RowdyRawhide
Full House
Finally I can get Willett in Kansas. Had it before and really enjoy it
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Official PCF Whisk(e)y Thread (81 Viewers)
- Thread starter jbutler
- Start date
Milo013
Flush
It is Whisky Wednesday and, as promised, tonight's review is Lagavulin 12 Y O Cask Strength. It comes in at a whopping 57.7% abv, which is very similar to the Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It's a bit pricy, but it only comes round once a year so I figured it was worth it. The tears take a LONG time to develop in the glass, and are needle thin when they do.
Nosing is the familiar peat and brine at the outset, and these aromas last a good while before other scents develop. If you wait, you will notice the aroma of fresh bread and bananas. there is also a slowly developing dried grass air to this spirit and just a hint of medicinal airs.
first sip is sweet, courtesy of the bourbon barrels this whisky was aged in. The vanilla is overtaken by peat smoke and tarry oils. For the first time, I find myself using the word "chewy" to describe a whisky. There is a nice warming feel developing in the mid palate. The sweetness reasserts itself towards the finish. There is caramel apple, with cinnamon and baking spices, and just a hint of coconut. The finish is long, highlighted by ashes, wood smoke, an oaky dryness, and that medicinal quality noted on the nose. A drawn breath is like inhaling next to the burnt-out coals of a beach fire. Salt and smoke and oak tannins. Wow. I was back and forth about adding water to this Scotch but, it is part of my S.O.P. so here we go.
Water brings out some of the sharper flavours. Burnt rubber on the nose and palate are the biggest change. The peat smoke is a little subdued, and the sharper bite of the cinnamon is also apparent. I would not say it is harsher with water's effect, because this malt is not harsh in the lest, despite the strength of it's bottling. But it is not as inviting as it is on it's own merits.
This is pretty much what I would point to if asked to describe an Islay Malt. It has all the hallmarks associated with maritime malts, and the strength of the cask is slow to build within you. It does not reveal it's strength in one great blow, but rather allows you to realize it's heart slowly and methodically. In the end, it is not just the taste which will draw you back for another dram, but the question of "how did they do that?" How, indeed.
Nosing is the familiar peat and brine at the outset, and these aromas last a good while before other scents develop. If you wait, you will notice the aroma of fresh bread and bananas. there is also a slowly developing dried grass air to this spirit and just a hint of medicinal airs.
first sip is sweet, courtesy of the bourbon barrels this whisky was aged in. The vanilla is overtaken by peat smoke and tarry oils. For the first time, I find myself using the word "chewy" to describe a whisky. There is a nice warming feel developing in the mid palate. The sweetness reasserts itself towards the finish. There is caramel apple, with cinnamon and baking spices, and just a hint of coconut. The finish is long, highlighted by ashes, wood smoke, an oaky dryness, and that medicinal quality noted on the nose. A drawn breath is like inhaling next to the burnt-out coals of a beach fire. Salt and smoke and oak tannins. Wow. I was back and forth about adding water to this Scotch but, it is part of my S.O.P. so here we go.
Water brings out some of the sharper flavours. Burnt rubber on the nose and palate are the biggest change. The peat smoke is a little subdued, and the sharper bite of the cinnamon is also apparent. I would not say it is harsher with water's effect, because this malt is not harsh in the lest, despite the strength of it's bottling. But it is not as inviting as it is on it's own merits.
This is pretty much what I would point to if asked to describe an Islay Malt. It has all the hallmarks associated with maritime malts, and the strength of the cask is slow to build within you. It does not reveal it's strength in one great blow, but rather allows you to realize it's heart slowly and methodically. In the end, it is not just the taste which will draw you back for another dram, but the question of "how did they do that?" How, indeed.
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Great review!!!
One erratum: Your wrote Lagavulin 12yo but it seems you review and pictured the Lagavulin 8yo.
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Milo013
Flush
Fixed the pic. Thanks for the heads up.
