Post: #26

Whisky thread? Ok.

What's everyones's go to botle in the states?

I'm enjoying this guy right now:


Bourbon is also acceptable:

Post: #27

$30k on booze? No. I'd buy a glass of it somewhere most likely though as that would be enough so see what it was like....though I expect it won't taste much different than 18 year.

I think I've also written somewhere else that I'm always looking for the intersection of price and taste...ie what's the cheapest whiskey or bourbon I can buy that still tastes acceptable. I find that to be more of a challenge than just the 'best tasting ever' as I would assume thats mainly just a function of dollars.

Post: #28

(09-15-2014 01:54 PM)Orion Wrote:  Every connoisseur of whiskey i ever read about reaffirmed that more expensive whiskey does not necessarily has to be better.

Key word there. Whiskey. Did they say scotch whiskey? Or just plain ol whiskey? If they are talking about just whiskey in general, then yeah that is true for the most part. If they were talking about scotch, then no. The age matters the most. The barrel it was stored in even matters alot. If that barrel was fire-charred, sherry wood, or some other kind of wood, or not even matters. Single malt or blended matters alot too in some cases.

Canadian whiskeys, Jack Daniels, and all that other sour mash whiskey is not made with bog peat from Scotland. The water there makes a big difference. There is a big law in the UK that regulates what is real scotch and what is not. Maybe one of the UK RVF fellas when they wake up can drop their better knowledge on this stuff, but it's kinda of a big fucking deal over there for a good reason.

Post: #29

(09-15-2014 02:02 PM)iop890 Wrote:  Whisky thread? Ok.

What's everyones's go to botle in the states?

Macallan 15. Actually going to a tasting this week. I've gone before, they do the 10, 12, 15, 17 and 18 and describe the process. I'm not into the peaty scotch's, I hear it just takes time to get used to those. They opened a new Whiskey/Scotch bar near me and I'm going through the menu, starting with the Japanese menu first.

Last Macallan event they had like a $100k or $200k bottle there for display.

Post: #30

(09-15-2014 01:56 PM)TheWastelander Wrote:  I don't really drink scotch. I prefer tequila and occasionally vodka.

To each his own, I say.

Every man should at least get a basic rundown style education or indoctrination on scotch and wine. You never know when you will need that knowledge to avoid losing face around hi-so people as a young man.

Even silly things like getting a dark bold Cab wine while eating a lightly seasoned white fish dinner can embarrass you without you even realizing it. If you need to make a decent impression on potential business partners, you cannot embarrass people at the table. Just getting a white wine with every fish is sill too. Only those cheap restaurants training their waiters to say silly stuff like this say junk like that. There are times when even a Pinot Grigio would pair well with a certain kind of steak that is prepared or cooked a certain way.

You do not need to know everything, just the basics is good enough.

To learn scotch read up on wikipedia or hang out with a few folks that know it within your circles. Then go to a nice bar one day with 100 bucks and get a shot of each year they have in the set.

You can also take a wine tasting class, which is best to do at the beginning because you will have a strong foundation to learn off of, by teaching yourself. Many wine bars give these. Costs anywhere from 20 dollars to 100. Depends upon what they are tasting and the class level. It's great for dates, especially on the cheap when you want to impress a stuck up chick.

Post: #31

(09-15-2014 01:59 PM)teh_skeeze Wrote:  I love me some Johnnie Walker Black Label. I'd like to get into the single malts, but wouldn't know where to begin. The reason I like Black Label is 1) It's got a much bolder flavor than bourbon or Irish and 2) It's smooth. I would be looking for something under $100. Anyone have some suggestions?

Good introductory single malts are Glenlivet 12, Glenmorangie 10, Glenfiddich 12, Oban, Balvenie 12, or if you want to try one peatier, Laphroaig.

All are well under $100, at least where I am, but I would suggest buying different scotches by the glass in bars. It costs more but you'll educate yourself much faster.

The forum does have a whiskey thread if anyone is interested /thread-20568....ht=whiskey

Post: #32

(09-15-2014 02:14 PM)Drazen Wrote:  

(09-15-2014 02:02 PM)iop890 Wrote:  Whisky thread? Ok.

What's everyones's go to botle in the states?

Macallan 15. Actually going to a tasting this week. I've gone before, they do the 10, 12, 15, 17 and 18 and describe the process. I'm not into the peaty scotch's, I hear it just takes time to get used to those. They opened a new Whiskey/Scotch bar near me and I'm going through the menu, starting with the Japanese menu first.

Last Macallan event they had like a $100k or $200k bottle there for display.

Single malts are strong (harsher) when they are younger. Not always, but that's the trend. Hence why even guys who are not all that into the heavy peat flavor still like the nice older ones, like that Macallan 15 or 18. That 18 is very nice too for the price. They all tend to get alot smoother with the age.

