What Whisky/Whiskey are we drinking this month?

irlirishkev

artanevilla wrote: »

Picked up two bottle during the week:

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked:
I don't like Bourbon, but I think that might be based on Jack Daniels, which is whiskey for people that don't like whiskey.

It is quite sweet, typical of bourbon but boy is it smooth. Very easy to drink. No bite at all when you taste it, it's like liquid caramel. You can defo taste the oak and it is quite fruity.

Woodford is excellent. And the Double Oak is top notch.
As you say - Bourbon is sweet, so there'll be a sweet kick for sure. I would always have a bottle of Bourbon on my shelf, though I have to be in the mood for it.
I wouldn't compare Woodford to JD myself however. Possibly Jim Beam at a stretch..

lord lucan

dashcamdanny wrote: »

"Working hard at my Whiskey distillery".

Has bought Bushmills from Proximo?😛

the beer revolu

brinty wrote: »

Fair f**ks to him, investing in his future. If it crashes and burns so be it but the lad has a sensible head on his shoulders. Mightn't be the most likable of people but he's put his money to work

Except where is his alleged distillery?

mik_da_man

2011abc wrote: »

New whisk(e)y fan here .A year or two 'at it' and have sampled at least 10-20 different types .Just had a Redbreast 12 ( which I know is loved around here !) from a very well known hostelry on Naas Rd and was poured what I thought was a generous enough measure from the dregs of the bottle .It tasted at best very ,VERY mild . Don't want to say watered down .Maybe it was the stupendous (49%!) Teeling Brabazon I had in the fab Dingle Whiskey Bar on Nassau St yesterday that made it taste 'weak' ( although I did have a Black Bush after in The Elms ,Liffey Valley) .Doubt the 'Angels Share' applies through glass bottles ...somebody tell me that they're all like that so I can stop feeling hard done by ! In fairness it was an inoffensive tipple with a nice sweetness about it and nothing in particular to dislike .But it didn't taste as good as my fave Teeling Single Malt let alone its big sister Brabazon .
I know it's hard to be consistent with the amount of water added ( does anyone actually use a dropper etc?!) but I barely added a drop to it .

Doesn't seem right to me tbh.
Redbreast isn't what I would call a Mild whiskey, it's got a good bit of body to it.
Did you try it straight at all and was the water very cold?
Cold water would definitely kill the more complex flavours depending on the amount added. Also there could be a bit of a negative effect on it if it had been just that small bit sitting in a nearly empty bottle for a while. Unlikely in a bar though...

intellectual dosser

I usually end up in Spain once a year, here's this years haul:

Glenfiddich 18 - €79
Johnnie Walker Green - Blended 15 - €35
Jameson Signature - €40 (litre)
Teeling (Rum cask) - €40 (litre)

The first two are shots in the dark, never tried them before. I enjoy the Jameson Signature. So this is what I'll be drinking for the next couple of months. Very envious of the Spanish pricing.

picachu

Go up north for value - its worth it if you are buying two or more bottles

be interested to hear what the JW green is like

picachu

Most recent purchase - Bushmills 10 from dunnes with the €10 off
its on sale at the moment at €38

robarmstrong

Chuffed to find this thread!!

I'm currently a quarter way through a 700ml bottle of Ballantine's. It was a random purchase when I was away for a weekend down in Courtown but it's actually quite nice, I'd consider it to taste a little bit nicer than normal Jameson, but nowhere near as nice as Jameson Lively.

Also finished off my first bottle of Cardhu not too long ago. Was on special for 38 reduced from 70+ so was pretty happy with that, tasted pretty strong too.

EagererBeaver

intellectual dosser wrote: »

I usually end up in Spain once a year, here's this years haul:

Glenfiddich 18 - €79
Johnnie Walker Green - Blended 15 - €35
Jameson Signature - €40 (litre)
Teeling (Rum cask) - €40 (litre)

The first two are shots in the dark, never tried them before. I enjoy the Jameson Signature. So this is what I'll be drinking for the next couple of months. Very envious of the Spanish pricing.

