Whiskey - It's the water of life!

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Ol Dirty Fatso said:
Can tequila count? I bought herradura reposado and it made me enjoy sipping neat liquor for the first time in my life
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I'd tend to agree with @Boris Blank's glass eye I think tequila and most spirits can be discussed here. It's kind of amazing how a good quality spirit can really turn you onto the style. Tequila was something I'd generally avoid, because the vast majority of my experience with it was as part of the 3 Wise Men, cheap shots at a bar when I was already shit faced, or mixed in a margarita or something. I never drank a decent tequila until about a year ago when I picked up a bottle of Clase Azule (entirely for the very cool bottle, intending to add it to my "behind the bar" collection) and tried it. It was really something special, and showed me that not all tequila is shit tier stuff to mix with or do line shots with. This same rule applies to all spirits, spend the money for quality stuff, you won't regret it. Rum, vodka, bourbon, whatever you like, spring for it. Take pleasure and joy in it, god knows we all need an occasional break from the cosmic shit storm of existence, and having a good quality drink is definitely a great way to escape for a bit.
 
I've been reading a lot of James Ellroy books lately so when I happend to see a bottle of IW Harper 15 at the liquor store today I figured I might as well try it out since I was in the market for something in that price range anyway. I don't think I've ever really tried a bourbon in this price range before, it's a nice change of pace from scotch.
 
Pocket_Sand! said:
I'd tend to agree with @Boris Blank's glass eye I think tequila and most spirits can be discussed here. It's kind of amazing how a good quality spirit can really turn you onto the style. Tequila was something I'd generally avoid, because the vast majority of my experience with it was as part of the 3 Wise Men, cheap shots at a bar when I was already shit faced, or mixed in a margarita or something. I never drank a decent tequila until about a year ago when I picked up a bottle of Clase Azule (entirely for the very cool bottle, intending to add it to my "behind the bar" collection) and tried it. It was really something special, and showed me that not all tequila is shit tier stuff to mix with or do line shots with. This same rule applies to all spirits, spend the money for quality stuff, you won't regret it. Rum, vodka, bourbon, whatever you like, spring for it. Take pleasure and joy in it, god knows we all need an occasional break from the cosmic shit storm of existence, and having a good quality drink is definitely a great way to escape for a bit.
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I’ve grown to like El Tesoro overall as a brand though the Reposado, which I prefer for the Oaxaca Old Fashioned I usually make with it, is weirdly hard to find around me. For price/value, Olmeca Altos works very well. The blancos and repos for both. I haven’t really messed with anejos.
 
Started drinking whisky this year (moving on from Pinot Noir and Russian Standard Gold) and starting from entry level recommendations like Glenmorangie 10 and Jameson (I like them both). First impression of Talisker 10 was "what the fuck" but I slowly warm up to the smokiness. Last opened bottle was Bladnoch 11, bottle shape aside I really like the fruity nose and fruity-floral taste and it's probably my current favourite.

I have unopened Glen Scotia Double Cask and Glendronach 12 (somehow I found a non chill filtered bottle) but since I have never tried any fortified wine I am not sure whether to get some sherry first or not.

I guess from these I haven't bought from Speyside and Islay. Any recommendations on these regions based on the ones I have tasted, especially Islay should I get something heavy in peat (Ardbeg 10, Port Charlotte 10) or lighter (Bunnahabhain 12)? Also should I buy blended (Monkey Shoulder, Famous Grouse, JW) or Single Grain (Loch Lomond) or just focus on single malts?
 
field rice mouse said:
Started drinking whisky this year (moving on from Pinot Noir and Russian Standard Gold) and starting from entry level recommendations like Glenmorangie 10 and Jameson (I like them both). First impression of Talisker 10 was "what the fuck" but I slowly warm up to the smokiness. Last opened bottle was Bladnoch 11, bottle shape aside I really like the fruity nose and fruity-floral taste and it's probably my current favourite.

I have unopened Glen Scotia Double Cask and Glendronach 12 (somehow I found a non chill filtered bottle) but since I have never tried any fortified wine I am not sure whether to get some sherry first or not.

