish 90% of the time. Still have a major hard-on for Green Spot. Anyone who wants to try it should order it from Hi-Time Wine (http://www.hitimewine.net/GREEN-SPOT-IRISH-WHISKEY-750.html) as it's the lowest price I've found anywhere.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on February 12, 2015, 05:20:07 pm

Ultimately, however, I'm still drinking Irish 90% of the time. Still have a major hard-on for Green Spot. Anyone who wants to try it should order it from Hi-Time Wine (http://www.hitimewine.net/GREEN-SPOT-IRISH-WHISKEY-750.html) as it's the lowest price I've found anywhere.
\

Dude I picked up a bottle of yellow spot in Ireland over Xmas - you should stop by and taste it sometime I love it
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 12, 2015, 05:27:13 pm
I actually got a bottle of the Yellow a few months ago from MasterofMalt.com, and it was SUBLIME. My usual MO when having a drink is about 3 oz of whiskey, an ice cube, and a wee blurrpp of simple syrup. Hey, it's just how I like it. But every single drink I had of the Yellow, I'd pour it into a glencairn glass and spend 10 minutes nosing the hell out of it. Then I'd have it straight and it just doesn't get any better than that. Or rather, it hasn't for me. I thought it was better than the Barry Crocket but on the same level as the Midleton Very Old, which might be my favorite Irish pour (but not my favorite Irish whiskey, as I take price into consideration. And at under $50 a bottle, Green Spot wins my gold)

I've read here and there that the Yellow is being prepped for distribution in the states. I hope that's the case.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Got Haggis? on February 18, 2015, 10:46:56 am
I went to a Burns night last month and had some laphroaig cairdeas 2014.  loved it.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 18, 2015, 12:53:01 pm
:D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :)  :o :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :)  :o :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :)  :o :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :)  :o

Pernod Ricard Announces U.S. Launch of Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

:D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :)  :o :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :)  :o :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :)  :o :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :) :D  ;D  8)  :P  :-*  :)  :o


NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ ? Yellow Spot?, one of Ireland?s premier Single Pot Still Irish Whiskies, has officially entered the U.S. market.  The 12 year old Single Pot Still, previously available exclusively in select European countries, will join fellow renowned Single Pot Still Green Spot, which entered the U.S. market last year.

Yellow Spot is matured in a combination of American bourbon, Spanish sherry and Spanish Malaga casks. It is the rare taste of a bonder?s style Pot Still Irish Whiskey and is known for its sophisticated and complex taste profile, possessing honey sweetness with pot still spices. Hints of fresh coffee, creamy milk chocolate and crème brulee are also found in each taste of Yellow Spot.

?Single Pot Still Irish Whiskies are the quintessential style of Irish whiskey and are characterized by full complex flavors,? said Paul Di Vito, VP, Irish and North American Whiskey at Pernod Ricard. ?We are thrilled to bring Yellow Spot to American whiskey lovers as Single Pot Stills have become highly desired.?

Each batch of Yellow Spot is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, which is then triple distilled in traditional copper stills. Yellow Spot was created and sold by Mitchell & Son Wine and Spirit Merchants in Dublin. The Mitchell family was in the whiskey bonding business and sent empty wine, sherry and port casks to the local Jameson distillery, which were filled and returned to the Mitchell?s cellar warehouse.

Yellow Spot will be released in the U.S., beginning this month and sold at a suggested retail price of $99.99.

Yellow Spot joins Pernod Ricard?s portfolio of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskies including Green Spot and Redbreast.

For more information please visit: http://www.singlepotstill.com/spotwhiskey/yellowspot

Please taste responsibly
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 18, 2015, 01:01:18 pm
I wasn't that excited until that parade got my hyped!!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on February 18, 2015, 03:02:42 pm
sweet!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on February 18, 2015, 03:31:25 pm
I saw this morning that Yellow Spot was Casker's feature whiskey for the day. I clicked over approximately 10 minutes after they started selling and it was sold out.  :'(

But that's okay, my usual sites tend to be cheaper. I'll bet Schneiders will tag this at $129.99.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 23, 2015, 01:35:15 pm
The 'Ocean's 11' of Bourbon Burglaries: Uncovering the Great Pappy Van Winkle Heist (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/22/the-ocean-s-11-of-bourbon-burglaries.html)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 23, 2015, 05:00:55 pm
That's a pretty funny story.

In other news, Bourbon Bros are outraged that Elijah Craig, the 12-yr-old bourbon that can usually be had for under $25 is about to lose its age statement. This is a bit of a bummer because there really is no better deal for a 12 year old, very good-tasting bourbon, than EC. Some are arguing that just because it will lose its "12 Years Old" statement doesn't mean it won't be similarly aged. But EC's entire business proposition is based on it being a cheap but well-aged drink. Personally, I don't think this is terrible news, but I might have a couple years ago when I was all about the bourbon.

I'm still on the daily Irish whiskey tip. The one thing about Irish, as opposed to scotch and bourbon, is that there's limited amounts to try out. You can always discover a new bourbon or scotch that you haven't had and enjoy some sexy exploration. But it feels to me like there's only around 25 different iterations under maybe a dozen different brands of Irish around. Which lends itself to finding the one you like and sticking with it. And I have! But it's not Green Spot. I still really like Green Spot a lot, and I will always have a bottle or two of it around. If someone comes over and says "so let's try out this Irish whiskey you're always prattling on about" I will pull out the Spot.

But I've now settled on my daily drank. It's not sexy, it's not rare, it's not hip. But at ~$30 to $35 a bottle, and a blend of 12 year old pot still whiskey (which is basically what Redbreast is, but at twice the price), it is a really excellent drink that I strongly recommend:

(http://www.drinkupny.com/v/vspfiles/photos/S1130-2.jpg)

Jameson Black Barrel. Light and crisp, with just the right amount of playful depth and wisdom. Eminently drinkable, but at 80 proof, you won't run into trouble if you venture into 3rd and 4th drink territory. Mixes perfectly with ginger beer but also satisfies sublimely with some ice or all on its naked own. Jameson Black Barrel is the best Irish whiskey deal on the market. It runs around $40 at liquor stores, but just today I received a shipment of four bottles, each attractively priced at $29.95 each, with a shipping fee of $22 (which is par for the course -- and they really do package it up nicely), from Amity Wines, located at http://www.amitywines.com/

And THAT is my recommendation for today. [dies]
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on July 22, 2015, 03:33:32 pm
Scotch and Irish bros and bras, this overseas site is running a special right now of free shipping anywhere in the world. I took advantage of this to get some Writers Tears Irish Whiskey, which is not available in the U.S. Their prices are very reasonable, and the free shipping just makes it a great deal.

http://www.finedrams.com/ (http://www.finedrams.com/)

Also, you gotta love a place called Fine Drams.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on August 26, 2015, 11:17:51 am
(http://media.npr.org/assets/bakertaylor/covers/b/bourbon-empire/9780670016839_custom-f6af410e5df314f2680d56a86ecceeb5e41e0155-s400-c85.jpg)

I picked up this book even though I was pretty ambivalent about the prospect of studying whiskey's history. Despite my love for the brown sauce, I didn't think it would be very interesting hearing about George Washington operating his own private still.

Well, I was mistaken. This ended up being a fascinating account of the many highs and lows that whiskey has experienced in this country. Lots of very interesting perspectives of the post-revolution Whiskey Rebellion, industrial revolution, Prohibition and its repeal, the parallel fortunes of beer throughout our history, and the overall business climates over the past couple centuries. I learned a great deal about whiskey, America and even myself.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on August 26, 2015, 02:58:15 pm
Thanks for the recommendation! Just ordered it for my husband for his birthday!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2015, 03:07:56 pm
Your husband seems to profit greatly to your membership in this community
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on August 27, 2015, 12:58:10 pm
He does.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 02, 2015, 11:10:25 am
Yesterday I was at Schneiders liquor store and spied this on the shelf behind the counter where they store the expensive stuff. I'd never seen or heard of it so I had to give it a shot.

(http://popsop.com/wp-content/uploads/Pearlfisher_Jameson-caskmates_01.png)

I figured it would be outta-hand expensive but I think it was less than $40 (I was already buying a few bottles of other stuff). Anyway, it is great! It's like Jamesons but with a coffee-like sweetness to it. The story is it's Irish whiskey that's been finished in stout-seasoned barrels. Whatever the case, it's a limited run and if you like Irish, you should try this, and quickly because these off-shoot releases have a tendency to disappear very quickly.

