Whiskey.. Irish or Scottish?

dvdman1 · 17-12-2019 11:03am #1

Whats your preference and why?

ipodrocker · 17-12-2019 3:43pm

Very Tough!

Irish - Nice Spicy Taste, with lovely Sherry Finish is a plus

Scotch - If you like Peaty Flavours cant go wrong

You will find different opinion as taste is per person!

odyssey06 · 17-12-2019 4:46pm

Overall Irish, but there are some Scotchs I really like - typically Speysides or non-peated from Jura, for example.
Not a fan of the peat bombs from Islay.

The thing about Scotch is there is a big spread of styles between Islands, Highlands and Speyside, especially in relation to use of peat \ smokiness.
I think more diversity than you get in Ireland.

Padraig Mor · 17-12-2019 6:49pm

Irish for the summer. Scotch (Islay) for the winter.

Hodors Appletart · 17-12-2019 10:48pm

I love Islay whisky, just finished a bottle of Ardbeg the other day.

I also have some Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie and Glenlivet in my drinks press.

I was gifted a bottle of Teelings Single Malt a few months ago, and I like that. I also recently had reason to sample Powers Gold Label and found that agreeable too.

I think people can, and should, enjoy all kinds of drinks and not pigeonhole themselves.

I'l like to try some Japanese, and the next time I'm travelling for work I'll be picking some up.

Insect Overlord · 18-12-2019 1:17am

Lagavulin is the one that I like the most, but I'm still very much a whiskey/whisky novice. Ask me again in 10 years.

faceman · 18-12-2019 1:21am

Islay Scotch all the way unless you don’t like peaty or smokey whisky.

Redbreast is the closest Irish whiskey to that peaty goodness

Zaph · 18-12-2019 2:19am

Irish, I find it's generally smoother with a greater depth of flavour. A lot of scotches I've tasted have been a bit thin and watery, although I will admit that they've generally been of the non-peated variety which may make a difference. The one exception I'd make is Highland Park. It's very lightly peated and has really pleasant mouthfeel. However given the choice, I'd generally choose bourbon over either Irish or scotch as I prefer a slightly sweeter whiskey.

the beer revolu · 18-12-2019 11:07am

Both.
Because I'm awkward.

Why pick one?
So many more to choose from too.

irish_goat · 18-12-2019 11:09am

I was in Scotland last weekend and had a few whiskys, all around the £6-£8 mark in a bar. I left thinking there's much better value to be had in Irish whiskey.

ZiabR · 18-12-2019 11:26am

Big into my Whiskeys. At the moment in the cabinet I have:

Red Spot, Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Gold Label, Jamson, Middleton Rare, Bushmills, Caskmates Stout, Crown Royal, Redbreast 12, Redbreast 15, Redbreast 21. Love my Irish whiskey, never a fan of Scotch.

I recently did the Middleton Distillery tour in Cork, was an expensive day, but it was an amazing experience.

I find that the Peat Scotch can be a harsh drink, I tend to steer clear of them for the most part.

Hogzy · 18-12-2019 1:24pm

Irish whiskey is excellent but I find you can get higher aged, more complex scotch whisky for cheaper than you'd find a similar aged single malt from Ireland. There are exceptions to that of course but its just a general observation iv made. I do purchase my whisk(e)y's all over the world. I suppose the main reason for this is Scotch has a much higher output in terms of Litre of Product than Irish Whiskey does so the availability of it would drive down the price somewhat.

It will be interesting to see how the scotch industry reacts to the relaxing of its rules in relation to the type of casks scotch whisky can be aged in. Up until very recently the classification of 'Scotch Whisky' only applied to spirit aged in Oak casks which limited the casks to mainly old sherry, cognac, bourbon or port barrels.

Man Vs ManUre · 18-12-2019 1:28pm

Nothing beats Proper 12.

Clareman · 18-12-2019 1:28pm

I got a gift of a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label and tried it, found it a terrible drink. Normally I'd like a smooth Irish, a normal Jameson will do me but I would be partial to a Redbreast.

irish_goat · 18-12-2019 1:31pm

Hogzy wrote: »

I suppose the main reason for this is Scotch has a much higher output in terms of Litre of Product than Irish Whiskey does so the availability of it would drive down the price somewhat.

True but Scotch commands a higher price in the likes of the US and Asia. I think you're paying for the name a certain amount of time.

Compare the cheapest scotch in a bar e.g. Bells vs the cheapest Irish whiskey e.g. Jameson or Bushmills white. You're getting far better quality with the Jamesons and Bushmills.