Whereabouts did you get the Teeling? Wouldn't be that common in Spain.

intellectual dosser

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Whereabouts did you get the Teeling? Wouldn't be that common in Spain.

Airport Duty Free, all the airport buideals were litres God bless them. Then again the only Irish offerings they had were a couple of Jamesons, the above Teeling and Tullamore Due.

L1011

Bushmills and/or Black Bush for dearer than it costs on offer Ireland are the other airport fixture in Iberia usually - surprised they didn't have one or the other.

€30 for a litre of Bushmills and nearly €40 for Black are common.

EagererBeaver

intellectual dosser wrote: »

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Whereabouts did you get the Teeling? Wouldn't be that common in Spain.

Airport Duty Free, all the airport buideals were litres God bless them. Then again the only Irish offerings they had were a couple of Jamesons, the above Teeling and Tullamore Due.

Dublin airport or in Spain? Surprised if it was a Spanish one as they usually don't have much in the way of premium Irish.

intellectual dosser

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Dublin airport or in Spain? Surprised if it was a Spanish one as they usually don't have much in the way of premium Irish.

Spain - Malaga.

I suppose I try to be tight on the info when posting online, but you're such an eagerer beaver :-)

VW 1

I'll be passing thru dublin airport in a couple weeks and want to pick up a few bottles.

Likely going to get Redbreast 12 cask strength which is a particular fave of mine. Also a greenspot leoville barton or powers john lane 12 year old. Am I missing anything worth considering under 100 quid? Method and madness single pot hungarian oak or is hibiki harmony master worth a try? I've tried regular yellow and green spot,not considering those.

Mickiemcfist

VW 1 wrote: »

I'll be passing thru dublin airport in a couple weeks and want to pick up a few bottles.

Likely going to get Redbreast 12 cask strength which is a particular fave of mine. Also a greenspot leoville barton or powers john lane 12 year old. Am I missing anything worth considering under 100 quid? Method and madness single pot hungarian oak or is hibiki harmony master worth a try? I've tried regular yellow and green spot,not considering those.

Sorry to not be of help, you've literally covered all of my favourites, but is the green spot LB really that much better than the standard?

VW 1

Mickiemcfist wrote: »

Sorry to not be of help, you've literally covered all of my favourites, but is the green spot LB really that much better than the standard?

Only difference is i haven't tried it and am curious!

Seth Brundle

cloudatlas wrote: »

Oh oh here we go.... https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm8vBB_AjSo/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=1esaj96nu0fm4

The number 1 pound for pound whiskey...Jameson get the fook outta 'ere!

When he first announced it, he had named it Notorious which is already trademarked to the Carlow Brewing Company. Furthermore, the product he announced was Whisky, not whiskey...
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/agribusiness-and-food/to-e-or-not-to-e-that-is-the-question-for-mcgregor-s-whiskey-partner-1.3203833
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/fresh-trademark-blow-for-mcgregor-s-whiskey-plan-1.3232266

Good luck to him but do I think he has it in him to make the best whiskey in the world? No chance!

Useful.Idiot

Mickiemcfist wrote: »

but is the green spot LB really that much better than the standard?

Is it 10e better? I would say yes for sure.

2011abc

mik_da_man wrote: »

Doesn't seem right to me tbh.
Redbreast isn't what I would call a Mild whiskey, it's got a good bit of body to it.
Did you try it straight at all and was the water very cold?
Cold water would definitely kill the more complex flavours depending on the amount added. Also there could be a bit of a negative effect on it if it had been just that small bit sitting in a nearly empty bottle for a while. Unlikely in a bar though...

No , water was just from tap at normal temperature .Any old hands got any ‘guidelines’ for adding water ? Anyone uses a dropper / teaspoon etc ? ( the potential for ‘flooding ‘ a treasure is awful !) Tap water ok ? It’s amazing looking at the swirling caused by the chemical reactions going on .I could be imagining it but I found adding a second dribble of water half way through the dram further releases different nice flavors etc .Was a ‘straight’(!) drinker until recently but think the drop of water is a good idea .
How much do people add ? One expert ( no ,seriously ,EXPERT ! ) suggests you’re trying to get it down to about 35% .