And probably your cheapest option is to get it from http://www.hitimewine.net/home.php (http://www.hitimewine.net/home.php) where it's listed at $29/bottle, not including shipping.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on September 03, 2015, 10:53:40 am
I figured it would be outta-hand expensive but I think it was less than $40 (I was already buying a few bottles of other stuff). Anyway, it is great! It's like Jamesons but with a coffee-like sweetness to it. The story is it's Irish whiskey that's been finished in stout-seasoned barrels. Whatever the case, it's a limited run and if you like Irish, you should try this, and quickly because these off-shoot releases have a tendency to disappear very quickly.


oooh, I HAVE to try this because I also have a few bottles of the stout that was aged in the same barrels! Thanks Relaxer!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on September 03, 2015, 02:28:10 pm
what's the stout?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 03, 2015, 02:46:58 pm
Quote
This limited edition whiskey is born out of a collaboration between Midleton Distillery and the Franciscan Well Brewery which is based in Cork City.  After managing to get their hands on a few Jameson casks, Franciscan Well aged some of their stout in the barrels as an experimentation.

(http://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/590276/franciscan-well-stout-aged-in-jameson-casks-L-B0AM9t.jpeg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on September 03, 2015, 04:01:54 pm
ohhhhh... 

brennser, i'll be over on saturday to help you with one of your bottles... everton/chelsea?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 09, 2015, 01:02:55 pm
Nearly four years ago, a Scottish distillery sent a vial of whisky into space in the name of science. The vial returned to Earth in September 2014, and according to the distillery, the whisky was significantly altered  (http://www.iflscience.com/space/space-alters-whiskys-aroma)by its time in orbit.



Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on September 09, 2015, 06:58:23 pm
After you drink it, this happens:

(http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/blogs/browbeat/2012/06/08/ChestBurster.gif)

beats a hangover, I guess
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: vansmack on September 09, 2015, 07:09:29 pm
ohhhhh... 

brennser, i'll be over on saturday to help you with one of your bottles... everton/chelsea?

Fucking hell!  Liverpool travel to Old Trafford this weekend and you have the nerve to say Everton/Chelsea?!!!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on September 10, 2015, 09:59:00 am
ohhhhh... 

brennser, i'll be over on saturday to help you with one of your bottles... everton/chelsea?

Fucking hell!  Liverpool travel to Old Trafford this weekend and you have the nerve to say Everton/Chelsea?!!!

exactly!!  :o :o :o

Unfortunately I will be missing both games and instead flogging my aching body 102 miles and 8,300 feet on a bike ride around gettysburg
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on September 10, 2015, 10:30:36 am
and instead flogging my aching body 102 miles and 8,300 feet on a bike ride around gettysburg
oh good another alcoholic long distance biker on the board

that Civil War Century always gets lots of press and always sells out
I'm doing that next year

Was thinking of doing the Lakes and grapes ride in fredrkicsburg this weekend
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: brennser on September 10, 2015, 11:52:19 am
and instead flogging my aching body 102 miles and 8,300 feet on a bike ride around gettysburg
oh good another alcoholic long distance biker on the board

that Civil War Century always gets lots of press and always sells out
I'm doing that next year

Was thinking of doing the Lakes and grapes ride in fredrkicsburg this weekend

LOL - I wish there was a like button for this - CWC is great but tough - as long as you get plenty of hill work in you'll be fine
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on October 05, 2015, 11:11:07 am
any Fireball drinkers out there?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/10/03/the-oversweet-hell-of-flavored-whiskeys.html

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/28/frathouse-favorite-fireball-whiskey-recalled-in-europe.html
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 05, 2015, 11:15:24 am
any Fireball drinkers out there?
Oh, my. Yes, please do identify yourselves so I can deride you.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 05, 2015, 03:59:03 pm
You know what, I've had Fireball a couple times over the past 1-2 years and have kind of enjoyed it. It hits a different pleasure point than a Green Spot or Noah's Mill will, but it's a candy liquor drink that has its occasional place in the same way that cotton candy, Weird Al Yankovic, and the reverse cowgirl do: a fun thing to do sometimes but let's not overdo it.

Interestingly enough, as long as we're discussing fun candy drinks, I've become quite enamored with this occasional tipple:

(http://www.drinkspirits.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rumchata.jpg)

If I drink it more than once a week, I feel shame, but when it's been awhile, a little of this with ice is a delightfully tasty dessert-style drink. Added bonus: Every woman I've offered this to has loved it and found me immediately more interesting.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: slappy on October 05, 2015, 05:19:53 pm
Interestingly enough, as long as we're discussing fun candy drinks, I've become quite enamored with this occasional tipple:

(http://www.drinkspirits.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rumchata.jpg)

If I drink it more than once a week, I feel shame, but when it's been awhile, a little of this with ice is a delightfully tasty dessert-style drink. Added bonus: Every woman I've offered this to has loved it and found me immediately more interesting.

I hate to say it but it's a guilty pleasure. It's a good alternative to Bailey's on ice.
It's really a stretch to call it horchata since the majority of recipes have no dairy in them.
Second, it's straight up created by a white dude in Wisconsin (hence the use of dairy cream)
I guess it's kinda like enjoying pro-wrestling as an adult.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on October 26, 2015, 09:31:58 am
Thanks for the Bourbon book recommendation. My husband really loves it!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 26, 2015, 11:00:45 am
I am very glad to hear it. Feeling like I touched a life today.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 26, 2015, 11:40:54 am
I am very glad to hear it. Feeling like I touched a life today.
As opposed to your usual touching of a child?

SOMEONE HAD TO MAKE THE JOKE.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: walk,on,by on October 26, 2015, 11:47:41 am
im pretty, sure, whiskey gives you cancer.  just like everything.  water does, too.  and the glass that holds your whiskey and water . . . cancer.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ggw on October 26, 2015, 12:20:50 pm
im pretty, sure, whiskey gives you cancer.  just like everything.  water does, too.  and the glass that holds your whiskey and water . . . cancer.

Whiskey - particularly single-malt - prevents cancer!! (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1489648/Whisky-helps-fight-cancer.html)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 26, 2015, 01:28:17 pm
I am very glad to hear it. Feeling like I touched a life today.
As opposed to your usual touching of a child?

SOMEONE HAD TO MAKE THE JOKE.

Man, I spent the years 2004 through 2009 knuckle-deep in little boy asshole on a daily basis. Can't nothin gonna teach me shit.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: walk,on,by on October 26, 2015, 01:33:59 pm
(http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzA2LzEyLzRhL3doYXQuMmJkNzEuZ2lmCnAJdGh1bWIJMTIwMHg5NjAwPg/e959e4b1/5b5/what.gif)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: walk,on,by on October 29, 2015, 04:56:24 pm
http://gawker.com/from-pouring-to-sniffing-a-guide-to-whiskey-tasting-1732080670
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on October 29, 2015, 05:03:57 pm
http://gawker.com/from-pouring-to-sniffing-a-guide-to-whiskey-tasting-1732080670

Nice typo here:

Quote
For a truly contemporary event, be sure to include a bottle of , which is finished in casks that once held traditional Irish stout from Cork?s Franciscan Well Brewery.

But that's cool. From the very start of the article, I could tell they were talking about the Jamesons Caskmates.