18-12-2019 1:31pm

Hogzy wrote: »

Irish whiskey is excellent but I find you can get higher aged, more complex scotch whisky for cheaper than you'd find a similar aged single malt from Ireland. There are exceptions to that of course but its just a general observation iv made. I do purchase my whisk(e)y's all over the world. I suppose the main reason for this is Scotch has a much higher output in terms of Litre of Product than Irish Whiskey does so the availability of it would drive down the price somewhat.

Thats a fair assertion, but then Irish Whiskey is undergoing a re-emergence while Scotch has had a long established presence. Just a few short years ago there were only two major Irish distilleries, where as Scotland had hundreds. Easy enough for one of them to do a non premium aged run. Also gives them room for experimentation.

18-12-2019 1:33pm

Man Vs ManUre wrote: »

Nothing beats Proper 12.

Proper 12 Irish Whisky?

the beer revolu · 18-12-2019 1:47pm

Hogzy wrote: »

It will be interesting to see how the scotch industry reacts to the relaxing of its rules in relation to the type of casks scotch whisky can be aged in. Up until very recently the classification of 'Scotch Whisky' only applied to spirit aged in Oak casks which limited the casks to mainly old sherry, cognac, bourbon or port barrels.

When did this change happen? I missed that.
The reality is that being limited to oak limits you to the vast, vast majority of casks that are currently out there.
The amount of Irish whiskey that has been aged in "other than oak" is minuscule.
Method and Madness being the only one range that springs to mind.
Even Mizunara is a type of oak.

Hogzy · 18-12-2019 3:47pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

When did this change happen? I missed that.

https://scotchwhisky.com/magazine/latest-news/26098/new-scotch-rules-aim-to-add-flexibility/

Have a look there ^^^

the beer revolu wrote: »

The reality is that being limited to oak limits you to the vast, vast majority of casks that are currently out there.
The amount of Irish whiskey that has been aged in "other than oak" is minuscule.
Method and Madness being the only one range that springs to mind.
Even Mizunara is a type of oak.

Agreed, youre talking about Tequila and Mezcal casks......I could only imagine how that whiskey would taste lol.

Others listed in the article include: Calvados, barrel-aged cachaça, shochu and baijiu, as well as some other fruit spirits.

L1011 · 18-12-2019 5:00pm

That's just a list of what was allowed to have been in an oak cask before, not any other woods. Its still only oak.

Hogzy · 18-12-2019 5:13pm

L1011 wrote: »

That's just a list of what was allowed to have been in an oak cask before, not any other woods. Its still only oak.

Ah youre right. I was reading the article in the Wall Street Journal which confused that point somewhat.

WacoKid · 18-12-2019 5:17pm

ZiabR wrote: »

Big into my Whiskeys. At the moment in the cabinet I have:

Red Spot, Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Gold Label, Jamson, Middleton Rare, Bushmills, Caskmates Stout, Crown Royal, Redbreast 12, Redbreast 15, Redbreast 21. Love my Irish whiskey, never a fan of Scotch.

I recently did the Middleton Distillery tour in Cork, was an expensive day, but it was an amazing experience.

I find that the Peat Scotch can be a harsh drink, I tend to steer clear of them for the most part.

I find the Spot's sit at one end of the Irish scale and the Redbreasts at the other. Both are lovely though. I would mention Powers John Lane also, great whiskey.

Effects · 18-12-2019 6:49pm

Man Vs ManUre wrote: »

Nothing beats Proper 12.

You're right Conor.

ipodrocker · 19-12-2019 10:13am

WacoKid wrote: »

I find the Spot's sit at one end of the Irish scale and the Redbreasts at the other. Both are lovely though. I would mention Powers John Lane also, great whiskey.

johns Lane amazing recommendation!

dvdman1 · 22-12-2019 11:34am

While both are great.

Overall Scotch seems to have the larger variety pleasing more tastbuds.

I do agree that you get better value on the lower end if you get an irish jameson vs bells for example.

2011abc · 31-12-2019 8:27pm

Irish all day long in practically all price brackets for me (at least up to three figures.)Not sure whats nastier , cheap scotch or most american (probably the latter )

Spanish Eyes · 31-12-2019 8:31pm

The peaty overtones in Scotch whisky is not to my taste. Although I did try.

Irish whiskey all the way for me now. Now and then just to clarify!

But whatever is in the drinks press is good for a hot toddy also.

