BB_Bino Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 Morning all, after a wee bit of guidance or advice if possible and thought there was no better place to come. Have never really had a taste for whiskey however that changed over the summer when I had a couple of drams of Talisker with the old man over the summer. On the Scotland supporters bus on the way to Norway the other night, a couple of hipflasks were passed around, couple I like, others no so, so I'm now intrigued to go out and discover more. So, if possible, just looking for a bit of advice on the best way to discover what you like? Is it a case of, over time, just trying what you see in pubs?? Or buying miniatures from distillers and going through them. I'm guessing so, but thought I would ask the question to see what came up. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Henry Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 16 minutes ago, BB_Bino said: Morning all, after a wee bit of guidance or advice if possible and thought there was no better place to come. Have never really had a taste for whiskey however that changed over the summer when I had a couple of drams of Talisker with the old man over the summer. On the Scotland supporters bus on the way to Norway the other night, a couple of hipflasks were passed around, couple I like, others no so, so I'm now intrigued to go out and discover more. So, if possible, just looking for a bit of advice on the best way to discover what you like? Is it a case of, over time, just trying what you see in pubs?? Or buying miniatures from distillers and going through them. I'm guessing so, but thought I would ask the question to see what came up. What you like will change over time. The more you try, the more your taste buds change and what you previously enjoyed might not taste so good. Like wine, or olives, you have to teach yourself to like it. Now, Talisker 10 is very much towards the peaty end of the scale so you’ve kind of jumped in with both feet there. My advice would to go with a super smooth table whisky like Glenmorangie 10, which is pretty much bang down the middle. From there, go either in the sweeter or peatier direction and that’ll give you a ballpark for where your tastes are. Another piece of advice would be to visit a distillery - any one will do - and take a tasting tour. Finally, largely abstain from buying whisky in pubs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael W Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 (edited) Miniatures are a reasonable way to start off, that's what I did. You obviously don't get the same extensive range available with the minutures, but it's a decent way to get started. I was also advised to try and avoid the peaty Islay malts at the start, which I did. I am still figuring it all out. it's trial and error and, sometimes, it just makes no sense. For example, I got a bottle of Glenlivet Founders Reserve, a fairly inexpensive NAS whisky, and quite enjoyed it. I therefore thought their 15 would be a good purchase - I found it bland and, if I'm honest, continued to drink it for the sake of it, hoping that I'd end up enjoying it. I didn't. Edited November 21, 2023 by Michael W 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarcastic Bairn Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 Like any food or drink we all like different things, take any opportunities to try different ones whether pubs, samples or purchases etc. My palette is rubbish and I go for strong flavours, but I started mild, however my preference is higher proof/cask American now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbaxters Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 24 minutes ago, Sarcastic Bairn said: Like any food or drink we all like different things, take any opportunities to try different ones whether pubs, samples or purchases etc. My palette is rubbish and I go for strong flavours, but I started mild, however my preference is higher proof/cask American now. When you say cask American, do you mean you prefer bourbon whiskey over single malt Scotch or Scotch finish in American barrels? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarcastic Bairn Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 (edited) 5 minutes ago, jimbaxters said: When you say cask American, do you mean you prefer bourbon whiskey over single malt Scotch or Scotch finish in American barrels? I do prefer bourbons. I still enjoy our malts, however I generally prefer a cask strength bourbon, Elijah Craigs and Buffalo Trace Staggs. Edited November 21, 2023 by Sarcastic Bairn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbaxters Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 1 minute ago, Sarcastic Bairn said: I do prefer bourbons. I still enjoy our malts, however I generally prefer a cask strength bourbon, Elijah Craigs and Buffalo Trace Staggs. I used to be the same and to an extent still am. I'm trying to get more into the Scotch by trying the smokier drams as it is undeniably more complex and interesting. Bourbons are vanilla, caramel, brown sugar and not a lot else. Having said that, still maintain the Wild Turkey 101 is the best pound for pound whiskey you can buy and the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a thing of beauty. