As a bourbon drinker, allow me to recommend YT videos by Scottish actor Brian Cox on how to pronounce various scotch whisky names. They are all fantastic and there are many lesser tries but I find Brian’s the most entertaining!
I'm very familiar with all four but one really stands out. That is the completely different from anything in their line, the so underrated Glenfarclas 105. Glenfarclas at cask strength is amazing with the sherry and the proof and the pure awesomeness. Best American comparison would be Westward Whiskey Cask Strength with its rich s'mores flavors. Can't wait for part 2. Bill killed it on day 1.
I've tried all of these and they are all good. My order doesn't matter as it's so subjective to each person's palate, but even at 43% the Glenmorangie holds a special place. When it comes to Glenfarclas the 21yo or 25yo are the shining example of that distillery.
Glenmorangie 10 year was my first scotch … peaches and vanilla! I’m still primarily bourbon, but have ventured into peated scotch and love the Ardbeg 10 yr!! Hope it’s on your part 2 … if you haven’t tried it, it’s tremendous!
I have bought the Glenmorangie 18 and The Story of the Spaniard from Compass Box; I have tasted, but not bought Glenfarclas 105 (though I have other expressions from Glenfarclas) or Bruichladdich Islay Barley (I haven't like their unpeated whiskies since they reopened in 2000, though I used to before they were mothballed...). Looking forward to Part 2.
I've been to distilleries on Islay and in the Highlands. Bruichladdich was wonderful, and I was able to try aged distillates from Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte, and Octomore barrels at cask strength. So good, but I do lean toward their peated offerings so YMMV. I also like the Compass Box Spaniard as an excellent sherry finished pour.
Just happened to see this come up this morning. I am just starting to look into Scotch Whiskey. I only have one on my shelf, a Highland Park 12 year. Looking forward to part two to see what you think.
Can I say you can get a Benromach Cask strength any batch for the same money & the side effects it has a) it improves with time b) delivers on it's ABV c) makes you popular😂 if you share.
I guess it’s not by accident that the proofy ones took the first places. Plus, Glenfarclas 105 is a sherry bomb, therefore carries the most flavor in a more obvious way. I think both these characteristics would appeal more to a bourbon drinker. I’d be curious which Islay Barley you have. I’ve had the 2011 and the 2013, and I already bought the 2014 but I haven’t opened it yet. I absolutely loved the 2013.
This sounds like a great line up by Bill. Big fan of the Classic Laddie, and because of that, I have had that Bruichladdich Islay Barley in my hands several times and left it. Next time I guess it will make it to the car with me. I'd tune in for part two just to hear Julie keep saying "Scotch School" 😂 Cheers!
The more I learn about Scotch and the more I enjoy Scotch the less I like bourbon. In fact I don’t buy bourbon anymore as I find Scotch far more complex and interesting.
Spoken like a bourbon drinker! That’s what scotch has always been. Actually, more like 80 proof. They’ve only been upping the proof in response to the American whiskey (mainly bourbon) trend toward cask strength or barrel proof offerings. Oh, and one more thing. You cannot make a comment about scotch whisky (no “e”!) without some wag saying the scotch boys did it YEARS before bourbon! Deep in their often overbearing insecurity is that their entire industry was founded on finishing with used AMERICAN BOURBON BARRELS. Sort of like how Britain “won” WWI and WWII…with a little help from their former colony… That really yanks their chains. Generally, however, they’ll lighten up over a dram or two or nobody’s counting. 😊
As a bourbon drinker, allow me to recommend YT videos by Scottish actor Brian Cox on how to pronounce various scotch whisky names. They are all fantastic and there are many lesser tries but I find Brian’s the most entertaining!
Dabbling into Scotch is Music to my ears. 😊
I'm very familiar with all four but one really stands out. That is the completely different from anything in their line, the so underrated Glenfarclas 105. Glenfarclas at cask strength is amazing with the sherry and the proof and the pure awesomeness. Best American comparison would be Westward Whiskey Cask Strength with its rich s'mores flavors. Can't wait for part 2. Bill killed it on day 1.
