Decided to get the Christmas whiskey early. Have you tried any of these?

Geuze · 25-11-2014 11:43am

Perhaps a bit off-topic, but is 25 for Crested Ten a good price?

Current price in Tesco.

L1011 · 25-11-2014 2:42pm

Geuze wrote: »

Perhaps a bit off-topic, but is 25 for Crested Ten a good price?

Current price in Tesco.

Its rarely cheaper. Its a bottle I'll buy but I'll probably be banned for saying I can't drink it without ice :pac:

adrian522 · 25-11-2014 3:05pm

Picked up 2 bottles on the way home from Asia over the weekend, looking forward to trying them.

First is aberlour Cask strength (60%) no age statement but it does look good.

http://www.aberlour.com/range/aberlour-abunadh/

Second is a Laphroaig PX - Essentially matured in Pedro Ximinez casks. Really looking forward to this one.

http://laphroaig.com/whiskies/laph-px.aspx

I used to have a large Whiskey collection but it is vastly reduced these days. Just finished a bottle of Bowmore 25 Year old and I'm now left with:

Bushmills 10 Year Old
Tyrconnell Madeira Finish
Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest

Along with the 2 up above.

I don't agree with the poster above, I find there is a lot more variety in Scotch whisky's and generally find them to be better value than their Irish equivalents.

murphyebass · 25-11-2014 7:02pm

Picked up a bottle of Aldi's 10year old.

27quid so hopefully it's ok. It's my drinking whiskey for Xmas.

Have the Middleton then for the once every now and then. :-)

Midfield9 · 26-11-2014 12:54pm

robocode wrote: »

I tried a few on the weekend actually. I enjoyed the Bushmills 16, Redbreast, Green Spot. I also enjoyed a Macallan. I tried a Laphroaig which was such an unexpected taste I didn't know what to make of it. I think I would enjoy peatyness, just a bit less!

Also, just FYI you can get a bottle of Talisker 10 on Amazon for €35 now

Thanks that's good value, a novice whiskey drinker but talisker 10 is easily one of my favorite's. Went to order a couple of bottles there and they wouldn't deliver to Ireland. Presume you use parcel motel?

robocode · 26-11-2014 1:23pm

Midfield9 wrote: »

Thanks that's good value, a novice whiskey drinker but talisker 10 is easily one of my favorite's. Went to order a couple of bottles there and they wouldn't deliver to Ireland. Presume you use parcel motel?

Haven't ordered it yet, but yeah I'll be going the Parcel Motel route.

irish_goat · 26-11-2014 1:29pm

Parcel Motel say they don't allow alcohol. Is this enforced?

robocode · 26-11-2014 1:50pm

irish_goat wrote: »

Parcel Motel say they don't allow alcohol. Is this enforced?

I didn't know that, crap! That scuppers my plan. Although, I don't know how they would know it's alcohol. I don't think Amazon labels items, does it?

Mesrine65 · 26-11-2014 2:07pm

irish_goat wrote: »

Parcel Motel say they don't allow alcohol. Is this enforced?

Yes, I have had a shipment refused by Parcel Motel from Germany & returned to sender.

Midfield9 · 26-11-2014 2:41pm

Crap! After ordering a couple of bottles through parcel motel. Do I just cancel the order or wait and see what happens. If they refuse it I presume it just gets sent back to Amazon and I'll be refunded anyway?

Geuze · 26-11-2014 5:01pm

Given that there are strict controls on alcohol imports (excise duty, etc.), it's fairly obvious that couriers wouldn't accept it.

Same goes for tobacco.

robocode · 26-11-2014 5:16pm

But don't all Amazon orders get shipped in that generic brown cardboard box? If so, Parcel Motel would never know.

Midfield9 · 26-11-2014 5:28pm

Geuze wrote: »

Given that there are strict controls on alcohol imports (excise duty, etc.), it's fairly obvious that couriers wouldn't accept it.

Same goes for tobacco.

Couriers have no problem delivering whiskey from masterofmalt or whiskyexchange which I think both at UK based.
As for excise duty, I'd have to look into it. But I got a few bottles from master of malt last year and I don't think I paid any duty.

Midfield9 · 26-11-2014 5:29pm

robocode wrote: »

But don't all Amazon orders get shipped in that generic brown cardboard box? If so, Parcel Motel would never know.

I think I'll let it roll, see what happens!!

robocode · 26-11-2014 5:30pm

God speed (and keep me posted) :P

Mesrine65 · 26-11-2014 5:46pm

Parcel Motel opened my parcel & e-mailed me with a photo of the contents.
Declaration docket/invoice was attached to the parcel in one of those self adhesive window type things.

Insect Overlord · 28-11-2014 11:33pm

I've a decision to make, but I need the advice of people who know their whiskeys.