Post: #33

(09-15-2014 02:22 PM)MrXY Wrote:  

(09-15-2014 01:59 PM)teh_skeeze Wrote:  I love me some Johnnie Walker Black Label. I'd like to get into the single malts, but wouldn't know where to begin. The reason I like Black Label is 1) It's got a much bolder flavor than bourbon or Irish and 2) It's smooth. I would be looking for something under $100. Anyone have some suggestions?

Good introductory single malts are Glenlivet 12, Glenmorangie 10, Glenfiddich 12, Oban, Balvenie 12, or if you want to try one peatier, Laphroaig.

All are well under $100, at least where I am, but I would suggest buying different scotches by the glass in bars. It costs more but you'll educate yourself much faster.

The forum does have a whiskey thread if anyone is interested /thread-20568....ht=whiskey

If you get really into it you can order samples if you want to try something expensive. My cabinet used to be full of those little 3cl bottles.

Post: #34

(09-15-2014 02:27 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  Single malts are strong (harsher) when they are younger. Not always, but that's the trend. Hence why even guys who are not all that into the heavy peat flavor still like the nice older ones, like that Macallan 15 or 18. That 18 is very nice too for the price. They all tend to get alot smoother with the age.

Yeah, the 18 is nice too, its just $25 each pour. I actually like the 15 more than the 17 and its about a toss up with the 18 so that's why I usually go with the 15.

Post: #35

(09-15-2014 02:18 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  You can also take a wine tasting class, which is best to do at the beginning because you will have a strong foundation to learn off of, by teaching yourself. Many wine bars give these. Costs anywhere from 20 dollars to 100. Depends upon what they are tasting and the class level. It's great for dates, especially on the cheap when you want to impress a stuck up chick.

Kai, what are your thoughts on bourbon? I remember going down to the Woodford Reserve in Lexington, KY and sipping on some of that good stuff

Post: #36

(09-15-2014 02:02 PM)iop890 Wrote:  Whisky thread? Ok.

What's everyones's go to botle in the states?

I'm enjoying this guy right now:


Bourbon is also acceptable:

we have a pretty big whiskey thread somewhere here already.

Post: #37

The Whiskey Bar by me actually gave me a free shot of the Blanton's, which I never had before. It was ok, very earthy. I might have to try a little more of it.

Post: #38

(09-15-2014 02:46 PM)Cunnilinguist Wrote:  

(09-15-2014 02:18 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  You can also take a wine tasting class, which is best to do at the beginning because you will have a strong foundation to learn off of, by teaching yourself. Many wine bars give these. Costs anywhere from 20 dollars to 100. Depends upon what they are tasting and the class level. It's great for dates, especially on the cheap when you want to impress a stuck up chick.

Kai, what are your thoughts on bourbon? I remember going down to the Woodford Reserve in Lexington, KY and sipping on some of that good stuff

Hmm Bourbons are usually something I drink when I am tired of other American types (rye) or Canadian whisky and do not have enough money for the scotch I want. Real Bourbon is made from corn, someone correct me if I am wrong. I use it for cooking and baking pies sometimes like any good Louisianian would. I do not get too serious about it, I just drink it to get right on Friday evenings and some Saturday nights.

I do not know why but Wild Turkey and Evan Williams' bourbons give me some funny hangover headaches as if I drank a clear liquor like vodka. Other than that, nothing else seems to give me headaches or hangovers. I used to drink lots of these kinds of whisky back when I thought Southern Comfort was bourbon (it's not) and before I ever had a scotch. I use to cut them with Coke, etc.

Post: #39

You know what, I keep hearing from guys that are members of these Jim Beam and Jack Daniels clubs and they go to the distilleries and get special access to reserves and they say the stuff is incredible. I would like to do something like this, but I know that some of these club's have different levels and there are waiting lists as well. Maybe some of you guys might get into that. I can imagine the business networking must be pretty decent in those circles.

Post: #40

(09-15-2014 03:06 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  Real Bourbon is made from corn, someone correct me if I am wrong. I use it for cooking and baking pies sometimes like any good Louisianian would. I do not get too serious about it, I just drink it to get right on Friday evenings and some Saturday nights.

I do not know why but Wild Turkey and Evan Williams' bourbons give me some funny hangover headaches as if I drank a clear liquor like vodka. Other than that, nothing else seems to give me headaches or hangovers. I used to drink lots of these kinds of whisky back when I thought Southern Comfort was bourbon (it's not) and before I ever had a scotch. I use to cut them with Coke, etc.

Yes, that's right, there needs to be at least 51% maize/corn for it to be legally called bourbon.

I'm partial to a good Old Fashioned, it's my go-to whenever I'm on a night out in the city.

With aged whiskies, more time in the barrel doesn't necessarily mean better, just different, because everyone's tastes and preferences are going to vary after all. The kind of barrels they're finished in will play a part as well - if they were finished in sherry casks, you'll get those nuttier characters, port casks will impart some sweetness, etc.

Interesting thing is happening in the other direction where wine is being "finished" in old whiskey barrels. Haven't tried any of that stuff yet, but would be interesting.

I'm more of a wine specialist, so my whiskey know-how is limited, but I have a few good friends I like to have a good time with over tumblers and poker.