I'm still drinking way too much of the Jamesons Black Barrel, but as the weather grows nippy, I'm finding myself grabbing the rye and ginger and having them get all porno in a snifter. My favorite rye by a Canadian mile is this:

(http://www.breakingbourbon.com/images/high-west-midwinter-nights-dram-bottle-vertical-02b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 09, 2015, 03:10:30 pm
curious if anyone has had this
(http://i1.wp.com/thewhiskeywash.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hibiki-harmony.jpg?resize=700%2C614)
Was looking for a gift for someone who let me crash at his place as well as borrow his bike
was looking to spend the $45-55 range when the guy at the liquor store made hard sell on this (for $72 w/tax) after someone came in and cleaned him out of a rare version of Suntory(person came in and spent $512 on 3 bottles and would have bought more if he had it)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 09, 2015, 03:51:27 pm
I've always wanted to try Japanese whiskey but just never have. That said, Drinkhacker (which is my favorite booze-rating site on the web) thinks highly of it. And now I'm extremely intrigued.

http://www.drinkhacker.com/2015/09/18/review-hibiki-japanese-harmony-whisky/ (http://www.drinkhacker.com/2015/09/18/review-hibiki-japanese-harmony-whisky/)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 09, 2015, 04:00:55 pm
Finally went to Jack Rose this weekend. Woah. Had some red label Black Maple Hill and really good cocktails. They even make a decent Ramos Gin Fizz!  Recommend!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 09, 2015, 04:12:45 pm
I know there's not a lot of Scotch interest on here but I just got tickets to a scotch dinner next Tuesday with a Balvenie Ambassador which I'm quite hyped about. 2 oz pours of Balvenie 12, 14, 17, and 21 (only the 14 have I not had before) paired with a great meal for $110. Should be fun.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 09, 2015, 04:42:16 pm
I know there's not a lot of Scotch interest on here but I just got tickets to a scotch dinner next Tuesday with a Balvenie Ambassador which I'm quite hyped about. 2 oz pours of Balvenie 12, 14, 17, and 21 (only the 14 have I not had before) paired with a great meal for $110. Should be fun.

That sounds cool. My wife and I did a bourbon-themed dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse a year or so ago. Their bourbon selection was pretty unimaginative (if it's sold at Safeway, it's in no way a unique or exclusive bourbon) but they were still good whiskies and drinking bourbon and eating stake is always a hoot, so I had no complaints.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 10, 2015, 09:22:54 am
That sounds awesome. I really like Balvene. Does that mean I will like other scotch?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 10, 2015, 10:17:42 am
That sounds awesome. I really like Balvene. Does that mean I will like other scotch?
Scotch really should be considered a liquor all to itself instead of a variant within "whisk(e)y". The variant in taste from scotch region to region is far wider than you're going to find in bourbons, brandys, etc.

If you like Balvenie, you will not like all scotches. Not by far. You will probably like other Speysides, although this is by far your most productive region and has the most variation within the region of the five main ones. You would probably like Macallan, Glenlivet, or Glenfiddich, three of your easiest to find (single-malt) scotches.

OTOH, if you really like Balvenie, there's a good chance Islay's (Bruichladdich - my absolute favorite, Laphroaig, Ardberg) would be spit out of your mouth as quickly as they went in and you will start yelling "why are you serving my ocean water!?"

tl; dr - You will need to test and see which scotches you like as there is huge variation between regions/distilleries.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 10, 2015, 10:22:18 am
I've found that newcomers to Scotch, like myself, are inclined toward the less peaty versions at first. My first Scotch purchase was Laphroaig and I just hated it, tasted to me like dirty dogpark swamp water. Macallan, however, I do like to an extent. I've started to appreciate the dry, sour bite of Scotch a little more over the years. Not enough to forego my predilection for Irish, but it's a nice alternative.

Weirdly, the Scotch I've probably enjoyed the most was Black Bottle, a cheapo bottom shelf whiskey.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 10, 2015, 10:56:41 am
I've found that newcomers to Scotch, like myself, are inclined toward the less peaty versions at first. My first Scotch purchase was Laphroaig and I just hated it, tasted to me like dirty dogpark swamp water. Macallan, however, I do like to an extent. I've started to appreciate the dry, sour bite of Scotch a little more over the years. Not enough to forego my predilection for Irish, but it's a nice alternative.

Weirdly, the Scotch I've probably enjoyed the most was Black Bottle, a cheapo bottom shelf whiskey.
I usually suggest people try a blended like Johnnie Walker or Dewar's to get started on scotch (as that is most similar to Irish or Bourbon) before going to single-malt. And yes, once you get to single malt, people are going to be most open to Macallan or Glen_____ than they are the super peaty Islay's.

I can imagine your first scotch being Laphroag and absolutely thinking all us scotch drinkers are bizarre. But there's a point where you drink scotch long enough and work your way basically across the country through the Highlands region to eventually the Islands and Islay which are your saltier/peaty-er ones and next thing you know, paying $300 for a last year's release of a Bruicchladdich Octomere seems like a privilege beyond belief.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on November 10, 2015, 11:11:30 am
i believe the thing that keeps most folks from getting into scotch is pronunciation. 

dude at a bar looking at the scotch menu: "ugh... shall i have a 'Bruicchladdich'?  i kinda like the description of this 'Laphroaig'..."
bartender: "may i take your order?"
dude: <panics> <cries>
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 10, 2015, 11:22:03 am
i believe the thing that keeps most folks from getting into scotch is pronunciation. 
Fair enough. At the same point: Johnnie Walker, Dewars, Macallan, Glenlivet. . . your most commonly found in bars scotches are fairly easy to pronounce.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 10, 2015, 11:34:03 am
Carlos Spicyweiner: Good barkeeptress, mayhaps a snifter of the glenlivet [takes loud tiny sip with pinkie raised]. Ooh as delightful as the barley-scented bubble-bath I enjoyed yaisterdawn with me porridge.

Relaxer: Gimme a jack and a bj.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 10, 2015, 12:13:58 pm
Dearest Relaxer, my haberdasher heard from your apothecary that you have been suffering from a terrible case of consumption! I empathize, by glabrous associate: on occasion the vagaries of managing my trust fund are taxing to the spirit!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on November 10, 2015, 01:23:52 pm
Dearest Relaxer, my haberdasher heard from your apothecary that you have been suffering from a terrible case of consumption! I empathize, by glabrous associate: on occasion the vagaries of managing my trust fund are taxing to the spirit!

Its funny because its true.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on November 10, 2015, 01:30:11 pm
awesome.

My first taste of scotch was this super peaty stuff my friend brought back from Scotland (called big peat or something to that effect) and it just tasted like it came from the bottom of a bog.

I'm not opposed to things that taste like the ocean, but as a beginner, I'm staying away from super peaty items.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ggw on November 10, 2015, 01:35:59 pm
Have any of you lushes tried Lock, Stock, and Barrel rye?  The guy that makes it befriended me last year.  He also invented St. Germaine, which I gather is some frou-frou apperitif.  Sold it to Bacardi for mucho millions and bought himself a couple hundred acres of land in Maui. 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 10, 2015, 01:42:53 pm
He also invented St. Germaine, which I gather is some frou-frou apperitif.  Sold it to Bacardi for mucho millions and bought himself a couple hundred acres of land in Maui. 
You met Robert Cooper? WOW. Yes, St. Germain is a mainstay in my homebar and anyone who claims to be into mixology who doesn't have it should be immediately dismissed.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Got Haggis? on November 10, 2015, 01:47:21 pm
love Laphroaig - brought back a bottle of Ardbeg last month after I hiked part of the West Highland Way.  I also really like Talisker and Highland Park. 

The very first whisky I had was Tamdhu (many years ago) - it was pretty mild.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ggw on November 10, 2015, 01:48:58 pm
He also invented St. Germaine, which I gather is some frou-frou apperitif.  Sold it to Bacardi for mucho millions and bought himself a couple hundred acres of land in Maui. 
You met Robert Cooper? WOW.

Can't tell whether you are serious or not.  Great guy.  Told me his goal in life was to get to the point that he could wear board shorts and tee shirts every day.  Reached that goal by his mid-30s.  I'm envious.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 10, 2015, 01:49:16 pm
love Laphroaig - brought back a bottle of Ardbeg last month after I hiked part of the West Highland Way.  I also really like Talisker and Highland Park.
Had Ardberg Perpetuum last week. AWESOME. Talisker is a great go-to cheaper scotch.

Highland Park I just have never been into. It's not bad but you're paying a premium for the well-known name and I always feel I can get something better for equal $.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 10, 2015, 01:50:00 pm
He also invented St. Germaine, which I gather is some frou-frou apperitif.  Sold it to Bacardi for mucho millions and bought himself a couple hundred acres of land in Maui. 
You met Robert Cooper? WOW.

