Scotch

[Prairiewolf]

On Robbie Burns Day a friend and I took in the event at Willow Park Wines and Spirits. It was a great time - made greater by the fact that retiring scotch guru David blew away the event budget and set out some great scotch for us all! Three of them stood out:

*Jura 7 Wood: toffee and cinnamon, some smoke but not overbearing. First time for me - won't be the last.

*Aberfeldy 21: caramel and nuts, incredibly accessible flavor. First time for me and would have bought a bottle there if they weren't sold out - best of the night. Looking on Liquor Connect for other carriers.

*Old Pulteney 18: vanilla, vanilla, vanilla. I tried this right after the Aberfeldy so it got second place, although it also warrants a future purchase.

David's "retirement party" is on the 21st - if you like scotch I encourage you to try and get a ticket to this. It'll be great.

[Okotok]

Originally Posted by Prairiewolf

On Robbie Burns Day a friend and I took in the event at Willow Park Wines and Spirits. It was a great time - made greater by the fact that retiring scotch guru David blew away the event budget and set out some great scotch for us all! Three of them stood out:

*Jura 7 Wood: toffee and cinnamon, some smoke but not overbearing. First time for me - won't be the last.

*Aberfeldy 21: caramel and nuts, incredibly accessible flavor. First time for me and would have bought a bottle there if they weren't sold out - best of the night. Looking on Liquor Connect for other carriers.

*Old Pulteney 18: vanilla, vanilla, vanilla. I tried this right after the Aberfeldy so it got second place, although it also warrants a future purchase.

David's "retirement party" is on the 21st - if you like scotch I encourage you to try and get a ticket to this. It'll be great.

Thanks for the tip. Looking into it.

[Twisted Canuck]

Well, as it seems that many of us are going to be spending quite a bit more time at home I thought this thread needed to roll around to the top again.

I figured I'd post the last 3 bottles I opened....I've been going into my stock rather than to the store for the most part recently, so I have a bottle of 15 year old Macallan on the go, an 18 year old 1995 Glendronach Tawny Port cask, and a 1990 Balblair second release (I can't say how much I love that one, still have 10 unopened).....

And yesterday, I came across 2 bottles of 25 year old Bowmore Small Batch, at a very good price. It's discontinued now apparently, and I've seen at $450-550, so didn't feel compelled to get one. But this was under $300, so I thought 'why not? ' and got one. Haven't opened it yet, but I suspect I will soon. I also have the urge to open a Macallan 18 Sherry Cask, as I thought I only had 2 but actually had 3....happy day!

As I posted elsewhere, I believe drinking good whisky (in moderation. Somewhat) is a preventative for the Covid-19 virus. If I get it anyway, I will drink good whisky as a curative. If that doesn't work, well, I will have enjoyed thoroughly some damn fine whisky before my demise.

Cheers, gentlemen!

[CheeseBurger]

Just had a wee dram of my Oban Distillers’ Edition that a buddy brought back from Scotland for me, last night.

[Twisted Canuck]

I got talked into a Glenrothes Single Cask at vintage today (ok, I got a nice taster and that was all it took). It is Cask 9243, distilled in 2005 and bottled in 2017, one of 587 bottles done for Willow Park (they bought the cask). For a cask strength of 66.7 % avb, it is surprisingly smooth for a 12 year old! You wouldn't think it was that stout, maybe a high forties the way it noses and how it rolls on the palate. A drop of water tames it nicely. Lots of sweet sherry here, rich brandied orchard fruit, plum and dark cherry, and a strong finish of spice on the back end, cinnamon hearts and pepper. A great dram, very bold, maybe not as balanced as I'd like on that finish as it is hot....but very good all the same.

