SCOTCH Whisky Discussion

[Jerjo]

I suspect tariffs are somewhere on what must be a very long list. A couple years ago I tasted the Kirkland Single Malt from Costco. It certainly wasn't Lagavulin but it was decent, especially for the price. I wonder if they get under the tariff by being a US company?

[Klonk]

Keep in mind that the last administration allowed a tariff with the UK to move forward about 15 months ago. This included a 25% tariff on scotch. Some distilleries and distributors have absorbed some of that cost. But at this point, it's increased the average price of a bottle anywhere between $10-25 bucks. Let's hope this eventually gets resolved.

That said...

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5yr: perhaps now the best cheaper peated name brand out there. Usually you can find it for $40-45.

Ardbeg Uigeadail or Corryvreckan - Very popular NAS whiskies that are both regarded for different reasons. $75-95.

Finlaggan - If you can find it, this is super cheap and slightly blunt/cheap tasting campfire whisky. I was able to find it for $25.

Lagavulin 8 - Less subtle and refined than the 16 yr, this packs a pretty heavy punch as well. You should be able to find it between $45-60.

Talisker 10 - Should still be available for $60-75.

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 - Definitely recommend this one, combining sweet malty flavors with high octane peat. Typically $60-75.

Kilchoman Machir Bay or Sanaig - Sanaig tastes a bit more like Laphroaig. Machir Bay tastes like the Port Charlotte. Pricing I've found between $55-80.

Ledaig 10 - Like a poor man's Lag 16. $50-75.

Thanks man! I have seen the Talisker and have always been meaning to give that a try. I have had Ardberg 10 and like it. That Bruichladdich looks interesting, but wonder if it's available here. All goin on the list.

[Klonk]

Highland Park Vikings Honor (or something like that) isn't as peaty, but still good, and in your price range.

I've had this and I do like it, but I do prefer the more peaty stuff. Thanks!

[Trane]

Currently enjoying (euphemism) a dram of my Morangie Baccalta bottle. Sadly the bottle is down to its last third, and not likely that I'll find another bottle of those yearly batches. It's been one of their best (some yearly batches were disappointing, IMHO)

Highland Park Vikings Honor (or something like that) isn't as peaty, but still good, and in your price range.

I recently had the Scar (10yo), but TBH, I think they (distillery) overplay the viking suff as a gimmick (the artwork features keltic art, nothing Scandic). But I like the 0.35 or 0.5l bottles (reason primo uno why I indulged)

I've had this and I do like it, but I do prefer the more peaty stuff. Thanks!

Actually HP is about as peaty as I like to go (which is not much compared to Laphoiag and others), and I'll probably return to HP for the 12, 14, 16 and maybe even the 18, someday.

The great thing about the light peat is that it doesn't overpower the rest of the aromas

[aith01]

Currently enjoying (euphemism) a dram of my Morangie Baccalta bottle. Sadly the bottle is down to its last third, and not likely that I'll find another bottle of those yearly batches. It's been one of their best (some yearly batches were disappointing, IMHO)

The Bacalta is one of my favorite Glenmorangies, right up there with the Quinta Ruban and LaSanta, IMO. Maybe even more so.

Some of them have been disappointing, but the Astar was one in particular that I really did not like. It had a citrus and menthol flavor that didn't really work for me. Their Tusail and Milsean on the other hand, I really liked.

[Poisoned Youth]

Only place I have ever seen Finlaggan is Trader Joe's. I thought it was one of their store brands. If it's more widespread, then chalk up my ignorance to living in a fairly small city. Or to anything you wish. We're all ignorant when you get us away from our area of expertise.

Virginia is state run and there is no Finlaggan, but I was able to find it in Maryland. It's sort of a "mystery malt" in that many suspect Finlaggan sources their distillate from either Lagavulin or Caol Ila. It does sort of taste like a pretty impudent Lag, so that's my guess.

It's definitely worth a try at the price. Cool that Trader Joe's has it. Finlaggan has a few other expressions. I have only tried the standard and the cask strength.

What kind of rat bastard would do something like that? It's unAmerican. No taxation without representation! I'd organize a Scotch Party, not unlike Boston's famous historical Tea Party, but it's too far to the nearest sea port and I wouldn't dare waste good whisky by pouring it overboard. Hopefully the new administration will eventually get around to repealing the tariffs, which are really poorly disguised taxes on the consumer.

The popular tale has it that the tariffs were allowed to occur over unresolved disputes in regards to Airbus.

I suspect tariffs are somewhere on what must be a very long list.

It may not be long. Apparently post-Brexit UK might be the ones to blink first.

