Whiskey: The Awesome Thread

[hanasu]

The Redbreast 12 posted above is I think the best value out there (~$50). Great one to start with as well.

[GaijinPunch]

Speaking of which, I was able to taste some Yamazaki 12. Truly excellent stuff! It seems more similar to traditional scotch than say, the Hakashu, which seems very unique. The Yamazaki reminds me quite a bit of Dalwhinnie 15, which is one of my favorites.

It is definitely the more popular of the two... I do love it, but a lot of that is nostalgia factor for me. And funny you mention it, I was riding home on the first "suitable for humans" weather we've had in the last month or so, and wanted to stop by a local shop that popped up. Amazing selection - prices are a joke though. They had stuff "on sale" that was still higher than another shop on the other side of the neighborhood that has an awful reputation for gouging (among other shady things). Anyway, I did check just about anything I was interested in, and they had Yamazaki 12 right there on the shelf for $90. That's $10 cheaper than I've seen it anywhere on line, so I nabbed two. They had plenty of Hakushu but that doesn't seem to be an issue for now. Ironically this shop has a 5-stars on Yelp. I'd probably give them 3... chances of me going back are pretty low unless I need one of those two things.

Will love to visit this post in a year and see what the price for those remaining Japanese single malts is.

[Randorama]

Time to report in.

It's cold, so any temptation to use ice has been forsaken. I have a tulip glass and I admit that I am beginning to dislike adding water drops, jjj, but I know that it is difficult to savour aromas without them. Thanks for the tips on Irish whiskey (Stevens, too?), I will keep them in mind when I have a chance to refill (I drink at a very slow pace).

GP: "I go both ways" and "Sven666" in the same post are highly, highly suspicious
But yes, I generally tend to go straight because I ultimately like the strong, tongue-drying effect (see above comment).
Would you say that I should try drops with Yamazaki, though? Especially from an olfactory point of view (ahem!).

My older brother-in-law knows The Helmsdale (how unsurprising!), so we need to both be in Tokyo to visit it (he's a seoulite).
maybe my sister-in-law can drink us under the table as always

[Stevens]

How was the double oaked woodford?

It smells amazing, like I want to rub my face in it amazing. To the point where I just keep passing the glass under my nose so I can keep smelling it. I tasted in a wine glass for reference.

Fortunately it also tastes good. I haven't had a chance to try it with a little water yet, but perhaps this weekend. I like it better than Basil Haydens (which I am a fan of). It's far smoother, especially on the back end.

I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a neat glass to compare. Anyone have one?

[GaijinPunch]

My older brother-in-law knows The Helmsdale (how unsurprising!), so we need to both be in Tokyo to visit it (he's a seoulite).
maybe my sister-in-law can drink us under the table as always

Well bless her heart... I like her style.
I gotta do a visa run in the Spring, and am trying to time this out w/ a local friends family vacation. I'm sure his other half will hate me after I take him out every night, but oh, well. The Helmsdale will be on the list for sure.

[GaijinPunch]

I went to The Helmsdale on my hanami trip in March. Took a friend who was coincidentally there at the same time (and lives down the block from me). I had been many times ages ago, but before I really gave a shit about Scotch. This was pretty dope. The ideal experience is to go in, tell the master what type of whiskey you like, and he'll pair you with something that you'll not be able to get in many other places. (He does speak English as well, for anyone looking to go). We had a 25 year old Talisker, amongst some other amazing stuff. General rule of thumb, for the "good stuff" it's about 3000 yen for a 30ml pour. Not bad, all things considered. They do have standard whiskeys for 1000 yen for a 30ml pour.

In other news. Hakushu 12 and Hibiki 17 are about to go the way of the dodo. I've been reading conflicting reports. This article in English states that "Suntory will stop selling its Hibiki 17 Year Old blend and Hakushu 12 Year Old single malt in certain markets from 2019, and limit availability of the whiskies over the next few years.". I believe this to be erroneous as all other Japanese outlets (Google and randomly grab one) state that Suntory believes supplies of these to be exhausted in June for Hakushu 12, and September for Hibiki 17. The result, is the prices going through the roof on Yahoo Japan. No shit, Hakushu 12 bottles are clearing 40,000 yen. Ironically you can still get it in the US... for as little as $80 if you are patient. But, my locals are running out. Everyone I've gone to has said, "I might have one" and produce one from the back. In the suburbs, they're not as sneaky, and I've had friends grab multiples.

