Scotch Drinkers in the House?

[flakyjakey]

This long-running thread clearly demonstrates that pipe smokers are indeed malt whisky sophisticates! I'm not sure if I'm the only Scotland representative on site, but I have only a couple of things to add.
The first is to confirm that most 'real' Scots (i.e. those who wear nothing under their kilts!) pour a small amount of room temp water in their dram - it takes away any sharp edge and brings out the flavour. The second is that Bushmills "Black Bush" single malt may well be the best Irish whiskey you are likely to taste.
All malts work great with a pipe - best sipped, like the pipe!

 

[forestman]

Present stock is an Oban and a Caol Ila.

 

[auslander]

Love my single malts but could never name a favourite. I like a bit of peat but that latest monstrosity from Bruichladdich, Octamore is (imo) just pure gimmick. I avoid all Scotch's owned by Diageo as they are to spirits as what Mc Donald's is to fine dining. They own a few good brands eg Talisker but are infamous for acquisition, marketing and reduction of quality. However I digress.
I find it almost impossible to enjoy a good cigar without a nice dram of single malt or a fine sipping rum like El Dorado or Mount Gay. I always add water, never ice and never buy 40% abv bottling's. I keep as close as I can to cask strength Scotch's. I always blow my smoke into my glass and enjoy the combination of the two.
Just a side note I'm not sure if this has been mentioned but an appropriate spirits glass is as important a tool for full enjoyment of the spirit as a decent pipe is to the enjoyment of Tobacco (going by what you pipe smokers have said, as I'm as new as it gets to pipe smoking). The best shaped glass I've found is a wine glass I have a spirits glass that is essentially a wine glass without a stem but a wine glass is equally as good. Traditional scotch glasses let too much aroma escape.

 

[instymp]

During the early 60's lived in Malta & most of my friends were Scottish, Black Watch, & they were not as sophisticated as some are here. But.. absolutely fantastic people.

 

[badgercat]

MacCallen...nice stuff. I had a friend who was a non-drinker but often recieved top shelf whiskey for the holidays from various vendors. Always enjoyed visiting him right after Christmas and usually brought home 5-6 different bottles.

 

[taerin]

Drambuie!!! Muhahahaha!!!

 

[fishingandpipes]

I love Laphroaig and Caol Ila. Nothing else seems to scratch the itch in quite the same way, but I agree with the first poster in this thread that Laddie 10 is also excellent juice. I seem to remember Speyburn or Springbank (can't remember which one) was quite good for much less than any of those as well.

 

[yaddy306]

I've been enjoying Aberlour 12 year old lately. Not the most expensive Scotch, but satisfying.

 

[leacha]

One of my favorites!

 

[pipeherman]

In my dorm room I have a bottle of Glengoyne 14 year, and just the average bottle of Bells. 8)

 

[alexnorth]

Yes!

I knew that there was bound to be a whisky appreciation thread in a forum like this! Myself I like scotch. I do not, however, discriminate and well enjoy Irish, bourbon and blended if treated to it. But single malt is my preferred drink.

tonight I'm enjoying a glenlivet nàdurra with my brother in law.

 

[alexnorth]

apparently I'm already sideways...

 

[mso489]

I like the flavor of scotch but, except for the really pricey single malt scotch, I find it often irritates my urinary tract. Sorry, but true. Whereas bourbon goes on through with an admirable smoothness.

 

[monty55]

This is my favorite all time Scotch. Unfortunately all I have is the container. This was a great find from a few years back from a little liquor store in a small town outside Austin. It was covered in dust and had no price. The guy said "make me an offer"... it was mine for a 100! Today you probably can't find any 18yr The Macalland vintage 1985. All the new 18yr Macalland I have had since has not been as good IMO. Still excellent though. The fact they use old Sherry casks to age in gives it a wonderful and unique flavor.

 

[alexnorth]

A nice find indeed!

 

[tarheel1]

I love single malt. Aberlour, glenrothes, blavennie, highland park, old pulteney.

 

[alexnorth]

Tarheel1, have you tried the aberlour a'bunadh?

 

[beefeater33]

alexnorth-

Fellow Scotch guy here..... I've had the a'bunadh batch # 32, 40, 46 and 47. My favorite was the #40, but they are all excellent drams. All need a bit of water IMO-- I don't like to drink them much over 55% without a bit of water......

Many years ago I put a self imposed scotch "season" on myself........... I only drink single malts from November 1st to March 30th. Gets me through the winter, and doesn't break the bank...........bourbons and gins in the warmer summer months for me..

 

[alexnorth]

I have the 47 at home. What a great drink! It can handle its water alright, bottled at 60% I'm talking teaspoons and not drops

I wish that I could get my hands on some of the earlier batches but it seems rather tricky. Probably have to break your wallet at an auction for those..

 

[alexnorth]

I just got home from the town running some errands. The most important errand was picking up some goods that I had ordered.I thought I'd let you see them. I'm so looking forward to the weekend!