Option a) Redbreast 12 Year Old or
Option b) Yellow Spot

There's €10 of a difference in the prices. Is the Yellow Spot worth the extra few quid?

m5ex9oqjawdg2i · 29-11-2014 4:04am

DeadlyByDesign wrote: »

55 for green spot? Brilliant. Has anyone tried yellow spot yet? Seriously thinking of dropping some cash for it

I tried them both. Nice whiskeys but my palate is more suited to green spot than yellow spot. Maybe it was my wallet telling my palate :P

An File wrote:

I've a decision to make, but I need the advice of people who know their whiskeys.

Option a) Redbreast 12 Year Old or
Option b) Yellow Spot

There's €10 of a difference in the prices. Is the Yellow Spot worth the extra few quid?

If it was me, I would go for the Redbreast 12 year old. One of my favourite whiskeys. Everybody is different though

cormacjones · 29-11-2014 10:34am

An File wrote: »

I've a decision to make, but I need the advice of people who know their whiskeys.

Option a) Redbreast 12 Year Old or
Option b) Yellow Spot

There's €10 of a difference in the prices. Is the Yellow Spot worth the extra few quid?

Both excellent whiskeys. I'd go for the Powers John's Lane though!

Midfield9 · 03-12-2014 12:48pm

robocode wrote: »

God speed (and keep me posted) :P

It arrived. Delighted 71euro and 4.50e for PM. Decent enough value. At that price I won't feel the need to spare it and make it last! Don't know if I just got lucky or they are not that strict. I'd imagine there flat out at the moment so maybe it just slipped through.

Midfield9 · 03-12-2014 12:50pm

Pics

robocode · 03-12-2014 3:03pm

So it does say it on the box, interesting! Bought the Talisker in Supervalu last week for €47, so €71 is great! Enjoy!

L1011 · 03-12-2014 5:35pm

Picked up both Lidl and Aldi's Christmas special whiskeys since the weekend.

The Lidl Abrachan has no age marked on it but does go in to detail about the casks used; decent enough - suggestions that it may be a Whyte & Mackay product going on the company name on the bottle. Not sure I'd get a second bottle but its not going to languish on the shelf anyway. €24.99 but tastes more like a 30+ blended scotch

Not opened the Glen Marnoch Islay "limited release" from Aldi yet, reviews seem decent and suggest it tastes like a young Caol Isla but it's a blend so its not going to be just that. Also no age statement, also 24.99

Looking at getting something dearer and Irish to finish off the selection now.

Pinch Flat · 03-12-2014 6:00pm

Bottle of lagavulin 16 year old coming through flaviar - they're based in the uk so should be ok with duty. Have heard their delivery times are sketchy but at €50 all in it was hard to turn down.

Picked up a bottle of white label Bushmills in Aldi last night - will do as a tippler. Hard to leave it there at €20.

The Jameson select reserve caught my eye as well

http://www.obrienswine.ie/jameson-select-reserve-70cl.html

sounds good from reviews. Or might get some Bushmills 10 year old single malt.

smurfjed · 06-12-2014 7:27pm

I was in Ireland for the last two months, tried out a lot of interesting whiskeys, the Jameson Black Barrel was excellent, after the initial bottle, i went back and got 5 more. Great taste and excellent value. That will be my Christmas whiskey, although i might get either the Paddy Centenary or Midleton Very Rare 2014 for my Dad.

Trond · 09-12-2014 4:58pm

Anyone care to recommend me a single malt to buy. I wouldn't be the most experienced whiskey drinker, quite the opposite in fact. Im not a fan of the more common brands like Jameson, Paddy etc.

I've recently taken a shine to the 10 year old Tullamore Dew Single Malt. Looking for something similar as I found it really smooth and much more drinkable.

Thanks....

lord lucan · 09-12-2014 6:34pm

Trond wrote: »

Anyone care to recommend me a single malt to buy. I wouldn't be the most experienced whiskey drinker, quite the opposite in fact. Im not a fan of the more common brands like Jameson, Paddy etc.

I've recently taken a shine to the 10 year old Tullamore Dew Single Malt. Looking for something similar as I found it really smooth and much more drinkable.

Thanks....

Try The Irishman single malt,the one in the gold box,not the 12 yo,it's a cracking whiskey and good value too.

gandalf · 10-12-2014 12:56pm

Trond wrote: »

Anyone care to recommend me a single malt to buy. I wouldn't be the most experienced whiskey drinker, quite the opposite in fact. Im not a fan of the more common brands like Jameson, Paddy etc.

I've recently taken a shine to the 10 year old Tullamore Dew Single Malt. Looking for something similar as I found it really smooth and much more drinkable.

Thanks....

Lockes 8 year old Single Malt is a nice bottle of joy from that part of the world as well.

