Single Malt Scotch of Choice

[P-Town Smokes]

You and me both, never like the straight scotch. I always get a good german dark pint and smoke.

Originally Posted by eef

I have never had scotch, and don't even know much about it. Do you just drink it dtraight or mix it? I am a very inexperienced drinker... except for beer I have tried a good amount of kinds- but wines, liquor, mixed drinks... I just haven't much experience.. I don't know where to start.

Say I go to the bar to get a scotch, what should I ask for? Just a scotch?
-eef

[shelvingunit]

Originally Posted by eef

I have never had scotch, and don't even know much about it. Do you just drink it dtraight or mix it? I am a very inexperienced drinker... except for beer I have tried a good amount of kinds- but wines, liquor, mixed drinks... I just haven't much experience.. I don't know where to start.

Say I go to the bar to get a scotch, what should I ask for? Just a scotch?
-eef

If you want to try it I suggest a single malt (I like them better than blends..although JW Blue is good but damn $$$$) Whatever you do don't get the JW Red!

The Aberlour 10, Glenfiddich (less complex but a good beginner scotch and easy to find) and if you want some big peat smoke taste go with an Islay malt....Lapharoig, Bowmore, Lagavulin.

Glenmorargie and Glenfiddich is probably available at most bars also. Honestly I've found most bars don't carry a variety of good single malts unless you go to a high-end steakhouse or a bar that specializes in Whisky.

Scotch can be served neat (no ice), on the rocks or with a splash of water.

[eef]

Thanks Paul, I'll try my first Scotch next time I have the chance.
-eef

[txmatt]

Originally Posted by eef

Thanks Paul, I'll try my first Scotch next time I have the chance.
-eef

I find Glenlivet to be the malt Scotch with the widest availability, with the Glenfiddich right behind it. Both are good starting points into the world of fine malt liquor. Be aware though its another one of those slipperly slopes!
As far as ordering it you should ask for it neat (neat is synonymous to straight up but has an air of elitism ). Also ask for a glass of ice water with it, this way you can try it all 3 ways. I fequently will get a good way into a bottle of scotch before I figure out my favorite way to drink it (sort of like figuring out how much head to cut off of a Torpedo/Belicoso)


-Matt-

[Artoud]

Originally Posted by eef

I have never had scotch, and don't even know much about it. Do you just drink it dtraight or mix it?

Say I go to the bar to get a scotch, what should I ask for? Just a scotch?
-eef

This is a really good question. I've read guides that advise mixing the scotch with water (I prefer soda) since at full strength the alcohol will tend to anesthetize your sense of taste and smell--and you'll miss out on the subtler characteristics of the usually expensive drink.

I would start with a Glenlivet if you don't have much experience. An excellent scotch which is also pretty approachable. Definitely one of my favorites too.

Warning: this stuff will eat your wallet alive

[Artoud]

Nobody mentioned one of my favs--Balvenie. I have to admit that lately I have been struggling with some sticker shock (I musta been too drunk to notice before ), and have been moving to the "middle shelf" Scotches.

Oh yes, don't forget Bourbon and other American Whiskeys. God what I wouldn't give for a Maker's Mark right now YUMMMY!

Also, for those of you with the inclination, RYE, baby, RYE! There are only two readily available to me, but from a richness of flavor perspective they are worth a whiskey almost twice as expensive. I like mine with soda though.

[voidone]

It all depends what I'm in the mood for, but some favs are:

- Bowmore Speyside with that smoky ocean taste
- Highland park 12 yo - great with a fullbodied cuban
- Glenfiddich Solero - oh so smooth
- Laphroigh - tar and smoke
- Glemorangie Port Wood

I was thinking about buying a Glemorangie 1991 Sauternes Wood in London a few months back but decided not to. *stupid stupid stupid* I envision that to be really good.

[txmatt]

Oh, I was soo busy advising eef on scotch I didn't list my favorites.

Currently I am very fond of Macallan Cask Strength. I also have some Glenmorangie Port Finish that I didn't care for at first and now all of a sudden I really like it. Oban was a favorite of mine but the price skyrocketed with the single malt boom (which thankfully appears to be dying down). Balvanie 12 Double Wood is very good as well.

Soo many bottles, soo little money.

The good thing about malts though is when one variety takes the spotlight like Scotch did, you can switch to Irish and/or Bourbon to continue to develop your palate and enjoy the wonderful flavors these spirits have.

-Matt-

[partagaspete]

Originally Posted by eef

Thanks Paul, I'll try my first Scotch next time I have the chance.
-eef

eef,

also try a nice Dahlwinie (sp?). I had a 15 y/o that was very nice!

[eef]

WOW. I have seen the light. Smoked a LGC Reserva Figurado with a scotch Chiva on the rocks tonight... This was my first true cigar/drink combo that definitly complimented eachother and enhanced one another's flavors. This scares me... something that small could be that good and cost that much... I can see how it can eat my wallet alive. You guys are so bad for me
-eef

[Wetterhorn]

I have always preferred Irish whiskey over Scotch, but I am ready to give Scotch more of a chance than I have before.

Thanks for the excellent discussion and recommendations. I will let you know how my adventure goes!

[CIGma_Chi]

Originally Posted by partagaspete

also try a nice Dahlwinie (sp?). I had a 15 y/o that was very nice!

Pete,

I'm a BIG fan of Dalwhinnie 15. It's my favorite Scotch. Very smooth going down!

[grillboy]

I always have a bottle of my favorite, Laphraoig 10 year, in my cabinet.

[Mopartoya]

I'm relative new to the Scotch scene...I've now killed 2 bottles of JW Red... It was my first... Moved to JW Black, then Glenfiddich..... for some reason went back to a bottle of JW Red and hated it! JW Black is ok, but I really like the Glenfiddich 12 year. It is of course the only single malt of the 3.... but will be the next bottle I buy....

Yes Eef! Watch out! I tried the good ol Scotch and a stogie.... they just compliment each other ohh soo dangerously good right!

Here we go Eef, hang on...... riding a scotch soaked muddy slippery slope on a big ass tobacco leaf!...snifter and stogie..two full hands and no way to hang on for dear life!

Cheers

[Braxxy]

I enjoy either Glenlivet 12 year old or Macallan 12 year old, 18 when I want to splurge. Im trying a new style of Glenlivet right now 15 year old French Oak Reserve, it's a little smoother then the 12 for about 5 bucks more a bottle.