what's the best thing about whiskey?

[DredheadV2.0]

I shared my Woodford Reserve with a group of STNers; one of those who shall remain nameless added it to his Mountain Dew.  

It was Shhted, wasn't it.  Trying to cover up the taste of his Akvavit?

[stromgal]

I actually *liked* his akvavit.    

[Giaka]

How is Jameson 12? What is the best Irish Whiskey under $50?

[garry]

Atkins Approved: no carbs when consumed straight or on the rocks (just calories from the alcohol).

[bomber]

I actually *liked* his akvavit.    

wait . . .some folks DON'T like akvavit?

[black hills]

How is Jameson 12? What is the best Irish Whiskey under $50?

not an irish whiskey guy at all, but I do like Red Breast. pretty sure it's under $50?
http://godsaveireland.wordpress.com/2006/11/09/redbreast-irish-whiskey/

[stew71]

wait . . .some folks DON'T like akvavit?

Man that stuff is nasty. The last time I drank it, my fingers went numb.  Stuff enough of it into any Scandinavian and they get delusions of Viking grandeur.

[bomber]

Man that stuff is nasty. The last time I drank it, my fingers went numb.  Stuff enough of it into any Scandinavian and they get delusions of Viking grandeur.

How can that be a bad thing? You just gotta get in touch with your inner berserker is all.

[DredheadV2.0]

not an irish whiskey guy at all, but I do like Red Breast. pretty sure it's under $50?
http://godsaveireland.wordpress.com/2006/11/09/redbreast-irish-whiskey/

Red Breast is yum.  Jameson 12 is OK, but honestly you should spend a little more and get either the Gold or the 18.

[stew71]

Well, I'm not counting today's hangover as one of it's benefits. My neighbors and I busted up a good portion of a bottle of Jim Beam Devil's Cut 90 proof last night during and after the game.

WTF was I thinking?  

[stromgal]

Yep, life is quite unfair. Now that I'm olde enough to really appreciate good whiskey, I suffer mightily post-appreciation.  

[Giaka]

Red Breast is yum.  Jameson 12 is OK, but honestly you should spend a little more and get either the Gold or the 18.

Tried Jameson 12. It was "meh" or OK as you put it. Not worth the price premium over regular Jameson if you ask me. I will check out Red Breast.

[Giaka]

Another test, a friend hooked me up with a little of this. WOW talk about different. I am pretty sure I liked it but there will need to be more "testing". I tried it room temp with no water, then with a little water, then with a single ice cube. Not sure which way I like it best?

[stevent]

My choice is 10 year old Speyburn Highland Single Malt over an ice cube sipped from my made in England BRG Triumph cup to be exact. On a cold and rainy night, in front of the fireplace, with a plate of smoked salmon and some saltines, plus it's got a picture of a Rainbow trout right on the bottle... what more could you ask?

 

[county]

straight single malt. absolutely no water or ice-that's sacrilege  

I dunno about sacrilege but it is sure polluting good whiskey...  

[DredheadV2.0]

I dunno about sacrilege but it is sure polluting good whiskey...  

Most whiskies are bottled at 60% water.  I suggest you boil off all that nasty water before drinking.  

[Rodan]

Another test, a friend hooked me up with a little of this. WOW talk about different. I am pretty sure I liked it but there will need to be more "testing". I tried it room temp with no water, then with a little water, then with a single ice cube. Not sure which way I like it best?

You should try the 18...  

A wee bit of water will  help bring out the flavours.  A glass full of ice...  

[FiremanBob]

I met this new whisky maker last Saturday: http://www.solspirits.com/story.php.

Their product, Uprising whisky, is absolutely delicious, with a complex flavor that changes as you savor it. They base it on a stout, and distill it to a lower proof than most makers - 130 proof off the still instead of the nearly 190 that most have. Result is you get the flavors of the brew without having to depend on borrowed flavor from a cask during years of aging.

I really like the idea of craft distilling, as the logical next step from the craft brewing industry that has so enhanced beer drinkers' lives over the last two decades.

Thanks to the liquor retailing lobby, they are not legally allowed to sell product at the distillery but they do offer tours and free tastings. Fortunately the retailer around the corner had a bottle.

[gradus]

For the bourbon fans look for a bottle of Rowan's Creek.  More complex flavors than most bourbons and you won't call it a favorite at first.  But you'll frequently reach for the RC over other premium whiskey.  

I'd put it on par with a Blanton's (should have both) and better than a Willett.    

[DredheadV2.0]

I met this new whisky maker last Saturday: http://www.solspirits.com/story.php.

Their product, Uprising whisky, is absolutely delicious, with a complex flavor that changes as you savor it. They base it on a stout, and distill it to a lower proof than most makers - 130 proof off the still instead of the nearly 190 that most have. Result is you get the flavors of the brew without having to depend on borrowed flavor from a cask during years of aging.

How does it taste?  Hoppy, malty, something else?  I'm really kinda curious about this, but since it doesn't seem to be distributed outside of RI yet I doubt I'll have the chance.