12-29-2012, 08:34 PM
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Banned
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 161
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nichomachean
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C'mon, there are so many glorious whiskeys out there.
If you prefer bourbon, try to get your hands on a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle (any age), it's worth the price. Otherwise some of the Parker's heritage bourbons are very delicious and well-received, though pricey. George T. Stagg bourbons are also reasonably price and incredible. For price-conscious consumers, one cannot go wrong with Evan Williams' Single Barrels, which tend to run in the $20-40 range and are great.
For Irish whiskeys, I tend to stick to the single pot still variety, such as Redbreast, but some of the blends such as Jameson and Tyrconnell are delightful.
Scotch would take an hour to dissect, especially with all the regional variants. Islay and Highland tend to be the most popular, with the "typical" peat-smoked malts dominating many of the characters. Single malt also tends to be the byword for quality, though many of the master blenders at Scottish distilleries have perfected their craft over decades. I prefer Ardbeg or Glenfarclas drams when reaching for Scotch.
One should also not discount Japanese or Tasmanian whiskeys, which are starting to come to prominence. Distilleries such as Hibiki and Hakushu in Japan are well rated, and Lark out of Tasmania has been experimenting with styles from all around the world.
Rye whiskey? One word: Sazerac. The 18 year old variety is reasonably priced and stellar. Pick up a bottle if you can find it.
And finally, Canadian. The smoother, lighter side of North America. Forty Creek is well-priced and delicious, and Caribou Crossing (if you can find it in the US) is a delightfully original Canadian representation of whiskey.
A small note on dram presentation as well: I always try new whiskeys one of three ways - neat, on the rocks, and with a splash of water. Water has the wonderful power of cutting the alcohol, and allowing the nose and palette to open up and really express its full character.
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You seem like an educated and well cultured young fellow with whom I would enjoy an evening of conversation over a bottle or two. |
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