[Poisoned Youth]

Thanks man! I have seen the Talisker and have always been meaning to give that a try. I have had Ardberg 10 and like it. That Bruichladdich looks interesting, but wonder if it's available here. All goin on the list.

Excellent. Everything should be fairly commonly available at any decent store except perhaps the Finlaggan and the Kilchoman.

Currently enjoying (euphemism) a dram of my Morangie Baccalta bottle. Sadly the bottle is down to its last third, and not likely that I'll find another bottle of those yearly batches. It's been one of their best (some yearly batches were disappointing, IMHO)

The Bacalta is one of my favorite Glenmorangies, right up there with the Quinta Ruban and LaSanta, IMO. Maybe even more so.

Some of them have been disappointing, but the Astar was one in particular that I really did not like. It had a citrus and menthol flavor that didn't really work for me. Their Tusail and Milsean on the other hand, I really liked.

I have tried a few of the Glenmorangie annuals, but nothing that made me run out and get a bottle. Have either of you tried "A Tale of Cake" or "Cadboll Estate"? The first is finished in a sweet dessert wine, the latter is bourbon casks, but supposed to be light and full of honey.

I still have yet to try Signet.

[Trane]

I have tried a few of the Glenmorangie annuals, but nothing that made me run out and get a bottle. Have either of you tried "A Tale of Cake" or "Cadboll Estate"? The first is finished in a sweet dessert wine, the latter is bourbon casks, but supposed to be light and full of honey.

I still have yet to try Signet.

I was relatively disappointed withne Madeira batch, which tasted like a srale madeira port wine. TBH, I have a hard time taking Take Of Cake seriously and looking at the bottle, I'm tempted to run away.

I did taste a couple if those annuals like Tusail, Companta (I really wanted to take a bottle home but waited too long), and Accord.
But I have missed out on a lot of them when released.

Signet, I'd love to try before indulging (the coffee thing sort of scares me a little), but the bottle is amazingly superb

[spellbound]

I have seen the Talisker and have always been meaning to give that a try.

It is one of the first single malts I ever tried, decades ago. I still like it.

Everything should be fairly commonly available at any decent store except perhaps the Finlaggan and the Kilchoman.

I have seen Kilchoman out here. Haven't tried it because I had heard nothing about it. Thanks for your review.

[aith01]

I have tried a few of the Glenmorangie annuals, but nothing that made me run out and get a bottle. Have either of you tried "A Tale of Cake" or "Cadboll Estate"? The first is finished in a sweet dessert wine, the latter is bourbon casks, but supposed to be light and full of honey.

I still have yet to try Signet.

I haven't tried A Tale of Cake, but I'd like to. The Cadboll Estate is "okay" IMO, but nothing to write home about. The menthol finish is not very enjoyable for me. I much prefer the Bacalta, or even the Allta (which has an interesting flavor).

Signet is very good. My cousin has a bottle and we had some last time I was visiting him. For the price, it ain't a bad choice at all.

[moecurlythanu]

I recently had the Scar (10yo), but TBH, I think they (distillery) overplay the viking suff as a gimmick (the artwork features keltic art, nothing Scandic). But I like the 0.35 or 0.5l bottles (reason primo uno why I indulged)

It's entirely marketing, afaik. I think I read or heard that the Viking Honor is just the HP 10 year repackaged. Might even be piggybacking on the popularity of the TV series, etc.

[Trane]

I haven't tried A Tale of Cake, but I'd like to. The Cadboll Estate is "okay" IMO, but nothing to write home about. The menthol finish is not very enjoyable for me. I much prefer the Bacalta, or even the Allta (which has an interesting flavor).

Signet is very good. My cousin has a bottle and we had some last time I was visiting him. For the price, it ain't a bad choice at all.

That's something that scares me away: anything minty (or coconuty) in my Glencairn glass is not welcomed , so thanks for the warning.

How is the coffee aroma on the Signet? Overpowering or not? Does it provide a touch of bitterness?

It's entirely marketing, afaik. I think I read or heard that the Viking Honor is just the HP 10 year repackaged. Might even be piggybacking on the popularity of the TV series, etc.

Yeah, out of curiosity, I went on their HP site and have checked out all their special bottlings like the Bear, Wolf and Eagle series, and their "traveller edition" packages. Hard to imagine that big tattoed bald rugbyman Pict savage/brute (straight out of the Braveheart film cast) presenting the tasting videos having a discerning palate at all.