I guess from these I haven't bought from Speyside and Islay. Any recommendations on these regions based on the ones I have tasted, especially Islay should I get something heavy in peat (Ardbeg 10, Port Charlotte 10) or lighter (Bunnahabhain 12)? Also should I buy blended (Monkey Shoulder, Famous Grouse, JW) or Single Grain (Loch Lomond) or just focus on single malts?
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Welcome to the wonderful world of whiskey. From Speyside, I'm a big fan of sweeter stuff, and Glenallachie 12 is my personal favorite, but you really can't go wrong with any Speyside IMO. From Islay, if you're not used to smoke, I'd start off with Bunnahabhain (I'm a big fan of their 12) you get a hint of the peat and sea brine notes without it being overwhelming. Likewise Bruichladdich Classic Laddie is an unpeated malt that's an excellent example of an Islay without the overwhelming smoke. As for big Smoke, if you're wanting to ease into it, I can't really give you a good recommendation, it's pretty subjective, but I wouldn't dive into the deep end with a Bruichladdich Octomore, or Ardbeg Corryvreckan right away. Instead I'd go for a Lagavulin 16 or Laphroaig 10 (the bottle that got me into smokey whiskey), and see how you like that. As for blends, I personally don't think Johnny Walker is worth the price these days. Don't get me wrong, I like Walker, but it's overpriced for what it is, and there are blends out there that give you way more bang for your buck. Monkey Shoulder is fine, I always keep a bottle of J&B on hand, Clan Macgregor is a good one, the list goes on. I also always have a bottle of plain old Jameson around, it's just simple easy drinking.
 
Evan Williams is my jam.
Higher proof than Jack Daniel's and much cheaper.
I prefer George Dickel to JD anyway. I'm not picky I like the 8 and the 12.
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is really good.
What stops me from getting it the price.
It is $15 for a fifth and you can find EW Black $18 for a handle.
$3 more for a liter more whisky, quantity has a quality all it's own.
I used to get Ten High but it isn't actually Kentucky Straight Bourbon anymore.
It has dropped to "American whisky with flavoring and color".
I stick with Kentucky Straight Bourbons.
Oddly enough I can not stand Jim Beam, the most popular whiskey in that category.
I can drink Kentucky Tavern and other cheap bourbons no problem but Jim Beam white is hangover in a glass for me.
As others have said Black Velvet is surprisingly decent.

Tried a few scotches and I just don't get the point.
I don't enjoy them straight and their is no point in paying that much for somthing and mixing it with Coke.

Speaking of straight you will all call me a wuss but I drink shots and or bourbon and Cokes.
I wish I could just set around and sip on a water glass full of room temp bourbon without making faces and choking but I just can't.
There is a handle of EW in the fridge at all times.
I usually pound a double and then leisurely enjoy a bourbon and Coke, repeat as needed.
 
field rice mouse said:
Started drinking whisky this year (moving on from Pinot Noir and Russian Standard Gold) and starting from entry level recommendations like Glenmorangie 10 and Jameson (I like them both). First impression of Talisker 10 was "what the fuck" but I slowly warm up to the smokiness. Last opened bottle was Bladnoch 11, bottle shape aside I really like the fruity nose and fruity-floral taste and it's probably my current favourite.

I have unopened Glen Scotia Double Cask and Glendronach 12 (somehow I found a non chill filtered bottle) but since I have never tried any fortified wine I am not sure whether to get some sherry first or not.

I guess from these I haven't bought from Speyside and Islay. Any recommendations on these regions based on the ones I have tasted, especially Islay should I get something heavy in peat (Ardbeg 10, Port Charlotte 10) or lighter (Bunnahabhain 12)? Also should I buy blended (Monkey Shoulder, Famous Grouse, JW) or Single Grain (Loch Lomond) or just focus on single malts?
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If you want to go the peated way "blind" I'd recommend getting some peated Speyside whiskies first: Benriach, Benromach 10, Arran Machrie Moor, Old Ballantruan. On that note I'm going to disagree with @Pocket Sand and tell you to stay clear from the rest of the Tomintoul line. They're quite bland and unoffensive which makes them great for beginners but you should be able to get the same quality cheaper or better at the same price. The 16 year old expression is among the cheapest of its age, so it's a good deal if you want to try something older.

There's nothing wrong with blends and single grains, some of them are just as good or better than some single malts but it's often down to preference. Aside from Loch Lomond you could get Teeling - though that's Irish - or one of the Douglas Laing Old Particular bottlings. Maybe a bottle of Whistler Mosaic Marsala Cask, it should make a wonderful summer dram; though that's Irish as well. Wemyss releases great blended malts both at 46% ABV and at cask strenght, most of their names refer to their characters: Velvet Fig, The Hive, Peat Chimney, Smokey Shores, Spice King; then there's Compass Box.
 
Takayuki Yagami said:
Rittenhouse. Whistlepig might be better, but their offerings are twice the price at minimum. Rittenhouse is the one every bar worth a shit uses.
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I love Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond. Great whiskey at a great price. I'm also a fan of Wild Turkey 101, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, and even good old Jack Daniel's. Larceny's my overall favorite, it's a great wheated bourbon, and it's so smooth.
 
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