What Whisky/Whiskey are we drinking this month?

beardybrewer

NIMAN wrote: »

Folks, as someone who drinks the odd whiskey on a night out (rare), can I ask how do most of you take your whiskey?

I am assuming purists are going to say neat or with some water. Are mixers frowned upon in the whiskey world?

Generally, yeah you guessed right, neat for the good stuff although you might add a splash of water, a few drops only. I've heard a few drops can bring out and open up a whiskey more. When a whiskey is harsh (e.g. powers) I might add a cube or two of ice.

I mean you could order a Jameson and coke if you have the dosh. There are plenty of cocktails that include whiskey. I often add dribble of scotch to my irish.
However you like it is the right way.

MightyMandarin

It depends on my mood but generally neat or with a drop of water for some stronger stuff (with high ABV). There's nothing wrong with a dash of ginger ale or coke - whiskey and rum are my go-to spirits for a session- but I've also had customers (I've worked in pubs and a club) who order good quality, more premium whiskey (like Redbreast or Crested Ten) than generic blends and dump a load of coke in them which is stupid.

Whiskey cocktails are also a great option, but generally, rye whiskey or bourbon are better tasting in Old Fashioned's or Manhattan's than Irish stuff (which is what they're meant to be with anyway)

Chancer3001

Water and ice for me.

Jameson with ginger ale and a slice of lime is definitely the nicest tasting drink in a pub tho I think

killbillvol2

Mellor wrote: »

Just order a bottle of Greenspot from Masters of Malt. Delivery was expensive, so decided to make the most of it so threw in a bottle of gin, and a few dram tasters. A 12 year Auchentoshan and a Rhubarb and a Yamasaki

How do Master of Malt deliver? I'm looking at a delivery to work but I don't want it screaming "alcohol delivery".

Mellor

killbillvol2 wrote: »

How do Master of Malt deliver? I'm looking at a delivery to work but I don't want it screaming "alcohol delivery".

Came in a nondescript cardboard box. Via DHL.

mik_da_man

Had some West Cork Sherry cask over the weekend, the Sherry influence is quite strong, I love it

Had some samples at a recent trip to the distillery so had to grab a few bottles.

Oafley Jones

Mellor wrote: »

Came in a nondescript cardboard box. Via DHL.

Yip. Even says something like Atom Supplies as the sender. I find they're incredibly quick to deliver.

cloudatlas

OOh New Greenspot-

http://mitchellandson.com/green-spot-chateau-montelena.html

a_non_a_mouse

Oafley Jones wrote: »

Mellor wrote: »

Came in a nondescript cardboard box. Via DHL.

Yip.  Even says something like Atom Supplies as the sender.  I find they're incredibly quick to deliver.

Yip. Ordered Mon around 9pm. Delivery arrived about an hour ago.

Seth Brundle

O'Briens have a deal on Black Barrel (for €34.95) whihc is a great deal for a delicious drink.
https://www.obrienswine.ie/spirits/spirits/irish-whiskey-sale/jameson-select-reserve-70cl.html

They also have Teeling 12 YO Single Malt finished in Amarone barrels launching at €70 - no idea what this drink is like.
https://www.obrienswine.ie/blog/entry/teeling-musella-amarone-vol-ii/

mik_da_man

cloudatlas wrote: »

OOh New Greenspot-

http://mitchellandson.com/green-spot-chateau-montelena.html

Yeah, it's lovely.
Had it as a tasting recently and the wine influence is strong, you can taste the Zinfandel from it.

Cazale

kbannon wrote:

O'Briens have a deal on Black Barrel (for €34.95) whihc is a great deal for a delicious drink.

Got a bottle tonight. Great price for it.

Cazale

Heading up North to visit the in-laws next week. I have about 100 euro to spend on some Scotch in Asda on the way back. Any suggestions on what to get?

Hogzy

Cazale wrote: »

Heading up North to visit the in-laws next week. I have about 100 euro to spend on some Scotch in Asda on the way back. Any suggestions on what to get?

If you're passing Sainsbury's pick up a bottle of redbreast 12. 30gbp which is an absolute steal. Its not scotch but it is a cracking irish pot still whiskey.

If you're adamant on scotch id go Highland Park 12 or Aberlour 10 depending on your tastes. Usually on offer for 25gbp.

G rock

I got Laphroaig in Asda a couple of months ago for around 32stg.

Would second the redbreast, that's a brilliant price.

That leaves some in the budget for another bottle!

nkav86

Picked up a bottle of Teeling single malt, so excited to try it!

nkav86

Just been into the Celtic whiskey shop getting some glencairn glasses, was allowed a sample of a whiskey to 'try out' the glass....less then ten minutes in the store and got some of the best service I've had anywhere. Can't wait to try the teeling in this glass tonight!

