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So, what are you drinking now?

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By @Wodha @Wodha on 15th Jan 2010, show post

Replies: page 465/645

@RianC
RianC replied

A Springbank 15 whilst making a gingerbread house with the family. Enjoying this lots today - it feels like a 'festive dram' if you know what I mean? Now watching the Muppets Christmas Carol and getting that Xmas vibe with a hot chocolate with a nip of coffee liqueur and marshmallow.

When I say making decorating would be more accurate wink

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

@bwmccoy
bwmccoy replied

@BlueNote - it was the first time using that recipe and if I make it again, I would definitely leave out the apple cider vinegar. I’m not a fan of vinegar anyway and this did nothing to change my mind on the subject. :-) You asking for toddy recipes reminded me that I have some Diageo promotional material from 2006 that’s a countdown to the Holidays calendar. In there is a Talisker Hot Toddy recipe called “A warmer heart”. Ingredients: dram of Talisker, tablespoon of honey, teaspoon of sugar, traditional English cider (still, not carbonated), a wedge of lemon, a cinnamon stick and 2 cloves. Directions: Coat the bottom of a wine glass with the honey and add the Talisker. Warm the cider in a pan and pour it into the glass. Stir well, then garnish with the lemon, cinnamon stick and cloves. According to the promotional material, you are to drink it next to an open fire with a good book. I’ve never made it, but it sounds good to me. Maybe an excuse to open my bottle of Game of Thrones Talisker? :-)

@RianC - or should I address you as Martha Stewart because that gingerbread house looks perfect! Well done! You deserve that dram after that level of execution! :-)

4 years ago 2Who liked this?

@RianC
RianC replied

@bwmccoy - In fairness it was a kit that required assembly so a bit like 'bake by numbers' grin That said, my partner was amazed at how pedantic I was getting over the placing of each snowflake ha ha! blush

On the hot toddy theme - I always take a hot toddy to be a remedy for the flu. My own take is grated ginger in a tea pot and steep for a short while (taste dependant) then pour it over the juice of a fresh squeezed lemon and 1-2 tbsp of honey. A wee nip of a standard blend in there usually helps it all go down and aids restful sleep!

4 years ago 6Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan replied

Found the Fiddich whisky bar in Jerusalem. They have an enormous selection of whiskies, though I would pass on many of them. What they did have was a single cask bottling of Israeli single malt from the Golan Heights distillery (3 YO) as well as a 4 YO. The labelling was very detailed, especially for the 3 YO.

I like it (Israeli Cabernet cask) better than the 4 YO, port-style cask matured bottling.

The pours were tiny but I’m used to that with epic tastings, and they were served in glencairns!

4 years ago 5Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan replied

There were 5 whiskies in total. Interesting, the GlenShlomzion appears to be associated with the Golan Heights distillery as well as Milk and Honey (based in Tel Aviv).

I chose the bottom two because I tasted a Milk and Honey expression yesterday, and because we hope to visit the aforementioned distillery near the end of our trip. I hope to come home with as many different bottlings as my wife (and Canada Customs) will permit.

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

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Jonathan replied

@OdysseusUnbound We are a few days apart. Mine is 12/12.Happy Birthday!

Tonight I'm enjoying Ardbeg 10 and then Uigeadail. Oddly enough, I had the offer for VW 10 on my birthday, at twice the price I last paid....i turned it down, especially because Stagg and Handy were the same price, but not available to me. Lesson learned:I should not have written "any Pappy" on my wishlist....

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

@BlueNote
BlueNote replied

@Nozinan Best falafels I ever had;Tel Aviv, best hummus I ever had; Haifa, most interesting Christmas I ever spent; Jerusalem/Bethlehem. I hope you are enjoying your time over there not only for the whisky. Don’t know what it’s like now, but back in the eighties it was a very dangerous, and fascinating part of the world. Take care.

4 years ago 6Who liked this?

@BlueNote
BlueNote replied

Listening to Miles Davis (Someday my Prince Will Come) and sipping on my recently acquired Benromach 100 Proof. It’s still as good as I remembered...and so is Miles.

4 years ago 5Who liked this?

@fiddich1980
fiddich1980 replied

A dram of Two Brewers Innovative release 14

I'll been fortunate to try a lot of different whiskies this year age state, non-age stated international, blended, rye, bourbon, single malt, and under the radar distilleries. I had a pretty good idea of which I believed were the outstanding ones for myself in the fall. Yet, the sheer flavour diversity and range of quality in brown spirits, continue to surprise me. There have been more stars than dogs so far.