Trond · 10-12-2014 1:09pm

Cheers gents I 'll give them both a try.

The Irishman single malt is €47 and Lockes €48 in the Celtic Whisky Shop. Anywhere cheaper than that?

Another question if I may.....picked up a bottle of Jonnie Walker Gold Reserve on black Friday. Has anyone tried it and how would they rate it?

Thanks

Trond · 16-12-2014 5:33pm

Right so following on from the above I decided to buy a few single malts to taste over the xmas or maybe sooner!

got these in 5cl bottles;

Laphroaig 10yr
Auchentoshan 12yr
Bowmore 18yr
Nikka 12yr
Teeling
Irishman

P_Cash · 16-12-2014 10:41pm

What's the best way to drink all of these whiskeys, are ye all drinking them the same way, neat? No ice, no water, no mixer etc.

I like whiskey, but find it a bit hard to drink, and find myself mixing with a dash of 7up,
And i also need ice on it.

So, teach me the best way to take it, i know we all have different tastes etc but I'm sure theres the basics,

Also food? Snacking with your whiskey anyone? What's your munch? Or is that distroying the taste?

Trond · 16-12-2014 11:57pm

P_Cash wrote: »

What's the best way to drink all of these whiskeys, are ye all drinking them the same way, neat? No ice, no water, no mixer etc.

I like whiskey, but find it a bit hard to drink, and find myself mixing with a dash of 7up,
And i also need ice on it.

So, teach me the best way to take it, i know we all have different tastes etc but I'm sure theres the basics,

Also food? Snacking with your whiskey anyone? What's your munch? Or is that distroying the taste?

From what I know ( which isnt much!) single malts should be drank with a tiny drop water and nothing else.

Couldnt resist sampling a couple of my purchases listed above.

The Laphroaig blew me away, different than anything Ive ever tasted. The Teeling was nice enough, wont be buying a full bottle though.

No idea about food tbh. My taste buds are still reeling from the Laphroaig!

Pinch Flat · 17-12-2014 10:49am

Just took delivery of a lagavulin 16 year old from flaviar - 3 weeks delivery (it's stamped from Slovenia) but at €50 delivered its a steal - off licences here quoting the guts of €80.

cletus van damme · 17-12-2014 11:22am

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Bottle of lagavulin 16 year old coming through flaviar - they're based in the uk so should be ok with duty. Have heard their delivery times are sketchy but at €50 all in it was hard to turn down.

Picked up a bottle of white label Bushmills in Aldi last night - will do as a tippler. Hard to leave it there at €20.

The Jameson select reserve caught my eye as well

http://www.obrienswine.ie/jameson-select-reserve-70cl.html

sounds good from reviews. Or might get some Bushmills 10 year old single malt.

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Just took delivery of a lagavulin 16 year old from flaviar - 3 weeks delivery (it's stamped from Slovenia) but at €50 delivered its a steal - off licences here quoting the guts of €80.

yeah was just gonna tell you that they ain't based in Uk

not sure on lagavulin itslef but their whiskeys are only about 5e cheaper than celtic whiskey shop on the ones I've checked.

Pinch Flat · 17-12-2014 11:33am

cletus van damme wrote: »

yeah was just gonna tell you that they ain't based in Uk

not sure on lagavulin itslef but their whiskeys are only about 5e cheaper than celtic whiskey shop on the ones I've checked.

I think I got a good deal on the lagavulin - celtic whiskey shop looking for just shy of €80. Which is a bit eye watering.

http://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/scottish-whisky-home-page/lagavulin-16-year-old

Buy yeah once you factor in shipping and currency (they do price in euros though) it can be a close thing, they do seem to do a lot of specials that would still be a good bit cheaper than buying in a bricks and mortar off licence

cletus van damme · 17-12-2014 12:08pm

Pinch Flat wrote: »

I think I got a good deal on the lagavulin - celtic whiskey shop looking for just shy of €80. Which is a bit eye watering.

http://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/scottish-whisky-home-page/lagavulin-16-year-old

Buy yeah once you factor in shipping and currency (they do price in euros though) it can be a close thing, they do seem to do a lot of specials that would still be a good bit cheaper than buying in a bricks and mortar off licence

true
I will warn you - they have brutal customer service.
I have 2 emails still unasnwered from them - they were automatically answered.

bought a bushmills 16 myself at weekend (my favourite) think there is enough in the kitty for a Redbeast 12 or 15 next week.

adrian522 · 17-12-2014 12:18pm

Trond wrote: »

From what I know ( which isnt much!) single malts should be drank with a tiny drop water and nothing else.

Couldnt resist sampling a couple of my purchases listed above.

The Laphroaig blew me away, different than anything Ive ever tasted. The Teeling was nice enough, wont be buying a full bottle though.