Can't tell whether you are serious or not.  Great guy.  Told me his goal in life was to get to the point that he could wear board shorts and tee shirts every day.  Reached that goal by his mid-30s.  I'm envious.
I edited my comment. I was serious, I knew exactly who you were referring to as soon as you said "invented St. Germaine".
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ggw on November 10, 2015, 02:00:36 pm
He spins a great yarn about it.  When he was in college, some bartender in London made him a cocktail with essence of elderflower.  That got him thinking about making an elderflower liqueur and he spent a couple of years figuring out exactly how to distill it.  Has a whole fleet of migrant workers in the south of France who separate by hand the stamens and the pistils.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 10, 2015, 03:11:05 pm
The Lock Stock Rye tastes legimitately good but I get irritated by these companies that try and position themselves as ye olde distillers laboring in mid-western warehouses stacked high with dusty barrels and old relatives, when the reality is, dude went to Alberta, Canada and bought a bunch of stock whiskey and slapped an old-timey label on it with some story about its legacy and charged $120 per bottle. I mean, the company was started less than ten years ago and has been selling its 13 year old rye for a couple years now, so clearly he did not actually make this stuff.

That said, the rye itself is very good. And I'm not against all sourced whiskies. Noah's Mill is an excellent sourced whiskey, comprised of a blend of various ages and mashbills. I just tired of the marketing that some of these whiskies hammer you over the head with.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 17, 2015, 12:11:30 pm


Interestingly enough, as long as we're discussing fun candy drinks, I've become quite enamored with this occasional tipple:

(http://www.drinkspirits.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rumchata.jpg)

If I drink it more than once a week, I feel shame, but when it's been awhile, a little of this with ice is a delightfully tasty dessert-style drink. Added bonus: Every woman I've offered this to has loved it and found me immediately more interesting.

Here you go with a drink-style dessert
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/cf/93/3c/cf933c86026ffdfc97a5de2836557333.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on November 17, 2015, 12:37:33 pm
I think I contracted diabetes just by reading that recipe.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on November 17, 2015, 12:49:42 pm
I think I contracted diabetes just by reading that recipe.
No, it was definitely your genetics and "condishuns". Its basically impossible to not get diabetes if your body is pre-disposed to it. #EffYourRecipeStandards
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 06, 2016, 05:51:30 pm
For years, I've shamefully, pathetically eschewed scotch on account of it offending my vewwy vewwy delicate taste buds.

"I don't like it," I would complain, dicklessly. "It's not vewwy yummy," I would continue, femininely.

Those days are over, my friends.

For I have discovered a scotch that does not make me get my period, does not give me hot flashes of matronly heat. It comforts my fragile palate with whispers and rumors of smoky intentions rather than assault my girlish figure with an overwhelming sensation of drinking a swamp.

My whisk(e)y contemporaries on other, lesser boards urged me to try such peaty scotches as Lauiouaphruoeuaggue, Glennfiddisticifigical and Arbagogaurgaba5abunga, but they found no favor in my hot wet mouth. These were foolish recommendations, akin to asking a young man to learn baseball by joining the Baltimore Orioles.

What's needed is a gateway, an entry, a path, that escorts the drinker to pleasure rather than immediately shave his back and climb inside.

Today, I know that whisk(e)y is Bowmore 12 Year.

(https://thewhiskybarrel.r.worldssl.net/images/published/3/sources/products/product/218/bowmore-12-year-old.jpg)

It has all the dark, smoky resonance of a Native American hipster, providing that wonderfully soulful ache of scotch without the bombardment of sour stupid moss. It has overtones of leather, wood and oil, but not in a sexual way as most would assume. I still prefer the sweetness of Irish with a blurp of syrup, but this provides a dramatic and appealing counterpoint.

"Now THIS is what I like," I exclaimed while sitting down to pee.

Thus far, it can't stand alone as my exclusive nightly tipple, but it has served excellently as my final 'goodnight' before heading to bed in my nightgown.

If you've wanted to try a scotch but were intimidated by it, as I am about everything, then you might give Bowmore 12 a chance. For my own personal best results, I enjoy it with one ice cube in a Glencairn glass, which I lift to my mouth with pinkie raised.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on January 08, 2016, 12:26:16 am
There?s No Nice Way to Say This: $26,000 Worth of Pappy Van Winkle Is Almost Certainly About to Be Destroyed
http://www.foodandwine.com/fwx/there-s-no-nice-way-say-26000-worth-pappy-van-winkle-almost-certainly-about-be-destroyed

predictable responses in 3... 2...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 08, 2016, 10:33:34 am
For years, I've shamefully, pathetically eschewed scotch on account of it offending my vewwy vewwy delicate taste buds.

"I don't like it," I would complain, dicklessly. "It's not vewwy yummy," I would continue, femininely.

Those days are over, my friends.

For I have discovered a scotch that does not make me get my period, does not give me hot flashes of matronly heat. It comforts my fragile palate with whispers and rumors of smoky intentions rather than assault my girlish figure with an overwhelming sensation of drinking a swamp.

My whisk(e)y contemporaries on other, lesser boards urged me to try such peaty scotches as Lauiouaphruoeuaggue, Glennfiddisticifigical and Arbagogaurgaba5abunga, but they found no favor in my hot wet mouth. These were foolish recommendations, akin to asking a young man to learn baseball by joining the Baltimore Orioles.

What's needed is a gateway, an entry, a path, that escorts the drinker to pleasure rather than immediately shave his back and climb inside.

Today, I know that whisk(e)y is Bowmore 12 Year.

(https://thewhiskybarrel.r.worldssl.net/images/published/3/sources/products/product/218/bowmore-12-year-old.jpg)

It has all the dark, smoky resonance of a Native American hipster, providing that wonderfully soulful ache of scotch without the bombardment of sour stupid moss. It has overtones of leather, wood and oil, but not in a sexual way as most would assume. I still prefer the sweetness of Irish with a blurp of syrup, but this provides a dramatic and appealing counterpoint.

"Now THIS is what I like," I exclaimed while sitting down to pee.

Thus far, it can't stand alone as my exclusive nightly tipple, but it has served excellently as my final 'goodnight' before heading to bed in my nightgown.

If you've wanted to try a scotch but were intimidated by it, as I am about everything, then you might give Bowmore 12 a chance. For my own personal best results, I enjoy it with one ice cube in a Glencairn glass, which I lift to my mouth with pinkie raised.
I like that you're drinking scotch now. I hope I'm not one of those crumbums who directed you to go straight to the peaty sea-water variety of scotch.

If you like Islays, you might want to try my favorite <$100 scotch, the Bruichladdich 10 year.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 08, 2016, 11:06:42 am
Great! Thanks for the recommendation. I have just placed an order for five 1 liter bottles of Jameson Black Barrel and one bottle of Bruichladdich's Laddie 10 yr. I look forward to sharing my thoughts.

(http://i1.wp.com/www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/the-laddie-ten-bruichladdich.jpg?w=337)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 08, 2016, 11:11:40 am
Great! Thanks for the recommendation. I have just placed an order for five 1 liter bottles of Jameson Black Barrel and one bottle of Bruichladdich's Laddie 10 yr. I look forward to sharing my thoughts.

(http://i1.wp.com/www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/the-laddie-ten-bruichladdich.jpg?w=337)
Nice. They also have an completely-unpeated 16 year which might strike your fancy if you like that.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 08, 2016, 11:16:19 am
Drinkhacker, which is a daily read for me, praised the Laddie and I found it for $55 so it was an easy decision. Besides, I have about a gallon and a half of the Black Barrel to comfort me if I don't like it.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 08, 2016, 11:18:15 am
Drinkhacker, which is a daily read for me, praised the Laddie and I found it for $55 so it was an easy decision. Besides, I have about a gallon and a half of the Black Barrel to comfort me if I don't like it.
Where are you getting it for $55 online?

(Virginia's ABC store does not carry Bruichladdich products except for special orders of the Octomore series which you would hate. That's how much I like this product - it's one of only two regular liquors I consistently get imported from out of state.)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 08, 2016, 11:30:24 am
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1452/23624023694_cdf6b219bf_o.png)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 08, 2016, 11:32:51 am
Thanks.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 08, 2016, 11:42:55 am
Here's a post I made awhile ago about varying online options. I think Cappy's no longer ships out of state, so they may not be an option. Really, Amity and Hitime are my two go-to joints.

