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Any whisky (or whiskey) enthusiasts out there?

J johnhansellMalt Advocate
Hello everyone. A quick introduction: my name is John Hansell. I am the Publisher and Editor of Malt Advocate, the magazine for the whisky enthusiast. We also created and run Whiskyfest in NYC, Chicago and San Francisco. I also have a very active Whisky blog, ""What doe John know?""

As of June 15th, we are now part of the M. Shanken Communications organization, so I thought I would chime in and introduce myself.

What are you drinking? What are your favorites?
Last edited {1}
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P papeduneufMember
Advocate-

That's a catchy name for a publication. It makes me think of Ralph Nadar.

I checked the whatdoesjohnknow site. I'd like to recommend a little known bit of software called Cellartracker. After you use it, you can give a report to Marvin.

I'm truly amazed that anyone other than a restaurant, bar, or merchant has enough whisky to need tracking software.
My personal favorites are whatever a real aficionado serves me.
D davetongbbpMember
Huge cellartracker fan that I am, I find it hard to recommend for tracking spirits
The main reason being that it's been explicitly designed with wine in mind, and as a result you have to make a lot of adjustments. It's like drinking burgundy from a sherry glass - you can, but it's hardly optimal.

In addition, the data isn't policed anything like as well as the wine data. For example, here are all the entries for "Macallan". There's only one Macallan distillery, it's in Speyside at Easter Elchies House, Craigellachie, Banffshire.

So the country is UK, the region is Scotland and the appellation is Speyside. How many do you think are correctly annotated?

http://www.cellartracker.com//...n&Pivot3=Appellation

Welcome, John. I only have about 50 or so myself, not counting miniatures. Look forward to your posts.
board-oboard-oMember
Welcome, John. I don't drink a lot of "hard liquor," but I enjoy my collection of Single Malts, fueled by a visit to the Highlands of Scotland. In the modest range, my favorites from Speyside are Dalwhinnie, Balvenie, and Macallan, and Oban from the West, but my preference is for the Islays. I like the edge. Bunnahabhain and Laphroig are two favorites, but for my money, the best when cost is a consideration is Lagavulin 16.

My most favorite of all are the independent bottlings with Provenance at the top of the list. I assume you've visisted the Highlands and The Whisky Castle in Tomintoul. Mike Drury puts on a great shopw and a great tasting.
R rockandrollloverboyMember
quote:
Originally posted by Dave Tong BBP:
Huge cellartracker fan that I am, I find it hard to recommend for tracking spirits
The main reason being that it's been explicitly designed with wine in mind, and as a result you have to make a lot of adjustments. It's like drinking burgundy from a sherry glass - you can, but it's hardly optimal.

In addition, the data isn't policed anything like as well as the wine data. For example, here are all the entries for "Macallan". There's only one Macallan distillery, it's in Speyside at Easter Elchies House, Craigellachie, Banffshire.

So the country is UK, the region is Scotland and the appellation is Speyside. How many do you think are correctly annotated?

http://www.cellartracker.com//...n&Pivot3=Appellation

Welcome, John. I only have about 50 or so myself, not counting miniatures. Look forward to your posts.


Only 50!! I bet that's more than 98% of people on these Boards. I have 3 Frown
T thomasmatthewsExecutive Editor Wine Spectator
John,

Welcome to the M. Shanken family, and to the Forums. You may find a bit of tough love here, but for the most part, people are passionate and hospitable.

My first visit to Scotland was in 1988, one of my first work excursions for Wine Spectator. I'll never forget stopping into a pub on Islay, and noticing that the ice cubes in a bucket were all slightly brown. "Peaty water," noted the barman. No wonder the whiskey tastes the way it does. The fellow who showed us around Laphroaig said, "A few customers send it back every year because they think something's gone off. That tell us we're still on the right track."

Stay on the track, and keep the information coming.

Cheers,

Thomas Matthews
Executive editor
Wine Spectator

Thomas Matthews
A azwineryanMember
I enjoy a good single malt here and there, but have not tasted enough to feel even remotely well-versed in the area. I've had a good deal of the typical finds from the glenfiddich's, glenlivet's and glenmorangie's to the johnnie walker's, chivas regal's and macallan's.

