Quote from: herm on January 25, 2009, 07:53:50 PM
bourbon...........yum.
but too easy to drink. i get in trouble.

scotch.........a little too harsh for my taste.

whiskey.......just right. i am partial to the Irish whiskey, no canadian stuff.
poured 2 fingers of bushmills, neat, not so long ago...

Try throwing a few cubes in the Scotch and let it rest/dilute for a few minutes.  Its really good once you develop a system.

I don't recommend ice cubes as you get a variable amount of dilution and you kill the flavor by chilling it.

A splash of cold water on the other hand can completely change a scotch from a smokey, peaty monster into a nice, sweet drink.

This is why in general I like Scotches: More options 

i guess i just dont like to mix...

Never really got into whisky or scotch. I never put water or ice into bourbon.

I cracked the '08 bottle of Stagg last night.
Really unique flavor and at over 141 proof a little goes a long way .

I have a gift certificate from Bevmo for $50

What do you recommend around that price range.

www.bevmo.com

Robert =)

$50 will get you close to a nice Jefferson's small batch or if scotch is on the list a 12 year Dalwhinne is very nice a smooooooooooth!

Quote from: T. Rush on January 26, 2009, 04:34:52 AM
$50 will get you close to a nice Jefferson's small batch or if scotch is on the list a 12 year Dalwhinne is very nice a smooooooooooth!

Thanks 

Quote from: ROBsS4R on January 26, 2009, 04:25:44 AM
I have a gift certificate from Bevmo for $50

What do you recommend around that price range.

www.bevmo.com

Robert =)

Personally I would pony up a little more coin and buy this, it's worth every penny.

http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?Ne=5&N=40+4294966548&area=spirits&No=10&ProductID=11202&Ns=Name|0

Quote from: Drunken Monkey on January 25, 2009, 08:31:52 PM
I don't recommend ice cubes as you get a variable amount of dilution and you kill the flavor by chilling it.

A splash of cold water on the other hand can completely change a scotch from a smokey, peaty monster into a nice, sweet drink.

This is why in general I like Scotches: More options 

There are "purists" that will dissuade you from adding anything to your Scotch.     It is your drink so tailor it to your liking. 

Personally I didnt care for Scotch until I experimented with it.  With experience, there are some that I like neat, some with water and some with ice.

Quote from: rgramjet on January 26, 2009, 07:25:07 AM
With experience, there are some that I like neat, some with water and some with ice.

If I can't drink it neat, I don't drink it.  That's just my preference.  I made the mistake of drinking some Maker's Mark on the rocks, and ended up drinking the whole damn bottle and getting drunk as make the beast with two backs.  The ice (as DM said) mutes the flavor and makes it too easy to drink too fast...and get drunk as make the beast with two backs.  Of course, if that's your goal, knock yourself out.  I prefer to sip it and enjoy (not to mention, I'm a lightweight).

Quote from: Sinister on January 26, 2009, 11:15:27 AM

If I can't drink it neat, I don't drink it.  That's just my preference.  I made the mistake of drinking some Maker's Mark on the rocks, and ended up drinking the whole damn bottle and getting drunk as make the beast with two backs.  The ice (as DM said) mutes the flavor and makes it too easy to drink too fast...and get drunk as make the beast with two backs.  Of course, if that's your goal, knock yourself out.  I prefer to sip it and enjoy (not to mention, I'm a lightweight).

I agree that ice can and does mute the flavor....exactly my point.  I wouldnt hand a glass of Talisker (burnt rubber mixed with peat and diesel fuel, with a Honey finish) neat to someone that wanted to give single malt Scotch an initial taste.....unless I wanted to watch them take one sip and spit it out.

When I hear people say they cant stand Scotch, they've probably tried something full strength and were overwhelmed. 

Quote from: Drunken Monkey on January 25, 2009, 08:31:52 PM
I don't recommend ice cubes as you get a variable amount of dilution and you kill the flavor by chilling it.

A splash of cold water on the other hand can completely change a scotch from a smokey, peaty monster into a nice, sweet drink.

This is why in general I like Scotches: More options 

+1.

Quote from: duclvr on January 26, 2009, 06:11:47 AM
Personally I would pony up a little more coin and buy this, it's worth every penny.

http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?Ne=5&N=40+4294966548&area=spirits&No=10&ProductID=11202&Ns=Name|0

Yeah I don't mind adding some extra cash in. I think you made my decision =)

herm - knew I liked you!!!  Bushmill's is my favorite.  Summertime I like it with a little cool water (filtered, not spring water , nor tap water).  Winter , I know it's craxy, but I like it with a little hot water.  Just like a hot toddy.  Also prefer it to Jamesons for Irish Whiskey (sans mint muck!!). 

Hubby and I find Bulliet to be better than Jack Daniels.  Don't get me wrong, we still buy Jack, just not as much

local Irish bar has single malts by the glass.  love Oban.  peaty, oaky, salty. Yum!!

Went to Irish Bar that carried single malt scotches and irish whiskeys and talked to the owner on an off night.  He explained a lot, and our bar bill was outrageous (like $80 - 100), but when you look at some of the prices, i'd hate to pay $50 - $75 and hate what I bought.  It was an investment in our future purchases. 

also like Connomorra - VERY peaty but smooth. 

+1 on Oban, one of my all time favorites!  If you like salty/peaty but lighter than Oban, give Bruichladdich a try.  No matter where you are, close your eyes and take a sip, it takes you to the ocean....