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

@bwmccoy
bwmccoy replied

Tonight, Highland Park 17 year (Sep. 2002) After 15 years in an ex-bourbon barrel, finished in a Refill Jamaican rum barrel - 57.1% ABV. Not bad, but I could do without the rum finish. It detracts from the whisky in my opinion.

4 years ago 2Who liked this?

@OdysseusUnbound

Tonight I had a pour of Weller 12 while making big honkin’ strip loins on the grill. I’m glad the off note is gone from the finish, but I still prefer the Weller Antique 107. Now the dishes are done and I’m having a small pour of Hazelburn 10. The Springbank funk is muted but still present and I swear there’s still a hint of smoke here. I’m glad this is 100% bourbon casks as the spirit really gets a chance to shine and it’s great. I’d love to try an older (exclusively ex-bourbon) Hazelburn, say 16 to 18 years old.

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

@BlueNote
BlueNote replied

@OdysseusUnbound Oh, Yeah. Bring that upscale Hazelburn on. It would probably be fabulous, but crazy expensive.

4 years ago 3Who liked this?

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge replied

W L Weller 12 YO batch L14316 purchased May 2015 and opened 12/25/2017. After two years this one is blooming nicely. Still a bit tight, but the caramel note now dominates on both the nose and pallet.

4 years ago 3Who liked this?

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@bwmccoy
bwmccoy replied

A little behind on posting.

On Monday night, I finished off my bottle of Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (56.9% ABV) Cask # W090220020 Bottle # 143 of 197. I'm really going to miss this one. Purchased in 2014, this was as good on Monday night as when we opened it over 4 years ago.

Also on Monday night, had a dram of Glenturret SMWS 16.33 (8 year - Dec. 2009) "Melville’s other monster" - Re-charred hogshead - 62.0% ABV. I love this heavily peated "monster" more every time I drink it.

Last night (Tuesday), had a dram of Glenmorangie 15 Year Sauternes Wood Finish. Purchased at the distillery summer 2010, opened summer 2016. Still one of the best Glenmorangie's that I have ever tasted. Signet and a 19 year Society bottling are the only two that I can think of that were better.

@BlueNote - continued response to your request for toddy recipes; technically, this is considered a spiced apple cider, but thought I would send it along in case you were interested in giving it a try (I have not tried it yet). • 8 cups Organic Apple Cider* • 3 Cinnamon Sticks • 2 Oranges studded with cloves • 2 Star Anise • *You can use apple juice, but if you do add lemon juice to taste to balance the sugar content. Heat all ingredients in a pot over medium heat and let simmer for 30 minutes before serving. If you want to reduce sediment from the cinnamon, pour into mugs through a fine strainer. It was suggested that a peated whisky (specifically a Caol Ila) would compliment this recipe either as a side car or poured directly into the mug. :-) Enjoy!

4 years ago 5Who liked this?

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge replied

@bwmccoy, I will give that recipe a try. Is it possible there was a typo in the instructions? Perhaps it should read, a peated whisky (specifically a Caol Ila) would compliment this recipe as a side car and poured directly into the mug. :-) Enjoy!

4 years ago 3Who liked this?

@cricklewood
cricklewood replied

Belly full of polenta, I'm doing dishes and sipping on my final dram of Four Roses Single Barrel.

This bourbon is so distinctive, it's been a joy all the way through, I'll definitely pick up another bottle at some point

4 years ago 3Who liked this?

@bwmccoy
bwmccoy replied

Last night, I had the pleasure of hanging out with @jordytropp and his lovely wife for drinks, dinner and more drinks, in that order. :-)

First up, Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye, barrel proof (54.15% BV), aged 24 months.

Westland Distillery (Seattle, WA) Cask # 2549 Single cask release, cask strength (4 years 2 months) made with Washington Select Pale Malt - 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon (Heaven Hills) cask - 60.1% ABV

Highland Park 18 year old (43% ABV)

Aultmore SMWS 73.107 (20 year - May 1998) "Cherry chocolate and chutney" - 1st-fill Oloroso hogshead for 2 years after 18 years in ex-bourbon hogshead - 55.3% ABV

Just before heading out for dinner, I made the "smoky mountain" cocktail using Copperworks Distilling Company American Single Malt Whiskey Single Cask No. 97 Release No. 16. Aged 38 months in a new French oak cask - 58.9% ABV, maple syrup, bitters and smoked the glass by burning cinnamon sticks.

After dinner, @jordytropp served "adult" (real) Egg Nog that a friend of his made. We know that there is bourbon, rum and brandy in it, but we don't know brands or proportions. Good stuff though!

Also had a Hot Buttered Rum using batter that @jordytropp's wife made from scratch and 15 year old rhum Barbancourt with some ice cream on top. Decadent and delicious.