(y) :thumbsup
y) :thumbsup:I LOVE the Laga 12!! Every year they come up with a good version of that Special Release. It is fantastic! Probably my favorite followed by the Distiller's Edition, the 16 and then the 8. I know it's not fair since the 12 is a Special Annual Release, but since they have been doing it for years, and it's reasonably available, I'll consider it as part of their core range.
Thanks again for the review!
I've only recently gotten into cocktails, but I've always had a sweet spot for whiskey and bourbon (particularly bourbon). Only just really discovering rye.
Gateway Scotch suggestions? I don't think I'm quite ready for an Islay...
I've heard that Highland 12 is a good single malt, and monkey Shoulder is a good blended?
Gateway Scotch suggestions? I don't think I'm quite ready for an Islay...
I've heard that Highland 12 is a good single malt, and monkey Shoulder is a good blended?
I think every person will give you a different answer regarding a Scotch suggestion for Bourbon drinkers. Some suggest something very basic, like a Glenfidich 12, or Glenmorangie 12 or even Monkey Shoulder, as they are easy drinkers. I do not subscribe to that theory, personally. Bourbon drinkers are used to bold flavors and I think it's better to start them with a bold flavor Scotch that has a similar profile to Bourbon. Then you can proceed from there. Highland Park 12 ($50ish) is GREAT, but it does have some peat in it. Definitely an option though.
Personally, I would recommend Aberlour A'Bunadh ($70ish) or Glendronach 12 ($50ish). They are Sherried Scotches that won't totally scare off a Bourbon drinker. Specially the A'Bunadh, since it is Cask Strength and lots of Bourbons nowadays have higher proof. Yeah, it's not cheap. If you go below the $50 mark, I think you'll have a dilution of flavors (some are still very good, but not too close to Bourbon). You can also try Glengoyne 12 or Glenfarclas 12 (both around $40/$45), similar to the above, just slightly less concentrated.
Macallan Sherry Oak 12 ($55) is an option as well but it has a hint of sulfur and peat that some don't care for.
Now, I've had friends who their first Scotch was Lagavulin 16 and they just fell in love, LOL!!! So what do I know, LOL!!!
Another one just came to mind: Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask ($60ish). It is sweet and pleasing. They don't use Sherry Casks but Run Cask. It is a little bit more distant from Bourbon than some of the Sherry Scotches but definitely an option.
Start with a speyside imo. They are some of the most common and well known as they are very balanced. Macallan.12, Balivenie Double wood or Caribbean Cask, Glenlivet, etc. If you want a blended Scotch the Johnnie Walker label black, green, platinum are all solid choices.
Milo013
Flush
Johnnie Walker . . . it's the Nissan Sentra of Scotch.
I won't mention specific brands, but I agree with ChaosRock to a point. If your tastes in Bourbon run to the bolder flavours, then why would you settle for a meek Scotch?
With respect to Islay Malts, if you want a gateway Scotch for the region, then I would recommend Bowmore 12. It is rather even tempered, but does give you a small ration of the peat that awaits you when you venture further onto the Isle.
I won't mention specific brands, but I agree with ChaosRock to a point. If your tastes in Bourbon run to the bolder flavours, then why would you settle for a meek Scotch?
With respect to Islay Malts, if you want a gateway Scotch for the region, then I would recommend Bowmore 12. It is rather even tempered, but does give you a small ration of the peat that awaits you when you venture further onto the Isle.
mls26cwru
High Hand
sitting on my shelf:
Glenfiddich Winter Storm (21 y/o finished in Port Wine casks)
Glenrothes Editor's Cask #9973
Glenfarclas 21 y/o
Aberfeldy 21 y/o
Dalmore King Alexander III (blend)
MacAllan 18 y/o (sherry cask)
Glenmorangie 18 y/o
Glenmorangie La'Santa
Glenmorangie Signet
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 16
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 32
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 34
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 38
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 42
Glenrothes Alba Reserve
Glenfiddich 12 y/o
Dalwhinnie (cant remember age)
a couple younger ages that I cant remember atm...