Another English outlet (can't find the link) stated that the final batches of these would not be leaving Japan, which makes total sense, when one considers the price points above. Anyway, take that as a PSA. Hakushu 12 is a pretty amazing drink, and doesn't really have a Scotch equivalent. I never cared for the Hibiki line, so you guys can have it.

[Randorama]

...was the Talisker good? [/pre-record laugh track]

Did you guys eat something with it, too? I am wondering if the master is so skilled as to suggest matching food, too.
I'd add that it sounds cheap, but then again I keep ending up in countries where alcohol is expensive (CHN less than SVE, but that's hardly a surprise...).


Not whiskey-related, but the local whiksey shop has started importing European liquors and I was able to buy Petrus Boonenkamp and BiancoSarti.
After tasting both, the owner cannot believe that my taste regarding alcohol can range between such extremes

I must check if either Hakushu 12 and Hibiki 17 leftovers can be found, at this point. I am not too crazy about them, but they deserve one final salute, don't they?

[GaijinPunch]

...was the Talisker good? [/pre-record laugh track]

Did you guys eat something with it, too? I am wondering if the master is so skilled as to suggest matching food, too.
I'd add that it sounds cheap, but then again I keep ending up in countries where alcohol is expensive (CHN less than SVE, but that's hardly a surprise...).

Yeah, it was amazing of course. It's what we started out with, and on first sip I immediately thought "I usually drink crap".

The place advertises itself as a Scotch Pub - and it pretty much is just that. So, expect Pub food. That's not to say it's bad, it's just not fancy. For the record, I had the whiskey pasta, which is a fairly basic cream pasta with salmon, and about half a shot of whiskey on it - 1000 yen. Cigars are also fair game, if you bring them.

I must check if either Hakushu 12 and Hibiki 17 leftovers can be found, at this point. I am not too crazy about them, but they deserve one final salute, don't they?

I never liked any of the Hibiki line. My 50cl mini bottle will likely sit in the cabinet forever... until I find someone worthy to give it to. Hakushu I quite dig, and I actually bought a shit load to stock up on, but if I can punt it off for things more interesting to me, I would do that. Afterall, it's worthy about $80 a bottle to me.

And just last week I bought two bottles sitting on the shelf for $65 each. At Total Wine of course, where prices are determined by fair dice roll.

Which Total Wine? I've looked at their site and it seems like a franchise when you look at pricing, but it's all connected through their network. I'm figuring out what I want to take to Burning Man this year, and it looks like I can get Lagavulin 16 for a great price. Some other stuff I'm after, too. Some stuff... not so much.

If you like the Hakushu 12 and can get more, I'd say get more. K&L Wines got a new shipment in, and have raised the price from $76 to $99 -- that speaks volumes to me. Meanwhile in Japan it's 30,000 yen a bottle on Yahoo Japan Auctions.

I buy to drink, but from the outside look more like a collector because a man can only drink so much.

I think I fall into this camp, but I only have a handful of bottles. But, I like to think I can savor stuff and not just blow through it. I have a lot of Yamazaki & Hakushu saved up b/c I have zero Yoichi 15 which is now long gone, and super pricey if you find it. Don't want to be in that predicament for something that I like (and has nostalgic value). I also like to have friends over to try interesting stuff, so it's always good to have a host of things to try. That begin said, most of what I have is peaty Islay scotch. Starting to get more Highlands as they can be quite smooth and are more suited for guests that don't always have to drink bandaids.

I'm not a fan of Bourbon in general, although there are a few Rye's I've quite enjoyed. I feel single malt is a realm I can explore for quite some time and be pleasantly surprised, so sticking with that.

On that note, recent acquisitions:
- Aberlour 12 (I can walk to my local market and get this for $45). Bang for buck is good. No particular quality to write home about but nice nonetheless. Curious about the 16, 18, and sherry cask version.
- Glenmorangie 18 Very Rare (but it's not very rare). Very nice. Very smooth. However, for the price point (I got it for $88 which is WAY cheaper than elsewhere) I'd prefer to find Oban 14 for $60.
- Bunnahabhain 12: I had read somewhere that the 18 year old was comprable to Yamazaki 18, which is saying a lot. I have yet to try it, but this is a nice starter. A "lightly peated" Islay. Not expensive, and pretty good. Will definitely get more.

