Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Blow Yaself wrote:

I've read that this is the be-all and end-all of blended scotch.

it is. of blended scotch. if you want to spend that kind of money, though, then you're better off getting a single malt. even cheaper single malts taste better, imo.

Defiantly for someone with a history of drinking scotch. Start with Dewar's white or Johnny Red. If you really want the blue add ice but wait for it to melt as it will make it cooler and easier to drink without giving up any flavor.

Why are you so defiant?

I love a defiant liquor.

Haile, are you reading this? Do you know anything about Johnny Walker's fine products?

it is awesome, far and away better than the green or gold label. trying to get a buddy or two to go half or thirds for a fifth. have a day long "man" day, clean guns, grill, drink johnnie walker blue, speak ill of women, hit the titty bar, you know? man stuff.

seriously now wrote:

trying to get a buddy or two to go half or thirds for a fifth.

It's nice to see that you are fascinated with fractions!!

Some single malts I usually have on hand are:

Laphroaig

Talisker

Ardbeg

They'll run you about $40-$60.

Johnnie Walker Blue is the best blended scotch that I've tasted. But it's blended. That's like being the tallest midget. You might be taller than your peers, but you're still a midget. If you want something that actually tastes good, go with a decent single malt. You can get a decent single malt (12 year Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, etc.) for $30-40. If you want to spend a bit more, you can go with something like Macallan 15 year, Oban 14 year, or Laphroaig 10 year. And if you're willing to splurge a bit ($80), you can get my personal favorite, Lagavulin (16 year). Johnnie Walker is all marketing. It is way overpriced for what you get. I think you'd be much happier with a good single malt.

It also depends on what you like. I don't particularly like any of the Islay scotches, way too smokey for me (which Blue Label is). I like many of the single malts 'mrb' mentions below, except Lagavulin, which I can't even bring up to my lips as its characteristics make me nausous. :-)But a Glenmorangie, Oban, Macallan or Glenrothes are great. Other than ice, some people put a few drops of water, as it helps 'release' some of the flavors. Enjoy and drink responsibly!

mrb wrote:

Johnnie Walker Blue is the best blended scotch that I've tasted. But it's blended. That's like being the tallest midget. You might be taller than your peers, but you're still a midget. If you want something that actually tastes good, go with a decent single malt. You can get a decent single malt (12 year Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, etc.) for $30-40. If you want to spend a bit more, you can go with something like Macallan 15 year, Oban 14 year, or Laphroaig 10 year. And if you're willing to splurge a bit ($80), you can get my personal favorite, Lagavulin (16 year). Johnnie Walker is all marketing. It is way overpriced for what you get. I think you'd be much happier with a good single malt.

Have to agree on the Lagavulin 16 year. Excellent single malt and personal favorite as well.

I also tried their double distilled, a bit pricier but equally good - found it at Heathrow's World of Whiskey's shop. What a treasure of what's available and quite a bit of tasting allowed as you wait for your flight.

I love the World of Whiskeys shop at Heathrow. As you said, they have a great selection, and they are generous with the tasting. I had a good buzz going just from shopping.

I have not tried the double distilled Lagavulin. I will have to keep my eye out for it.

Yeah, Johnnie Walker deserves about 1% of the hype it gets. The midget comparison is very apt.

I agree that Lagavulin (16) is great, as is Laphroaig (try the Quarter Cask). I'll throw Bowmore 12 into the Islay mix as well. But these are all pretty smoky, peaty, etc.

If you're looking for something a little more accessible, go for a Speyside malt. Macallan 12, of course, or Glenmorangie (The Original - 10) are good starting points. The latter is the most popular among Scots.

Fit.

scherbatsky wrote:

Yeah, Johnnie Walker deserves about 1% of the hype it gets. The midget comparison is very apt.

I agree that Lagavulin (16) is great, as is Laphroaig (try the Quarter Cask). I'll throw Bowmore 12 into the Islay mix as well. But these are all pretty smoky, peaty, etc.

If you're looking for something a little more accessible, go for a Speyside malt. Macallan 12, of course, or Glenmorangie (The Original - 10) are good starting points. The latter is the most popular among Scots.

Fit.

Good advise. Lagavulin is a great Scotch but it is VERY peaty and would likely put off a first timer. Speyside Macallan 12, Glenmorangie are great starters and much better than a blended.

Give me smoke, the more the better, so I love the younger Laphroiags. But another more friendly Speyside is Aberlour, which is becoming easier to find for not a huge amount of money.

Apparently lots of aficianado's here, so the question is:

Bourbon or scotch? Favorites, reasons?

cheel8ed wrote:

Apparently lots of aficianado's here, so the question is:

Bourbon or scotch? Favorites, reasons?

I love scotch, but given the choice between a premium bourbon or scotch, I usually go for the bourbon. Why? Well, I just think it tastes better. My suggestion: Try lots of stuff and see what you like. Everyone is different.

I do enjoy a good bourbon, but if given the choice I'll almost always opt for a good scotch instead. The reason is that it seems like there's much more "character" (for lack of a better word; I'm not trying to sound pretentious) with scotches. It seems like there is such a variety of flavors when it comes to scotch. As I'm sure you could tell from my endorsement of Lagavulin and Laphroaig, I love the smokey, peaty scotches. My experience with bourbons is limited, but I have yet to stumble on any bourbons that have any of those same characteristics.

Blue Label = Mottram

21 year old Balvenie Portwood = Haile...doped to the gills