Scotch I have Tried

  • Dalwhinnie - wow. I had this after a few hits of The Oban.. and the bartender was generous... but nonetheless, this one is now my favorite. It is just an all around excellent scotch, the pinnacle so far.
  • The Macallen - A highlands malt. This is good, but didn't strike me. I'll have to try it again...
  • The Oban - Tried this one at a hotel bar in Orlando, FL. It was very satisfying. Definitely belongs on the list of must-try if you want to know what you are talking about when it comes to Scotch.
  • Highland Park - A smoky and smooth scotch. This one is a classic.
  • Glenlivet - Old Standby.. You can get this one at any bar. Glenlivet is owned by Seagram's. One might assume that this would be the "Budweiser" of Scotch, since it is so common, but don't knock it.. it is a pretty good scotch... give it a try.
  • Lagavulin - Whoo buddy! This one is serious. Peaty, medicinal, some describe as "iodine". Simple and complex at the same time. Strong flavor and nice aroma.
  • Caol Isla
  • Talisker - Smoky and peaty, with a good malt flavor. This is a very good scotch
  • GlenFiddich Yum. Chocolate notes. Very smooth and easy to drink. I was pleasantly surprised with this one
  • The Ardbeg - This very peaty, and complex. A good islay, and a strong one.
  • The Balvenie - 10 yr - A Highlands malt. Has orange and honey notes, with some smokiness. This one relaxes me.
  • Laphroaig - This is my favorite. Islay malt, very peaty, but full of distinct flavor. It's refreshing to me.. not an easy drink to start with if you don't drink scotch, but it's very good.

Current Vehicle Lineup

  • 2005 Ford Expedition
  • 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  • 1986 Jeep CJ-7
  • 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet
  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta - TDI Turbodiesel

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Drinking Scotch

OK, so here's the deal. There are people who butcher scotch and mix good scotch with mixers like coke, or tonic. Others drink it on the rocks, etc. Now, if you are drinking blended scotch on the rocks is OK.

Yet there are others who get all upset if you drink single malt any other way but "neat", which is another word for straight. (Thelonius Monk - Straight, No Chaser is a great tune, btw)

Here is my take on it:

Only drink single malt on the rocks if it is recommended on the label or packaging. And only if you're inclined to. I don't do it anymore at all. The issue is that the ice numbs the senses. Also, the aroma of the scotch is just as important as the flavor. The ice takes away from this. Supposedly, chlorine in the tapwater kills the flavor and the aroma.

I typically mix bottled water with my scotch, for a 1.5 oz, i will mix in a capful just to dilute it. The brings forth the aroma, and also takes away some of the "attack". I will sometimes mix more, depending on the scotch. It is always good to experiment. Some scotch tastes better neat. Lagavulin, a very strong and serious scotch is not so good with water. Laphroaig is good either way, I prefer with a dash. Balvenie is good with a fair amount of water.

Of course, if you like it better on the rocks, so be it....but I recommend acquiring the taste and appreciating the aroma.. but starting out on the rocks may help you get there.
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