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Single Malt Scotch!

#3,081
The wife just gave me this for my 50th B-Day!
20200524_111218.jpg
 
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#3,086
I had to get my own present, but it's better this way. A bottle of Corryvreckan.

Speaking of which, OK, I'm almost afraid to ask, but not to act like an uninformed rookie (which I am,) but is it possible to get a bad bottle of Scotch???

I can barely drink this Corryvreckan neat. Is it supposed to be way more of an assault to the senses than anything I've ever had before of it's ilk? (Including Caol Ila, Laphroaig 10 and Cask Strength, Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 16, Talisker 10 and quite a few of the Glen-stuffs and several Macallans.)

Maybe something off of the top or bottom of a barrel? Line cleaner? Peat or smoke or sweetener concentrate? I'll take another sip tonight and see if I can be more specific.

I couldn't wait. Are these supposed to show up? Like a lot more woody/char/burned cardboard, a soapy or an oily character (no oil layer on top)? A touch of say an orange-based bitters (Angostura?) Way sweeter than I'm used to aftertaste, a dark almost molasses-like thing that doesn't go away for a long time? It's a lingering taste, both on the very tip of and mostly a way-back-of-the-togue thing? 10 minutes later I can still tell it's there when I bring saliva from the back of my tongue up to the front. Possibly an astringent thing, like you can feel it on your teeth.

Or am I just a silly noob and should stick to the "lighter" fare? It's just not what I was expecting.
 
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#3,087
OogieWaWa said:
I had to get my own present, but it's better this way. A bottle of Corryvreckan.

Speaking of which, OK, I'm almost afraid to ask, but not to act like an uninformed rookie (which I am,) but is it possible to get a bad bottle of Scotch???

I can barely drink this Corryvreckan neat. Is it supposed to be way more of an assault to the senses than anything I've ever had before of it's ilk? (Including Caol Ila, Laphroaig 10 and Cask Strength, Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 16, Talisker 10 and quite a few of the Glen-stuffs and several Macallans.)
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I think you just don't like it. Which is fair, because Corryvreckan is the most virulent assault on the taste buds that I've yet come across. I love the general style of peaty and astringent scotches, but this one can be downright unpleasant if I'm not in the mood for it. I do like it, but like I said, I have to be ready for some olfactory BDSM.

I usually buy the Uigeadail instead, it's more forgiving and easier to sip.
 
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#3,088
I tried Corryveckan several years ago and while it was far more complex than Laphroig 10 (the only Laphroig I don't like) it had that same medicine (soapiness) that turned me off to it. To be honest I wasn't impressed with most Ardbergs because of it. Ironically the An Oa has become one of my favorites especially since Lagivullen 16 has become scarce around here
 
#3,089
OogieWaWa said:
I had to get my own present, but it's better this way. A bottle of Corryvreckan.

Speaking of which, OK, I'm almost afraid to ask, but not to act like an uninformed rookie (which I am,) but is it possible to get a bad bottle of Scotch???

I can barely drink this Corryvreckan neat. Is it supposed to be way more of an assault to the senses than anything I've ever had before of it's ilk? (Including Caol Ila, Laphroaig 10 and Cask Strength, Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 16, Talisker 10 and quite a few of the Glen-stuffs and several Macallans.)

Maybe something off of the top or bottom of a barrel? Line cleaner? Peat or smoke or sweetener concentrate? I'll take another sip tonight and see if I can be more specific.

I couldn't wait. Are these supposed to show up? Like a lot more woody/char/burned cardboard, a soapy or an oily character (no oil layer on top)? A touch of say an orange-based bitters (Angostura?) Way sweeter than I'm used to aftertaste, a dark almost molasses-like thing that doesn't go away for a long time? It's a lingering taste, both on the very tip of and mostly a way-back-of-the-togue thing? 10 minutes later I can still tell it's there when I bring saliva from the back of my tongue up to the front. Possibly an astringent thing, like you can feel it on your teeth.

Or am I just a silly noob and should stick to the "lighter" fare? It's just not what I was expecting.
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Try it with a couple drops of water before you write it off. But you are right it is an affront to the senses.

Tonight I'm enjoying Ardbeg Wee Beastie which reminds me a little of Corryvrecken not as complex but intensely peat-y.
 
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#3,091
Will_White said:
Try it with a couple drops of water before you write it off.
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I did just that last night. Quite a difference! MUCH better, thank you. I had tried adding water to almost everything I tried for a while, but typically didn't find it as appealing. For some, especially the Highland whiskys, it actually made them taste much worse to me. They became rather insipid. So didn't think of it at first. And it was more water than usual before this came around, like about a 5S:1W ratio when it completely changed for me.

Thinking back, I did like Laphroaig Cask Strength a bit more with a few drops, but I thought that was just because of the higher alcohol concentration. Perhaps because my impression is that these are higher on the peat side than the smoke to my taste.

Thanks at least for the confirmation of what I sensed.
 
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#3,093
OogieWaWa said:
I did just that last night. Quite a difference! MUCH better, thank you. I had tried adding water to almost everything I tried for a while, but typically didn't find it as appealing. For some, especially the Highland whiskys, it actually made them taste much worse to me. They became rather insipid. So didn't think of it at first. And it was more water than usual before this came around, like about a 5S:1W ratio when it completely changed for me.

Thinking back, I did like Laphroaig Cask Strength a bit more with a few drops, but I thought that was just because of the higher alcohol concentration. Perhaps because my impression is that these are higher on the peat side than the smoke to my taste.

Thanks at least for the confirmation of what I sensed.
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I tried water, deep inhaling - still couldn’t hack it. I’ve enjoyed other Ardbeg offerings, so this is offered without prejudice ;). Still, if someone were to ask me what’s the most intense Scotch experience I’ve had, Corryvreckan wins, hands down!
 
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#3,094
burk48237 said:
Ironically the An Oa has become one of my favorites especially since Lagavulin 16 has become scarce around here
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Sorry to have directed you towards the Corryvreckan, but I love most Ardbegs and it most of all. Really happy with the An Oa too. I think that when you get the chance, as a fan of Lagavulin 16, you're going to really like the Lagavulin 12. It costs a bit more, but absolutely worth it.
 
#3,096
Hm, I just picked up a small bottle of scotch (Glenlivet 12) for the first time the other day, and now I see this thread. I’m a total scotch rookie- mostly a beer drinker but I do enjoy bourbon casually once in a while. Any serving tips, recommendations, or general ribbing for a newbie?
 
#3,097
Timmah said:
Hm, I just picked up a small bottle of scotch (Glenlivet 12) for the first time the other day, and now I see this thread. I’m a total scotch rookie- mostly a beer drinker but I do enjoy bourbon casually once in a while. Any serving tips, recommendations, or general ribbing for a newbie?
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I think you started out right! There’s a lot else to explore, but I took me years to land on Glen 12 as my steady. Enjoy!
 
#3,099
MJ5150 said:
This may be exciting news for the Macallan fans among us:
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-Mike
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My personal go to when I need to re purchase. My current bottle is still 3/4 full. I haven't had a snort in about 5 years. It's the best tasting scotch I've ever had. 22 yo and zero negative things about it. It's clean, finishes well and was a wonderful compliment to my pipe ( which I have since quit ).

My brother bought me a bottle of Barton 1792 12 yo that is also a damn fine drink.

Might be time for a lil nip ;)
 
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