[270person]

Originally Posted by Twisted Canuck

I got talked into a Glenrothes Single Cask at vintage today (ok, I got a nice taster and that was all it took). It is Cask 9243, distilled in 2005 and bottled in 2017, one of 587 bottles done for Willow Park (they bought the cask). For a cask strength of 66.7 % avb, it is surprisingly smooth for a 12 year old! You wouldn't think it was that stout, maybe a high forties the way it noses and how it rolls on the palate. A drop of water tames it nicely. Lots of sweet sherry here, rich brandied orchard fruit, plum and dark cherry, and a strong finish of spice on the back end, cinnamon hearts and pepper. A great dram, very bold, maybe not as balanced as I'd like on that finish as it is hot....but very good all the same.

Your real name is Sebastian, you drive a Volvo, have a closet full of turtlenecks and tweed sports jackets, and make hefty annual contributions to the local symphony.

Am I close? 😁

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by 270person

Your real name is Sebastian, you drive a Volvo, have a closet full of turtlenecks and tweed sports jackets, and make hefty annual contributions to the local symphony.

Am I close? 😁

So close it is frightening. My name is actually Serge, and I drive a Renault, but the rest is spot on....

[270person]

Originally Posted by Twisted Canuck

So close it is frightening. My name is actually Serge, and I drive a Renault, but the rest is spot on....

Baaahaaaa. You don't pronounce it like Surge either i bet. More of a Sairjje. Little jaw action at the end to add some flamboyance??

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by 270person

Baaahaaaa. You don't pronounce it like Surge either i bet. More of a Sairjje. Little jaw action at the end to add some flamboyance??

Right again! Like that character in Beverly Hills Cop, who worked in the art gallery...remember that guy?

[270person]

Originally Posted by Twisted Canuck

Right again! Like that character in Beverly Hills Cop, who worked in the art gallery...remember that guy?

Lol. The Get Out of the City twink. Bronson Pinchot.

[tirebob]

Just cracked open this Tomatin 14 Port Cask. I must say it is a decent dram! Lots of grape and berries with a hint of vanilla in there too. I do really enjoy a port cask finished whisky!

[Rastus]

I am happy with the the 20 year old Glen Deveron and the 10 year old Glenmorangie, (that's as peatier as I want to get)

[Twisted Canuck]

I am thinking about opening an 18 year old Macallan Sherry Cask this weekend, I have had some stashed for a few years now and think it may be time. My self isolated self is weak.

[Big Racks]

Originally Posted by Twisted Canuck

I am thinking about opening an 18 year old Macallan Sherry Cask this weekend, I have had some stashed for a few years now and think it may be time. My self isolated self is weak.

I can be there in 3 hours give or take, will self-isolate and drink through the window. nom nom nom

[tirebob]

Originally Posted by Twisted Canuck

I am thinking about opening an 18 year old Macallan Sherry Cask this weekend, I have had some stashed for a few years now and think it may be time. My self isolated self is weak.

Do it my friend!! What better time than now...

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by Big Racks

I can be there in 3 hours give or take, will self-isolate and drink through the window. nom nom nom

Originally Posted by tirebob

Do it my friend!! What better time than now...

True friends! I'd share with you both.

[LongRangebugler]

Just finished the bottle of 16 year old scapa that I got from twisted Canuck last year ... I’ve been pretty good at not being a pig with it , but this quarantine has got me doing a lot of dabbling into the stash . Thanks again twisted ! Scapa 16 RIP.

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by LongRangebugler

Just finished the bottle of 16 year old scapa that I got from twisted Canuck last year ... I’ve been pretty good at not being a pig with it , but this quarantine has got me doing a lot of dabbling into the stash . Thanks again twisted ! Scapa 16 RIP.

Glad you got to enjoy it. I finished the last 3 fingers of mine about a month ago with some friends. There isn't any more around, so remember it well!

[zabbo]

Just picked up a Dalmore cigar malt. Was on sale at Willow Park Liquor store's online sales. Haven't cracked it yet. Anyone tried it?

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by zabbo

Just picked up a Dalmore cigar malt. Was on sale at Willow Park Liquor store's online sales. Haven't cracked it yet. Anyone tried it?

That's been in my cabinet a couple of times, I really enjoyed it. It is one of my favorite Dalmores. What was sale price like?

