The Great Whisky (Whiskey) Thread!

[Ming the Merciless]

***

If this already exists, feel free to put a link to the proper thread...I searched and found a bourbon thread but alas , no whiskey thread which makes me think my search-fu failed....

But, in case there is not already a whiskey thread:

This thread shall be dedicated to all types of Whiskey.

I will try to make some sort of index up here, as more information is added.

*This is a work in progress...

Whisky / Whiskey
"A type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash"
Each of the subcategories will be defined and include recommendations at different rough price points. Please feel free to post up a recommendation and I will try to get a rough price estimate....

Scotch

Map of Scotch Regions

Spoiler!

There are very strict rules as to which whiskies can be called Scotch. To be called scotch firstly and foremost, the whisky must be made in Scotland. Second, it must be made according to a manner prescribed in detail, by Scottish law. For more see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_whisky

Single Malt Scotch

To be a "single malt scotch" the whisky must be a "scotch" (duh!) and ALSO be made of ' only water & malted barley at a SINGLE distillery via batch distillation' (see here: LINK)

Blended Scotch

Must be a scotch (see above)..but: Most whisky is blended. It is easier and cheaper to make better tasting whisky than if you attempt the difficult talk of making a single malt. Master blenders do tastings and come up with blends of many different whiskys to achieve a result that they feel is desirable.



Bourbon

Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey: a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name is ultimately derived from the French Bourbon dynasty, although it is disputed whether Bourbon County in Kentucky or Bourbon Street in New Orleans inspired the whiskey's name.[1] Bourbon has been distilled since the 18th century.[2] The use of the term "Bourbon" for the whiskey has been traced to the 1820s, and the term began to be used consistently in Kentucky in the 1870s.[1] While bourbon may be made anywhere in the United States, it is strongly associated with the American South in general, and with Kentucky in particular. As of 2014, the distillers' wholesale market revenue for bourbon sold within the U.S. is about $2.7 billion, and bourbon makes up about two-thirds of the $1.6 billion of U.S. exports of distilled spirits.[3][4] (Wikipedia)


American Rye Whisky

In the United States, "rye whiskey" is, by law, made from a mash of at least 51 percent rye. (The other ingredients of the mash are usually corn and malted barley.) It is distilled to no more than 160 U.S. proof (80% abv), and aged in charred, new oak barrels. The whiskey must be put into such barrels at not more than 125 proof (62.5% abv). Rye whiskey that has been so aged for at least two years and has not been blended with other spirits may be further designated as "straight", as in "straight rye whiskey".<sup>[1]


Irish Whiskey</sup>

Most Irish pot still whiskey is distilled thrice, while most (but not all) Scotch whisky is distilled twice. Peat is rarely used in the malting process, so that Irish whiskey has a smoother finish as opposed to the smoky, earthy overtones common to some Scotches. There are notable exceptions to these rules in both countries! (Some Irish whiskeys use peat, many Scotches do not)

Japanese Whiskey


Japanese Whiskey production first began around 1870. They started out by trying to emulate Scotch Whisky. Areas of Hokkaido are known to have climates similar to Scotland, and the difficulties of single malt production make it such that mainly Japanese whisky is blended.

[Ming the Merciless]

I really REALLY like certain whiskeys and I cant stand others...I never really knew how much I liked whiskey until I found two things:

1) The right kind of whiskey for my tastes

2) The right way to drink it


For me, I like lighter single-malt Scotches - generally of the "Speyside" region....

My go-to Is Glenlivet 12 year old (cheap and decent) but I like to splurge on 18/21 on occasion.

I would love to branch out and try more Speysides to get a couple more 'daily drivers' in my stable...


Oh also, I find that I like mine on the rocks with just a TINY bit of water.

What say you??

How do you like your whisky? WHat are your favorites?

[Ming the Merciless]

SPeyside Scotch:

http://www.masterofmalt.com/region/speyside-whisky/

Speyside whiskies are among Scotland’s lightest, sweetest single malts. Age often brings a bit more body and the profusion of heavily sherried whiskies from the region exhibit superb power. Though a comparatively small appellation, Speyside has, by some distance, the vast majority of Scotch whisky distilleries. Indeed there are eighty-four working distilleries, including the world’s best-sellers: The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant and The Macallan.

[J Diddy]

I've found that the brand only helps the taste on the first 2 cups. After that I don't give a shit if it's high dollar or always save.

[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I've found that the brand only helps the taste on the first 2 cups. After that I don't give a shit if it's high dollar or always save.

That could very well be true... a full 16 oz of of good whiskey, and then I probably wouldnt care all that much what I drank after...

But I cannot stand the really smokey or 'peaty' Scotches like some of the Highlands....maybe I just havent found the right ones, but I don't think i could pound 16 oz of that.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I've found that the brand only helps the taste on the first 2 cups. After that I don't give a shit if it's high dollar or always save.

Its always a good idea to have 2 bottles around. Start with the good stuff, get a buzz then switch to cheaper.

If the gap is too big its hard to bridge.

[BWillie]

I REALLY wish I liked scotch, or any whiskey whatsoever. But, it is the most sickening alcoholic drink out there. When I drink it, even mixed with coke, I get an immediate gag reflex. It's just terrible. I can down vodka, tequila, no problem. Why am I so unmanly?

I honestly think the taste of whiskey is coveted because gunslingers and all the cool cats back in the wild wild west drank it, so, people just thought it was cool to continue to drink it. But now that culture isn't really coveted, so I don't really have a good answer as to why whiskey is popular.

[Mother****erJones]

I usually start with the cheap stuff and then go to my sipping whiskeys

[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I REALLY wish I liked scotch, or any whiskey whatsoever. But, it is the most sickening alcoholic drink out there. When I drink it, even mixed with coke, I get an immediate gag reflex. It's just terrible. I can down vodka, tequila, no problem. Why am I so unmanly?

I honestly think the taste of whiskey is coveted because gunslingers and all the cool cats back in the wild wild west drank it, so, people just thought it was cool to continue to drink it. But now that culture isn't really coveted, so I don't really have a good answer as to why whiskey is popular.

Thats EXACTLY how I was until I tried a glenlivet 18 on the rocks with a little water added...and then I suddenly just "got it"

That would be my suggestion....give a couple of lighter ones a try , on the rocks with like a tablespoon maybe of pure water added

[NewChief]

I used to love scotch, but I've become a bourbon drinker.

As for scotches, I like the Islays. I've realized that I want my booze to slap me in the face. A lot of the highland/speyside scotches are way too subtle for me.

In all honesty, a lot of the more high priced bourbons are the same way. Four Roses is too sweet and subtle. Some of the Woodford is the same way. I like to taste what I'm drinking.

My current nightly drinker is Evan Williams 1783.

[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by NewChief

As for scotches, I like the Islays. I've realized that I want my booze to slap me in the face.

Hmmm Youll have to recommend me an Islay to work my way up to...

Every Islay I have tasted (not many, admittedly) tastes like a combination of lighter fluid and liquid smoke

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by Pawnmower

Hmmm Youll have to recommend me an Islay to work my way up to...

Every Islay I have tasted (not many, admittedly) tastes like a combination of lighter fluid and liquid smoke

That's pretty much the flavor. Laphroig is the classic and most popular. They're usually described as very medicinal, smokey, and peaty.

[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by NewChief

That's pretty much the flavor. Laphroig is the classic and most popular. They're usually described as very medicinal, smokey, and peaty.

hmm maybe ill try again with a bit more water

[kysirsoze]

Islay. All day.

[kysirsoze]

Of course I also like very hoppy beer. I think the preferences are related.