L1011

What you're seeing is some fats/oils separating, which while it is a chemical reaction, describing it as that makes it sound quite nasty.

It doesn't happen to chill filtered whiskey - http://www.whiskyforeveryone.com/whisky_basics/chill_filtration.html

EagererBeaver

2011abc wrote: »

mik_da_man wrote: »

Doesn't seem right to me tbh.
Redbreast isn't what I would call a Mild whiskey, it's got a good bit of body to it.
Did you try it straight at all and was the water very cold?
Cold water would definitely kill the more complex flavours depending on the amount added. Also there could be a bit of a negative effect on it if it had been just that small bit sitting in a nearly empty bottle for a while. Unlikely in a bar though...

No , water was just from tap at normal temperature .Any old hands got any ‘guidelines’ for adding water ? Anyone uses a dropper / teaspoon etc ? ( the potential for ‘flooding ‘ a treasure is awful !) Tap water ok ? It’s amazing looking at the swirling caused by the chemical reactions going on .I could be imagining it but I found adding a second dribble of water half way through the dram further releases different nice flavors etc .Was a ‘straight’(!) drinker until recently but think the drop of water is a good idea .
How much do people add ? One expert ( no ,seriously ,EXPERT ! ) suggests you’re trying to get it down to about 35% .

My eyes hurt.

irlirishkev

2011abc wrote: »

No , water was just from tap at normal temperature .Any old hands got any ‘guidelines’ for adding water ? Anyone uses a dropper / teaspoon etc ? ( the potential for ‘flooding ‘ a treasure is awful !) Tap water ok ? It’s amazing looking at the swirling caused by the chemical reactions going on .I could be imagining it but I found adding a second dribble of water half way through the dram further releases different nice flavors etc .Was a ‘straight’(!) drinker until recently but think the drop of water is a good idea .
How much do people add ? One expert ( no ,seriously ,EXPERT ! ) suggests you’re trying to get it down to about 35% .

It's purely subjective. I wouldn't tend to add water unless it's cask strength, but I always taste first. I add then taste, then add more if required etc.. Each to their own.
I just use a small jug of water, and trickle a small drop at a time.

the beer revolu

Seth Brundle wrote: »

When he first announced it, he had named it Notorious which is already trademarked to the Carlow Brewing Company. Furthermore, the product he announced was Whisky, not whiskey...
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/agribusiness-and-food/to-e-or-not-to-e-that-is-the-question-for-mcgregor-s-whiskey-partner-1.3203833
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/fresh-trademark-blow-for-mcgregor-s-whiskey-plan-1.3232266

Good luck to him but do I think he has it in him to make the best whiskey in the world? No chance!

Irish whisky can be spelled with or without the e.

Mellor

Seth Brundle wrote: »

Good luck to him but do I think he has it in him to make the best whiskey in the world? No chance!

He won't be making it personally. It'll made my a company he has invested in.
I imagine having his name attached will boost sales, and I guess many regular whiskey drinkers will sneer at that. Which is kind of ironic.

The best whiskey in the world? Probably not. But it's kinda silly to set that the yardstick when 30, 40, 50 year plus single malts costing 10s of thousands are available.

cloudatlas

Mellor wrote: »

He won't be making it personally. It'll made my a company he has invested in.
I imagine having his name attached will boost sales, and I guess many regular whiskey drinkers will sneer at that. Which is kind of ironic.

The best whiskey in the world? Probably not. But it's kinda silly to set that the yardstick when 30, 40, 50 year plus single malts costing 10s of thousands are available.

If I remember correctly he held up a bottle at one stage and it was a pot still so perhaps it has a fair chance of being good quality no product he has sold so far has been cheap exactly. I'd say the hold up is down to trademark stuff.

EagererBeaver

Has there been any independent verification that he's actually distilling his own, rather than just slapping his name on some stock?

It would be hard to start up your own functioning distillery and not have anyone know about it like.

mik_da_man

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Has there been any independent verification that he's actually distilling his own, rather than just slapping his name on some stock?

It would be hard to start up your own functioning distillery and not have anyone know about it like.

At this point he's just slapping his name on some stock.

