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.

[saphojunkie]

Originally Posted by srvy

That is some good stuff for a rye. My problem it is so limited and hard to find. You feel like an old prospector striking gold when you find a place that got its hands on some.

Seriously? I feel like that's at literally every liquor store I go to.

I don't do ryes straight. Not only is the grain itself so potent, but the whiskey tends to be 90 proof or higher. It's for this reason that I only use Ryes in my old fashioneds and manhattans.

oh, and while we're at it... let me turn you onto something AMAZING.

barrel-aging cocktails.

You buy a barrel, such as... this one:

http://redheadoakbarrels.com/aging-b...aging-barrels/



You mix up your cocktail (vieux carre, manhattan, old fashioned). You fill the charred new oak. You wait five weeks. You pour it into a bottle.

And you will never be able to drink it freshly mixed again. It's magic. But I use the higher alcohol ryes because aging cocktails not only smooths flavor out, it also reduces the ABV, so I still want my cocktails to have some punch.

[srvy]

Originally Posted by 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.

You and I see eye to eye on Bourbons and I have pretty much made Evan Williams 1783 my daily drinker over Buffalo Trace.

I might add that a few drop of water in the 1783 really opens it up like you stated in latter posts. If you haven't tried give it a go It really is quiet amazing.

[srvy]

I am not a big scotch drinker but a good friend is and have partaken from his personal stash many a time.

This one is a favorite for me.

[Rasputin]

If I ever go back to drinking again it is strait to Scotch. I am a Scotchaholic.

[cdcox]

Originally Posted by BWillie

When I drink it, even mixed with coke,

You are doing it wrong.

[srvy]

The Flavor Map
Its a pretty good guide for the taste you are seeking.

[Ming the Merciless]

nice , thanks!

[bdj23]

Originally Posted by srvy

That is some good stuff for a rye. My problem it is so limited and hard to find. You feel like an old prospector striking gold when you find a place that got its hands on some.

Really? I know of a few liquor stores in Lawrence that seemingly always have it in stock.

Saw a bottle for $39.99 on Sunday.

[Ming the Merciless]

On that chart, I think I prefer delicate yet rich....

Glenlivet 18 is my #1 right now...

Funny the Bunnahabhain 12 is right there too, but I thouight it was an Islay & assumed it would be smoky....That might be my next 'cheap' bottle

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by saphojunkie

You gotta work up to the peat, though. You can't go zero-to-Laphroaig.

I had started drinking scotch doing the Glenlivet thing for a while drinking the 15 year on occasion and enjoying it and then my brother had me taste some Laphroaig and I asked him what the **** was that? Medicine?

Then I gained a taste for peaty smokey stuff and the other stuff was too tame.

I was able to get a couple Dalwhinnie 15 for $30 a bottle a few years ago, that was a steal even though its a bit milder.

Love scotch, and pick up JWB at Sam's for $30. Thats a good deal.

Had some Templeton Rye last week, Sams is carrying that now. It wasn't bad but I prefer Scotch.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by BDj23

Really? I know of a few liquor stores in Lawrence that seemingly always have it in stock.

Saw a bottle for $39.99 on Sunday.

Sams Club has it for around $30.

[Sensual Lardass]

Macallan 18 is my scotch of choice and Four Roses is who I turn to when I want a good bourbon.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by NewChief

My father-in-law is on the Johnny Walker Platinum lately. He'll pour me a finger or two before he heads off to bed.

The other night we spent the night at their house. When we woke up and were having breakfast I said, "Paul. I hope you don't mind, but I finished off the Johnny Walker last night after you went to bed."

I think he had a small heart attack.

Nice

[Bwana]

We need BigOlChieffan to chime in on this, that guy knows his stuff.

[prhom]

Big fan of scotch, but can't drink bourbon the same way. Love the really peaty scotches, but the wife doesn't like it when I drink them. Something about it smelling like I've been chewing on tree bark all night.