EB Forum

So I love me some beer, but lately I've been trying to expand my whiskey pallet. My go-to in bars as always been a jack & coke, or a whiskey ginger (usually bottom shelf), but I've been trying to drink my whiskey straight up on the rocks. I started with Jack, and then moved to Jameson for a while, but last night at the liquor store I decided to try Russel's Reserve. It was delicious, so I come to you all asking for other whiskey suggestions. I'd also like to know what to look for when drinking whiskey (flavors, body, etc). Keep in mind my income is limited so I can't spend a ton, but I'm definitely interested to hear suggestions to try.

And since my new job doesn't start until Monday, here's to my new whiskey knowledge :pours some Russels:

I love a good single malt...although what's good depends on who you are. I love my Islays, but a number of my friends hate them for the big and boisterous nature.

Bourbon. The only whiskey for me. Brownest of the brown, how I love thee.

When i was getting into my Whisky my wife bought me home a bottle of Sheep Dip , at first I was annoyed at her thinking she had bought one of those faux novelty "Kats Pizz" wine type things , ...but it was bloody lovely.

alittle wrote:I love a good single malt...although what's good depends on who you are. I love my Islays, but a number of my friends hate them for the big and boisterous nature.

Im an Islay man too...

If you live anywhere near Los Angeles, go to The Daily Pint in Santa Monica. They have very kind of whiskey you could imagine an a ton of beer.

Islay Scotch is the best of all whisky. Dark and smoky with an expressive palette of flavors. Peaty, rich and gorgeous.

They take some getting used to and the true joy of Islay is in the above $25 dollar range.

Laphroaig
Lagavulin
Ardbeg
Bowmore

If we want instead to stay American the following Bourbons are good bets,

Elijah Craig [12 Year]
Woodford Reserve
Hudson Baby Bourbon

And for variety,

Few White Whiskey

Knappogue Castle is my favorite. Irish whiskey. Good value. Smooth and clean. Makes the world a nicer place.

To the OP , look up the diffrences between lowland , highland and Islay malts.

When i felt the need to educate myself 25 years ago we bought a random bottle every month and i used a book written by Micheal Jackson (no , not that one!) that taught you what you tasting , its heritage , taste values etc.

It may seem a bit silly reading it from a book , but with so many whiskys out there to taste its difficult to learn to appreciate the subtle tones of something if you dont understand the first thing about it.

Gryph wrote:
Laphroaig
Lagavulin

Bowmore

Three of my favorites right there!

I would also see if you have any local whiskey bars. They often run structured tastings to teach you about the differences.

Pronounced

Laphroaig....laf-roy-guh

Lagavulin ...lang-a-voo-lin

Jesusmalverde wrote:If you live anywhere near Los Angeles, go to The Daily Pint in Santa Monica. They have very kind of whiskey you could imagine an a ton of beer.

I second that. I go there sometimes and they have some fine aged stuff!

Fattyramone wrote:To the OP , look up the diffrences between lowland , highland and Islay malts.

When i felt the need to educate myself 25 years ago we bought a random bottle every month and i used a book written by Micheal Jackson (no , not that one!) that taught you what you tasting , its heritage , taste values etc.

It may seem a bit silly reading it from a book , but with so many whiskys out there to taste its difficult to learn to appreciate the subtle tones of something if you dont understand the first thing about it.

Yea I actually took that approach with coffees, I learned the different kinds, learned to identify tastes. I figured if I'm gonna be drinking this stuff everyday, I may as well enjoy it and be able to identify what I'm drinking.

alittle wrote:I would also see if you have any local whiskey bars. They often run structured tastings to teach you about the differences.

Good idea, hadn't even thought of that. Denver is ga-ga for beer (as it should be) and infused vodkas, but I'll have to see about whiskey bars. Sounds like a good time.