No idea about food tbh. My taste buds are still reeling from the Laphroaig!

My advice would be to try the whisky neat at first and see how it tastes, then add a drop of water and see how it changes the flavour and then decide which you prefer.

Personally I wouldn't add ice or 7up or whatever to a single malt as you would be missing out on a lot of the flavours. If I was in the pub and just drinking a Jameson or something I'd have no problem adding some ice to it.

the beer revolu · 17-12-2014 12:34pm

Dark chocolate is very nice with most whiskeys.

Brockagh · 17-12-2014 1:07pm

Flaviar is a funny one. Have only noticed them recently. I'm sure they're fine, but their advertising is a little odd. They were advertising Green Spot recently and attributed the quote "the Pappy van Winkle of Ireland" to Whisky Intelligence. But Whisky Intelligence is just a site that publishes press releases from the whisky industry. They also had an article about Japanese whisky this month, suggesting Karuizawa was in operation and owned by Kirin. They didn't mention that it's been closed for over 10 years and all their stock was bought by Number One Drinks.

Pinch Flat · 17-12-2014 2:15pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

Dark chocolate is very nice with most whiskeys.

I agree. Two of my loves are dark chocolate and a nice whiskey. Odd combination but can taste very nice.

L1011 · 17-12-2014 2:54pm

I'd promised myself I was finished for the season after picking up a Bushmills 10 to go with the other, erm, ten bottles of various stuff... but I was in Tesco with 18 off 50 in coupons on me and they had a single bottle of Cardhu 12 for 45. Was marked as "special price" with no reduced from - because its not a normal product for them.

Same discount appears to be going elsewhere - http://www.obrienswine.ie/cardhu-70cl-bottle.html?___SID=U . Its a damn good bottle for that price and its very un-Scotch for a Scotch. When you're getting nearly 40% off the shop with coupons its probably unbeatable.

buck65 · 18-12-2014 1:20pm

Bought a Jameson Caskmates (Jameson finished in stout barrels form the Franciscan Brewery - limited release) for €35 which is good value and a bottle of the Palace Bar 14 yo single malt - which I believe contains some 21yo Bushmills.

Tasted the 21 yo Redbreast there too, lovely - like the Cask Strength but without the kick - still too rich for my blood.

To the poster that rated Bushmills 16 as his favourite...snap.

Pinch Flat · 18-12-2014 1:31pm

buck65 wrote: »

Bought a Jameson Caskmates (Jameson finished in stout barrels form the Franciscan Brewery - limited release)

I like the new Jameson range. Picked up a Black Barrell myself and have to say it's lovely

Insect Overlord · 18-12-2014 4:04pm

I've postponed my expensive purchase and picked up a Jameson Caskmates as well. Just waiting for one of the lads to drop it down from Dublin next week!

Greg81 · 19-12-2014 4:45pm

Hi All,

This year i thought I will not buy any bottle and instead of that I will finish all what I have open already. So looks like this Christmas I will enjoy

Bowmore 12yo
Talisker 10yo
Glenmorangie 10yo
Bushmills 10yo
Johnnie Walker Green Label 15yo (just "few drops" left) It was one of my favorite scotch. Discontinued unfortunately

Happy Christmas!

Orion · 19-12-2014 4:47pm

Pinch Flat wrote: »

I like the new Jameson range. Picked up a Black Barrell myself and have to say it's lovely

The Black Barrel is a lovely whiskey. I've had it in my local - where did you get a bottle?

Pinch Flat · 20-12-2014 11:24am

Orion wrote: »

The Black Barrel is a lovely whiskey. I've had it in my local - where did you get a bottle?

http://www.obrienswine.ie/jameson-select-reserve-70cl.html

I picked it up in Blanchardstown. Just shy of €40 at the moment

Mesrine65 · 21-12-2014 1:40am

Pinch Flat wrote: »

I like the new Jameson range. Picked up a Black Barrell myself and have to say it's lovely

Just cracked a bottle open & sampled a dram, I concur sir, a fine libation indeed

ectoraige · 21-12-2014 1:50am

Pinch Flat wrote: »

I like the new Jameson range. Picked up a Black Barrel myself and have to say it's lovely

Received a bottle of this from my boss, cracked it open tonight, I've one criticism about the bottle design, there appears to be a leak in it! Very enjoyable, don't feel so bad that I've no Green Spot right now.

adocholiday · 21-12-2014 8:35pm

I see Tesco are doing the black label Jameson for €40 at the moment. I was going to buy a Green Spot (€53) or Writer's Tears (€45) for my da for Christmas but I'm tempted by the Jameson because he's a Jameson drinker anyway. I've had the Jameson myself and really liked it but I've never had the others. Should i stick to the reliable or would any of you recommend the others?

Decided to get the Christmas whiskey early. Have you tried any of these?

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