Although I'm sure the venerable Mr. Foodstamps will be able to provide more informed insight than I, here it is:

The Balvanie 15Year: LOTS of mid-range, tapering off towards 5kHz in the upper end and down to about 100Hz. Fiery finish with a hint of woodiness at the top, like 8kHz.

MacAllan 18Year: Smoother through the mids, with a slight but very pronounced bump at 1kHz. Flatter, more extended low end with a gradual 6dB/octave attenuation starting at 1kHz and just SOARING past the top end of frequency response. Smooth, somewhat tart finish.

Rocks, but no water on both.

That's a fun review...the MacAllan 18 is my favorite affordable* bottle of scotch. My favorite** cocktail of all time, however, is "The Lolita" : 12 year old scotch with a crushed cherry.



*By 'affordable' I mean for special occasions, like the birthdays of all two of my good friends, haha.

**Not something I would actually drink, as even 12 year old single malts deserve to be consumed untainted, but still my favorite theoretical cocktail of all time.

FYI, I've heard that the 14-Year Trader Joe's branded single malt is excellent. Supply can be a little sporadic, but it's actually made by Macallan (but costs significantly less because of the TJs branding). There's an 11-year also which has a pretty good rep and is under $30 a bottle.

This just kicks ass.

I had never tried single malt whisky until 1999 when I went to Scotland. Upon meeting some old timers in a Tennent's pub, I was advised of bourbon: "Me bay, ye must not drink that CRAP!" I have been hooked since.

Pretty much right on about the Trader Joe's. They have a few different selections including Highland/Speyside/Islay that are all made by reputable distillers. I tried the Macallan 11 year old. Not bad. A little sharp and isopropyly. The bottle cost about $25, and you can get a Glenlivet or Glenfiddich 12 for that or less at Kelly's on the right day. I like the Glens better than the Trader Joes (or Macallan for that matter), as I like my highlands to be light and delicate this time of year. I like Glenmorangie, especially the wood finish whiskys, as the fall comes and it cools off a bit. During fall and winter, I put away the Highland and go for the Speyside and especially Islay malts. Salty, seaweedy, smoky, peaty. Robust. Takes the chill of working in the cold all day right off. Pair it with some dopplebocks and smoked nuts and cheddar and you have got something. If you think you are up to the task, be sure to try the Ardbeg 10 year old, the oft touted most flavourful of Islay whisky. It is the one bottle I can have in the house that my father-in-law will not drink!

Blends do have their places (in mixed drinks), and my favorite is the Presbyterian, especially after a hot, sweaty day. Tha lolita sounds good as fuck. I will have to try that.

Single Malt Scotch whisky is great!!! How do you guys take it? I always like it neat.

I don't handle the Islays very well...too peaty for my palate. I'm a tremendous fan of American straight rye whiskeys. Particular favorites are: Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye, Black Maple Hill 11-year Rye and Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond 100. Old Overholt is the classic beginner's rye. Wild Turkey makes a very respectable and spicy rye as well. Yum. I enjoy a good bourbon (Buffalo Trace, I'm looking at you), but a good rye is superior in terms of complexity and rich flavor.

Knob Creek and Maker's Mark work for me

Scotch?!....fuck that shit! PABST BLUE RIBBON!

I'm not the most educated Scotch drinker, with maybe a bit more experience with burbon, but the Irish whiskey's are my babies. Bushmills Black...mmmm

Clan MacGreggor. I like to chase it with Olde E.

Scotch rocks. Bourbon is too sweet.

I don't care for ice though, just a glass please.

Levi has just said all that really needs saying.

quote:

I don't care for ice though, just a glass please.

With single malt, absolutely. You just try that with some Dewars White Label. Yeeccch! That's an insult to the ice!