it's all about the whisky

[low_delta]

I went to a Scotch whisky tasting tonight. Two of my LJ friend posted about the whisky they were drinking tonight (on Facebook), and included pictures. I didn't. :-(

Comments

[planetgeorge.livejournal.com]

You should post more....like what did you sample and which ones did you like/dislike?

I've never been to a whisky tasting although I'd like to go. Usually they happen in conjunction with a highland games-at least that's how it was in Florida. The next one around here will be at Shawnee Mountain ski area (about 45 minutes from here) on Memorial Day weekend. I've been wanting to go but it seems like I'm always out of town that weekend.

Anyway, my personal favorite is Highland Park 12 year old. I also like Bowmore 12 year old and Laphroaig 10 year old. I remember my father telling me about a tasting he went to probably 20-25 years ago and he didn't like Laphroaig (must be an acquired taste because of the peatiness) but he liked Macallan and Auchentoshen.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don't really write about the whisky much any more, partly because I figure most people will find it boring, and partly because I don't always have that much to say about it.

It was a Balvenie tasting. We had:
12y DoubleWood
14y Caribbean Cask
15y Sherry Cask
17y DoubleWood
21y PortWood

I'm a big fan of Balvenie. You pretty much can't go wrong. It can get expensive, but the 12-year expressions aren't all that expensive, and are excellent. The PortWood is fabulous, but there's no way I'll ever be able to afford one, for over $200. I'm actually not all that impressed with the 15y Sherry. Probably my least favorite Balvenie (aside from the really cheap ones you don't even see in the US).

The tasting was at a local liquor store. It cost $20 and we got a free glass. It lasted over an hour and a half, and the guy talked nonstop. It was a lot of information, particularly for the Scotch newbies.

Highland Park is great. I'm not as big a fan of Bowmore, but they have a few I like. Darkest is a favorite. For most people, you either like peat or you don't. But some people acquire the taste.