With that said, pretty much across the board I tend to favor Glenlivet. I'd have to say my favorite is the 25 year old (I finally got one for my last birthday) and for the price I love the 15 year. I recently spoke with the US ambassador for glenlivet and chivas regal at a local costco and told him that I think the 15 year glenlivet is better than the 18 or 21 year bottlings. He smiled, shook my hand and told me that he fully agreed.

Man is that 15 year Glenlivet dang good at the price. But then again, many years ago in college, I would of told you that Jack Daniels was my best friend.
J johnhansellMalt Advocate
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas Matthews:
John,

Welcome to the M. Shanken family, and to the Forums. You may find a bit of tough love here, but for the most part, people are passionate and hospitable.

My first visit to Scotland was in 1988, one of my first work excursions for Wine Spectator. I'll never forget stopping into a pub on Islay, and noticing that the ice cubes in a bucket were all slightly brown. "Peaty water," noted the barman. No wonder the whiskey tastes the way it does. The fellow who showed us around Laphroaig said, "A few customers send it back every year because they think something's gone off. That tell us we're still on the right track."

Stay on the track, and keep the information coming.

Cheers,

Thomas Matthews
Executive editor
Wine Spectator

Thomas Matthews


Thomas,

Thank you for the warm welcome. I am used to tough love, from the passionate whisky enthusiasts on my blog.

I have a peaty water story for everyone. I first took my wife to Scotland in 1991. We spent a VERY long, cold day on the Isle of Skye (including a trip to Talisker), and we end up staying at an old hunting lodge for the evening. They, of course, had no shower, just a bathtub.

Amy wanted a hot bath, so I started filling up the bathtub. After four inches deep of water, it was so brown from peat, you coudn't see the bottom of the tub! She refused to take a bath in it!!
N nucjdMember
quote:
Originally posted by AZwineRyan:
I enjoy a good single malt here and there, but have not tasted enough to feel even remotely well-versed in the area. I've had a good deal of the typical finds from the glenfiddich's, glenlivet's and glenmorangie's to the johnnie walker's, chivas regal's and macallan's.

With that said, pretty much across the board I tend to favor Glenlivet. I'd have to say my favorite is the 25 year old (I finally got one for my last birthday) and for the price I love the 15 year. I recently spoke with the US ambassador for glenlivet and chivas regal at a local costco and told him that I think the 15 year glenlivet is better than the 18 or 21 year bottlings. He smiled, shook my hand and told me that he fully agreed.

Man is that 15 year Glenlivet dang good at the price. But then again, many years ago in college, I would of told you that Jack Daniels was my best friend.


I agree with you, the 15 year is realy good but I am currently enjorying Glenfiddich (18year).

I also enjoy a nice bourbon ( Four roses and Woodford Reserve in particular)
flwinoflwinoMember
I prefer beer or wine when quaffing, but will spring for a good Scotch prior to a steak.

Hard liquor for me is never US made. About as bad as Chinese food from Minnesota, or Italian food from the Chef. Just never found anything I like, Bourbon is best as an ingredient in cookies.

Love single malts. The older the better. Like Oban 18 year best. Glenfiddich & McCallan.

Welcome to the forums, and the 'tough love'
G gotapexMember
Welcome to the forums.

Drinking a few different bottles right now (Balvenie 10yr Founder's Reserve, Balvenie 12yr Doublewood, Yamazaki 12yr, The Glenrothes 1994), but nothing really outstanding.

Favorites are the Balvenie 21yr Portwood, Highland Park 18yr, and The Macallan 1851 Inspiration. Johnnie Walker Blue King George V is one of my favorite blended, but not worth the tariff for me. Compass Box Oak Cross is also pretty nice, in a much more affordable range. On the lower end, the RedBreast 12yr is also tasty, though I haven't had the chance to try the 15yr vatted.
G gigondassMember
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas Matthews:
John,

Welcome to the M. Shanken family, and to the Forums. You may find a bit of tough love here , but for the most part, people are passionate and hospitable..........

Thomas Matthews
Executive editor
Wine Spectator

Thomas Matthews
<applies chap-stick>

But we've always been nice to you Mr. Matthews. Cool
G gotapexMember
quote:
Originally posted by JohnHansell:
Have you tried the Yamazaki 18? While I think the 12 is nice, I REALLY like the 18. A lot more depth. Better than many scotch whiskies.

