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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Jimbob on 16 July 2008, 22:17:43

Title: Whisky
Post by: Jimbob on 16 July 2008, 22:17:43
After chatting at the lakes, and being introduced to a splash of water in whisky...Thought I'd see the general thoughts on the matter, So vote away with some details please...
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Jimbob on 16 July 2008, 22:18:45
How do you like it?

I've always been a 'neat' man since discovering it at the lakes last year, but am experimenting with water
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: tunnie on 16 July 2008, 22:19:38
neat!
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Elite Pete on 16 July 2008, 22:20:25
Ive gone for a splash of water, but thats only in the cask strength stuff for obvious reasons ::)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: psychnurse on 16 July 2008, 22:20:40
with ice! not that it melts  :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: FRE07962128 on 16 July 2008, 22:24:39
A quality single malt Scotch whiskey always full strength; NEAT. :y :y

It is an insult to this nectar of spirits, a ruination of its fine qualities and simply a criminal waste of your money to dilute it! :o :o :o ;D ;)

The cheap blended stuff is best to have coke or water with it. ;D :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: maria on 16 July 2008, 22:25:23
I never touch the stuff as i am tea total :)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: amigov6 on 16 July 2008, 22:27:11
Clear spirits can be mixed. Dark spirits should be taken neat (as a nip or dram) Water in any scotch has the same effect for me as drinking salt water(spew) Same applies to a good Rum or Brandy, if it's that good don't break with it. Some one took a long time over it to get it that good. :o
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Entwood on 16 July 2008, 22:28:32
"A Drop of Water to Wake It Up"    :y :y :y :y :y

Taught to me by a gentleman with a palate to die for, he was the chief blender for a major distillery for over 30 years, and actually carried a flask of water with him, as his palate was so advanced he could taste the differences in regional water !!  Thus by using his own water all the time he would only taste the differences in the whisky.

He would ALWAYS, without fail, add about 25% water and leave it for 2-3 minutes before drinking, to allow the esters to react with the water and allow the full flavour and bouquet of the whisky to be released.

He told me that to drink it neat was a waste of the skill of the distiller as you would miss all the subtleties and nuances within the drink.

Since then I try to do the same  :y :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Jimbob on 16 July 2008, 22:30:06
Interestingly from the back of my latest bottle ( the 60% proof stuff)..

"Douglas Cruickshank, our master distiller, recommends the addition of a dash of water to release all the aromas and bring the whisky to a perfect drinking strength"

Which is the opinion I got from the lakes  

 :-/
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Elite Pete on 16 July 2008, 22:31:55
Quote
Interestingly from the back of my latest bottle ( the 60% proof stuff)..

"Douglas Cruickshank, our master distiller, recommends the addition of a dash of water to release all the aromas and bring the whisky to a perfect drinking strength"

Which is the opinion I got from the lakes  

 :-/
I wonder what that is :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Jo_Kent on 16 July 2008, 22:33:11
Quote
I never touch the stuff as i am tea total :)

Some would say I am tea total too Maria, I'm rarely without a cup of tea on the go and know full well I should cut down on the caffeine. But on the odd occasion I do drink it has to be vodka and coke.  I quite like rose wine but it goes straight to my head, lol.

Lin
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Jimbob on 16 July 2008, 22:34:12
Quote
Quote
Interestingly from the back of my latest bottle ( the 60% proof stuff)..

"Douglas Cruickshank, our master distiller, recommends the addition of a dash of water to release all the aromas and bring the whisky to a perfect drinking strength"

Which is the opinion I got from the lakes  

 :-/
I wonder what that is :y


All your fault!!