L1011

No unaccounted for distilleries on the licence register as far as I can see anyway

Mellor

cloudatlas wrote: »

If I remember correctly he held up a bottle at one stage and it was a pot still so perhaps it has a fair chance of being good quality no product he has sold so far has been cheap exactly. I'd say the hold up is down to trademark stuff.

I wouldn't be reading too much into the bottle held up during the Mayweather presser. That was probably a label bundled together quickly by a graphic artist. I doubt he was consulting the distillery. But maybe.

What products has he done himself so far? Other than endorsements. There's that fashion range with David August, but that's a luxury market anyway.

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Has there been any independent verification that he's actually distilling his own, rather than just slapping his name on some stock?

It would be hard to start up your own functioning distillery and not have anyone know about it like.

There hasnt been, as far as I'm aware at least. But I also don't think there actually needs to be. Historically most whiskey wasnt distilled by the company on the label. But there's obviously a huge difference between relabelling some standard cheap swill and actual bonded whiskey.

EagererBeaver

Oh I get that, I'm just conscious of the phrasing used. "Hard at work in my distillery".

EagererBeaver

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Dublin airport or in Spain? Surprised if it was a Spanish one as they usually don't have much in the way of premium Irish.

I came across Teeling in a shop in Lanzarote last week. Saying that it was a one off and not even in the airport.

Ardent

artanevilla wrote: »

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked:
.....

It is quite sweet, typical of bourbon but boy is it smooth. Very easy to drink. No bite at all when you taste it, it's like liquid caramel. You can defo taste the oak and it is quite fruity.

A trick I picked up online is to pour half of WRDO into an old empty bottle and let it sit for a few weeks. Gives it time to breathe and become an even better drink.

odyssey06

Ardent wrote: »

A trick I picked up online is to pour half of WRDO into an old empty bottle and let it sit for a few weeks. Gives it time to breathe and become an even better drink.

Great idea. You should probably treat yourself to an old school decanter!

pleasant Co.

Ardent wrote: »

A trick I picked up online is to pour half of WRDO into an old empty bottle and let it sit for a few weeks. Gives it time to breathe and become an even better drink.

Sounds like one of those old wives tales to me.

L1011

odyssey06 wrote: »

Great idea. You should probably treat yourself to an old school decanter!

Just not lead crystal

cloudatlas

Mellor wrote: »

I wouldn't be reading too much into the bottle held up during the Mayweather presser. That was probably a label bundled together quickly by a graphic artist. I doubt he was consulting the distillery. But maybe.

What products has he done himself so far? Other than endorsements. There's that fashion range with David August, but that's a luxury market anyway.



There hasnt been, as far as I'm aware at least. But I also don't think there actually needs to be. Historically most whiskey wasnt distilled by the company on the label. But there's obviously a huge difference between relabelling some standard cheap swill and actual bonded whiskey.

The fashion range and mcgregor fast which wasn't cheap. Seems a lot of effort to go to to get a fake mock up for a press conference I would say he had some deal together at that stage even when labels appear for approval it sometimes takes months for the actual whisky to appear.

gozunda

Came across these a while ago. Anyone ever try them?



https://norlanglass.com

http://whisky.buzz/blog/first-impressions-drinking-from-a-norlan-whisky-glass

cloudatlas

gozunda wrote: »

Came across these a while ago. Anyone ever try them?



https://norlanglass.com

http://whisky.buzz/blog/first-impressions-drinking-from-a-norlan-whisky-glass

Glencairn is the best and the cheapest imho.

Useful.Idiot

gozunda wrote: »

Came across these a while ago. Anyone ever try them?

Just bought a set and trying them out this weekend. They look great of course but I'd imagine all of their waxing lyrical about the ritual and the sociability of them compared to other glasses is just bluster to sell them. They're surprisingly light and probably overpriced but if you really like the look could be worth a shout. They used them in that Netflix show Altered Carbon, which I loved, so that kind of swung me a bit. Will see how good they are for nosing though most reports say the Glencairn is still a better tasting glass.

Heading to a lakeside lodge in Cavan this weekend with a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask to test em!