Post: #41

(09-15-2014 02:02 PM)iop890 Wrote:  Whisky thread? Ok.

What's everyones's go to botle in the states?

My go to good value whisky is Jamesons or jamesons 12 year.

For quality I have a bunch 15 year stuff I picked up from Glendronach and Glenrothes while I was in scotland.

Additionally, i've been drinking the 12 year yamazaki and 15 year hakushu from suntory. Good stuff. Japanese whisky are underrated when they have been killing it in international whisky contests. Hell, suntory just bought jim beam.

Post: #42

I heard there are scotches in Scotland that never get shipped here. Is that really true? What else did you get to drink over there?

Post: #43

Even if I was wealthy I probably wouldn't spend more than $1,000 on a bottle of booze. In most cases I wouldn't spend over $100.

I've been fortunate enough to taste some very high end wines and spirits, including a pour off a 1955 Barolo double magnum that went for $25,000 per bottle.

The thing with that stuff is, while some of it is very very good, it doesn't give you more pleasure in relation to its outlandish price.

$30K on a bottle of booze is for billionaires who can't spend their money fast enough. There is a limit to just how good something can be, and beyond that you're just paying for the fancy bottle, the handwritten label, the limited release, etc. There's a lot of bullshit marketing involved.

As far as single malt scotch goes, the best bottles tend to top out at around $300, but you can get any number of fantastic bottles for under 100. Over $300 and you're probably getting into the limited release stuff that's up for auction.

Nice call on the Blanton's btw ^^^ very good bourbon for that price range. A personal favorite.

Post: #44

(09-15-2014 12:27 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  I love scotch. Especially single malts. I am a supertaster and I used to have a modest little wine collection. Scotch is a weakness for me and I usually avoid them nowadays because I like them so much. That deep robost smokey peet flavor kills me. I spent many a night after long work projects drinking one in a dark room in silence or with some of my favorite jazz or requiem. I do not dip cigars in them or shit like that, but I usually drink them alone or only with other wine/scotch snobs. If I had alot of money I know for a fact that I would have rows of good ones somewhere. I have no idea if I would buy one that expensive, but I cannot say I would not be tempted to buy that.

I think I would get dizzy like I am about to faint if someone drinks one of those with ice or even worse, cuts it with a coke....

Highfive.gif.

Yeah, scotch is a great hobby. Nothing like it for sipping while you're working either. I do like wine too and it also makes me creative and is better to share with women of course, but that dark-golden color is something else with scotch.

Still wouldn't pay that much. I'm not a fan of people who are too snobbish when it comes to beer/wine/spirits. You don't need to spend 1k a bottle to get something good.

Post: #45

(09-15-2014 04:21 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  I heard there are scotches in Scotland that never get shipped here. Is that really true? What else did you get to drink over there?

Nearly all whisky that's exported aboard is blended scotch whiski with only 16% of that being scotch single malt. So pretty much all the whisky i've had has the "For the Uk market" label on there.

I did a quick search of stuff i drank, Auchentoshan is another good brand i had along Highland Park.

Fact is, if you go to Edinburgh and head to the whisky shop at the train station, you really cant go wrong with anything there. They sell all sorts of top quality reserve bottles that are limited to releases of maybe 500 to couple thousand bottles a year for about 50-100 bucks each. Also hit up the scotch whiski experience near the castle when you're there.

Post: #46

This is masterful marketing/framing by Glenfiddich, regardless of how many people buy it. If their most expensive bottle was only $5k or whatever before, after the $30,000 bottle, that $5k option becomes a lot more reasonable. This is not about the $30k bottle being worth it (it isn't), but it's about moving units of the next priciest option by making that one appear to be a great value in comparison.

Post: #47

(09-15-2014 12:56 PM)iop890 Wrote:  @TravelerKai

Have you had the chance to try the Japanese stuff? I was lucky enough to have a bottle of Yamazaki 1984 once and it was incredible. The 18 year is my go to whenever I'm in Asia and can actually find it.

Yes. It's very different than Scotch whiskey...more of a clean/mineral taste...I taste less of the barrel. Almost like it is aged in concrete, as some French wines are.

Post: #48

That's interesting. Thanks for the heads up. Kinda reminds me of the aluminum vs cask vs glass when it comes to brew.

Post: #49

(09-15-2014 12:40 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  

(09-15-2014 12:18 PM)Phoenix Wrote:  

Usually people trying to front with a bottle of scotch is usually going to walk around the club with a Johnny Walker Blue bottle, which is 300+ or so bucks. Few minority girls will know what that is, some handfuls of white girls will know though. So if you want their attention, that is one drink that will do it.

My guitar player fucked with me one night about that.

'What are you drinking?'
'Johnny Walker Blue.'
'Hey, I'll take a Johnny Walker Blue.'
Bartender: 'We don't have that.'
'Hey, he doesn't have that.'
(laughing)

Motherfucker.

Post: #50

Costco sells a 40yo bottle of scotch for $700.

Has anyone tried it?