Actually is it?  seeing as I told you where that little shop was  ;D

Aberlour A'bunadh for the rest of you  :y  Highly recommended
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: The Red Baron on 16 July 2008, 22:35:04
if you want a nice smooth one, try oban single malt, 10 or 14 year, no water just on its own. luverly stuff. :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Jimbob on 16 July 2008, 22:36:08
Quote
if you want a nice smooth one, try oban single malt, 10 or 14 year, no water just on its own. luverly stuff. :y


Ohh I will......

generally favouring the Islay's at the moment, but lots to try!
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: LFF64 on 16 July 2008, 22:36:42
Me too Maria well almost , not had an alcoholic drink since christmas .
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: albitz on 16 July 2008, 22:36:44
cant stand the stuff.keep thinking that maybe i should try again as i last drunk it in 1976. if i do it try,it will be bushmills.
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: maria on 16 July 2008, 22:38:27
Quote
Quote
I never touch the stuff as i am tea total :)

Some would say I am tea total too Maria, I'm rarely without a cup of tea on the go and know full well I should cut down on the caffeine. But on the odd occasion I do drink it has to be vodka and coke.  I quite like rose wine but it goes straight to my head, lol.

Lin

lol ,yeah i love my cups of tea and if i drink lots of alcohol then i just fall asleep with has been know for me to while standing at the bar in the pub and every one looking at me laughing i guess ;D
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: The Red Baron on 16 July 2008, 22:38:36
highland park another
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: amigov6 on 16 July 2008, 22:38:52
Don't forget Irish whisky. Jamesons and J&B are a fine tipple. :P
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: LJay on 16 July 2008, 22:38:53
Devils pi$$. Vile stuff!!! ;D
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Jimbob on 16 July 2008, 22:39:31
I always thought I didn't like it, then was given the opportunity to try a few nice ones....


Soon found out I didn't like the blends!  Good Single Malt does me nicely now, although I thought Grants Sherry Cask was nice, Hotel21 brought that to Telford.

Also got a nice Welsh Whisky, I like it, but not to everyones taste.
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: psychnurse on 16 July 2008, 22:40:30
Quote
Don't forget Irish whisky. Jamesons and J&B are a fine tipple. :P



Hah... my tipple!! Unless its gin!  :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: The Red Baron on 16 July 2008, 22:41:55
keep away from the blends, some can be evil. i always stick to the single malts.
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: LFF64 on 16 July 2008, 22:44:11
 I do not know how to start a poll but was wondering how many out there are not drinkers  :question
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: maria on 16 July 2008, 22:45:48
Quote
I do not know how to start a poll but was wondering how many out there are not drinkers  :question


Well i am one of them :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Jimbob on 16 July 2008, 22:46:54
Quote
I do not know how to start a poll but was wondering how many out there are not drinkers  :question


Poll modified, and the ability to delete your vote for an hour added
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: The Red Baron on 16 July 2008, 22:52:10
if you ask me theres nothing wrong with a good old pint of bass, even if its brewed by marstons now. then the whisky after. ha  ;)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: LFF64 on 16 July 2008, 22:53:22
Changed my vote now , I am silly enough without drink  ::) as I am sure someone would agree  :-*
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Dusty on 16 July 2008, 22:55:36
I drink it with a little lemonade. Mr Dusty buys the value Whisky from Tesco (about £6.60 a bottle ) and then carefully pours it into a Grants or Teachers Bottle. None of our family and friends have ever noticed.
He does the same trick with gin and vodka with the same results.
Tight fisted but clever.
As Tesco say "every little counts. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :y :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: LJay on 16 July 2008, 22:56:34
Quote
I drink it with a little lemonade. Mr Dusty buys the value Whisky from Tesco (about £6.60 a bottle ) and then carefully pours it into a Grants or Teachers Bottle. None of our family and friends have ever noticed.
He does the same trick with gin and vodka with the same results.
Tight fisted but clever.
As Tesco say "every little counts. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :y :y


 ::) FFS  ::)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: psychnurse on 16 July 2008, 22:56:38
Quote
if you ask me theres nothing wrong with a good old pint of bass, even if its brewed by marstons now. then the whisky after. ha  ;)



What a marvelous idea  :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: The Red Baron on 16 July 2008, 22:58:08
cheapskate, bet he has the real stuff tucked away somewhere though.  ;)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: hotel21 on 16 July 2008, 23:12:49
To those who want to know, the secret of the month is the Tesco own label 12 year old single malt.  Won quite a number of rosettes in the latest round of 'my whisky is better than yours' championships up thisaways as conducted by those clever buggers who swill and spit it out rather than swallow....   ::)

It is, I think, £15 a bottle and worth every penny.....

