The Scotch thread

[Fatcat08]

Hakushu. 12 years old. Working its magic after that game!

* Not Scotch I know but who knew that Japanese single malts were this good!

Have always enjoyed the Japanese whiskeys. Did a tasting of a bunch of them at the Gresham in the city (brisbane) and was not disappointed in any of them.

 

[Ironmonger]

The footy is depressing, but whisky will always be a source of joy.

After a year spent mostly with old favourites I've tried a couple of new ones lately.

Firstly, Talisker's port-barrel finished offering- Port Ruighe or something like that. It's not bad, but let's face it, most of these port-barrel finished whiskies taste pretty similar. The distinctive Talisker taste is still there, but a lot of the subtlety is lost underneath the somewhat cloying port taste. I suppose it tastes pretty much exactly the way you'd think it would taste. Look elsewhere.

I've made a conscious decision to try a few more Japanese whiskies, given there's so much hype around them at the moment. First on my list is Hibiki, which seems to be one of the better-rated drinks in the ~$100 a bottle range that's readily available. Perhaps it was a mistake to start with a blended, because maybe I don't really have a palate for them, but it's slightly underwhelming. It's drinkable enough, and very smooth, but I reckon you can do better for the price. I'd go Ballantines 17 instead if I'm after a blend.

I'll keep experimenting with the Japanese whiskies, but sadly I get the feeling I'll never quite get as much out of them as others do.

 

[Ironmonger]

Oh Laphraoig, I'll never stop loving you. *sips*

Incidentally, has anyone here tried the Glenlivet Founder's Reserve? Most of the reviews are negative, but I'm wondering how unbiased they are.

I'm a bit worried that if it's successful that other brands will make their entry level products ageless. I think that would be bad for quality in the long run.