On January 23 2012 20:02 Skithiryx wrote: Being a complete whisky noob and not really having any of the equipment for it would Something like this? be a good pickup as a first try?
Absolutely. Though obviously a glencairn glass would be best, those glasses look fine (a wine glass or small brandy snifter works well too). And glenmorangie is a great single malt for a very good price. Its light and sweet, somewhat complex, but should be very enjoyable for a first timer.
On January 23 2012 23:28 Kaeru wrote: I am trying to get into Whiskey and when I saw this thread I was hoping for a more informative thread.
Please share some recomendations and why in the OP. Would be cool if you include how you're supposed to drink Whiskey, how to store it and stuff like that.
Tasting whisky
Store your whisky the same way you would store any other spirit. Its just fine in the cupboard. If you have an expensive bottle that is 1/2 full you might want to decant it into a smaller bottle so it doesnt oxidize. Thats about it though.
I've always liked Whiskey. My favorite sipping drink is Gin (dumb right?), but Whiskey has always been a close second.
The last month or so I've been getting Whiskey Sodas(soda water). I really freaking love it, it dilutes it a bit obviously, but it extends the drink and makes it a much better social drink imo. Anyone else tried this and can recommend a whiskey that works well with it? So far i've only been trying low-middle range whiskey sodas but trying to decide on next high end one to buy.
On January 24 2012 13:53 Nothingtosay wrote: I'm turning 21, any recommendations for someone new to drinking?
Have you really not had anything alcoholic to drink before, or are you looking for a recommendation on something to buy now that you're 21? If the former, don't start with with hard booze/whiskey unless you enjoy puking everywhere. Get beer in that case, it's tried and true. If the later, get some expensive Balvenie or some awesome Bourbon.
On January 24 2012 13:53 Nothingtosay wrote: I'm turning 21, any recommendations for someone new to drinking?
For recreational drinking, with no intention of getting drunk, beer, cider, liqueurs like Bailey's, and some coolers are probably a safer place to start. If you are planning on getting drunk just be very careful of how much hard liquor you are drinking. Pour into a shot glass before you add to your drink, and keep track of how many shots of alcohol you have drank. Walk around between drinks, get the blood flowing a little otherwise you could be a lot drunker than you think. If you are just starting drinking, don't drink more then 13oz of hard alcohol. Many people will claim to be able to drink far more then this, but if you are just beginning 1 mickey of hard liquor is probably more then you can handle.
If you want to start with the hard bar, then you are going to want to mix. Scotch sounds classy, but play it safe! Gin and tonic, rum and coke, vodka and orange juice, whiskey and ginger ale. All of these drinks are very easy to make, and will taste pretty good. It will also get you started on the road to appreciating hard liquor. The ratio I usually use is 2:1 of mix to alcohol, then add 2-3 ice cubes. In the case of a gin and tonic or a rum and coke, some lemon or lime juice can be added, just be very careful not to add too much, just 1-2 drops should be plenty.
For brands, just buy what is cheap. If you are mixing, you aren't going to be enjoying the depth of flavor, the texture, or really anything. I do recommend getting a white rum for the rum and coke, and get a rye whiskey for a whiskey ginger ale.
Just purchased an amazing bourbon for incredibly cheap. Hand picked by master distiller Parker Beam, I present to you, Elijah Craig 12:
The taste I get is that of sweet cornflakes, butterscotch, and leather. It goes very well with dark chocolate.
Here's what Jim Murray had to say: "Nose: About as complete a Bourbon aroma as you are likely to find...Near miraculous: one of the most beautiful noses found anywhere in the world today. Taste: A bourbon to keep in the mouth forever...Comments: Perhaps one of my favorite five or six bourbons and ... perhaps at its best just before bed. Brilliant."
This stuff is fantastic, never mind the fact that it only costs ~$25. Recommended for any whiskey/bourbon fan.
On January 21 2012 08:50 SoLaR[i.C] wrote: Alright y'all, I got a solid paycheck today and am looking for a decent whisky, bourbon, or rye in the $50 +/- $10 range.
I originally was going to spend hours browsing through L.A. Whisk(e)y Society's ratings, but I might as well come here and get some recommendations. WHAT YA GOT TL?
Talisker 10
Its what James Bond drank in the Ian Flemming novels. Nuff said
I just picked up a bottle of Jack Daniels Single Barrel, its a lot tastier than your regular jack. can really taste a lot of the more subtle flavors that you dont normally get from the blend. I've only just begun drinking whiskey as a 'hobby' so i still have to have mine on the rocks with a little watter added, otherwise its just a little too much for me to handle. but i'm getting there.
On January 21 2012 14:57 SoLaR[i.C] wrote: Drinking Ardbeg 10 at a whisky bar as I type.
Not used to Islay malts... So fucking smoky and peaty.... I might puke in a few minutes.
Let it be known that I went back today, with a fresh mind/body/stomach, and retried Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig.
Turns out that I quite enjoy Islay Whisky when it's not consumed after a long night of drinking and with an overall expectation of the taste that will be entering my mouth!
I can't say that I enjoy them as much as a good bourbon, but they are fantastic nonetheless.
Just sharing a little something I've learned recently.
There is the Whiskey Sour, which is a fantastic cocktail you can usually order at any decent bar, I'd assume most people here even guys that normally don't mix their whiskey with anything have had it before.
And then there's a Whiskey Sour with an Egg White mixed in (otherwise known as a Boston Sour). These are a little harder to find as they are harder to prepare but if any of you enjoy a good whiskey sour and have not had the opportunity to try one with the classic recipe that calls for an Egg White you are missing out.