Redbreast 12 is a classic Pure Pot Still Irish--you can't go wrong there. Ditto Highland Park 18--a benchmark Single Malt Scotch.


I haven't had a chance to try the Yamazaki 18, but will probably pick one up soon. I recently picked up a Bruichladdich 20yr Second Edition, another Balvenie 21yr Portwood, and an Old Malt Cask Glen Spey 32yr. Alas, if I keep buying, the wife won't be too pleased.

I agree with respect to the Highland Park 18. Amazing scotch, especially for the price. I love the power, richness, and balance of flavors. I find the honey and toffee really balance out the smoke & peat well.

I may be in the minority, but I can't stand scotches that taste only like you're sucking on an iodine soaked ashtray (yes I'm looking at you, Lagavulin 16yr & Laphroaig 15yr). About as spicy & peaty leaning as I can take is a Talisker 10.
M moselleluxemburgMember
So many regions and whiskeys to explore. I became a Whiskey enthousiast while visiting Scotland, especially when sitting at the Whiskey bar of a certain hotel in Craigellachie Wink

My preferred distilleries are:
Clynelish/Brora
Highland Park
Scapa
Ardbeg
Laphroaig
Cragganmore
Glengoyne
Auchentoshan
Rosebank

I try to vary regions, distilleries, bottlings (independant bottlings ...)

My preferred bottles so far:
Highland Park 18
Highland Park 30 CS
Clynelish 14
Talisker 20 CS
Scapa 12 G&M
Glenkinchie 17yr CS 1987 Signatory
Ardbeg 10
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Port Ellen 25yr 1982 OMC D.Laing
Auchentoshan 16 first fill burbon
Rosebank 12 Flora&Fauna
Glengoyne 17
Cragganmore 12
Linkwood 25 G&M
Balvenie 21 Port Wood
...
Midleton Very Rare 2008 (Ireland)
Jameson 18 limited reserve
...
Nikka Yoichy 20

Total collection: +- 80 bottles
Last edited by moselleluxemburg
J johnhansellMalt Advocate
quote:
Originally posted by gotapex:
Welcome to the forums.

Favorites are the Balvenie 21yr Portwood, Highland Park 18yr, and The Macallan 1851 Inspiration. Johnnie Walker Blue King George V is one of my favorite blended, but not worth the tariff for me. Compass Box Oak Cross is also pretty nice, in a much more affordable range. On the lower end, the RedBreast 12yr is also tasty, though I haven't had the chance to try the 15yr vatted.


Yeah, I'm happy to drink JWB King George V when someone else is buying. Wink
L lakeshowMember
quote:
Originally posted by JohnHansell:
quote:
Originally posted by gotapex:
Welcome to the forums.

Favorites are the Balvenie 21yr Portwood, Highland Park 18yr, and The Macallan 1851 Inspiration. Johnnie Walker Blue King George V is one of my favorite blended, but not worth the tariff for me. Compass Box Oak Cross is also pretty nice, in a much more affordable range. On the lower end, the RedBreast 12yr is also tasty, though I haven't had the chance to try the 15yr vatted.


Yeah, I'm happy to drink JWB King George V when someone else is buying. Wink


I have never got the Blue Label. Sure, it is a solid drink, but no where close to the price...LCBO charges ~$250, I grabbed a bottle for $90 in the Caribbean and I still think that is too much. I would compare it the Opus One of wines. Good drink, grossly over priced, and wows those who don't really know what they are drinking with label shock. Just my thoughts.
J johnhansellMalt Advocate
quote:
Originally posted by lakeshow:
quote:
Originally posted by JohnHansell:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by gotapex:
Welcome to the forums.

Wink


I have never got the Blue Label. Sure, it is a solid drink, but no where close to the price...LCBO charges ~$250, I grabbed a bottle for $90 in the Caribbean and I still think that is too much. I would compare it the Opus One of wines. Good drink, grossly over priced, and wows those who don't really know what they are drinking with label shock. Just my thoughts.


Not a bad analogy, comparing it to Opus One.
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