Yellow Fever Whisky Appreciation Thread

I will report back...

Macallan 12. 

Well, the Caol Ila Distillers Edition is definitely good, but it is not at all what I expected.

It's less peaty/smoky than the standard Caol Ila, but it's richer, rubier, and has more of a burn in the finish, but not in a bad way. It's very warming. The nose surprised me - it's not very Caol Ila-ish at all... quite strong and quite burnt.

I am enjoying it, but it is not what I expected.

The Clynelish Distiller's Edition is a definite keeper. If you like the Clynelish's mustard and sea salt tones, they are here in spades, and it is extra velvety. Nicely rounded, very very smooth and very very nice. Surprising as well but surprisingly good. 

Mmmmm, the second dram of Caol Ila D.E. rates higher than the first. It's creamier, and has a nice richness.

Tried it this time with a dash of water. Oh yes... oh yes, yes, yes... all of the hints of harshness are softened and the smokey background flavours are brought to the fore. The dash of water is the secret here...

Care to share a drop? How much was the bottle? That is, can I ask?

Always happy to share - that's the whole point.

Got it on special at www.whiskyandmore.co.nz (I recommend you subscribe). The Caol Ila distiller's edition was $114.99 and the Clynelish D.E. was $84.99.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

Tonight's enjoyment. Very rich and spiced caramelly. Gorgeous.

Cragganmore arrived today

hmmmm, her indoors is off to Melbourne today.

Time to do some online Duty Free shopping...

See if you can get a Ardbeg Uigedail mate. It's just superb.

was looking at Talisker Distillers or Dark Storm

Well you probably won't go wrong there either Coops...

Turns out, that if you have a Laphroig, neat, and then follow it with an Oban, neat, the raisiny / fruity elements of the Oban are really accentuated. Who knew?

Two new arrivals today

Highland Park is gooood. Would love to try the 18yo, as that's supposed to be the business.

Had the pleasure of a visit to Highland Park.So long ago...

https://www.whiskyandmore.co.nz/single-malt-whisky-for-sale/buy-highland-park-18-year-old-single-malt-scotch-whisky-online/

One would want to make that bottle last a very long time.

It doesn't work like that. The more expensive they are the quicker they seem to evaporate once they are opened. I dunno why that is...

Could do with one at the mo, sore throat, feeling miserable and just started and 8 day shift of 2-10s.

Get yourself some of these. I got two, and I am now wishing I had bought 4. They really are excellent, and good value too at $9.50 each.

https://www.whiskyandmore.co.nz/single-malt-whisky-for-sale/buy-glencairn-whisky-nosing-glass-with-giftbox-online/

Got a couple around Christmas time. They are fantastic!!!

If you like caramelly smooth Speysides, this one is a winner.

haven't tried that, but that sounds like me. Love the Speys.

got this for only $62 at Moore Wilsons - getting good reviews, yet to try:

...and?

was expecting it to be sweet, but it was really sweet - not in a bad way. Lots of sherry. Some caramel. Nice mouth feel. Very happy considering the price.

bw, can you recommend some nice <$70 whiskies? maybe even blends or Irish. I tend to like like Speys, but also love Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Highland Park...

Get on the mailing list from www.whiskyandmore.co.nz if you are not already. Go to their website and subscribe. It's great.

Once a week they send out the three specials of the week. Usually (but not always) three scotches, at very good discounts and you can often pick up good ones for $59.99 etc.

Right now they have Oban for $74.99, usually c.$175. Get some. It is a banker.

They also have Arbelour 12 yr old right now for $74.99 which is a good buy too.

Speysides: Look out for The Glenlivet, Glen Elgin (very good value), Cardhu, Glenrothes Select Reserve (currently $79.99 on whiskyandmore)

Islays: If you like Laphroig and Lagavulin, get some Ardbeg 10 yr old. You can often pick it up for c. $84.99 on whiskyandmore (they have it there at the moment), and it's great value. It won best whisky in the world in 2011 (I think it was). It's MUCH paler than Laphroig and Lagavulin, but has a beautiful peatiness and great balance.

Currently Whiskyandmore have The Dalwhinnie for $69.99 - this is one of my top 5 favourite scotches.

They also have Cragganmore for $69.99 which is usually about $130 and is a great Speyside drop.

And in bargain land they are selling Gelmorangie 10 yr old for $59.99 (usually 99).

Edradour 10 yr old is a very nice dram too ($79.99) from the smallest distillery in Scotland. Since discovering it I am a big fan. Very smooth and nutty.

thanks - good tips. I love Glenmorangie. It was only $60 at Moore Wilsons - I was tempted, but decided to get one I hadn't tried.

Have a bottle of this at home that was given to me.

Will open it tonight. Looking forward to the headache tomorrow morning :-)

Agree with comments about Oban 14! Must have at in your selection at all times!

For a slighlty different Islay experience, try Caol Ila.

Not sure I would like to be my golf ball today after a few of these. 

Admittedly there was some Stables 2013 Syrah consumed beforehand so may have to blame it this time around for my extreme dehydration :-)

I absolutely agree with this. The only reason I didn't mention Caol Ila is that Cosimo had already said he was a fan of Caol Ila in his post I was replying to.

yeah C-Diddy - read my posts properly for fuck's sake

there is such variation in prices...I can often find the same whisky somewhere else for $20+ cheaper. City Centre Wines and Spirits has 700ml Johnny Walker Black label for $76. Madness. It's $52 at Moore Wilsons.

Totally agree Cosimo.

You have to be patient and look around and buy when you see a good price. It requires discipline, but if you set yourself parameters and wait you can build your stocks for very reasonable prices.

Isn't dscipline a Whiskey drinkers requirement. how else would one appreciate the flavour, aroma, after taste? Certainly not by skulling it.

that's how I described my prom date.

this guy's reviews are fun. Also make me crave cigars (which i love)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74O3SWKngu0