As to water and a dram, its very much to your own taste but (caveat mode on) water (or ice) is the only thing I think you should add if you want to taste the produce.  The use of Coke, Irn Bru or Lemonade or similar simply overpowers the drink to the extent that you are simply drinking Coke/whatever with a shot of alcohol in it....

If you are partaking of cask strength or similar malt then water is preferred so as to bring it down to tastable levels, rather than having your palette burnt to buggery by strong spirits.  Unless thats what you want that is!!  

Also, the alternate cheapskate method of partaking blended cheap as chips own brand Scotch is to keep it in the fridge and get it as cold as possible.  Takes the sharp edge of the mixture of good and cheap....   :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: albitz on 16 July 2008, 23:17:50
spoken like a true expert. :y :)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 16 July 2008, 23:22:19
Quote
spoken like a true expert. :y :)

He's the one that got us all hooked to Whisky think he has shares ::)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Dusty on 16 July 2008, 23:22:26
Quote


 ::) FFS  ::)

Presumably FFS means

Fantastic Friendly and Stylish  :D

Thank you for the compliment Ljay

 :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*


Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: SWMBO on 16 July 2008, 23:23:41
Jue will only drink Jack Daniels or Glenfiddich.., I'm the more common garden variety of vodka with anything fizzy lol.  Can not stand whiskey at all altho I would figure out a way to grab a bottle of Baileys from Goliath if he had one :P

Also been known to drink good ale he he.
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: hotel21 on 16 July 2008, 23:25:00
Quote
Quote
spoken like a true expert. :y :)

He's the one that got us all hooked to Whisky think he has shares ::)

I buy my shares a bottle at a time....    Then share it with friends...  ;)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 16 July 2008, 23:35:32
Quote
Quote
Quote
spoken like a true expert. :y :)

He's the one that got us all hooked to Whisky think he has shares ::)

I buy my shares a bottle at a time....    Then share it with friends...  ;)

You are an Outstanding Gentleman :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: JueV6 on 16 July 2008, 23:41:22
Why would you want to dilute a proper drop of alcohol, Sacralidge ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: hotel21 on 16 July 2008, 23:43:14
Quote
Why would you want to dilute a proper drop of alcohol, Sacralidge ;D ;D ;D

Dilute the right stuff with the right amount of fresh soft Scots water then you get the right drink for the right time.....   ;)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Olympia5776 on 17 July 2008, 11:55:49
I've used this book for over 15 years now ( the first one was "borrowed " and never returned >:( )
It has an interesting prologue and then a single page write up per Malt .
It's very accurate ,informative and great fun ,but VERY expensive to use.....
It's ISBN number is 0-07513-0146-9
Don (hic...) ::)
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/olympia5776/DSCF0011.jpg)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Vamps on 17 July 2008, 11:57:50
Quote
To those who want to know, the secret of the month is the Tesco own label 12 year old single malt.  Won quite a number of rosettes in the latest round of 'my whisky is better than yours' championships up thisaways as conducted by those clever buggers who swill and spit it out rather than swallow....   ::)

It is, I think, £15 a bottle and worth every penny.....

As to water and a dram, its very much to your own taste but (caveat mode on) water (or ice) is the only thing I think you should add if you want to taste the produce.  The use of Coke, Irn Bru or Lemonade or similar simply overpowers the drink to the extent that you are simply drinking Coke/whatever with a shot of alcohol in it....

If you are partaking of cask strength or similar malt then water is preferred so as to bring it down to tastable levels, rather than having your palette burnt to buggery by strong spirits.  Unless thats what you want that is!!  