(non-scotches)
Rabbit Hole Sherry Cask finish
George T. Stagg (the real one, not Jr.)
yeah, a bit of a scotch nerd
Glenfiddich Winter Storm (21 y/o finished in Port Wine casks)
Glenrothes Editor's Cask #9973
Glenfarclas 21 y/o
Aberfeldy 21 y/o
Dalmore King Alexander III (blend)
MacAllan 18 y/o (sherry cask)
Glenmorangie 18 y/o
Glenmorangie La'Santa
Glenmorangie Signet
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 16
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 32
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 34
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 38
Aberlour A'bunadh Batch 42
Glenrothes Alba Reserve
Glenfiddich 12 y/o
Dalwhinnie (cant remember age)
a couple younger ages that I cant remember atm...
(non-scotches)
Rabbit Hole Sherry Cask finish
George T. Stagg (the real one, not Jr.)
yeah, a bit of a scotch nerd
As a bourbon guy I would recommend any bottle of scotch in the $50 price range. I would recommend not opening this bottle of scotch but rather simply displaying it prominently on your shelf. Then I would recommend pouring yourself a nice glass of bourbon. This way your scotch drinking friends will be mildly impressed when they stop by and you will also be happy.
Yeah. You can store your bourbon bottle in the good cupboard with your Mad Dog 20/20, Ripple, and Mogen David.
I'm not a rotgut wine kinda guy, but I will store it with my Hamm's, Schlitz & PBR!
*Edit-On second thought I almost always have a bottle of Barefoot, Sutter Home or some such $7.99 a bottle of wine at hand, usually Merlot or Cabernet etc. Maybe I am guilty as charged.
Hey, I keep $2.89 shiraz from Aldi around. Too!
Great for making sauces and braising...
detroitdad
Royal Flush
jskel
Two Pair
Had to try 2018’s top bourbon.
jskel
Two Pair
Red Label was good enough for Churchill and I find it is good enough for me. On the rocks. After it has a chance to settle. But definitley not neat. Black and above are way better. I also like double black quite a bit.
In my last home I spent 12 years wallpapering my basement bathroom (ie the poker room bathroom) with every label of Johnny Walker from every bottle I drank. Steamed each one off and pasted it up with decoupage. It really upset my mother. Also one of those projects you have to pace correctly. Too fast and you die before finishing. Too slow and you die before finishing. I was pacing about an orbit per year around the room. As my income went up during that time period the colors of the walpaper improved but red never went away.
My sisters are vastly more knowledgeable about single malts than me, impressively.
In addition, Bowmore 10 is one of the staples on the cruise ship we're on at the moment. It would be very difficult to distinguish from the 12, IMO.
Cleaning out the liquor cabinet and found this. 28 year old Elijah Craig.
Save me a dram!! (y) :thumbsup:
* But it is 18yo and not 28yo. For bourbons, 18 > 28 anyways, imo. Too much oak in bourbons that spend too much time in barrels.
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detroitdad
Royal Flush
This spent too much time in the back of the cabinet.
joepro
Flush
Attention PA residents, this EH Taylor bourbon is now readily available at PA state liquor stores, around $35 and 100 proof. Really nice Bourbon.
Hmmm -- thought I had already posted this, but guess not. This is one cabinet in our favorite wine shop in Marigot, St. Martin. They have a vertical of Laubade Bas Armagnac back to 1910, plus selected vintages back to 1898.The 1910 is $2590. Sticking to what I could afford, my wife and I picked up a bottle of the 1990, which was the year we met, to be drunk by just the two of us -- no one else, ever. A new family tradition... 
:
We already had bottles of the 1994 and 2000. I suppose we'll have to get a few wino friends over and do some tasting...
:We already had bottles of the 1994 and 2000. I suppose we'll have to get a few wino friends over and do some tasting...
Wow. That’s the biggest punt I’ve ever seen in a bottle.
Quicksilver-75
4 of a Kind
I am by no means a connoisseur of fine alcohols, but damn. This OBAN 14 year old single malt is insanely smooth..
Thanks to a friend I hadn't seen in years and surprised me at the funeral...er ....wedding.
Thanks to a friend I hadn't seen in years and surprised me at the funeral...er ....wedding.
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