And I guess I hadn't discovered Amity yet, so you can get there with this: http://www.amitywines.com/ (http://www.amitywines.com/)

Also, one other tip. Hi-Time Wine Cellars is probably the most economical option for ordering whiskey online. Their prices are very good and while the shipping costs can get into the $15 to $20 range, you don't pay sales tax and they really do package it up very well. Strongly recommend them. In fact, as long as I'm being really fucking useful, here are my top online purveyors of online boozio. Options #1 and #2 are a mile ahead of the rest in terms of reliability, speed of delivery and price.

1. Hi-Time Wine Cellars: http://www.hitimewine.net/home.php

2. Cappy's Warehouse Wine & Spirits: http://www.cappyswineandspirits.com/

3. Worldwide Wine & Spirits: http://www.ctwineandspirit.com/

4. Drinkupny: http://www.drinkupny.com/ (I really don't recommend this place. They have a tendency to email you a week after you placed your order to say "Oh sorry, we're out of stock")

5. Caskers: https://caskers.com/ (this is a free membership thing. It's like a Gilt for booze, in that you get daily emails with 5-6 different mid- to high-end liquors that are on special. I don't buy much from them because the prices at Hi-Time and Cappy's are usually better, but I sure do enjoy those daily emails and their write-ups)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 15, 2016, 12:45:20 pm
Great! Thanks for the recommendation. I have just placed an order for five 1 liter bottles of Jameson Black Barrel and one bottle of Bruichladdich's Laddie 10 yr. I look forward to sharing my thoughts.

(http://i1.wp.com/www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/the-laddie-ten-bruichladdich.jpg?w=337)

I was able to give this a shot last night, as my Big Box of Booze arrived at my office yesterday.

I warmed up the ol' palate with some Bowmore, just to get everyone on the same page, before trying the Bruichladdich.

I took the first taste neat in a glass and it was like having a metallic force shoot through me.

(https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/ckeditor_assets/pictures/1178/content_bladekill.png?1359444677)

It was a little too synthetic and medicinal and I thought I might not be into it. There was a big strong flavor to it, but it seemed overwhelming. So I added a little water and let it sit for about 15 minutes, and that really helped take some of the heat off. After that, I liked it a lot. The smokiness finally came out, because it wasn't buried in the heat, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 15, 2016, 01:07:25 pm
Not how I drink it but if you like it with water and wasn't a waste of your $, I'm glad.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 15, 2016, 01:14:58 pm
lot of serious scotch drinkers add just a little bit of H2O to it
not to water it down, but to expand the flavors

but what do I know
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 15, 2016, 01:24:28 pm
There is a legitimate reason to add water. I do believe the tenet that it "opens the whiskey up" especially for higher ABV whiskies. For me at least, the heat of the alcohol can drown out the subtler tastes. I don't add too much, because a diluted drink is the saddest thing in the world, but I like it how I like it. Everyone has their taste and we're all unique snowflakes falling to our doom.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 15, 2016, 01:33:10 pm
lot of serious scotch drinkers add just a little bit of H2O to it
not to water it down, but to expand the flavors

but what do I know
  I didn't say it was uncommon simply that I don't drink my scotch that way.  There was no judgment there.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 15, 2016, 01:37:26 pm
Let me clarify, I don't drink non--cask strength scotch with water.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on January 15, 2016, 04:08:15 pm
Jack Daniels Releases Single Barrel Whiskey in Honor of Motörhead
http://www.metalsucks.net/2016/01/15/jack-daniels-releases-single-barrel-whiskey-honor-motorhead/

more of the same: http://www.metalinjection.net/a-limited-motorhead-jack-daniels-selected-single-barrel-whiskey-is-now-available.html

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: walk,on,by on January 15, 2016, 05:03:40 pm
diet whiskey

http://munchies.vice.com/articles/there-is-now-such-a-thing-as-diet-whiskey


whiskey diet

http://www.bicycling.com/food/weight-loss/could-drinking-whiskey-help-you-lose-weight?cid=soc_BICYCLING%20magazine%20-%20bicyclingmag_FBPAGE_Bicycling__
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 15, 2016, 05:05:42 pm
Did I ever tell you guys of the Diet Long Island I invented? It's a regular long island but instead of coke you put diet coke and instead of sour mix you put soda water, 2 packets of splenda/equal, and the juice from two lemon wedges. Reduces the caloric content by over a third by my calculations.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 15, 2016, 05:06:06 pm
http://www.bicycling.com/food/weight-loss/could-drinking-whiskey-help-you-lose-weight?cid=soc_BICYCLING%20magazine%20-%20bicyclingmag_FBPAGE_Bicycling__
It is a diuretic. Good for helping lose some water weight.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on January 15, 2016, 11:45:57 pm
apparently, if you're not dumping irish whiskey on the carpet you're not drinking whiskey like a Sir: https://www.facebook.com/justflairtv/videos/977813275623842/

i'm still drying the tears over here...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on January 22, 2016, 11:41:41 am
(https://img.thewhiskyexchange.com/540/grnob.12yov4.jpg)

I've been drinking this the past few days and liking it a lot. It's amazing to compare the visuals of a glass of this versus a glass of Bruichladdich, as the Glendronach is a dark red/brown color and the Bruich is much lighter.

Anyway, this is a great scotch. Deep and rich, with lots of sweetness to it. Its aged in sherry casks and I swear you can really taste that element. It's very smoky but not that peaty, which I'm discovering is how I like it. For me, the peat of,say, a Laphroaig tastes sour and unpleasant. Whereas I really like it when the profile leans toward smokiness.

This would be another I'd recommend for someone new to Scotch and trying to get into it.

Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 25, 2016, 02:42:17 pm
very cool
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12744365_952431164812489_1041377944283413114_n.jpg?oh=66693ecba93b40d08510dd7ff478e9e1&oe=5724EB48)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on February 25, 2016, 02:43:27 pm
very cool
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12744365_952431164812489_1041377944283413114_n.jpg?oh=66693ecba93b40d08510dd7ff478e9e1&oe=5724EB48)


Uhh... the old bumping the Relaxer Whiskey thread to bait him out. I like it sidehutch.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on February 25, 2016, 02:45:16 pm
There's a British pub in RVA that has made a lot of ones similar to those and that's how their scotch is served.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on March 01, 2016, 03:47:24 pm
OK, so not Whisk(e)y, but Green Hat Gin begins distribution to VA on April 1st!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 01, 2016, 03:49:21 pm
OK, so not Whisk(e)y, but Green Hat Gin begins distribution to VA on April 1st!
As the local gin connoisseur, I can assure you, that has been available in VA for several years.

EDIT: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/products/gin/%7BFA393B16-9CE9-46CD-96C3-F0515CFE31AD%7D
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on March 01, 2016, 04:14:04 pm
Ahh right you are.  The big news was that the Spring/Summer seasonal will make its debut.

"Yes, that's right, Spring/Summer will be out soon--right now it's looking like the first week of April.  We also have the momentous news that for the first time, our Spring/Summer seasonal will be available in Virginia ABC stores, along with our flagship gin. It's scheduled to roll out in the ABC system on April 1st and will be in select stores across the state (or by special order through the revamped VABC website).  "
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 01, 2016, 04:29:37 pm
Ahh right you are.  The big news was that the Spring/Summer seasonal will make its debut.

"Yes, that's right, Spring/Summer will be out soon--right now it's looking like the first week of April.  We also have the momentous news that for the first time, our Spring/Summer seasonal will be available in Virginia ABC stores, along with our flagship gin. It's scheduled to roll out in the ABC system on April 1st and will be in select stores across the state (or by special order through the revamped VABC website).  "
I will keep an eye out for that. One of your best <$40 gins out there.

