I want a new dram.

JohnTheTexican

JohnTheTexican

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Jul 1, 2006
Messages
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I want a new dram.
One without too much dirt.
One that doesn't cost too much.
One that won't make my head hurt.

I suppose Laphroaig and Ardberg are good for what they are, but that's more peat and smoke than I like. Among the Scotches I've tried (and I've tried a lot), Macallen 12YO is the only one I've really liked. I'm rather fond of Rye, but the Sazerac 6YO I prefer has gotten hard to find, and the Sazerac 18YO is essentially unobtainable, as is the Van Winkle (that goes not just for the rye, but for whole Van Winkle line), and I have to go to Houston to get Thomas H. Handy.

JWB cost $225 a bottle 'round these parts, and that's more than I'm willing to pay for a bottle of booze that I don't know I really like. I bought as bottle of Suntory Yamazaki 18YO the other day at $125, and that's a budget-buster by my standards. $70 is probably the top end, with $50 or under being the preferred price point. Any suggestions?
 
Maybe that should have been a Friday evening What are you drinking" post.

Sine I got no replies here, I asked the guy at the loquor store and came home with a bottle of Talisker 10YO. Not much smoke and dirt there, I tell you what. Quite good, really, but it's got a good burn when drunk neat. How much water ice is supposed to be optimal in this stuff?

Next up: Highland Park 12YO.
 
Try the JW Green while you can, supposedly they are going to stop bottling it.

http://www.scotch-tasting-bums.com/...en_15-Year_Old_Walks_Off_Into_The_Sunset.html


If you are a fan of Rye's, keep your eyes open for the Willet line of ryes. I've found a bottle of the 4 year old expression and it is pretty good for the price. Check the labels as the bottles all appear the same, I've heard of some anywhere from 4-8 years and likely more out there.

Here are some reviews of the 3 year and 8 year.

http://sourmashmanifesto.com/category/reviewsratings/willett-reviewsratings/
 
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The Bruichladdich 10 year is a good one. An Islay malt that's not too overpoweringly peaty/smoky. Also, the Caol Ila is another Islay that can be considered on the lighter side of the smoke/peat range. Otherwise, the Highland Park is a good choice; and if you want a sweeter Scotch, look at the Glenmorangies.
 
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dregoth said:
If you are a fan of Rye's, keep your eyes open for the Willet line of ryes. I've found a bottle of the 4 year old expression and it is pretty good for the price. Check the labels as the bottles all appear the same, I've heard of some anywhere from 4-8 years and likely more out there.

Here are some reviews of the 3 year and 8 year.

http://sourmashmanifesto.com/category/reviewsratings/willett-reviewsratings/
Click to expand...

Got it. 4 years old, 110 proof, barrel 100. Just over $40. It seems somehow underpriced.
 
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