NFT: Scotch Thread Again

The worse corporate answer you can get, but it kind of holds true here (at least in my experience).

I have been caught up in an Islay Whiskey habit, specifically Lagavulin 16. There is a place nearby where I can get it just under the $70 mark - which is a pretty decent price. Its available for slightly cheaper on a few places online, but I don't know that its worth the trouble (and shipping will even the prices out).

Meanwhile, the same place sells a Tallisker 10 for nearly the same price as the Lagavulin, which is higher than it should be (good price is ~$50-55).

There are also joints that charge ~$90 for the Lagavulin near me - with a straight face no less.

It really is just shopping around and figuring out where the best deals are - at least in my experience. You can figure out the general going rate for what you're looking for and then determine if its worth chasing it down further or ordering online.

It also likely makes a difference what you're looking to buy. I'd assume there are much better deals to be had on a blend like Johnny Walker Black than something specific like a Laphroaig 18.

My friend has had good luck with Master of Malt - the prices online aren't going to blow you away, but they do sell samples. Useful if you're trying to experiment and don't want to invest heavily in something you realize you don't like (like my Macallan 15 Fine Oak...).

They have a great selection and great prices. Plus, there almost always is a 10% off coupon in the local Gannet paper.


Worth the drive from Stanford by they have a site too
Var Max Liquor Pantry - ( New Window )

In comment 11866085 SB said:

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They have a great selection and great prices. Plus, there almost always is a 10% off coupon in the local Gannet paper. Worth the drive from Stanford by they have a site too Var Max Liquor Pantry - ( New Window )

Wow, those are pretty good prices.

Also - someone go buy the scotch linked below immediately and thank me later. I can't find it anywhere in upstate NY any longer.
Link - ( New Window )

Port Chester is a 10 minute drive so i'll definitely check them out.

is $68 at Var Max. Good price, but with the 10% off coupon it's a crazy good price.

have had JW Black and Green, Glenlivet 12, and a bunch of different bourbons (Makers, Four Roses, Bulleit, Woodford Reserve).

Out of everything I like the Glenlivet the best and $45 for 750ML seems like the best price out there. Well worth the short drive.

...looks like I make a detour on my weekly Port Chester Costco trip this Saturday :)

going from JW Red to Black. I know Red is very baseline, but its probably the first scotch I tried and it flat out blows compared to even just Black.

I never thought i'd like Scotch and now i'm officially hooked (not in a raging alcoholic way, just the taste and not only having to drink beers).

If you like bourbon, try Angel's Envy.

If you like the taste of JW Black and want to progress into single malts, try a Talisker 10. That is (or was) a big component of the JW Black (and previously Green) blend.

maybe find a bar in Stamford that has a really good selection, and try a bunch of different ones over time so you can get a better idea of your taste before buying bottles for home. Once you see what you really like, you can try to find similar styles.

try the 15. It is fantastic, one of my favorites.

this holiday season should be fun. Going to make things easy on myself and get booze for all the guys in may family. Something different for each, and try them all.

12 or 15...
Outstanding

and the Dalmore, which is very affordable, if I'm drinking a single malt (neat, maybe a drop of water).

I have not had a good experience tasting multiple scotches in one evening. Maybe people with more trained palates can do it, but at the end of the night I struggle to remember what I liked or didn't like.

if you're comfortable with that approach its a great way to learn what scotches you like or don't but for me it's buy a bottle, drink it, let it grow on me, finish it (over time) and then decide. Obviously more of an investment but that's how it works best for me.

I have a bottle of oban 14 year old for this weekend, I've heard mixed reviews.

In comment 11866283 pjcas18 said:

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and the Dalmore, which is very affordable, if I'm drinking a single malt (neat, maybe a drop of water). I have not had a good experience tasting multiple scotches in one evening. Maybe people with more trained palates can do it, but at the end of the night I struggle to remember what I liked or didn't like. if you're comfortable with that approach its a great way to learn what scotches you like or don't but for me it's buy a bottle, drink it, let it grow on me, finish it (over time) and then decide. Obviously more of an investment but that's how it works best for me. I have a bottle of oban 14 year old for this weekend, I've heard mixed reviews.

For me, I'd almost rather try a bottle of what's recommended instead of pay $10-$12 a drink to try something now. There's a bunch out there but only a handful come recommended. I also agree that mixing a bunch in 1 night probably won't give me a true taste of what's actually better.

peaty

In comment 11866313 Pork and Beans said:

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peaty

Awesome, thanks. I should like it then.

I live near the one by Home Depot. Good selection, prices reasonable.

But I find it pretty flat. Its much more akin to drinking a bourbon (as that's where its aged, so that would make sense) and has no real distinguishing characteristics.

I prefer the Caribbean Cask, but still don't actively seek out a Balvenie.

Maybe its my preference to peat, but it just doesn't really do anything for me and I'd rather opt for Angel's Envy than drink the Balvenie 12 Doublewood.

I also wasn't wild about the Doublewood.

Ignore their web store prices, usually much cheaper in the brick and mortar store.

Balvenie is more like a sherry to me, very sweet and I'd agree it's a bit flat to my palate. Granted, I most often sip Islay whiskys myself so I prefer peat, smoke, bite, etc. Oban is a mild, gentle peat starter if it sounds good to you.

You pretty much start with the cheaper single malts, and see where your palate steers you.
Link - ( New Window )

Islay drinker, but lately been looking for something lighter on occasion. Always enjoyed Lagavulin. Johnnie Black is my "every day" go to in blends.

In comment 11866283 pjcas18 said:

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I have not had a good experience tasting multiple scotches in one evening. Maybe people with more trained palates can do it, but at the end of the night I struggle to remember what I liked or didn't like.

At the end of a night of drinking multiple scotches, I struggle to remember how to get home, where my keys are, and what my name is.

In comment 11866627 SB said:

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In comment 11866283 pjcas18 said: Quote: I have not had a good experience tasting multiple scotches in one evening. Maybe people with more trained palates can do it, but at the end of the night I struggle to remember what I liked or didn't like. At the end of a night of drinking multiple scotches, I struggle to remember how to get home, where my keys are, and what my name is.

Ahhh, the simple pleasures of life. :-)

In comment 11866276 Sec 103 said:

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12 or 15... Outstanding

Doublewood was the first one I tried and still my favorite