Commonwealth out of RVA is pretty good too if you like "local" gin.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on March 04, 2016, 02:52:01 pm
Oh noooooo!

http://money.cnn.com/2016/03/04/luxury/global-single-malt-scotch-whisky-drought/index.html
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on March 04, 2016, 03:15:36 pm
Oh noooooo!

http://money.cnn.com/2016/03/04/luxury/global-single-malt-scotch-whisky-drought/index.html
Good thing I've been stockpiling for years.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on March 04, 2016, 03:19:09 pm
now that's a great idea: Whiskey Investment Fund (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-02/whisky-fund-investors-are-about-to-toast-their-first-dividend)
I'm sure everyone will make the annual meetings

The aim of the fund, is to provide an annual return of up to 17 percent by benefiting from rising prices for old and rare single malt whiskies. The managers buy malts with a view to selling them at a profit as the value increases over the remaining years of the fund?s seven-year lifespan, with the proceeds being returned to investors

although only for residents of Julian's America The minimum investment is US$250,000
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on March 30, 2016, 05:42:38 pm
(https://img.thewhiskyexchange.com/540/gmgob.10yov21.jpg)

I'm really liking this scotch whisky. I wandered into a liquor store a couple months ago, and they were doing a tasting of this. Why yes, I'd love some! And it's great -- very smooth but still has that smoky huskiness, without the distraction of the peaty grime. Don't get me wrong, I'm getting into peaty drank but in baby steps. In the meantime, Glenmorangie is a perfect daily tipple. And if anyone is either trying to get into scotch, or knows someone who is, this is a great introduction because it's deep, flavorful, carries the essence of scotch but doesn't taste like you're french-kissing a swamp.

Even better, you can go home with a delightful bottle from Schneiders for $40 so it shouldn't break your bank.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on April 19, 2016, 04:10:30 pm
As Spring finally descends upon the previously frigid masses, a man's thoughts turn to liquid love. Of late, I've been experimenting with blended scotch whiskies. Sure, they don't have the cool biggus-dickus cache of your single malts, but they offer up their own delights and hidden discoveries.

(http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/215/5010327105215/IDShot_540x540.jpg)

Probably my favorite of the batch. If you looked up "easy whisky to sip" in a dictionary, I would like to borrow that dictionary because it is awesome and rare. But if you were to ask me what is an easy whisky to sip and stare into the distance, I'd say "What are you looking at exactly?" and then I would say "Try the Monkey Shoulder." I don't know, it's not a particularly well-heralded whisky, but for me, it captures the essence of scotch. Sometimes a line drive down the middle is just right, especially when it's hit powerfully, perfectly and passionately. If I have this on-hand and I open my vast liquor closet without anything in mind, lately this is what I'm pulling out.

(http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server1700/e6b77/products/9689/images/9894/the-feathery-blended-malt-scotch-whisky__75713.1439666357.1280.1280.jpg)

A new blend for me is The Feathery, which is produced in the same Scottish region where golf was invented and has something to do with feathers having been an ingredient in golf balls or that feathers got on golf balls or balls with feathers are like soft plumage on my balls or jesus christ who cares. The important thing is it's a blend of single malt scotches, and the taste is nearly as satisfying as the Monkey Shoulder.

One thing I've discovered in my vast experience of trying three blended scotches is that their value lies in providing a drink that is "Scotch". Meaning, they're not going to be outta-right-field weirdo drinks. You're not getting the heavy burgundy menstruation of the Glendronach or the medicinal swampwater bog of Laphroaig or the blue steel anal penetration of the Bruichladdich. Now, that's not to say they are all middle-of-the-road boredoms. All have their own twists and unique snowflake qualities. But you're not going to take a sip of a blend and then violently grab your throat or your toilet area, if you know what I mean, because I don't.

Anyway, I've only had a couple glasses of the Feathery so I can't really judge it against the Monkey Shoulder, of which I've had about eight bottles. But I can say that I liked it, it wasn't heavy, it wasn't distracting. In fact, I can't really remember anything about it. Which is a good start, but might also portend a whisky that just lies there, like Jennifer from Germantown last week. Who makes that long of a drive just to take a fuck-nap?

(https://img.thewhiskyexchange.com/540/blend_bla1.jpg)

Finally, there's the Black Bottle. This previously was a bottom-of-the-market scotch, which disappeared from shelves for a couple of years and was entirely re-dreamed up. And now? It's a slightly better than bottom-of-the-market scotch. But no shit, this stuff has its charm. If it's 11:30 pm and I've got 90% of a buzz and some cutie patootie is on her way over to my house to get down with the clown and I need one more bullet in the love gun and I'm quickly running out of horny metaphors, I can grab my Black Bottle (no not that, I mean the whiskey) uncork it and take a hard sexy tug right out the spout and I am Good To Go. Again, it's easy, it's smooth, it's not going stick its finger up your asshole while giving you a beej, it's just going to provide a solid reliable drink of scotch.

(https://cdn2.masterofmalt.com/gin/p-2813/hendricks-gin.jpg)

One additional note. One of the lovely ladies I met for drinks last week had some of this with muddled cucumber and a little simple syrup. And it was so delicious! So I threw a bottle onto my last internet order and we'll see how it is. Haven't cracked it yet.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 21, 2016, 02:56:21 pm
I got nothing compared to relaxers manifestos on that sweet brown nectar

but I got this...

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/13015400_10154633971081840_7348091393132216245_n.jpg?oh=2f6c49b2f8535702e48c866bec42cd40&oe=57B412CC)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 18, 2016, 02:08:10 pm
ok...not whiskey...but liquor related....


 Don Ciccio & Figli @donciccioefigli

Washington DC's first small batch distillery, handcrafting accoladed artisanal Amari, Aperitivi & Amalfi Coast Cordials #staybitter

Is opening a cocktail lab close to Takoma Park in the district on Aug 6th

Bar sirens (http://donciccioefigli.com/cocktail-bar/)

Premade cocktails to go
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 18, 2016, 02:17:44 pm
(https://cdn2.masterofmalt.com/gin/p-2813/hendricks-gin.jpg)

One additional note. One of the lovely ladies I met for drinks last week had some of this with muddled cucumber and a little simple syrup. And it was so delicious! So I threw a bottle onto my last internet order and we'll see how it is. Haven't cracked it yet.
I missed this during my months of pilgrimage. Best gin at that price point in my estimation. Look into Jack Rudy simple tonic syrup to make your own tonic water with that to really kick it up to an elite g&t.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on July 18, 2016, 02:41:35 pm
ok...not whiskey...but liquor related....


 Don Ciccio & Figli @donciccioefigli

Washington DC's first small batch distillery...

I beg to differ.  Green Hat was the first to open in DC since the prohibition-era.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 18, 2016, 03:05:45 pm
ok...not whiskey...but liquor related....


 Don Ciccio & Figli @donciccioefigli

Washington DC's first small batch distillery...

I beg to differ.  Green Hat was the first to open in DC since the prohibition-era.
they are ARTISANAL LIQUEUR ...but I agree with your mushy sentiment
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 01, 2016, 04:16:26 pm
Great Scot! This thread has been woefully neglected. And... it will probably continue to be.

Right now, I'm trying to conserve money so I've dialed back my luxurious life by a very minuscule amount. However, this belt-tightening has manifested itself in spending a little less on my spirit life. No more $100+ bottles until after Christmas. In the meanwhile, I've really been enjoying this lovely tipple. I was initially attracted to the comical name and label, but soon learned that while nothing fancy or exotic, Famous Grouse delivers the dictionary definition of SCOTCH. It doesn't offer any left-field notes and it doesn't blow you away with much of anything, but it tastes good, it goes down easy, and most important for my current interests, it's cheap. Forty bucks will get you a nice big handle that seems to last for days. It's my Autumn 2016 drink.

(http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server5500/tpbc2s65/products/1440/images/1473/famousegrouse1750new__94289__01769.1358534239.1280.1280.jpg?c=2)

Just look at that damn funny bird!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ggw on July 11, 2017, 01:16:32 pm
How Trump May Kill the Bourbon Industry (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/11/opinion/will-trump-kill-the-bourbon-boom.html?)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: challenged on July 11, 2017, 02:08:31 pm
Tried and bought some of this over the weekend in NY:

(https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/ad09f365/dms3rep/multi/mobile/Wormwood_Rye_750and200_SoloWithIngredients_Small_01-500x600.png)

Because I needed to have 6 bottles of Rye available to me...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on July 11, 2017, 02:39:10 pm
I don't think we have a scotch thread, so this seems like the next best place to put this...

I had a glass of this last night, holy shit was it delicious.

