Thursday, April 30, 2009

4 fingered.


Paid a visit to Chino Latino the other evening ... indulged myself with a Glenlivet 12. The bartender wasn't exactly scotch savvy and served up a hulking pour and garnished it with a plastic straw. I was pleasantly amused ... so much so in fact, that I'll go out of my way to order another scotch from said bartender next time I'm there.
Photo: Heather offered up her hand for comparison. The actual pour is hard to see - but look closely and you'll notice it.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Whoa Nelly!


Picked these up a couple weeks ago... the Bowmore 12 is nice to have around. But let me tell you the Laphroaig 15 blew me away! Rich, peaty, buttery... everything you would expect from the 10yr but better. My new favorite especially since it is only about $4 more than the 10. It is a must try in my book especially if you have the 10yr handy for comparison. Kind of reminds me of back in the day when I was used to drinking gas station coffee and had my first Starbucks -- velvety. Until I have a chance to line up Ardbeg and Lagavulin for a side-by-side it gets E10.
Cheers

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

All quiet on the Scotch front


Just checking in - I've been enjoying my utility Scotches while watching some NHL playoffs these past few days. Nothing new or noteworthy to report - although Erik needs to toot some horns on that buttery bottle of Laphroaig 15 that he has. Some of the best Scotch I've had yet! I plan on picking up a couple new selections later this week. Stay tuned...

Monday, April 13, 2009

Speyburn 10, A New Utility


I think I've found my new favorite utility scotch: Speyburn, 10yr. It's almost too good to be true coming in at under $16/bottle (when on sale). This Speyside malt is gentle on the nose, and smells of fresh fruit. The taste has a perfectly simple peaty kick that quickly changes over to a gentle apple taste and is surprisingly refreshing and dry. The taste doesn't linger ... making you want that next sip, asap.
I'm almost embarrassed to say that I've been feeding the friends a blended Passport utility whiskey when this is just as simple in price, and leaps and bounds better in taste. I feel shame, and will adjust my ranking accordingly.
Also picked up another utility bottle over the weekend: Bowmore Legend. It's a simple Islay whisky that has a healthy peaty kick, heavy peppery taste, and is pretty satisfying, yet basic considering. Holds nothing to its older brothers 12yr and up, but certainly can't complain.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Longrow, A cure for what ails ya.


Finally sat down and dove into a healthy pour of my Longrow 14 with Erik. I head into it biased, as the Longrow 10 is one of my favorites. This is one for the 'Peat Freaks.' The smell is somewhat light, peaty, and smoky. However the taste hits you like a ton of bricks - an immediate peaty kick that fills the mouth, with hints of smoky cedar and apple lingering. A little swirl around the tongue and it gives you a proper kick in the mind, makes the eyes water. Has a spicy essence like an old piece of cinnamon gum. Definitely one to savor.
The price is steep, and the color lacks any sort of authentic body ... but it gets high grades in my book. Props to this Campbeltown Whisky.