• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Single Malt

Most Scotch is around diluted by the distiller to around 40% alcohol. However, "cask strength" is undiluted and can be between 60-65% alcohol. "Cask strength" is the only Scotch I will add any water to. If you want something stronger, try "still strength". That is 70% or more.
Yikes. 40% is strong enough for me. But thanks for the info. I'll be sure to check the percentages on any new ones I try.
 
The Quarter-Cask Laphroig we’ve been discussing is 48% ABV if I remember rightly.
You're right. I have a bottle now. It is 48% ABV which is 96 proof. I have been comparing the 10 year oldand the quarter keg and I think I like the latter, quarter keg, better. Does that make sense to you? Maybe I should try a blind taste test on myself?
The Quarter-Cask Laphroig we’ve been discussing is 48% ABV if I remember rightly.
You are correct. I have a bottle now. It is 48% ABV and which is 96 proof. I've been comparing it to the ten year old and I think I like the quarter cask better. Does that make sense? Years ago I drank 100 proof vodka
Maybe be I should give myself a blind taste test?
 
That's a "no age statement" bottle. Getting more and more common as the demand for scotch increases (everyone, be very, very quiet!). That particular one is @ 5 years old and the smaller size casks allow it to mature much faster. I had a bottle of that late last year and thought it was great. Not as great as the cask strength, but a very good scotch indeed.

Whoops - realized over the weekend that I was unaware that Laphroaig offers 2 quarter cask varieties and I of course was talking about a different one. I have not tried the 48% QC, but did have the Cairdeas QC, which comes in at @ 57%. It was quite good, but would have a fair bit of "sizzle" compared to the 48% (at a minimum).

Also, had more of my fave, the cask strength 10, this weekend. Man, that's a good scotch!
 
  • Like
Reactions: gerry grable
A little help please. My old man and I are both bourbon guys but we've been dabbing in scotch lately. Are there any scotches that have a sort of vanilla or caramel note like bourbon? I'd love to find one that has the best of both....a scourbon.
 
In my admittedly limited experience, Glenfiddich 12 yo leans toward vanilla / caramel, at least in the nose. It's easy to find and try, often in bars, and reasonably low-priced. It's a pretty good value at Vt liquor stores. Still, it's much drier than any bourbon I'm familiar with. If you want something sweeter in a single malt (also at the Vt stores) consider Glenmorangie Porto Ruban. It's less dry/sharp than most, but to me it's more like a nice cognac than a bourbon. Let us know what you find!
 
I think you’ll find most single malt scotch spends at least some of its life in old bourbon barrels. I read somewhere (can’t vouch though) that it began during US prohibition, when there was suddenly a glut of same available and the thrifty Scots... :). Formerly sherry, port or other wine barrels were used and there are still quite a few that are aged that way, and some are aged in both kinds! While the oak wood obviously affects the flavor, it doesn’t really “bourbonize” it, to my tongue. There’s quite a bit to explore about scotch, just as there is about bourbon. Enjoy!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: gerry grable
The newish Glenlivet Founders Reserve was aged in first fill american oak bourbon barrels. But the reviews of this scotch are generally scathing, although i think its a decent scotch. Needs a little water to shine, its a younger spirit. Don't let the name fool you, its a lesser scotch than their 12 year and taking its place in some markets apparently which is pissing people off. The name makes it sound like something more special, but its entry level.
 
I do tend to drink my scotch on the rocks. I like it neat too.

I really just kind of like scotch.

I haven't tried Glenmorangie. I tend to drink Macallan or Glenlivet for single malts. My favorite to this point is Glenlivet Nadurra, which is 16 year single malt aged in bourbon barrels. Freakin fantastic. Glenfiddich is okay, but a little on the smoky side for me...I got a bottle as a gift, and who turns down free scotch?
 
I sprung for a bottle of Talisker 10yrs. It's pretty expensive and I'm not sure it's worth the price. I'm starting to think that these Scots are "having me on."
Well if it’s any consolation all those blended scotches won’t seem quite so expensive going forward ;). It would be interesting to hear what folks think is good scotch for less than say, $50 - single malt or otherwise.
 
Well if it’s any consolation all those blended scotches won’t seem quite so expensive going forward ;). It would be interesting to hear what folks think is good scotch for less than say, $50 - single malt or otherwise.
The Great King Street line of Compass Box is amazing, and IMHO the best bang for the buck by far (-$40 in my local store).
This is proof that it can be produced and you don't need to spend +50 +75 or +99 to enjoy great scotch.
Salut
 
Well if it’s any consolation all those blended scotches won’t seem quite so expensive going forward ;). It would be interesting to hear what folks think is good scotch for less than say, $50 - single malt or otherwise.
I tried both Johnny Walker Black, and Double Black; I never heard of that one before. Both are much better than the Red which always has been my go-to with on the rocks or soda, or Rob Roys.
A blend I liked that was recommended by some one here is Redbreast. I think it is a little over $50.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TomB
I tried both Johnny Walker Black, and Double Black; I never heard of that one before. Both are much better than the Red which always has been my go-to with on the rocks or soda, or Rob Roys.
A blend I liked that was recommended by some one here is Redbreast. I think it is a little over $50.
I concur, specially double black, its smokier/peaty and not sweet like the black and another great sub 40 bottle. I personally prefer the compass box
 
  • Like
Reactions: gerry grable