I have to check Compass Box. Is that a brand name? I'm thinking of boxes of wine that people buy.
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Double Bass Single Malt
- Thread starter gerry grable
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Compass Box is a relatively new, small scotch whiskymaker from the UK. They have a range of blends, from expensive (signature range and limited edition) to affordable (Great King Street, the one I am referring in my previous post)
I was at Total Wine a few days ago and they had some Scotch samples out. I can't remember the names, but I think it was their store brand. Some were very nice. They had a Mac12 there to sample/compare, and some of the single malts were quite comparable in flavor, but at a much lower price point ($30 compared to $55). I wish I could remember the names of those. Another blend that I sort of enjoy is Monkey Shoulder. I've seen it for around $35. Like I've said before, I'm not a fan of blends, but I wouldn't turn this down if offered to me.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 was wondering about Monkey Shoulder, but the name put me off. I think I'll give it a try. Thanks
Correct that. I bought a bottle today 5/18/18. I'll check the Monkey Scotch this weekend. It's a blend.
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The Glenfeddich 14 yr (in the blue box) aged in Amercian oak bourbon casks is a wonderful Scotch. It has become one of our faves up here with my Canadian friends, but it only available in the US, are our favourite yeared Macallen's. I always bring a couple bottles back when we go to the US.
Talisker 10 is my favorite single malt and I buy it in multiples when there is a deal on. I have had many single malts including ones from smaller distilleries and cask strength options. While I like many others Talisker 10 is the one I come back to. I dislike Glenfiddich, finding it to be less interesting and rich tasting. Other than Talisker the lighter Speyside and the peaty Islay single malts are worth exploring.
The 10 year old is every bit as good as some of the more expensive 'gift' and tourist options they sell at increased ages. I only know this because I've spent as much as $200 a bottle for the older aged ones in gift boxes and I still prefer the 10 year. In the UK this can be had for the normal single malt price of around £30, or $50-ish. I buy mine from www.masterofmalt.com when its in stock. I don't like the 'lifestyle' brands Talisker have introduced like 'Storm', just give me the 10 year.
Not in my view, I find it to be a bit boring and lacking in character but it has a strong brand so its available everywhere. De gustibus non disputandum est.
Trying The Glenrothes Sherry Cast Reserve. I like the smooth, sweetish flavor. Anyone else have a thought?
It's not overly expensive at $40.00 American.
I haven't tried that, but enjoyed Glenmorangie Porto Ruban, which also has a sweet character from wine casks. Not an everyday drink, but excellent, I thought.
Probably because its Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban.
If you like a Sherry matured Scotch you might try the Glendronach Line.
The 12 yr "Original" is very good, and at a good price.
As might be expected, their 15 yr old Revival is even better, but hard to find, and their 18 yr old Allardice is fabulous !
All excellent examples of fully sherry cask matured Scotches.
Some even prefer the Allardice to The Macallan 18, which is 3 times the price !
I hope this isn't some kind of sacrilege, but I bought a bottle of single malt Irish whisky, Knappogue Castle 12 yr, and I think it's as good as many of the "real" scotches I've tasted. Does anyone know of this brand?
IMO it is much better than Jamison. If I had it on a blind taste test, I would think it was a scotch.
IMO it is much better than Jamison. If I had it on a blind taste test, I would think it was a scotch.
Well, back to scotch. I sprung today. I finally bought a bottle of Oban. I was hesitant and worried that I would be disappointed since it's so expensive: $79.99, $84 and change with PA tax. I wasn't. It is really very good. In this case you do get what you pay for. However, I chalked one bottle up to education, but I'll not be making a habit of it.
But- there's still Lagavulin.
But- there's still Lagavulin.
It IS very good - also very potent (46%?), and very peppery to my tongue. I actually like to mix it a bit with some of its weaker cousins, all drunk neat. I probably shouldn't admit that publicly
, but I've come up with some darn good sippin' stuff!Glad to know that Im not bedazzled by price and reputation or propaganda.It IS very good - also very potent (46%?), and very peppery to my tongue. I actually like to mix it a bit with some of its weaker cousins, all drunk neat. I probably shouldn't admit that publicly
I saw a bottle in a recent movie about rich business men. Can't remember the movie name, but one of the men called it " liquid gold." The other replied " take it with you."
Are you actually making your own blends?
Yes, but it’s purely unscientific and just based on what I think might be good in a glass - Aberlour 12 yr half n half with Laphroig 1/4-keg, for instance. It’s great fun though likely against the rules!
You've got guts! (No pun) Those two malts are are like Janus figures In my opinion. When you mentioned blends, I immediately thought of Laphroaig. It has such a distinct flavor and odor. I can't bring myself to write "nose."
No guts, just a willingness to take a risk . It’s especially useful to add some single malt kick (like Oban 14) to blends like Johnnie Walker (red or black) & J&B, etc. ...makes for some nice drams! Now I’m sure to catch hell from the purists.
. It’s especially useful to add some single malt kick (like Oban 14) to blends like Johnnie Walker (red or black) & J&B, etc. ...makes for some nice drams! Now I’m sure to catch hell from the purists.