And at a recent place:
The GF whose big into going out on dates, found a bar we swung by. Scotch selection was thus far the best in town I've seen. Even had something on the menu for $500 a shot. Yikes. Not on the menu, but on the shelf, was Yamazaki: Puncheon which was a 2013 special release. Pretty good but nothing like I'd expect. It felt very... concise. Like the finish was purposefully super short. That being said it went down without hitch. They also had some Yoichi which I thought was some crazy special edition, but was simply a promotional edition packaging of some non-age statement release a few years back. Not easy to find but not worth the $30 a shot I paid for it (and the Puncheon).

[turntablism]

I like teeling single grain. It's one of my favourites

[GaijinPunch]

Total Wine practices black magic to sell some of their inventory at insanely low prices -- and they obliterate all of the local competition, liquor store owners around me all hate their guts.

Ah... that makes sense. I popped into one here (I'm in cali for the weekend) and they had a good selection. Some things priced well. Some not. Was tempted to buy an Oban 14 for $56 as I'm almost out, but I'll try others. I get that the smaller guys hate them. I'm in Illinois where everyone gets butt fucked by "the man". Illinois' taxes are rediculous, so I bring home from trips whenever I can.

That said, I wish I had access to a brick & mortar K&L, as the people running it are far more knowledgeable folks and spirits enthusiasts, and they bring in many specifically K&L-picked one-off bottles of interesting rums and brandies.

Yeah, it's nice. Only been to one, once, but it definitely makes me wish I had one. We have Binny's in Chicago which is pretty good, but again, Illinois taxes take effect and the prices are at best still 10% above any price in most other states... often 20%.

Ha! When I was posting this yesterday I had two small pours of Aberlour A'bunadh and Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso in front of me, I was in the mood for some hefty sherry.

How are they? I don't have a ton of sherry cask stuff. Those I would like to pick up given the chance.

I don't really see the similarity between Yamazaki 18 and Bunna 18, I think they are very very different.

This is something I read over on /r/whiskey. Honestly I'd rather find something comprable to Yoichi 15. Finding a high quality, medium peated whiskey is not so easy, apparently.

I've been enjoying unpeated Islays a lot recently, a lot of Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, and unpeated Caol Ila in my current rotation...

Will have to try Bruichladdich... I have the Caol Ila unpeated (18) which I got for a great deal (but actually ordered the peated). It's pretty damn dope. A great mistake.

[Randorama]

Too much information all at once but!

I like pub food, so I think that the choice was fine. Personally I feel that whisky works well with strong or smooth flavors (pursue a contrast vs. Have the whisky to dominate). Salmon is always good, game meat is great with peaty whiskies (think of winter, cold, the highlands, etc.). I do enjoy ice-cream with less demanding brands, though (well, gelato...you know, roots and stuff).

I would like to try sherries whisky, too, so I was wondering if you guys have suggestions on what might be easy to find or at least order from the UK/US. Kane, do you know of other oloroso-style whiskies that might be worth trying? The more bombastic, the better (!).

[GaijinPunch]

I will check those forums out, cheers.

I've not had a lot of scotch that's been aged in ex-sherry casks, but there are plenty of them. Just need to research. I'm just now having a decent representation of non-peaty in the shelf. I"d hardly call them sweet. Maybe I'll work up to that.

For shits & giggles, I did swing by a couple of liquor stores here in Cali. One had a fine selection, but terrible prices:

1) Hakushu 12 year: $500
2) Hibiki 21: $800
3) Yamazaki 18 Mizunara Oak: $5000 (this is actually the most inline to market value of the 3)

Nothing else too amazing.

[GaijinPunch]

Speaking of shitty prices, I found a place local to me that has an excellent selection, and prices not as bad as the aforementioned shop. The weird thing is, their hard to find J-whiskey selection is priced reasonably well. Guess nobody gave them the memo.

Anyway, my guess is that they don't really price stuff to move, so it doesn't. As such, they have good things. They've got actually all the last few Ardbeg releases. The consensus seems to be they're not worth the money since the normal Ardbeg lineup is so fucking good for way less money. Anythoughts on that, kane? I think Dark Cove (peated but aged in Sherry casks) is the most interesting one, even though it has some naysayers. They've got it at it's normal price (about $120) so I'm definitely considering it.

[GaijinPunch]

Aight, A'bunadh it is. There's actually a shop that has some goodies on sale. These are all ones I've wanted to try, but haven't

Aberlour A'bunadh
Laphroaig cairdeas (never tried these)
One of the Glen Morangies for $40 (Quinta Ruban I think)
Oban 18


They're all substantially lower than I can get locally, even after shipping or they're something I can't get at all. This shop is in illinois so I'd have to pay sales tax as well... even so, not bad prices. I flat out can't get the Oban 18, and the Cairdeas I'd probably have to take a train somewhere.