Finished the night with a 12 year Society Rum. SMWS R8.4 (Flor de Caña from Nicaragua) appropriately named "Camp fire in Nicaragua" from a refill ex-bourbon barrel. 57.5% ABV.

A great night with great friends!

4 years ago 5Who liked this?

@Hewie
Hewie replied

Tonight a London Pride ale and Benromach 10 100 proof. Ahh

4 years ago 5Who liked this?

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@bwmccoy
bwmccoy replied

Last night, Croftengea (a peated Highlander from Loch Lomond) SMWS 122.23 (7 year - Feb. 11th, 2011) "Highly a-musing" from a second-fill ex-bourbon hogshead - 57.7% ABV.

Followed by Caol Ila SMWS 53.298 (11 year - September 2007) "Tokaji and tug boats" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 60.0% ABV.

4 years ago 3Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan replied

I’m in Eilat after a dusty day visiting the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.

Coming back into Israel I had the opportunity to buy Dimple Scotch at the DF ( you walk across the border) but I have other plans for my Canadian import quota.

So tonight I’m relaxing with a high test “slow brewed” extra strong lager. 10%! Almost in whisky territory!

This one is quite nice. A little sweet, VERY malty. Not available in Canada though, pity.

4 years ago 9Who liked this?

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@bwmccoy
bwmccoy replied

Tonight, Miltonduff SMWS 72.75 (10 year - Feb. 2008) "The flower of youth" - Refill ex-bourbon barrel - 61.3% ABV. Such a great distillery!

4 years ago 0

@bwmccoy
bwmccoy replied

I forgot to post that before the Miltonduff, before dinner, I made my wife and I a Gin and Tonic using two parts The Botanist Gin and 4 parts Fever Tree Aromatic Tonic Water with a wedge of Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit as a garnish. A really nice variation of the traditional G&T.

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

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@cricklewood
cricklewood replied

after a long day of errands I've decided to dig into the sample cabinet and came up with these as a head to head.

Glen Scotia 16: 46% ABV I believe this is a travel retail exclusive. It says bourbon & american oak cask? This one was rather sweet, fruity and floral with the slightest amount of bitter, grassy, herbal & dirty edge underneath

Glen Garioch 1995-2012: first fill bourbon 55.3% ABV very rich, pastry cream, green fruits, pine, earthy green tea and slight peaty earthyness

There were some parallels between these two.

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

@bwmccoy
bwmccoy replied

Tonight was a family dinner and poker night at our house. My brother-in-law and I had the following;

Finished off my bottle of Mannochmore SMWS 64.111 (8 year - Mar. 2010) "Pleasing sweetness, playful heat" - Re-charred hogshead - 55.5% ABV.

Next was Blair Athol SMWS 68.27 (9 year - Feb. 2009) "Bittersweet vibrancy" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 59.1% ABV.

Aultmore SWMS 73.113 (7 year - June 2011) "Sweet, earthy and amazing" - 2nd-fill Spanish oak Oloroso butt - 67.5% ABV

Peat Faerie Jr SMWS 7 year old Blended Malt Batch 04 (Speyside 1st-fill barrels and Islay refill hogsheads) - 50% ABV

Caol Ila SMWS 53.298 (11 year - September 2007) "Tokaji and tug boats" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 60.0% ABV

Glenturret SMWS 16.33 (8 year - Dec. 2009) "Melville’s other monster" - Re-charred hogshead - 62.0% ABV

Laphroaig SMWS 29.226 (18 year - Mar. 1999) - "Seaside surprise" - Refill ex-Oloroso sherry butt - 56.8% ABV

A fun night with the family!

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

@Victor
Victor replied

Today, at a free commercial tasting:

1) Glenfarclas 25 yo, OB, 43% ABV

2) Chieftain's Glenturret 25 yo, 49.7% ABV

3) Valinch & Mallet 24 yo Single Cask, oops, left off distillery name, 57.1% ABV

4) Valinch & Mallet 19 yo Ben Nevis, Single Cask, '99--'18, 51.7% ABV

5) G & M Mortlach 25 yo, 43% ABV

6) Connoisseur's Choice Ledaig 18 yo, 46% ABV

Favourites? The Glenturret was my favourite of the group. The Ledaig was also extremely interesting in its silky mouthfeel leading to a progressively drier and very austere finish.

4 years ago 4Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan replied

Have to work up those liver enzymes for Tuesday’s visit to a distillery so tonight it’s this one. This Goldstar is 4.9%, so not as powerful as the slow brew, but it retains its malty core. I think I prefer the slow brew but the store here really didn’t have the same variety as the one in Eilat.

This one has more bitterness and less malty richness.

4 years ago 5Who liked this?

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