[tirebob]

Originally Posted by zabbo

Just picked up a Dalmore cigar malt. Was on sale at Willow Park Liquor store's online sales. Haven't cracked it yet. Anyone tried it?

I killed a bottle of that last summer. I really liked it too!

[zabbo]

Originally Posted by tirebob

I killed a bottle of that last summer. I really liked it too!

Good to hear! Looking forward to pouring a nice big dram.

[zabbo]

Originally Posted by Twisted Canuck

That's been in my cabinet a couple of times, I really enjoyed it. It is one of my favorite Dalmores. What was sale price like?

Think the regular price was about $144. I got it for $114 including tax etc.

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by zabbo

Think the regular price was about $144. I got it for $114 including tax etc.

Wow, excellent price! Wonder if they deliver to GP?

[zabbo]

Originally Posted by Twisted Canuck

Wow, excellent price! Wonder if they deliver to GP?

Hahaha! They deliver in Calgary, $8 charge. G P total price including delivery would probably cost more than the regular price??

[bsmitty27]

Anyone try Lagavulin 8 year. I like my Islays, this sounds a little young, but many reviews compare it to the 16. I personally think there is alot more to whisky than age, but age costs money weather it's a quality product or not.
I picked up a bottle at super store for 64.00 most places it's around 90.00 if it's good I might grab a case. I should of bought 10 cases of laphroaig quarter cask when it was 38.00 at superstore!

[Twisted Canuck]

I've tried the Lagavullin 8, it's actually very nice and compares favorably to the 16, but you can tell it is younger. Less smooth, more forward on the palate, finish isn't as developed or as long. But very good. I've also got the 12 year old in my cabinet, and the 9 year old Game of Thrones addition. The GOT is probably my favorite of them all, I stashed a couple extra away. A superb dram. The 12 is also a dandy.

Basically I haven't met a Lagavullin I didn't like!

And you are so right about the Quarter Cask....I just always thought it was going to be a $40 bottle. Fool!!! I would also have put a couple cases away.

Edit: you helped me decide what to sip this evening while I read....sealed on the cask strength 12. So nice.

[bsmitty27]

Thanks for the reply twisted! Poured a couple fingers this evening. I agree with your take on the 8 year. Not as smooth, refined, complex. But it's much better and has more character than I thought was possible in a whisky just 8 years old. The only thing I didnt like was the color, just not used to a whisky that pale. Dont know if I'll buy a case but I'll buy a couple bottles for sure.

I support our local Alberta and canadian distilleries, but Rye whisky just doesnt replace the distinct Islay flavor that I enjoy. Is there any Canadian companies that produce a peated Rye whisky. Could that be a thing? I'm about to do a google search.
Brad

[Twisted Canuck]

Color is sometimes a fake, not unlike makeup on a 'pretty' girl. Caramel color adds flavor too unfortunately. A light clear Islay doesn't bother me much, Ardbegs are all very much like that.

As for age, keep in mind the Octomore are 5 year whiskeys (other than the 10 year old edition, which I can't bring myself to open yet), and they have piles of character! Also, the Kavalan Solist whiskies are all 5, but matured in a tropical climate, and they are stunningly good. And, I've had a couple forgettable 20+ year old whisky too. That number sometimes means something, and sometimes it doesn't.

I'm not familiar with any peated rye, but I would try some if somebody made it, just on principle.

[Soulcousin]

Oh man I cant believe I didnt buy more of those when they were around 40 dollars, I shake my head every time I cruise past the whisky's.

I haven't tried the Laga 8 yr, but I have had the 2008, 2009, 2012, and I believe 2015 bottlings of the 12 CS. Simply crazy, blows their sherried(?) and mixed down 16 year out of the water. Would have liked to try the 25 yr, but work has been slow for a while now.

I will vouch for Kilchoman though, they did a 1/4 cask which was quite nice, and the Machir Bay has been drained a few times around this house. They also have some sherried cask strength offerings, try to get #454 if you dont like a light coloured Islay😎