[Randorama]

Thanks lads, I will report by this week-end or so.
I think that I need to start with a 9-5 job, otherwise my chances to hit the shop and buy proper beverages will be reduced to week-ends...

[Steamflogger Boss]

The Red Breast 12 is excellent.

Anyone here tried Nikka? I've heard good things.

GP, that Caol Ila looks tasty.

[dunpeal2064]

Aberlour A'bunadh

I have a bottle of this I got from my wedding, and it is quite tasty. I tend to only really get into Islay's, but I really enjoy this one.

Speaking of, I need to find a new Islay to try, I keep going back to Laphroig and Lagavulin, which are both great, but could use a mixup. I had a dram of Talisker that I rather liked, but otherwise haven't tried any outside of those.

[GaijinPunch]

The Red Breast 12 is excellent.

Anyone here tried Nikka? I've heard good things.

Which Nikka? They have a few... I'd argue the best Japanese whiskey before they ran out of aged single malt. From the Barrel is highly rated, although very difficult to get in North America. I do believe it's imported to Europe though.

GP, that Caol Ila looks tasty.

It is!

Speaking of, I need to find a new Islay to try, I keep going back to Laphroig and Lagavulin, which are both great, but could use a mixup. I had a dram of Talisker that I rather liked, but otherwise haven't tried any outside of those.

Ardbeg's "normal" lineup will keep you busy. Start w/ the 10, then try the other 3: An Oa, Uigedeal, and Corryvreckan. I've only tried the first (okay but not as good as the 10) and the third (great!). Apparently the Uigedeal is dope and I'm truly missing out. Will get some soon.

I find Talisker to be quite a distinct Islay. Never tried the 18 but hope to get a bottle soon.

[Bananamatic]

[Steamflogger Boss]

Thanks for the reply, GP.

Getting the Coffey Grain as a starter. From The Barrel is supposed to be more available in America as of late June. If it can be had for around $70, I'm very interested. Edit: By single malt do you mean the Yoichi Single Malt?

Caol Ila has been added to my list.

[GaijinPunch]

Thanks for the reply, GP.

Getting the Coffey Grain as a starter. From The Barrel is supposed to be more available in America as of late June. If it can be had for around $70, I'm very interested. Edit: By single malt do you mean the Yoichi Single Malt?

I didn't dig the coffee grain. Not sure if I tried the coffee malt.
As From the Barrel retails for 3000 yen for 500ml in Japan, I would never pay $70 for it (considering I go to Japan 2x a year on average).

Caol Ila has been added to my list.

Most of Caol Ila's line, AFAIK, is quite peaty. The unpeated one I have is not their norm, but it's quite good, as stated here earlier. I got a good deal on mine. I hope to try the 18 year peated soon.

[cools]

The Red Breast 12 is excellent.

Anyone here tried Nikka? I've heard good things.

Which Nikka? They have a few... I'd argue the best Japanese whiskey before they ran out of aged single malt. From the Barrel is highly rated, although very difficult to get in North America. I do believe it's imported to Europe though.

I was given a bottle of From The Barrel a few years back.

Made me like whiskey.

[Steamflogger Boss]

I had a few people recommend the Coffey Grain. I'll have to see what I think after trying it.

I think I'd be looking at around $70 for 750ml of From The Barrel. Since I don't go to Japan, I don't really have options, given the shipping laws in the US. Even that price might not be doable, I don't know yet. The mark-up is lame but not surprising.

Edit: Wanted to add, I don't mind a bit of mark-up to get it at the store I go to, because it's convenient for me. For example the Redbreast was $70, which I knew was a bit high but it's not a big deal. I do understand wanting the best price possible though.

[GaijinPunch]

I had a few people recommend the Coffey Grain. I'll have to see what I think after trying it.

I think I'd be looking at around $70 for 750ml of From The Barrel. Since I don't go to Japan, I don't really have options, given the shipping laws in the US. Even that price might not be doable, I don't know yet. The mark-up is lame but not surprising.

Edit: Wanted to add, I don't mind a bit of mark-up to get it at the store I go to, because it's convenient for me. For example the Redbreast was $70, which I knew was a bit high but it's not a big deal. I do understand wanting the best price possible though.