EagererBeaver

Glencairn glasses are specifically tasting/sampling glasses. If you're going drinking the stuff, use a whiskey tumbler.

limnam

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Glencairn glasses are specifically tasting/sampling glasses. If you're going drinking the stuff, use a whiskey tumbler.

There's no rule book.

Glencairn glasses are fine for "drinking"

I'm pretty much always "tasting" every time I pour one.

nkav86

EagererBeaver wrote:

Glencairn glasses are specifically tasting/sampling glasses. If you're going drinking the stuff, use a whiskey tumbler.

A tumbler was all I've had since I've started drinking whiskey. Thought I'd see if flavours change at all with these

the beer revolu

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Glencairn glasses are specifically tasting/sampling glasses. If you're going drinking the stuff, use a whiskey tumbler.

I'd love to know who the hell decided that a tumbler was the "proper" glass for whisky and why almost everyone in the world accepts this as gospel.

I hate tumblers. They are useless for looking at the liquid and rubbish for nosing in. I think any spirit glass should have some sort of bowl. If I order a whisky out, I usually ask for a Cognac glass. I hate tumblers.

But they are "manly"! Like whisky!

EagererBeaver

How are they useless for looking at it?! It's glass, look through it as of you would any other. There is absolutely no issue nosing from a tumbler. If you're drinking whiskey rather than tasting it, you are not (or shouldn't be) searching for every last bit of caramel or fruit or oak etc in it. Just drink the thing and enjoy the taste and texture.

As for my rationale on not using Glencairn glasses for actually drinking out of, they're small, awkward with quite a sharp rim and their stupid stem is a pain if you'll be repeatedly raising and lowering a glass off a table. Each to their own of course

the beer revolu

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Each to their own of course

So why tell someone that they are using the wrong glass?

Useless for viewing the liquid because you have to put so much in to really see through the liquid and the glass is ofter too thick.

Poor for nosing because the straight sides don't trap the aromas very well.

Frequently too heavy to be comfortable.

Most of the world insist that they are the "proper" whisky glass. I disagree and I'd love to know where it started. I'm guessing it's a USA thing that became popular and somehow became universally ingrained. It really does baffle me.

I do think that it's slowly changing, though. Most specialist whisky bars now use glencairns or stemmed nosing glasses.

Did I mention that I hate tumblers?

nkav86

Jaysus lads lol There's a lot of opinion on glasses! Had 3 from both glasses this weekend. The tumbler gave me a more muted taste (I'm very new so can't pick up flavours easily) with a lot of smoke and some wine. The Glencairn opened it up some, although I couldn't identify the flavours yet, I could tell it was more complex than I previously thought, could have sworn I got orange and clove but probably wrong! I don't get the tasting vs drinking because I don't slam it back in either, takes about an hour of sipping.

Editing to say I didn't find anything uncomfortable about the Glencairn, quite the opposite actually

EagererBeaver

the beer revolu wrote: »

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Each to their own of course

So why tell someone that they are using the wrong glass?

Because I was offering advice based on my own opinion, which I'm perfectly entitled to do. Just as you and others are perfectly entitled to ignore it.

limnam

EagererBeaver wrote: »

If you're drinking whiskey rather than tasting it, you are not (or shouldn't be) searching for every last bit of caramel or fruit or oak etc in it. Just drink the thing and enjoy the taste and texture.

Again, where are you finding all these rules to drink whiskey?

Who are you to decide the glass or what people should be looking for in their whiskey?

If I want to just "drink the thing" I'll drink water.

You mention each to their own and then lay down all these rules to drink whiskey.

EagererBeaver

limnam wrote: »

EagererBeaver wrote: »

If you're drinking whiskey rather than tasting it, you are not (or shouldn't be) searching for every last bit of caramel or fruit or oak etc in it. Just drink the thing and enjoy the taste and texture.

Again, where are you finding all these rules to drink whiskey?

Who are you to decide the glass or what people should be looking for in their whiskey?

If I want to just "drink the thing" I'll drink water.

You mention each to their own and then lay down all these rules to drink whiskey.

Again, it's called an opinion. Get the **** over it.

limnam

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Again, it's called an opinion. Get the **** over it.

Classy.

The next time you should provide your opinion as odd as it is and not instructions.

Mellor

VW 1 wrote: »

Grinds my gears for example someone telling me how much they love whisky then dumping in a full glass of ginger ale on top of it so all you can taste is the ginger .

Vodka and ginger ale/lemonade/soda tastes nothing like whiskey and the same mixer. So you can definitely still taste the whiskey. If somebdy like

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Glencairn glasses are specifically tasting/sampling glasses. If you're going drinking the stuff, use a whiskey tumbler.

