Hard Drinkers, Lets Drink Hard (Spirits, Liquors and Cocktails)
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Trends of late are all about extremes. Extreme bitterness or sourness in beer, extreme peat in Scotch… I enjoy it but that kind of one dimensionality flattens out subtlety for sure.
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Fully agree. I haven't tasted an Octomore or Ardbeg Supernova yet, but as I prefer the 18 YO Laphroaig for its complexity over the young, heavily peated bottlings, I doubt I would like them.
I still haven't gone to collecting and reselling bottles, as I think they're meant to be drunk and not bought for the shelf or to be resold. Hoever, I missed some good bargains because of that (just look at how expensive the old Macallans have become, 18 YO Talisker, Highland Park etc.). I wonder wether we'll ever going to see the benefits of the increasing production of the last years or wether new markets absorb all of it. It just sucks to know what good whiskies are out there and not being able (or willing) to spent that much on those bottles.
End of rant, I think I'm gonna get my Ardbeg now
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Bulleit is good, not tried Woodford.
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Bulleit and all the other MGP made whiskeys gross me out. I really prefer something from an authentic operation. Doesn't have to be a 300 year old Kentucky distillery using on premise spring water but a factory distiller making stuff for a label chafes my sensibilities.
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Hands up who's surprised that Mac likes something a little more…..esoteric
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Yeh, I'm not necessarily disagreeing either, more a comment based on knowing that Mac is a man of very exacting tastes.
Bulleit is a fine drinking bourbon, but if you want something artisanal then it is outside of my knowledge or remit, I suggest asking @seawolf , I seem to recall that his knowledge in this field is extensive.
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I don't dislike Bulleit, if I'm being honest, its supply chain just puts me off from recommending it or ordering it if I see something more authentic. In terms of the recipes they use, they're legit, the product itself is solid.
I bet you could find Old Granddad (maybe even 114), since it's owned by Jim Beam and thus by Suntory. I really like high rye bourbons, and it may be a good gateway into ryes for you if you find the spicy character of rye in your mash appealing.
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I'm in need of a good bottle of bourbon… I'll go by whatever you recommend, jdl... And then I'll see whether I can find it... Bourbon sure isn't popular here...
My favorite bottles:
The best bang for your buck: Buffalo Trace
The best all around and reasonably priced high end bottle : Blanton's
The most interesting I've had lately: Angel's Envy
Honorable mention: Elmer T. Lee and Four Roses single barrelTell you what Eli, take a picture of your local selection, and I'll be happy to help you choose a bottle.
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Rare Breed is excellent and likely easy to find. I should note Old Grand Dad is very affordable for how good it is.
I think I've mentioned a distiller around the corner from me, when life settles down, if there's a safe, legal way to make an exchange (for beer) I would be open to that @Seul . I could of course send something from Kentucky instead or in addition to local craft spirits.
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I've seen buffalo trace in the UK and in Japan. Also, I've seen (and purchased) Blanton's in Japan so I know it's out there. You can't go wrong with either. Fwiw, Maker's Mark is pretty solid and widely available. I buy it because it's a basic, pretty good bourbon, and it's reasonably priced to keep on hand at all times. Great for mixing for sure. I wouldn't dare mix Blanton's in a cocktail. It's too good on its own.
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Agreed, Buffalo Trace is one of the great widely available value brands. That distillery in general is amazing, their antique collection is really stupendous if you can find yourself some.