[chalkpie]

https://uproxx.com/life/best-scotch-whisky-under-50/

Under $50

[spellbound]

https://uproxx.com/life/best-scotch-whisky-under-50/

Under $50

Interesting, and good descriptions of lower price whiskies. However, the reviewer seemed to cater to people who like their Scotch in cocktails. I have never had, nor desired, a Scotch whisky cocktail. I don't really consider Scotch mixable with anything other than water. To each his own, though.

[Poisoned Youth]

https://uproxx.com/life/best-scotch-whisky-under-50/

Under $50

From that article, I would vote for Ardbeg 10 (but actually prefer the Wee Beastie), Glendronach 12 (usually not available under $50), and Glenmorangie 10. I like JW Green as well - but I have rarely ever seen it under $50. Benriach 10 is also decent.

I have tasted 3 Jura whiskies, and found all to be "okay". The Singleton I had was bad. Not really heard of SIA. Not had Glenrothes or Aberfeldy.

Interesting, and good descriptions of lower price whiskies. However, the reviewer seemed to cater to people who like their Scotch in cocktails. I have never had, nor desired, a Scotch whisky cocktail. I don't really consider Scotch mixable with anything other than water. To each his own, though.

Same here. Plenty of cheap American whiskey for cocktails.

[NogbadTheBad]

I like the Ardberg, Glenmorangie and Jura

[chalkpie]

I like the Ardberg, Glenmorangie and Jura

Ian have you explored Scotland a bunch of times since you're from northern England?

[NogbadTheBad]

Not as much as I should have.

[chalkpie]

So my glorious go to Laphroig QC has gone up $20 and I'm not pleased. Once again friends, if you could recommend some under $80 delights that taste like I'm drinking a campfire my liver and I would be eternally grateful.

Klonkster....not sure if you can get Talisker Port Ruighe in the states, but this is an absolutely wonderful bottle. I bought it in Portree when we were in Skye and it was an instant favorite. Some sweetness from port casks (and you really get some wood) but some toned-down Talisker peatiness. It's an amazing balance and goes down like chocolate milk at a birthday party. What?

https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/...he-port-finish

[Trane]

From that article, I would vote for Ardbeg 10 (but actually prefer the Wee Beastie), Glendronach 12 (usually not available under $50), and Glenmorangie 10. I like JW Green as well - but I have rarely ever seen it under $50. Benriach 10 is also decent.

I have tasted 3 Jura whiskies, and found all to be "okay". The Singleton I had was bad. Not really heard of SIA. Not had Glenrothes or Aberfeldy.

from that list, the Morangie 10 is the clear winner

In descending order of personal taste: I tasted the Rothes (my buddy's fave) and owned a bottle of Aberfeldy (not the one in the list though) and a 0.35 of Jura and had once the GW Green and the Ardbeg. Not tasted the others.
I could never bring myself to trying any of those many Singleton malts (weird concept) flasks (the blueish glass colour of some of them)

Not as much as I should have.

better hurry before you need a passport

[chalkpie]

https://www.theguardian.com/food/202...n-lost-exports

[aith01]

That's something that scares me away: anything minty (or coconuty) in my Glencairn glass is not welcomed , so thanks for the warning.

I'm much the same way.

Although I do actually like coconut flavor, when it's present.

How is the coffee aroma on the Signet? Overpowering or not? Does it provide a touch of bitterness?

IMO the coffee flavor/aroma is not overpowering; honestly, I didn't even notice a coffee aspect when I was drinking it. To me it just tasted like very good Glenmorangie. I'd say don't let the coffee descriptor be a deterrent, as it's pretty minor. From what I remember at least.

[Trane]

IMO the coffee flavor/aroma is not overpowering; honestly, I didn't even notice a coffee aspect when I was drinking it. To me it just tasted like very good Glenmorangie. I'd say don't let the coffee descriptor be a deterrent, as it's pretty minor. From what I remember at least.

I've actually never tasted coffee aromas from Scot spirits/liquors (Tia Maria and Kalhua are not Scottish ), but have many times tasted toffee - especially on cask strength bottles where they come out loud & clear.

======================


Yes, importing taxes on Scotch could steeply increase due to Brexit

[aith01]

I've actually never tasted coffee aromas from Scot spirits/liquors (Tia Maria and Kalhua are not Scottish ), but have many times tasted toffee - especially on cask strength bottles where they come out loud & clear.

I can't say I've ever tasted coffee myself when drinking any scotch. But yes, the toffee notes are often there -- and most welcome.

[Klonk]

Talisker 10 - Should still be available for $60-75.

Nice call on this one buddy! Very nice. There's just enough peaty in here to keep me happy. Very satisfying and a good $

I got the Ardberg Wee Beastie in the batters circle