What's the logic there?
If they are better for tasting, surely they are better for drinking too. Brandy, different wines, champagne, etc are all best drank out of glasses specific to their flavour, why not whiskey?

Genuinely curious by the way, I've two small glencairn glasses that I got at the whiskey museum. But I've never used them. I usually use heavy glass tumblers

EagererBeaver

Mellor wrote: »

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Glencairn glasses are specifically tasting/sampling glasses. If you're going drinking the stuff, use a whiskey tumbler.

What's the logic there?
If they are better for tasting, surely they are better for drinking too. Brandy, different wines, champagne, etc are all best drank out of glasses specific to their flavour, why not whiskey?

Genuinely curious by the way, I've two small glencairn glasses that I got at the whiskey museum. But I've never used them. I usually use heavy glass tumblers

When I say "tasting" I mean as in formal whiskey tasting. Nosing it thoroughly etc.

I find when I'm trying to just sit down and enjoy drinking a whiskey, and not trying to determine whether I detect hints of caramel or applewood or raspberry or whatever, the Glencairn glass to be too narrow a diameter and I've to purse the slips slightly. I find it hits my nose when I'm drinking out of it. It's also difficult to get a decent measure into it if it's a strong whiskey that you'll be adding water to. Finally, I hate the stupid bulbous base on the things.

limnam wrote: »

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Again, it's called an opinion. Get the **** over it.

Classy.

The next time you should provide your opinion as odd as it is and not instructions.

Ok sweetie, maybe next time you'll just try not to let somebody else's opinion on trivial matters upset you so much.

Mellor

EagererBeaver wrote: »

When I say "tasting" I mean as in formal whiskey tasting. Nosing it thoroughly etc.

I find when I'm trying to just sit down and enjoy drinking a whiskey, and not trying to determine whether I detect hints of caramel or applewood or raspberry or whatever, the Glencairn glass to be too narrow a diameter and I've to purse the slips slightly. I find it hits my nose when I'm drinking out of it. It's also difficult to get a decent measure into it if it's a strong whiskey that you'll be adding water to. Finally, I hate the stupid bulbous base on the things.

That's fair enough tbh. As I said I haven't even used mine and I've had them a year. Mine are small size, so only really suited to wee taste anyway and not pouring out a glass to relax with. I did assume that the larger one was suited to drinking out of.
The Norlan glass is supposed the next innovation.

brokenarms

Wife for me Glenlivet Founder's Reserve Single Malt and a bottle of Chivas for 18 pound each. Black Friday deals on Amazon.

I will be drinking them from an old stained coffee mug and loving every minute .

Choc Chip

Just on glasses, has anyone tried the new tuath glass compared to the glencairn?

I know they were at Whiskey Live this year if anyone was there. I've a cupboard full of Glencairns and just wondering what these are like in comparison. No need to splurge on a new glass if they're not a significant improvement on the glencairn!

Effects

They're a nice glass. You need two of them. Just to compare to your glencairns.

cloudatlas

Ralfy does a nice introduction to glasses at the beginning of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqCCisnU5KM&t=1s

At the end of the day I think you're all getting your knickers in a twist. I started with a tumbler and graduated to a glencairn, it's better for nosing.

the beer revolu

Choc Chip wrote: »

Just on glasses, has anyone tried the new tuath glass compared to the glencairn?

I know they were at Whiskey Live this year if anyone was there. I've a cupboard full of Glencairns and just wondering what these are like in comparison. No need to splurge on a new glass if they're not a significant improvement on the glencairn!

It's a nice looking glass that is completely spoiled by an over engineered, stupid base. I think it's designed for holding the glass up to the light but who has a problem gripping a round base with a stem?

I haven't drunk from one, though.

the beer revolu

cloudatlas wrote: »

At the end of the day I think you're all getting your knickers in a twist.

I think it's the "you're doing it wrong" attitude rather than anyone's opinion that has the twists in the knickers.

brinty

the beer revolu wrote: »

I think it's the "you're doing it wrong" attitude rather than anyone's opinion that has the twists in the knickers.

Well said sir, there's no right or wrong way to do things only the way that works for each individual person.

People providing opinions and suggestions are always welcome but there'll be no universal acceptance on everything.

Anyways., lets talk whiskey. Whats everyone hoping to get under their Christmas tree this year. I'd love a 16/18 year old scotch if Ms brinty is is readding this thread...

EagererBeaver

Either Hakushu or Yamazaki 12. Bought the aul fella a pricy bottle of Kavalan Taiwanese whiskey for his 70th that was great so might see if there's something more reasonably priced from them.

sceach16

brinty wrote: »

Well said sir, there's no right or wrong way to do things only the way that works for each individual person.