Mellor

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Oh I get that, I'm just conscious of the phrasing used. "Hard at work in my distillery".

Ah I get what you mean. I think I just mentally wrote that part off as marketing fluff. Most plebs on instagram wouldn't have a clue about distilling, binders, aging whiskey etc.

Mellor

Back in Ireland for a few weeks. Up north this week, decided to call into the Busmills distillery. I've been before but did the tour again. Would recommend it.
They've a new whiskey just released called Red Bush. Very bourbon influenced. I guess it's aimed at the American market. Price point the same as the bushmills original.

the beer revolu

EagererBeaver wrote: »

Oh I get that, I'm just conscious of the phrasing used. "Hard at work in my distillery".

He wouldn't be the only player in the industry blatantly pretending to have a distillery when they don't.

He also wouldn't be the the first to come out with a brand name without checking the copyright on it.
At least he didn't actually release the product, unlike some.

dashcamdanny

Mellor wrote: »

Back in Ireland for a few weeks. Up north this week, decided to call into the Busmills distillery. I've been before but did the tour again. Would recommend it.
They've a new whiskey just released called Red Bush. Very bourbon influenced. I guess it's aimed at the American market. Price point the same as the bushmills original.

The Redbush is not very good. I found it a bit cheap and nasty.

They do have a Distillery Exclusive bottle only available in the place. Worth buying ..

https://malt-review.com/2018/08/04/bushmills-distillery-exclusive-acacia-wood-finish/

Pinch Flat

Jameson Crested is €26.50 in O’Brien’s at the moment. Having €7 on my loyalty card was an extra bonus. Lovely sup.

2011abc

Has anyone worked out who is cheapest for buying Whiskey in general or does it vary a fair bit ?Supermarkets or off-licences ? I guess you'd have to factor in loyalty schemes / vouchers etc .No one answer but interested .Lots of ' too dear to justify' over €50 whiskeys bought using tenner off vouchers in last few months I'd say !


Oh and if it's not another annoying noob question ,how many millilitres do most drink when 'tasting' at home ? Irish spirits measures 35/35.5ml(?) I tend to have a bit less but might repeat the experience 2-4 times ...

The popular Whiskey YouTuber Ralfy / RalfV suggested adding a little bit of a good whiskey to a cheap one .I find a generous measure of something like the Aldi 8 year old Scotch followed by a teaspoon of each of 2 or 3 really good whiskeys can be very pleasant too.

Any other recommended Youtubers apart from the American dynamic duo !?

Mellor

dashcamdanny wrote: »

The Redbush is not very good. I found it a bit cheap and nasty.

It's not nearly as nice as black bush or the single malts. But it's not pretending it is either. It's younger that the Bushmills original, with a higher % of the grain whiskey that they bring in. It is what it is imo.

Picked up a bottle of Redbreast 12 year old for £32 in Tesco. Thought that was a bargain.

Hotblack Desiato

Dunnes still have the litre of Powers for €32 offer which has been going for a while now, that's 2 litres for €54 if you have a voucher.

EagererBeaver

2011abc wrote: »

The popular Whiskey YouTuber Ralfy / RalfV suggested adding a little bit of a good whiskey to a cheap one .I find a generous measure of something like the Aldi 8 year old Scotch followed by a teaspoon of each of 2 or 3 really good whiskeys can be very pleasant too.

Any other recommended Youtubers apart from the American dynamic duo !?

I have never, ever heard of anyone doing this in my life. Until now.

Mellor wrote: »

Picked up a bottle of Redbreast 12 year old for £32 in Tesco. Thought that was a bargain.

Great deal, especially with the exchange rate

odyssey06

EagererBeaver wrote: »

I have never, ever heard of anyone doing this in my life. Until now.

Mixing mostly cheap with some aged \ pot still whisky is the basis for 90% of Scotch so this is just the home made blend I guess!

EagererBeaver

odyssey06 wrote: »

EagererBeaver wrote: »

I have never, ever heard of anyone doing this in my life. Until now.

Mixing mostly cheap with some aged \ pot still whisky is the basis for 90% of Scotch so this is just the home made blend I guess!

Pot still whisky in Scotland?