Postie's been today - must be time for a whisky tasting thread.

[Paul11]

I would highly recommend the 15yo Balvenie Single Barrel http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-286.aspx. I can't think of a better beginner's whisky for under £50..

Thank you ... just ordered it !

will report back when it arrives ..

i've heard its really nice mixed with coca cola ?




// just kidding

 

[Ahleckz]

Only a hobby. It might seem expensive but, since I work away from home month on month off, those 5 bottles will last me about 6 months. At £240, that's only £40 a month or £10 a week. Occasionally I'll treat myself to an expensive bottle for a treat if I'm flush. Most expensive so far was a 1972 Glengoyne for £250 but that's a once every couple of years treat.

I suppose when you put it like that...

I swear your measures are getting bigger. Good to see that you're enjoying them, and it's nice to read about some more unusual (though still easily obtainable) distilleries.

Guess I best go pour myself a dram!

 

[Stan_Lite]

Next up, Bruichladdich 12 Year Old / Brown & Tawse 125. Again, I've had quite a few different Bruichladdich expressions and haven't had a bad one yet. This one was made to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Dundee steelmerchant Brown & Tawse (not sure what the connection is - apart from they share a birthday with Bruichladdich).

Colour: Gold.

Nose: Salt spray. Lemon. Slight smoke.

Palate: Smoky. Peaty. Slightly spicy. Slight sweetness.

Finish: Medium length spicy and peaty.

Pretty much a textbook Bruichladdich. Tasty and sharp but smooth enough to make it very palatable. A good whisky for waking up your taste buds. Not as pungent as most Islay malts so would be a good starter for someone who wants to get into Islay malts.

This costs £41.95 for a 70cl bottle. If I'm being honest, I'd say it was a tad overpriced. You'd be as well getting the standard 12yo (2nd edition) for £7 less.

 

[Stan_Lite]

i've heard its really nice mixed with coca cola ?

// just kidding

 

[Stan_Lite]

Finally, Suntory Hakushu Heavily Peated. The Suntory Yamazaki is a very nice whisky. As I said earlier, the 10yo is a bit young and the 18yo is lovely but in the dear side. The 12yo is a happy medium and is a whisky I buy regularly. Looking forward to trying this offering from it's sister distillery, Hakushu. There is no age stated on this one.

Colour: Pale gold.

Nose: Peat. Vanilla. Grass. Wood. Hint of tar.

Palate: Peat. Oak. Slightly sweet.

Finish: Slightly sweet and smoky - slight liquorice. Lingering.

I continue to be pleasantly surprised by Japanese whiskies. This is another very competent Japanese malt. I'm not sure on the age but I suspect it hasn't been matured for as long as it should. Like the 10yo Yamazaki, I think it would benefit from another couple of years in the cask. Keep up the good work Suntory.

This costs £63.95 for a 70cl bottle. That's a bit steep. If it had had another couple of years in the cask, I think it would have been worth it but not as it is now. Shame really as it is a good whisky but has the potential to be an extremely good whisky. My verdict: Good whisky but not worth 64 quid.

 

[jimmy321]

If you like your sherry monsters I highly recommend the Glendronach single cask annual releases, they sell out almost instantly but you can still get a bottle if you know where to look.