(https://theawesomer.com/photos/2015/11/macallan_rare_cask_t.jpg)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on July 11, 2017, 05:14:38 pm
I don't think we have a scotch thread

are you aware that scotch is whisky?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on July 12, 2017, 01:29:31 am
With Van Winkle's latest 'unicorn,' bourbon may have jumped the shark
https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2017/07/10/with-van-winkle-latest-unicorn-bourbon-may-have-jumped-shark/NBYL3A7UBpQ2pqQM0c2CoN/story.html
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on July 12, 2017, 08:48:57 am
I don't think we have a scotch thread

are you aware that scotch is whisky?

my apologies.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 12, 2017, 09:37:05 am
I don't think we have a scotch thread, so this seems like the next best place to put this...

I had a glass of this last night, holy shit was it delicious.

(https://theawesomer.com/photos/2015/11/macallan_rare_cask_t.jpg)
That's a nice bottle. If I'm dropping 200-250 on a scotch, that's not what I'd pick but I had that at a local restaurant's "whisky school" and its quite nice.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on July 13, 2017, 09:50:12 am
I went into a bar the other night and asked for a regular macallan. bartender said, why don't you try this rare cask? Ok! I said, figuring it would be a premium and cost maybe $20. I will say, it was excellent, really nice with a lot of character. Then I got the bill and it was $60. Oh well, still a good drink, but I'm not doing that again. This is why I drink at home.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on July 13, 2017, 10:29:02 am
I went into a bar the other night and asked for a regular macallan. bartender said, why don't you try this rare cask? Ok! I said, figuring it would be a premium and cost maybe $20. I will say, it was excellent, really nice with a lot of character. Then I got the bill and it was $60. Oh well, still a good drink, but I'm not doing that again. This is why I drink at home.

That's why I drink those kind of drinks on the company dime. ;)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 13, 2017, 10:41:21 am
Someone upselling you to a 4-5x price point without any indication that what he's giving you is not in the price range of what you actually requested seems sleazy.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on July 13, 2017, 11:27:17 am
I totally agree, it was a dick move. I went from a drink that would have cost $12 to one that cost $60. Before I received the bill and saw what it cost, I said I wanted to order another but was afraid of what the bill would be and he didn't say anything. I almost did order another, thinking "Ok so my final tab will be like fifty bucks, which is a lot but this is good stuff." I would've been pissed if I'd had to cough up $120 for two ounces of whiskey.

And yeah, he measured that shit out, it wasn't like he gave me a nice heavy pour.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 13, 2017, 12:04:34 pm
I totally agree, it was a dick move. I went from a drink that would have cost $12 to one that cost $60. Before I received the bill and saw what it cost, I said I wanted to order another but was afraid of what the bill would be and he didn't say anything. I almost did order another, thinking "Ok so my final tab will be like fifty bucks, which is a lot but this is good stuff." I would've been pissed if I'd had to cough up $120 for two ounces of whiskey.

And yeah, he measured that shit out, it wasn't like he gave me a nice heavy pour.
Wow. Drink elsewhere, dude.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: vansmack on July 13, 2017, 12:29:05 pm
The Mrs and I were drinking at the Fairmont in Newport Beach back in March.  I asked for a glass of the Macallan 18 ($45), noticed the bottle of Rare Cask, and inquired about it.  The barkeep poured me a sniffer and we shared.  I asked how much, and she said $60.  I said "If I'm going to spend that much, I'd rather have the 21" which they didn't have.  So she poured me a glass of the Rare Cask, charged me for the 18 and I laid down $60.  That's a good barkeep. 
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 13, 2017, 12:42:17 pm
The Mrs and I were drinking at the Fairmont in Newport Beach back in March.  I asked for a glass of the Macallan 18 ($45), noticed the bottle of Rare Cask, and inquired about it.  The barkeep poured me a sniffer and we shared.  I asked how much, and she said $60.  I said "If I'm going to spend that much, I'd rather have the 21" which they didn't have.  So she poured me a glass of the Rare Cask, charged me for the 18 and I laid down $60.  That's a good barkeep.
Yes, keep drinking there, dude.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 13, 2017, 12:45:46 pm
Of the scotchs of that style/region, I still prefer Balvenie's line to Macallan just 1 to 1. I think their 21 beats Macallan's 21 and I think their 14 is better than Macallan's 15.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: vansmack on July 13, 2017, 12:52:55 pm
Of the scotchs of that style/region, I still prefer Balvenie's line to Macallan just 1 to 1. I think their 21 beats Macallan's 21 and I think their 14 is better than Macallan's 15.

I prefer Highlands to Speyside, but I'm not kicking either out of bed.  It's just easier to find Macallan....

The Mrs did pick up a Charity Glenlivet tasting which is intriguing.  It's not my preferred choice, but if I can get into the 21+'s I'll be pretty happy as I would never drop the cash for it.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 07, 2018, 11:56:32 am
https://youtu.be/dsPHahCvuMw?t=2m2s (https://youtu.be/dsPHahCvuMw?t=2m2s)

i'll see myself out now.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: challenged on May 07, 2018, 02:52:53 pm
I went to Scotland last week, and drank Scotch.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on May 08, 2018, 11:00:44 am
I went to Scotland last week, and drank Scotch.

That's cool. I'd be interested in hearing what you tried and what stood out.

One of my huge regrets is that more than a decade ago I took a solo roadtrip through Scotland for 4 days and didn't even consider visiting any distilleries because I wasn't into whiskey then. Jesus Fuck, that could have been a great few days followed almost certainly by my death.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: challenged on May 08, 2018, 03:18:40 pm
I went to Scotland last week, and drank Scotch.

That's cool. I'd be interested in hearing what you tried and what stood out.

One of my huge regrets is that more than a decade ago I took a solo roadtrip through Scotland for 4 days and didn't even consider visiting any distilleries because I wasn't into whiskey then. Jesus Fuck, that could have been a great few days followed almost certainly by my death.

Did not visit distilleries. Didn't have time. Was busy at castles and cathedrals. Lovely country, aye.
Drank Famous Grouse, and Glenfidditch, which were both fine, and some local stouts as well.
My serious drinking days are way behind me.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on May 08, 2018, 03:35:30 pm
Pretty much all I drink now is Famous Grouse because it's cheap and it's good. Would love to see if there's any difference between the Grouse in Scotland and that which is here.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on June 22, 2018, 01:30:27 pm
Anyone been out to Louisville/Lexington? Going there for a week soon. Buffalo Trace, Jefferson's Reserve, and Woodford Reserve are definitely on the list, but wondering about some smaller distilleries that may not be on our radar. We're driving so we can bring back bottles.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: walkonbyeeeeeeeee on June 22, 2018, 03:09:14 pm
make sure you grab, all the blantons you can, at buffalo trace.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on June 22, 2018, 03:12:51 pm
Anyone been out to Louisville/Lexington? Going there for a week soon.
Yes I have. Are you going for Breeder's Cup?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on June 27, 2018, 10:34:23 am
No, we're just going for the bourbon.

Don't hate me, but I don't like Blantons. It's too spicy for me. Husband loves it though.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on June 27, 2018, 11:37:22 am
I always really liked Blanton's but often wondered how much of that was due to that cute lil horse on the cork. Goddamn I did love those corks.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: K8teebug on August 06, 2018, 10:53:49 am
Just got back!

If you ever get the chance to go out and travel around, do not miss the 2 hour tour at Buffalo Trace. And ask for Freddie if you can. He was amazing, and the tour and tasting there was the highlight of the trip.

Between the distilleries, bars, and making new friends, we had a great time. Even got to sample some 23 year old Pappy, which did not disappoint.

Here's where we went:

Buffalo Trace - the best tour and tasting, awesome place and they're expanding. Would love to go back.
Woodford Reserve - tasting was excellent, and nice setting
Kentucky Artisan (makers of Jefferson's Reserve) - just did a tasting, but loved the place!
Barton 1792 - no, we didn't see the collapsed warehouse
Heaven Hill (good history presentation, but the whole place smelled terribly of too-sweet candles)
Wild Turkey - didn't get to take the tour, but really liked their visitor's center
Maker's Mark - great tour, and perfect setting there!
Evan Williams Experience (did the speakeasy tasting - good tasting, but too touristy...)
 