As a Scotch drinker I like your ranking. Good to see that the chill filtered 86 proof whiskies rated at the bottom.
Anticipation, will not be able to sleep until part two.
I've tried all of these and they are all good. My order doesn't matter as it's so subjective to each person's palate, but even at 43% the Glenmorangie holds a special place. When it comes to Glenfarclas the 21yo or 25yo are the shining example of that distillery.
Good for Bill... good choices!
Mmmmmmm scotch. That’s a great lineup.
That Glenfarclas is something else.
There is a 16 year version of the Farclas 105 out now. I have a 22 year version in the bar, was very reasonable priced when I first picked it up.
Glenmorangie 10 year was my first scotch … peaches and vanilla! I’m still primarily bourbon, but have ventured into peated scotch and love the Ardbeg 10 yr!! Hope it’s on your part 2 … if you haven’t tried it, it’s tremendous!
Sorry I have a typo in my last text. It was supposed to start by Here Glenmorangie 18 in Montreal……
I have bought the Glenmorangie 18 and The Story of the Spaniard from Compass Box; I have tasted, but not bought Glenfarclas 105 (though I have other expressions from Glenfarclas) or Bruichladdich Islay Barley (I haven't like their unpeated whiskies since they reopened in 2000, though I used to before they were mothballed...). Looking forward to Part 2.
I've been to distilleries on Islay and in the Highlands. Bruichladdich was wonderful, and I was able to try aged distillates from Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte, and Octomore barrels at cask strength. So good, but I do lean toward their peated offerings so YMMV. I also like the Compass Box Spaniard as an excellent sherry finished pour.
Seeing them all listed out like that makes us realize we've enjoyed everything we've tasted from that brand. Time to go back to Scotland.
Just happened to see this come up this morning. I am just starting to look into Scotch Whiskey. I only have one on my shelf, a Highland Park 12 year. Looking forward to part two to see what you think.
We think you'll enjoy tomorrow's episode.
WHISKEY CHEERS 😎
Can I say you can get a Benromach Cask strength any batch for the same money & the side effects it has a) it improves with time b) delivers on it's ABV c) makes you popular😂 if you share.
I guess it’s not by accident that the proofy ones took the first places. Plus, Glenfarclas 105 is a sherry bomb, therefore carries the most flavor in a more obvious way. I think both these characteristics would appeal more to a bourbon drinker. I’d be curious which Islay Barley you have. I’ve had the 2011 and the 2013, and I already bought the 2014 but I haven’t opened it yet. I absolutely loved the 2013.
Aberlour 12
This sounds like a great line up by Bill. Big fan of the Classic Laddie, and because of that, I have had that Bruichladdich Islay Barley in my hands several times and left it. Next time I guess it will make it to the car with me. I'd tune in for part two just to hear Julie keep saying "Scotch School" 😂 Cheers!
Try ardbeg uigeadail
The more I learn about Scotch and the more I enjoy Scotch the less I like bourbon. In fact I don’t buy bourbon anymore as I find Scotch far more complex and interesting.
It is terrible that Glenmorangie puts out an expensive 18 year old whisky at 86 proof.
Spoken like a bourbon drinker! That’s what scotch has always been. Actually, more like 80 proof. They’ve only been upping the proof in response to the American whiskey (mainly bourbon) trend toward cask strength or barrel proof offerings. Oh, and one more thing. You cannot make a comment about scotch whisky (no “e”!) without some wag saying the scotch boys did it YEARS before bourbon! Deep in their often overbearing insecurity is that their entire industry was founded on finishing with used AMERICAN BOURBON BARRELS. Sort of like how Britain “won” WWI and WWII…with a little help from their former colony… That really yanks their chains. Generally, however, they’ll lighten up over a dram or two or nobody’s counting. 😊
. YouGlenmorangie 18 in Montreal sold by our governmental unique supplier of alcool the SAQ, sells for $290.00. You are sitting on Gold.