Right, but Nikka From the Barrel is bottled at 500ml -- so it'd be $70 for 500ml. Over 2x the retail in Japan. Don't get me wrong, it's probably worth a shot. I'm just cheap and can't handle that shit when Scotch can be had for a "reasonable" markup.

[Steamflogger Boss]

Huh, I saw a 750ml bottle online, but it was lying. Says 750ml on the page but then the actual item shows 500ml on the label! LOL. Shouldn't be $70 then, I'll check with the store I go to next time I am in to pick up the Coffey Grain.

[jepjepjep]

I haven't tried the Coffey Grain, but I'm putting the finishing touches on a bottle of the Coffey Malt and it's excellent. It's sweet, a little buttery and spicy, fruity and woody flavor. I've tried the Malt and the Taketsuru Pure Malt. Very different flavors, but both very good. The Taketsuru has a smokiness to it's flavor, not a heavy smoke but a very light sweet smoke. I really want to try the Yoichi next, but it's a little out of my budget. I'm curious to hear your impressions about the Coffey Grain, Steamflogger Boss.

@bananamatic You sure that Black Booster isn't antifreeze for the car radiator?

[opt2not]

I've tried the Malt and the Taketsuru Pure Malt. Very different flavors, but both very good. The Taketsuru has a smokiness to it's flavor, not a heavy smoke but a very light sweet smoke. I really want to try the Yoichi next, but it's a little out of my budget. I'm curious to hear your impressions about the Coffey Grain, Steamflogger Boss.

I love my 17y/o Taketsuru Pure Malt. It's now my favourite of the Nikka's. It has the perfect amount of smoke for me. Reminds of the Glenfiddich 18 (my #1 favourite scotch), but not as silky-buttery.

The Coffey Grain had too much "bite" for my liking. I felt like I was tasting an underage whiskey TBH. It has a sharper taste, not really too smokey or sweet. Just kinda...blah. Reminds me of a cheap bottle of Glenlivet. I wouldn't really recommend it.


I finally received all my bottles from a 3 year old cask I shared between me and 10 of my buddies. We all went in on a cask of Odd Society's Single Malt (I think it's one of the first Western Canadian Single Malts), and I was able to get 7 bottles for $150 CAD! They're 500mL bottles though What is it with these small batch distilleries and their short-pour bottles!?


Throughout the 3 years we were invited to taste it while it's aging, and while the first couple years tasted like a cheap whiskey, by the third year it really matured in flavours.
I was pleasantly surprised! Proof that with the right ingredients and methods, you can create a great tasting Single Malt without having to age it for too long. It's less smokey than the Taketsuru, but very smooth, and has flavours of politeness, over-apologies, and sane thinking.
No, it has hints of are more fruity notes, pears and apples, with vanilla and spices for the finish. It's absolutely excellent. I'm not sure if they are exporting this, most likely not, but if you're ever in Canada specifically on the west coast, you can probably find it.

[GaijinPunch]

Interesting on the From the Barrell. Will have to look around. $50 for 750ml seems very fair. It is "in the system" at my local shop, but says limited quantities. $60 for 750ml. Guess they are bottling it for the US market.

And I share your thoughts on quality -- seems like it's a good every day drink.

[Steamflogger Boss]

Folks, Nikka From the Barrel is available at retail (no longer airport only), and in 750ml as of last month in the US. It is priced ~$50 out the door even in the obscenely expensive Boston whiskey scene. And imho it is indeed very good; but not as in very complex or elegant. It is rather simple juice, but it is non-colored, non-chillfiltered, cask strength, and as a result an extremely enjoyable and uninhibited pour.

For a different Islay recommendation: Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich are unusual and always quality. But they do both peated and unpeated releases, so if you're a peathead do your research before you buy! I personally love a briny yet UNpeated Islay, all unpeated Caol Ila Diageo special releases included.

Wow this is great to know, thanks. This might be one of the two Japanese whiskeys the guy said he had in stock, but I couldn't find them, plus it was out of my price range for that trip. I'll take a closer look next time.

@opt: That pure malt looks good, decent price point in the 60s too...

[GaijinPunch]

@opt: That pure malt looks good, decent price point in the 60s too...

Again, this is the former Tokyo resident in me, but whatever the fuck is going on in theiir heads is beyond me. Taketsuru Pure Malt (formerly 12 year) is 2000 yen a bottle in Japan. I find their pricing absolutely egregious. 17 and 21 are not too far off though, for some stupid reason.