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarcastic Bairn Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 8 minutes ago, jimbaxters said: I used to be the same and to an extent still am. I'm trying to get more into the Scotch by trying the smokier drams as it is undeniably more complex and interesting. Bourbons are vanilla, caramel, brown sugar and not a lot else. Having said that, still maintain the Wild Turkey 101 is the best pound for pound whiskey you can buy and the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a thing of beauty. I guess I prefer corn to malted barley, totally agree 101/Rare Breed are my go to. On a mission to get a George T Stagg 2022 after a recent tasting, incredible stuff. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmic Joe Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 Got stung for £20.20 yesterday in Edinburgh for a double 14 year old Glen Garroch. It was nice though. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Patterson Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 Few days off so just booked a last minute, rare treat to myself. A tour of Springbank and a warehouse tasting at Cadenhead's. Hostel place for £25 a night too. Will report back. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.Aye.R Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 Very few genuine deals out there. I suspect that will change in the next few months. Reported spirit sales down 20% for off trade. https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2023/11/trade-urges-duty-freeze-as-spirits-sales-drop/ 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.Aye.R Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 Talisker storm at £34 and Wild Turkey 101 at £22.50 on amazon are worth a punt for anyone yet to try them. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Holiday Song Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 On 21/11/2023 at 09:25, BB_Bino said: Morning all, after a wee bit of guidance or advice if possible and thought there was no better place to come. Have never really had a taste for whiskey however that changed over the summer when I had a couple of drams of Talisker with the old man over the summer. On the Scotland supporters bus on the way to Norway the other night, a couple of hipflasks were passed around, couple I like, others no so, so I'm now intrigued to go out and discover more. So, if possible, just looking for a bit of advice on the best way to discover what you like? Is it a case of, over time, just trying what you see in pubs?? Or buying miniatures from distillers and going through them. I'm guessing so, but thought I would ask the question to see what came up. A "flight" in a pub that showcases different types is good. Allows you to smell the differences between the types which I think is a big part of it. Honestly, the more whisky I try, feel like the less I know what's going on in terms of what I enjoy! Which is sortof frustrating but is also part of the charm I reckon. Big thing for me in terms of what I generally like are the casks used (i.e. port, sherry compared to ex-bourbon for example). I think focusing on that a bit more when I first started drinking whisky is the thing I'd have done differently. But each to their own. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig fae the Vale Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 2 hours ago, Derek Patterson said: Few days off so just booked a last minute, rare treat to myself. A tour of Springbank and a warehouse tasting at Cadenhead's. Hostel place for £25 a night too. Will report back. I absolutely loved the Springbank tour. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeartsOfficialMoaner Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 4 hours ago, Derek Patterson said: Few days off so just booked a last minute, rare treat to myself. A tour of Springbank and a warehouse tasting at Cadenhead's. Hostel place for £25 a night too. Will report back. Brilliant. Wish I was there. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Patterson Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 1 other person in the digs. Why no eh... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scosha Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 Tried this Arran at the Pot Still recently. I’m daft for a PX finish, so this was right up my street. A bit spicy at the start but that quickly disappeared and had a finish that felt like it was hanging around for an hour after it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Patterson Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 8 hours ago, Craig fae the Vale said: I absolutely loved the Springbank tour. The fact that everything is "in house" was part of the appeal in addition to the obvious of them doing good juice. Glen Scotia here too but need to see if they're doing tours. Will need to be tactical with things if I'm doing three 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Patterson Posted November 23, 2023 Share Posted November 23, 2023 Got dicked about for 40+ mins South of Lochgilphead with roadworks with a convoy system. In after Tesco and Coop shut. As a result, "tea" is 2 pints of Gladeye and a packet of Nobby's chilli nuts. Had worse tbh. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Patterson Posted November 23, 2023 Share Posted November 23, 2023 45 minutes ago, Scosha said: Tried this Arran at the Pot Still recently. I’m daft for a PX finish, so this was right up my street. A bit spicy at the start but that quickly disappeared and had a finish that felt like it was hanging around for an hour after it. Not been there for years. Knew it had ludicrous selection but my malt knowledge was still a bit rudimentary when I was last there. Bon Accord also tremendous for the enthusiast. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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