12 years or 18 years?
For health reasons, I gave up hard liquor almost 20 yrs ago. However, before that, a glass of whisky was my usual listening companion. It certainly reduced the urge to tweak and increased the urge to relax and listen. The other option I liked was brandy: cognac, armagnac, or calvados. (My favorite was an aged calvados.) |
Way back in the 1980s, I used to enjoy The Macallan 12-year-old Scotch. I had two part-time jobs then, and had promised myself that if the better of the two turned into a full-time gig, I'd celebrate and buy myself a bottle of The Macallan 18. I got the full-time job, got the 18-year-old Scotch, and wouldn't you just know it -- I preferred the 12-year-old. I still drink that from time to time, but haven't had the 18 since. I found the one that had been aged longer to be too smooth, with all the edginess of the younger version -- which I liked -- sanded off, as it were. Just one man's tale. And I've got a nicer stereo now, too. -- Howard |
What I should have said was this: The Macallan 18 was a bit like a pair of loudspeakers with a ruler-flat frequency response. It did nothing wrong -- nothing at all -- but it wasn't as engaging as its younger sibling. The 12-year-old had some peaks and some valleys, but I found them to be features, not bugs. -- Howard |
Before I got derailed onto high-end Cognac & Armagnac I was into single-malts. Talisker is a heck of a good whisky, and so is Laphroaig. I remember being at a bar in Edinburgh Scotland. The wizened old Scot beside me ordered me to try a Dufftown. He pronounced it "Dooif Tune." Yeah, a noble brew. All these spirits have plenty of character. Flat frequency response? Nay, me laddies. But imaging in spades. |
For 18YO, I find Highland Park to be one of the best. Not as bold as a Balvenie 17YO ar even a Glenfiddich 18. If you are looking for something amazingly smooth, I will admit, a bit pricier, check out a Glenfiddich 21. Glenfiddich tends to be a fruitier, sweeter whisky and the addition of the rum finish gives it this just amazing, rich and slightly sweet taste. For a little less, check out the Balvenie 14 Carribean Cask. Another interesting choice would be to look at Kavalan. They have a portwood finish that will be in a similar price range as many 18s that is amazingly smooth. One of my favorite whiskys in the world for the money. |
I love all the responses here, I didn't how people were going to respond but I'm pleasantly surprised and greatful to learn new experiences. You see I'm an acomplished alcoholic. I upgrade my poison and my gear any chance I get. I like the fact that I can get audio and alcohol advice in the same place. Cheers! |
A newer less well known distiller but from Master Distiller Billy Walker is Glen Allachie. Really fantastic Scotch.......... https://theglenallachie.com/whisky/glenallachie-18-year-old/ |
While not available in my area, I remember drinking a type of booze that was named Golden Grain or Everclear (180+ proof). Great for spiking punch bowls, juicing up watermelons, or just as a fireside sipping whiskey (just not to sit too close to the fire). I few belts of that stuff would even make a Bose sound good. |
As a child in my cradle the nurse from her ladle Was swillin’ her mouth with a notion of ``Pep’’ When a drop from her bottle fell into me throttle. I capered and scrambled right out of her lap. On the floor I lay crawlin’ and screamin’ and bawlin’ Till Father and Mother soon came to the fore. Conceived I lay dying, all wailing and sighing They found I was only a-cryin’ for more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpijgj6jmv8 |
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Being a born and bred Scot I can tell you I have tried many many Single malts. I have three favourites though and they are, Cardu, Dalwhinney Winter Gold and Glengoyne Cask strength . Each of these ones are smooth and wonderful to drink but as I always say we make the stuff here and this is the country where it is the dearest to buy. I recently gave my wife a bottle of cask strength Glengoyne and it was wonderful tasting and it was 59% and she kindly let me have one to sample and it is like honey in taste and possibly the smoothest whisky I have ever tasted. |
Your a funny Kat! Toma Vodka is Spanish for 'drink vodka'. You inspired me make a Bloody Mary and I'm listening to U2 "Under a Blood Red Sky" . Great album, Cheers! Your Spanish vodka Bloody Mary inspired Spanish Mary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZgrLpvj3-0 |
millicarbon You made my day with this recommendation, the music is right up my alley. I will share with others and keep it coming, for this evening, I have a bottle of Gold Cast Bushmill to gargle with. Thank you Your Spanish vodka Bloody Mary inspired Spanish Mary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZgrLpvj3-0 |
The basic Glenmorangie is excellent; very good flavor and costing less than most other single malts. You can go up the line from there. I do like a bit of smoke and peat; of the Islay malts Laphroiag is probably the most widely distributed, but there are 7 other distilleries on the island. Time to explore! |