People providing opinions and suggestions are always welcome but there'll be no universal acceptance on everything.

Anyways., lets talk whiskey. Whats everyone hoping to get under their Christmas tree this year. I'd love a 16/18 year old scotch if Ms brinty is is readding this thread...

Midleton have a lovely taster set. 4 @ 50 ml. Green Spot , Redbreast, Johns Lane and Barry Crockett. Perfect size for people like me..(moderation needed) at c 35 euro. Teeling , Knappogue and others have similar but cheaper sets. Great for tasting/consuming without having full size bottles open. Also about the only way I will taste Barry Crockett.

the beer revolu

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Either Hakushu or Yamazaki 12. Bought the aul fella a pricy bottle of Kavalan Taiwanese whiskey for his 70th that was great so might see if there's something more reasonably priced from them.

They just won distiller of the year at IWSC.
(Kavalan)

nkav86

brinty wrote:

Anyways., lets talk whiskey. Whats everyone hoping to get under their Christmas tree this year. I'd love a 16/18 year old scotch if Ms brinty is is readding this thread...

Gonna get myself a bottle of my favourite, Writer's Tears Copper Pot for Xmas....already looking forward to it

VW 1

Bought myself another bottle of 12 year old redbreast cask strength on my most recent foray through duty free.

Raging to discover (in a way) that I actually have 3/4s of my old bottle left, thought I'd almost finished it off. Would have replaced my yellow spot which I actually did finish last week, otherwise.

Too much of that whisky is definitely a first World problem!!

limnam

brinty wrote: »

W
Anyways., lets talk whiskey. Whats everyone hoping to get under their Christmas tree this year. I'd love a 16/18 year old scotch if Ms brinty is is readding this thread...

I've been dropping hints towards something Japanese.

Hopefully I don't get a gift voucher for street food. :pac:

mik_da_man

I went to Whiskey Live, loved the new Tuath Glass to be honest, at the start it was awkward, but after a bit it's more comfortable and feels more natural then the Glencairn.

I then managed to loose the run of myself on Sunday:p

Picked up a bottle of Single Pot Still Batch #2 from Method and Madness, Bottle of Powers single cask, bottle of powers gold label, Won a bottle of Knappogue 12 and got a present of Writers Tears Copper Pot


Not a bad day!!

Insect Overlord

Tonight I am having a drop of Teeling Single Malt (out of a Hennessy cognac glass ) and the first sip was much, much nicer than I remembered. Either my palate is adjusting or this has benefited from being left alone for a year since I last opened the bottle. Very nice.

Mellor

the beer revolu wrote: »

It's a nice looking glass that is completely spoiled by an over engineered, stupid base.

I don't think much engineeing went into it at all. I think it's just a blob of glass to stuck on to achieve a shape - the part about for holding it feels like an afterthought.

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Either Hakushu or Yamazaki 12. Bought the aul fella a pricy bottle of Kavalan Taiwanese whiskey for his 70th that was great so might see if there's something more reasonably priced from them.

The local off licence had both the Hakushu and Yamazaki Distillers reserve on special this week. Almost pull the trigger, but decided not to so close to christmas

sceach16 wrote: »

Midleton have a lovely taster set. 4 @ 50 ml. Green Spot , Redbreast, Johns Lane and Barry Crockett. Perfect size for people like me..(moderation needed) at c 35 euro. Teeling , Knappogue and others have similar but cheaper sets. Great for tasting/consuming without having full size bottles open. Also about the only way I will taste Barry Crockett.

I got the Teeling set as a birthday present, and my missus got me the Jameson set (original, black barrel, caskmates, crested 10). I think the Middleton st would be a nice addition. I really don't want to open any of them though

EagererBeaver

Think the Distiller's reserves are normally in the duty free Mellor, might save yourself a bit of you hold off until next flight.

illdoit2morrow

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Think the Distiller's reserves are normally in the duty free Mellor, might save yourself a bit of you hold off until next flight.

Just a side question on this.

Do you mean purchasing a bottle in Dublin Airport on the way out of Ireland and bringing it back to Ireland in checked in luggage, or is there a way to purchase duty free (when leaving the EU) and not have to bring it with you on the plane?

EagererBeaver

illdoit2morrow wrote: »

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Think the Distiller's reserves are normally in the duty free Mellor, might save yourself a bit of you hold off until next flight.

Just a side question on this.

Do you mean purchasing a bottle in Dublin Airport on the way out of Ireland and bringing it back to Ireland in checked in luggage, or is there a way to purchase duty free (when leaving the EU) and not have to bring it with you on the plane?

I wasn't referring to Dublin airport at all. Just purchasing it at duty free prices.