• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Single Malt

#22
I believe Islay is an area and a type of scotch, and Lagavulin is a distillery of that style of scotch. I recall it had a smoky flavor. I’m sure knowledgeable folks could add more.
 
#23
TomB said:
I believe Islay is an area and a type of scotch, and Lagavulin is a distillery of that style of scotch. I recall it had a smoky flavor. I’m sure knowledgeable folks could add more.
Click to expand...
You are correct, sir.
Also, Lagavulin is my all-time favourite - smokey and peaty. Hasn't stopped me trying others, of course.

One of the most helpful things for exploring whisky/whiskey is a place that'll do tasting menus, so you can really taste the differences between the types. There's one in Amsterdam (L&B's Whisky Café) with a great collection of those - until I moved here, I had no idea just how much variety there really is.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TomB
#24
equill said:
You are correct, sir.
Also, Lagavulin is my all-time favourite - smokey and peaty. Hasn't stopped me trying others, of course.

One of the most helpful things for exploring whisky/whiskey is a place that'll do tasting menus, so you can really taste the differences between the types. There's one in Amsterdam (L&B's Whisky Café) with a great collection of those - until I moved here, I had no idea just how much variety there really is.
Click to expand...
Lucky you. Here in Pennsylvania , USA we have state controlled liquor stores. The choices of brands are limited and arbitrarily selected by unknown people and methods. Perhaps New York has a much larger selection since the stores are privately run.
 
#25
gerry grable said:
Lucky you. Here in Pennsylvania , USA we have state controlled liquor stores. The choices of brands are limited and arbitrarily selected by unknown people and methods. Perhaps New York has a much larger selection since the stores are privately run.
Click to expand...
Oh, that sucks. Is that some kind of holdover from prohibition?
Given NY's reputation for being cosmopolitan, I'd hope it has a better selection, but I'll defer to people who've actually been there.
 
#26
equill said:
Oh, that sucks. Is that some kind of holdover from prohibition?
Given NY's reputation for being cosmopolitan, I'd hope it has a better selection, but I'll defer to people who've actually been there.
Click to expand...

I think you may be right. PA used to have strict puritan blue laws possibly from Quaker influences. Years ago you couldn't even buy a beer on Sundays. They changed imo because too much money, profits and taxes, was going to neighboring states ( NY and NJ) instead of PA coffers. New York definitely has a better selection, also their sales people and store owners are much more knowledgeable.
 
#28
gerry grable said:
One more question. Is Johnny Walker Red peaty? I just tried a little after having been sipping Glenmorangie and think I notice an almost petroleum-like after taste.
Click to expand...

It is a blend (not a single malt) and it does have some peat whiskies in it. JW Red is a low end Scotch; very harsh and not at all smooth. It is meant to use in mixed drinks. You can drink it by itself, but it will probably turn you off of Scotch forever.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gerry grable
#29
BD Jones said:
It is a blend (not a single malt) and it does have some peat whiskies in it. JW Red is a low end Scotch; very harsh and not at all smooth. It is meant to use in mixed drinks. You can drink it by itself, but it will probably turn you off of Scotch forever.
Click to expand...
JW black is one step up, still relatively inexpensive. I understand the green is a single grain (or malt, not sure) but haven't tried it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gerry grable
#30
TomB said:
JW black is one step up, still relatively inexpensive. I understand the green is a single grain (or malt, not sure) but haven't tried it.
Click to expand...

JW Green is a single malt blend with all whiskies aged at least 15 years. It's not bad, but I've never been a fan of blends. That said, JW Blue is really fine whisky. I will sometimes get a dram when I go to my favorite steakhouse.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TomB
#35
BD Jones said:
Kind of cuts into the gear budget, doesn't it?
Click to expand...
I really don't have a gear budget right now :) My upright and bow are in great condition. Plenty of good rosin. New Rumble 100 amp. Fender Jazz bass just refretted and my Ibanez fret-less are perfect. That's why I can indulge myself a little. Now watch a tree fall on my music room with the next snow storm coming tomorrow. Knock on wood.
I checked the JW Blue a few minutes ago. It must be cheaper here in PA. $235! Still a little steep to pour down my ignorant throat. I bought a bottle of Islay today.
 
#37
Laphroaig does seem to market pretty broadly, Lagavulin's a little harder to find. Ardbeg is another Islay product that seems widely available. So which Islay did you get?
 
Last edited:
#40
Islay (pronounced eye-la) is an island on the west coast of Scotland, not far from the isle of Jura which also makes some fine whisky. There’s 8 or 9 single malt distilleries there including my beloved Lagavulin, Bruichladdich (brook-laddie), Laphroaig (la-froig), Ardbeg, Bowmore (b’more), and so on. It’s a lovely place to visit, just a jump from Northern Island or Glasgow. It’s not just the peat in these whiskies, but the slightly iodine-ish medicinal quality of them via the sea air. My wife can’t even be in the same room when I’m drinking an old Lagavulin. Great as they are, they’re not the place to start. I’d second the Macallan as the one to point a novice at.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gerry grable

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back