The OCUK Whisky (and Whiskey) review thread

Siliconslave said:
ooh, sounds good manveruppd - the Glenmorangie Lasanta i've got on the go at the moment is very simlar, might have to try that next though :)
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I've tried Glenmorangie's sherry cask whisky (many years ago, when I managed to get drunk in a Waterstones:p) and this one's A LOT better, you really can taste the raisins very intensely - not in a way that an experienced whisky drinker who takes a couple of sniffs and then swirls the whisky around in his mouth might feel in a subtle way and go "yes... yes... it's definitely there", but in a way that even a complete newbie can get with a single sip!:D

Also just got a Jura Prophecy recently and its a bit of a beast - nice and sweet from the sherry but with a good strong smoky and peaty punch
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Ooh I'll bear that in mind, I like smoky malts!
Relentless81 said:
I've just ordered some Chivas Regal for my brother for Christmas, I know its at the lower end of the scale but he likes it and its seen as a good entry level whisky I beleive
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Yeah, it's actually one of the better blended whiskies imho, I remember when I was a kid and "sampling" my dad's liquor cabinet (purely out of academic curiosity you understand:D) it was the only whisky he had that I really liked.

I was looking at that Monkey Shoulder as it comes with a gift set from a certain retailer for about £30, whats it like?
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I think it's a bourbon isn't it? (Someone correct me!) Don't really like bourbons, too sweet, like caramelised onions. Don't remember if I tried this one though.
 
manveruppd said:
I think it's a bourbon isn't it? (Someone correct me!) Don't really like bourbons, too sweet, like caramelised onions. Don't remember if I tried this one though.
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It's a blended Scotch, if I remember rightly.

I've got a mystery bottle on the way tonight, I think. Not sure exactly what yet but I guess that's part of the fun. Will post first impressions of whatever it is upon delivery and sampling! :p

Also, there was a post some way back about ASDA's own-brand Kentucky whiskey. Had a bottle of it last Christmas and it went down well. Nothing special by any means, but it was easy drinking and worth what it was priced at. Doesn't compare with any of the 'proper' whiskey of that variety though.
 
So, I've just been presented with a bottle of Laphroaig quarter cask. I took a look and everything on the tube and bottle points to it being pretty strong and fierce, but it didn't burn anywhere near as much as the others I've tried in the past. It's my first Islay and even after first taste, I'm in love. Peaty and smoky, got a bit of a kick but not of the unpleasant nature. Not yet sure what I think of the initial flavour, except that I like it.

At 48%, I can see me being a little more loose than usual... :p

I can't see me ever going back to Grouse and Bells, now all I need to do is find a bourbon that I'm happy with and I'll be set. Suggestions are welcome! :p
 
Relentless81 said:
I was looking at that Monkey Shoulder as it comes with a gift set from a certain retailer for about £30, whats it like?
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The monkey shoulder is a triple blended malt, and one of the better blends around (for the price) very smooth and rich flavoured as I remember it.

The Laphroaig quarter cask is a great Islay and very reasonably priced - as its 48% I'd give it a splash of water to bring out more of the flavour.

Bourbon wise I'm really not a fan however gentleman jack is the closest to palatable I've tried.
 
Purchased Glenfarclas 105 for my everyday and got a bottle of Dalmore 19 Year Old Cask Strength Collection (Signatory). Going to be a good christmas :D
 
Had a 1988 Macduff (I think!) last night, very mellow and very pale. Nice, but not sure if it had been aged all that well. Nowhere as good as the 1988 Macallan.

Was my birthday, so thought it would only be right to have a whisky from the year of my birth.

Had it in The Pot Still in Glasgow on Hope (I think) Street. Would recommend it for any whisky fans in the Glasgow area. I drink there semi-often. Very large range and good knowledgeable staff.
 
Updating recommendations for Christmas this year. OP updated.

Get your reviews in (with scores and I'll add to the list).

The recommended list to date:

Lagavulin 16 yo. Price £40. Scores: 95 (2007 bottling, Uriel), 97 (2009 bottling, Uriel). Taste rating D
Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Price £60. Scores 97 (Uriel, revised from 94 after re-tasting). Taste Rating D
Ardbeg 10 yo. Price £28. Scores: Recommended (no score, NickK) 95 (Uriel) Taste Rating D
Bowmore Tempest 10yo. Price £45. Score 94 (Uriel). Taste Rating D
Bruichladdich Rum Cask 17yo 46%. Price ?. Score 91 (Uriel). Taste Rating B
Clynelish 14yo. Price £30. Score 94 (Uriel). Taste Rating C
Glen Moray (NAS). Price £16 to £25. Score 88 (Uriel). Taste Rating B
Isle of Jura 10yo. 40%. Price £16 to £25. Score 97 (Uriel). Taste Rating C
Longmorn 16 yo. Price £50. Scores: 90 (colinuk). Taste rating C-D (my guess from his description)
Talisker 10 yo. Price £25 Scores 90 (Uriel) Taste Rating D
Monkey Shoulder. Price £20. Scores 90 (Uriel) Taste Rating B
Glen Moray (No age statement). Price £16. Scores: 88 (Uriel) Taste Rating A
Jura 10 yo. Price £16. Score 87 (Uriel) Taste Rating C.
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I have a bunch of extra tasting notes to add sometime soon.
 
Not 100% relevant, but I have a bit of a sore throat so made myself some toddy! Boiled some dried mint in a pot, mixed it with Scotch and honey, then poured it into a mug. It's not as effective as clearing the sinuses as the Greek version, which uses raki instead of whisky, but it's nice and warming.

Don't worry, I used cheap own-brand supermarket whisky, not an expensive single malt! :)

What are your toddy recipes fellow whisky-drinkers?
 
I made one last night. Honey, Lemon, hot water and Famous Grouse.

I'd be interested to do a peaty version (maybe Laphroaig?), but would struggle to justify using a single malt on it. Black Bottle might do the job.
 
Interesting, so you guys make toddy neat? I thought you were supposed to dilute it with water or tea. I'm probably wrong, but wouldn't it be a bit strong for someone who's down with the flu? :p
 
I use hot water. You've just given me an idea though: using cask strength whisky warmed up you could have a flaming toddy. That'd clear the head...
 
Uriel said:
I use hot water. You've just given me an idea though: using cask strength whisky warmed up you could have a flaming toddy. That'd clear the head...
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That's a tempting idea, pity I don't have any in here! :D I'm still congested but toddy helps a lot, clears right up to my eyeballs, but I'm running out of supermarket whisky and I'd hate to use the expensive stuff!
 
So, looking to buy something for over Christmas, ideally two bottles. One bourbon and one single malt (not an Islay though - still got the Laphroaig), but other than those requirements really not fussed. :p

Any suggestions? :)
 
DAvE18 said:
Purchased Glenfarclas 105 for my everyday and got a bottle of Dalmore 19 Year Old Cask Strength Collection (Signatory). Going to be a good christmas :D
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What's the Glenfarclas like? I've had a bottle of 15 yo and found it to be very sweet. I liked it but it's had some criticism for being more sherry than whisky.
 
hi guys

normally when i drink scotch i just drink it neat , never really tryed it with a little water.

ive just got myself some wild turkey 8yr old 101 proof bourbon to try , bit new to bourbon as i normally just get jd and mix with cola , but i dont think this is best with more expensive premium bourbons , is it best to drink bourbons neat or with a little water or perhaps some ice ???

thanks
 
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