Also, the alternate cheapskate method of partaking blended cheap as chips own brand Scotch is to keep it in the fridge and get it as cold as possible.  Takes the sharp edge of the mixture of good and cheap....   :y

Can't say I have seen that :-[ :-[ :-[
for day to day use I then to buy Tesco 'Special Reserve' blended, I did try their 'value' range bt found it a bit rough, even when diluted.
Tesco seem to be doing special's at the Mo, missed one theother day but yesterday I bought 2 1.0L bottles of Teachers at less the £14.00 each. Needed to spend £50.00 to get petrol vouchers ::) ::) ::)

As for the rest, what Hotel21 said....... :)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 17 July 2008, 12:00:14
I can always spot cheap gin, but then I drink it 2 parts gin, one part tonic!

Got a cupboard full of blends so will have to try the fridge trick!
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: LJay on 17 July 2008, 12:09:50
Quote
Quote


 ::) FFS  ::)

Presumably FFS means

Fantastic Friendly and Stylish  :D

Thank you for the compliment Ljay

 :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*




Doubt it but.... :-X :-X :-X :-X
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 17 July 2008, 12:25:57
I suppose this could be modified for Whiskey.   :)
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk106/skruntie/060616_beer_computer_le.jpg)
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: bob.dent on 17 July 2008, 12:44:12
I don't drink it that often (except at OOF meets  ::)) but when I do it's generally neat except when its 61.5% rocket fuel that Elite Pete bought at the Lakes, then it needs a splash of water. :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: theowletman on 17 July 2008, 15:17:23
First taste a good quality whisky, after that it doesn't matter as your taste buds are dead, drink any cheap old stuff.
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: theowletman on 17 July 2008, 15:22:32
Quote
I've used this book for over 15 years now ( the first one was "borrowed " and never returned >:( )
It has an interesting prologue and then a single page write up per Malt .
It's very accurate ,informative and great fun ,but VERY expensive to use.....
It's ISBN number is 0-07513-0146-9
Don (hic...) ::)
(http://

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/olympia5776/DSCF0011.jpg
)
Always wondered why he wore that mask and sunglasses, whisky breath and a hangover, no wonder he always looks pale and can't stand the sunlight. I see he is in a wheelchair now, probably his liver failing after researching that book.
I wonder what brand he was drinking when he dangled one of his children out of the hotel window.
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 17 July 2008, 15:30:01
Whoever it was who mentioned Tesco 12 year old single malt knows his stuff. Lovely drop.
The worst is Glenfiddich. This is commercial crap at it's worst.
It goes to show the power of advertising though. :y :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 17 July 2008, 15:33:26
It is all marked as 40% volume now. Seem to recall it used to be called 70% proof.
I have no idea why it was changed. :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: jereboam on 17 July 2008, 15:41:37
Quote
"A Drop of Water to Wake It Up"    :y :y :y :y :y

Taught to me by a gentleman with a palate to die for, he was the chief blender for a major distillery for over 30 years, and actually carried a flask of water with him, as his palate was so advanced he could taste the differences in regional water !!  Thus by using his own water all the time he would only taste the differences in the whisky.

He would ALWAYS, without fail, add about 25% water and leave it for 2-3 minutes before drinking, to allow the esters to react with the water and allow the full flavour and bouquet of the whisky to be released.

He told me that to drink it neat was a waste of the skill of the distiller as you would miss all the subtleties and nuances within the drink.

Since then I try to do the same  :y :y

That's the right way!  :) :) :)  Never, never, never drink neat whisky over ice - you lose all the bouquet, and you just taste the alcohol.

I hate to disagree with everyone else, but I just don't like single malts as rule.  There are some absolutely fantastic blended whiskys about and, for me, they are far superior to most of the single malts.  

The good blended stuff is definitely not cheap, so I only buy it very rarely, or sometimes I might get some as a birthday or Christmas present if the kids can't think of anything else.  I'm particularly partial to Johnny Walker Black Label, but Chivas Regal and Dimple Haig go down well.  For something slightly cheaper, J&B is quite acceptable.  Note that all of these are very pale coloured whisky - the darker blends have too much malt in them for my taste.

