The OCUK Whisky (and Whiskey) review thread

they had a brilliant chart on the wall in the tasting room at the oban distillery that had categories and examples

http://www.malts.com/var/plain_site...lication/0d59f12f9174fb06721f50098a3e5cc9.pdf

this obviously only lists diageo whisky..but it gives you a good idea of what to start looking for around your favourite whisky

it shows me I like richer but less smoky whisky..but I already knew that...but it also offers different choices that I may not have considered had I already not tried loads of them!

so for a novice taster it gives you an idea of where to start and what other types to consider..and then from there explore the different regions.
 
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Sonea Fifer said:
As for the Laphroaig - unless you're used to your whisky and have a taste / palate that prefers the REALLY peaty Island malts (which judging by your previous post you don't) I'd steer clear. I'm not saying this because I'm not a fan, I'm saying this because if you're a novice whisky drinker then this may put you off whisky for life. No offence meant to any peaty whisky connoisseurs here (Ahleckz I'm looking at you) that may disagree with my judgement.
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I quite agree with that assessment. I wouldn't recommend anyone starting off with something like Laphroaig. For newcomers, I always steer them to Speyside and then work from there. Hell, it's how I started. Doublewood was my Dads whisky of choice and probably one of the first that I had. I still enjoy it.
 
Ahleckz said:
I quite agree with that assessment. I wouldn't recommend anyone starting off with something like Laphroaig. For newcomers, I always steer them to Speyside and then work from there. Hell, it's how I started. Doublewood was my Dads whisky of choice and probably one of the first that I had. I still enjoy it.
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I find people unfamiliar with whisky go for a brand they are familiar with..and end up hating it! Islay malts really are an acquired taste, I think bowmore provide the easiest introduction to them..then you work your way up.

but a lot of producers are putting out peated special editions now, Benriach from speyside do a few interesting ones.

and Oban alway puts me in mind of Islay lite..it has certain characteristics, but has a more instant appeal (again my wife enjoyed it in the distillery which suprised me..she even liked the cask strength nip we got)
 
BURN HIM!

nydryl, my girlfriend is convinced that she saw you a few weeks ago. Were you on Great Western Road in that Mexican deli place with a girl, around the date before the Mexican beer had to be entered. She reckons it has to be a forum member because "his girlfriend looked as ****ed off as I was, having to be dragged around random shops to find a sodding beer". :p

Also, saw this today which is quite funny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkqui3gGCfM Not embedding due to swearies, but children shouldn't be in this thread!

And finally - Loving Glen Gerioch 12 right now. My flat is quite warm, for once, and it's so much nicer when the whisky isn't freezing haha. It's a whisky that reminds me of Christmas!
 
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Sweetness you say! There's only one place for you to go & that's Tobermory. The Tobermory 10 is the sweetest whisky I've ever had. It was a nice enough whisky, but the sweetness just wasn't for me. Bruichladdich and Aberlour A’bunadh are also pretty sweet whiskies.
 
Ahleckz said:
Sweetness you say! There's only one place for you to go & that's Tobermory. The Tobermory 10 is the sweetest whisky I've ever had. It was a nice enough whisky, but the sweetness just wasn't for me.
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How sweet are we talking? Is it sickly sweet like an Amaretto? It's the only thing that I can think of to compare it to :o
 
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Raymond Lin said:
Oooh, the Balvenie signature is nice, smooth, a little tingle on the tongue, slight warmth afterwards, a good drink.

But like any lightweight...only 1 drink a night. Lol
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I'm not often wrong but I was right again :D Glad you like it mate, I think it's an excellent whisky.

Ahleckz said:
I quite agree with that assessment. I wouldn't recommend anyone starting off with something like Laphroaig. For newcomers, I always steer them to Speyside and then work from there. Hell, it's how I started. Doublewood was my Dads whisky of choice and probably one of the first that I had. I still enjoy it.
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Lowland malts are also good for beginners. Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, Glenkinchie and Rosebank all make good, smooth whisky. Also, Dalwhinnie 15yo tends to be drowned out by the Balvenie cheers but is a very nice Highland malt and is usually to be had for around the £30 mark.

BlackDragon said:
Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a trusted online retailer for whiskies? Just don't want to be conned in buying any fake goods.

Thanks
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As above, the Whisky Exchange is where I order from if I'm buying online. Always a good selection and well priced. Quick delivery too :)
 
BlackDragon said:
Thanks :)

I'm currently trying to hunt down the right whisky to suit my tastes, as I don't like anything smokey or bitter, with a preference to sweet things. Based on this, I was recommended to try a bottle of Macallan.

Are there other whiskies to suit my taste, or am I after the wrong spirit?
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If you want sweet, look for something matured in sherry casks. Probably your best, reasonably priced, bet will be Aberlour 12 Year Old / Double Cask Matured.

I like sherry cask matured whiskies but usually prefer Islay malts matured in sherry casks (personal preference). The sweetest whiskies I've had have been matured in sherry casks so that may be the way to go.
 
Stan_Lite said:
If you want sweet, look for something matured in sherry casks. Probably your best, reasonably priced, bet will be Aberlour 12 Year Old / Double Cask Matured.

I like sherry cask matured whiskies but usually prefer Islay malts matured in sherry casks (personal preference). The sweetest whiskies I've had have been matured in sherry casks so that may be the way to go.
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Thanks :)

I've ordered it now, looking forward to trying it :D
 
Nice clear choice, brilliant. And those charts are pretty cool. Will pick it up tomorrow if they have it in stock and have a taste.

Tomorrow will be my first drink in 11 and a half months, gave it up as a New Years resolution. Celebrating my 21st tomorrow :) can't wait!
 
I am not allowed to join this thread as I am one of the uncool kids that prefers makers mark/ woodford reserve/ JD single barrel / gentleman Jack.

I will soon infiltrate the group as I have acquired a bottle of Glenmorangie 10 Year Old for £11.:o
 
cymatty said:
I am not allowed to join this thread as I am one of the uncool kids that prefers makers mark/ woodford reserve/ JD single barrel / gentleman Jack.
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If you check the thread title, it includes whiskey as well as whisky - it just tends to be dominated by whisky drinkers because most of us are British and the best whisky is, of course Scottish (followed closely by Irish) ;)

cymatty said:
I will soon infiltrate the group as I have acquired a bottle of Glenmorangie 10 Year Old for £11.:o
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Not, by any means, the best of whiskies but at least it's a start in the right direction. Have a look through the thread for some recommendations (we've converted a few) and see what you're missing :)
 
Stan_Lite said:
If you check the thread title, it includes whiskey as well as whisky - it just tends to be dominated by whisky drinkers because most of us are British and the best whisky is, of course Scottish (followed closely by Irish) ;)
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Well I like Jamesons, so I guess that counts. ;)

But American > everything. :o

Stan_Lite said:
Not, by any means, the best of whiskies but at least it's a start in the right direction. Have a look through the thread for some recommendations (we've converted a few) and see what you're missing :)
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Its not great but for half its normal price, I figured why not.
 
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