Drank:
Buffalo trace white dog mash #2
Buffalo trace
Buffalo trace bourbon cream
Eagle Rare
EH Taylor Single Barrel
EH Taylor Four Grain
Weller Special Reserve
Weller 12
Pappy 23 year
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve Batch Proof
Very old Barton
Barton 1792
Barton chocolate bourbon cream
Jefferson's Ocean
Jefferson's ocean cask Strength
Jefferson's Pritchard Hill Cabernet Cask finished
Jefferson's Groth
Jefferson's Barrel Aged Manhattan
Maker's Mark
Maker's Mark Cask Strength
Maker's 46
Maker's Private Select - distillery taster's version
Maker's Private Select - Bluegrass tavern version
Wild Turkey Rare breed barrel proof
Evan Williams Bottled in bond
Pykesville Rye
Evan Williams 12
Elijah Craig 12

Everything was great. Highlights were the Pappy, Weller 12, Elijah Craig 12, and the Maker's private select.


Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: hutch on August 06, 2018, 10:55:30 am
Damn..pretty cool chick!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 19, 2018, 12:33:52 pm
anyone looking for a holiday gift for relaxer

Macallan Unveils an $11,700 Bottle of Scotch (http://fortune.com/2018/12/17/macallan-scotch-fine-and-rare-11700-bottle/)
I think this is considered rail in Julian's America
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 19, 2018, 01:01:39 pm
anyone looking for a holiday gift for relaxer

Macallan Unveils an $11,700 Bottle of Scotch (http://fortune.com/2018/12/17/macallan-scotch-fine-and-rare-11700-bottle/)
I think this is considered rail in Julian's America
Julian's America prefers a little peat.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Relaxer on December 19, 2018, 03:12:15 pm
Ahhhh, yes, I saw that article as well. I also prefer the peaty Islay scotches, particularly Ardbeg. But I also like Macallan quite a bit. It's a very solid down-the-middle scotch that does everything well and won't alienate anybody.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 02, 2019, 05:23:50 pm
maybe this will get relaxer to notice

*U.S. TO SET ADDITIONAL TARIFFS ON IRISH & SCOTCH WHISKIES
25% duties on single-malt Irish and Scotch whiskies
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 07, 2019, 08:37:39 pm
(https://compote.slate.com/images/7e9cd9b6-3e0f-4ec7-ab54-09c797512b0b.jpeg?width=780&height=520&rect=1560x1040&offset=0x0)
This month, Scottish distillery the Glenlivet unveiled a series of “glassless cocktails” consisting of liquor and some other stuff in a “seaweed-extract casing.”
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on October 07, 2019, 08:50:20 pm
So if you don't like the taste of scotch, you can still hang with the big boys?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on October 08, 2019, 04:41:50 pm
first off, you just know kids will be sticking those up their butts.

second:
So if you don't like the taste of scotch, you can still hang with the big boys?

i don't think this gets you around testing the scotch (if used as expected, i.e. orally).  the idea is that you don't need a glass: pop a pod in your mouth, case dissolves, and you have a mouthful of liquor/cocktail/etc.   

if you're surrounded by Big Boys drinking scotch, i somehow don't see a brightly colored booze-pill being you ticket to acceptance...
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: grateful on February 18, 2021, 05:10:38 pm
The annual Pappy lottery in Montgomery County starts on Sunday.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: challenged on February 18, 2021, 05:37:30 pm
An Auction On the subject:

   https://rasmus.com/auctions/TkYganvJIlROFtyzzr5F/a/M30564---Rare-Bourbon---Whiskey-Collection-Online-Auction--Pappy-Van-Winkle-Family-Reserve--Hibiki-K          (https://rasmus.com/auctions/TkYganvJIlROFtyzzr5F/a/M30564---Rare-Bourbon---Whiskey-Collection-Online-Auction--Pappy-Van-Winkle-Family-Reserve--Hibiki-K)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: StoneTheCrow on February 18, 2021, 05:41:31 pm
Rasmus has an interesting wine auction going, too. Loads of Opus One.

Edit: the 10 year Rip Van Winkle is going for $850. insanity.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 18, 2021, 05:50:15 pm
I miss relaxer...he's got his better living with chemistry job now and thinks he's too good for us
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 17, 2021, 04:17:01 pm
dang, an acquaintance of mine (sweets probably knows him) scored some Pappy at cost co of all places?!
(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/267751906_10159603722638620_4925528973908103919_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=F8t-DZ26oDwAX8r5huf&_nc_oc=AQlKS4eevWZTQHU3TL_b_xOxl3CYgPWXobB6yn2FkW8wBToUpu9TYaNGaJjbkoO7_VQ&tn=s5ytC9q7z7ww24bU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AT_W4SZA-IsCoJ3qOaouFvevsgyn7j6gYiF9SEg-AWMLRg&oe=61C229E6)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Yada on December 17, 2021, 04:21:29 pm
dang, friend of mine scored some Pappy at cost co of all places?!
(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/267751906_10159603722638620_4925528973908103919_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=F8t-DZ26oDwAX8r5huf&_nc_oc=AQlKS4eevWZTQHU3TL_b_xOxl3CYgPWXobB6yn2FkW8wBToUpu9TYaNGaJjbkoO7_VQ&tn=s5ytC9q7z7ww24bU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AT_W4SZA-IsCoJ3qOaouFvevsgyn7j6gYiF9SEg-AWMLRg&oe=61C229E6)

Believe it or not, that seems to be about the one and only place you don't have to deal with a bunch of shit to snag pappy... just got to be lucky or a tater.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 17, 2021, 04:23:27 pm
it is the 10yr, not the 23yr and he just happened to get there when they opened, wasn't even looking for it
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on December 17, 2021, 04:27:16 pm
dang, an acquaintance of mine (sweets probably knows him) scored some Pappy

is this person in frederick, perchance? (recently moved outside of fredneck, forget which hamlet he's in now... but his business is still in frederick)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 17, 2021, 04:30:02 pm
dang, an acquaintance of mine (sweets probably knows him) scored some Pappy

is this person in frederick, perchance? (recently moved outside of fredneck, forget which hamlet he's in now... but his business is still in frederick)
I don't know him that well at all, but hosted the last DC homebrew thing at 3 stars, so likely talking the same person
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 28, 2022, 11:44:23 am
Metallica Unveil Rye the Lightning Whiskey, Offer Free Download of Only Full Ride the Lightning Performancel (https://consequence.net/2022/04/metallica-rye-the-lightning-whiskey/)
The whiskey was crafted while utilizing low hertz frequencies from Metallica’s music to vibrate the barrels

can't you guys smile for the camera
(https://consequence.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Metallica-Rye-the-Lightning-Whiskey.jpg?resize=1031,580)
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on April 28, 2022, 01:00:12 pm
that IS james smiling!
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 16, 2022, 08:00:24 am
Desperate times call for desperate measures
https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-charged-in-scheme-to-steal-virginia-abc-intel-on-high-demand-bourbon/article_28957a99-c11e-54a0-a612-649c182d56ae.html

Jules, we’re you in on this?
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 16, 2022, 11:30:57 pm
Desperate times call for desperate measures
https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-charged-in-scheme-to-steal-virginia-abc-intel-on-high-demand-bourbon/article_28957a99-c11e-54a0-a612-649c182d56ae.html

Jules, we’re you in on this?
What, in the history of my time on this board, leads you to believe I’m in on a bourbon scam. If some Kensington XO gin gets misallocated, finger me.
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on July 16, 2022, 11:31:26 pm
Yes, Walkie, I said “finger me.” GRRRRRRRLLL,LLL
Title: Re: The Whisk(e)y Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 04, 2023, 02:06:12 pm
Metallica Unveil Rye the Lightning Whiskey, Offer Free Download of Only Full Ride the Lightning Performancel (https://consequence.net/2022/04/metallica-rye-the-lightning-whiskey/)
The whiskey was crafted while utilizing low hertz frequencies from Metallica’s music to vibrate the barrels

they're at it again... solid business move on the band's part, i suspect this shit goes flying off the shelves

Metallica Just Dropped a New Cask Strength Edition of Its Blackened Whiskey (https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/metallica-blackened-whiskey-cask-strength-1234838999/)

article makes a reference to the Rye the Lightening batch, saying it "was subjected to the sounds of Ride the Lightning while it aged"  ;D


i'm not sure if i'm fascinated by, or just think it's cynical, that the band markets liquor given that both hetfield and hammett are in recovery (ulrich apparently has managed his disease to the point where he can still enjoy an occasional glass of wine - but alcohol messed him up for a long time too)