Mostly, though, I drink the cheapest supermarket blends well drowned with ice-cold Diet Coke - 2 parts coke to 1 part whisky, in a tall glass.  The beauty of that tipple is that you can easily substitute cheap vodka, gin or rum for cheap whisky without any noticeable loss of taste.

I like a drop of Cognac now and again, but the good stuff is far too pricey for the likes of me. :(
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: HGV mechanic on 17 July 2008, 15:43:17
theres no other way than neat !!!
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: hotel21 on 17 July 2008, 15:43:33
Quote
It is all marked as 40% volume now. Seem to recall it used to be called 70% proof.
I have no idea why it was changed. :y

I think it was 70 degrees proof which equates to 40 percent by volume.  Different units for the same thing, but someone clevverrerr than wot I is can perhaps confirm......  
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: jereboam on 17 July 2008, 15:58:10
Quote
Quote
It is all marked as 40% volume now. Seem to recall it used to be called 70% proof.
I have no idea why it was changed. :y

I think it was 70 degrees proof which equates to 40 percent by volume.  Different units for the same thing, but someone clevverrerr than wot I is can perhaps confirm......  

70 degrees proof is indeed 40% alcohol by volume, which is the European way of indicating alcoholic strength.

As far as I can recall, there are American and British (Imperial?) proofing systems which give different numbers for the same strength.  I seem to remember that 100% alcohol is 160o proof, but I wouldn't bet on that.

I once (pre-Google) looked it all up in the library, but it was too complicated and I don't remember.

I suppose I could Google it. :(
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: hotel21 on 17 July 2008, 16:01:19
I have the remains of a litre bottle of Bacardi 151 proof in the cabinet.  It even has a flametrap across the neck of the bottle!  Tasts brill as a long Cuba Libre, complete with mini umbrella and straw.... :D

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=1068
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: CaptainZok on 17 July 2008, 17:20:31
Not usually a whisky drinker but the bottle Entwood passed around at the Lakes was unusual and very nice.
Think it was Laphroaig very smoky flavour and went down well alongside my usual nigerian lager. :y :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Jo_Kent on 17 July 2008, 17:23:57
 
Quote
Changed my vote now , I am silly enough without drink  ::) as I am sure someone would agree  :-*

Aww you're not silly.... (much)  ;D

xx
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Richie London on 17 July 2008, 17:34:38
i rarely drink indoors now, i used to get through a bottle of scotch every 2 days so stopped drinking at home. i do like the occasional glass of sherry now and then  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: mars on 17 July 2008, 20:17:51
Most recent ones I have drank are "Talisker" and "Glenlivet." Both are excellent, also like "Jonny Walker Black Label." [smiley=happy.gif]
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: smoothomega on 17 July 2008, 20:22:18
Neat  :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: MikeDundee on 17 July 2008, 20:38:33
Has to be neat I'm afraid, nothing else will do :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: hotel21 on 17 July 2008, 20:44:42
Quote
Not usually a whisky drinker but the bottle Entwood passed around at the Lakes was unusual and very nice.
Think it was Laphroaig very smoky flavour and went down well alongside my usual nigerian lager. :y :y

 ;D

Not heard it called that for a VERY long time Cap'n.....   :y
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Golfbuddy on 17 July 2008, 20:50:59
Quote
I have the remains of a litre bottle of Bacardi 151 proof in the cabinet.  It even has a flametrap across the neck of the bottle!  Tasts brill as a long Cuba Libre, complete with mini umbrella and straw.... :D

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=1068

Mange tout Brucie, mange tout.  ;D
Title: Re: Whisky
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 17 July 2008, 21:32:23
Im not allowed  :( Tho Broocie did allow me a little taste last year  :y

Strongest im allowed is wine.......by doctors orders... :(

Ive had pancreatitis twice now  :( Its caused by a reaction to alcohol  :( ........not nice  :(