Zaph · 01-01-2020 12:42am

2011abc wrote: »

Not sure whats nastier , cheap scotch or most american (probably the latter )

There are a lot of very good bourbons out there, so while the generally sweeter profile may not be too everyone's taste, describing it as nasty is way off the mark.

Hodors Appletart · 08-01-2020 8:52am

i opened a bottle of glenmorangie 10 the other evening thought it was really nice no harshness and a nice bit of sweetness i had it neat but want to add a couple of drops of water next time to open that up a bit

just to say after a few comments above not all scotch has peaty overtones only really islays stuff from the east of scotland wouldn't have that at all

Gavin1986 · 06-02-2020 9:10am

As a neat or straight up drink, I prefer Scottish as is it have stronger aroma and taste. Irish is better to use as a mixer in drinks.

Effects · 06-02-2020 10:02am

Gavin1986 wrote: »

As a neat or straight up drink, I prefer Scottish as is it have stronger aroma and taste. Irish is better to use as a mixer in drinks.

That sounds like a bit of a generalisation to be honest.

ciaran76 · 06-02-2020 10:14am

If you see the 3 pack miniture in Lidl of the Ben Bracken range and they say there are three bottlings sourced from unnamed distilleries in Speyside, Islay and the Highlands.

Its a good way to taste different styles for about €20 if I remember correctly.

blackbox · 06-02-2020 10:23am

I'm not a fan of peat. The experience is too much like sticking your head up a chimney!
Some lowland Scotch is OK, but I generally stick to Irish.

Effects · 06-02-2020 11:14am

There's a lot of scotch that isn't peated as well.
I've been working on a Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask, and it's really nice.

odyssey06 · 06-02-2020 11:22am

Gavin1986 wrote: »

As a neat or straight up drink, I prefer Scottish as is it have stronger aroma and taste. Irish is better to use as a mixer in drinks.

Have you tried Jameson Crested, Powers John Lane, Writers Tears or Redbreast 12?
Or are you more a fan of the heavily peated Scotch?

odyssey06 · 06-02-2020 11:23am

Effects wrote: »

There's a lot of scotch that isn't peated as well.
I've been working on a Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask, and it's really nice.

None of the Speysides are peated, if you want to carry on your tour of region e.g. Glenlivet, Glenfiddich. Try to stick to the ones with age statements though.

chooseusername · 06-02-2020 11:34am

After a few Jamies my father used to try this tongue twister on us,

"Whiskey when you're sick makes you well,
Whisky makes you sick when you're well."

Even when we were sure we got it right ,he'd switch it around,
and confuse us even more

Marcos · 06-02-2020 11:44am

More a fan of the non peaty whiskies, so generally Irish for me. But if I had to choose a scotch, then something like Old Pulteney is a nice drop. Of course, that's just me YMMV. Anyway, enjoy.

dvdman1 · 06-02-2020 1:20pm

Scotish whiskey has more non-peated whiskey than the whole Irish industry...its a serious misconception to think scotch is peated mostly.
I love both, you'll move onto peated for variety if you drink whiskey regularly.

Gavin1986 · 06-02-2020 1:55pm

Effects wrote: »

That sounds like a bit of a generalisation to be honest.

Maybe… I’m not claiming to be the world's foremost authority, I can tell only about my experience, and it is not very deep. But I’ll take the recommendations of Irish whiskey above.:)

Gavin1986 · 06-02-2020 1:56pm

odyssey06 wrote: »

Have you tried Jameson Crested, Powers John Lane, Writers Tears or Redbreast 12?
Or are you more a fan of the heavily peated Scotch?

No, I haven't, but I'll try)

odyssey06 · 06-02-2020 2:27pm

Gavin1986 wrote: »

No, I haven't, but I'll try)

Keep an eye out for this, sometimes on offer in Dunnes & Dublin Airport - great way to sample some premium Irish whiskies.

The Irish pot still miniature set.
https://www.obrienswine.ie/single-pot-still-gift-4-x-50ml-10860.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3uSzx4O95wIVyLTtCh1iogFVEAQYASABEgItU_D_BwE#fo_c=2601&fo_k=adf9e2e97b037800f469a5c5aa93291f&fo_s=gplaie?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&device=c&network=g

Wailin · 06-02-2020 2:32pm

dvdman1 wrote: »

Scotish whiskey has more non-peated whiskey than the whole Irish industry...its a serious misconception to think scotch is peated mostly.
I love both, you'll move onto peated for variety if you drink whiskey regularly.

Yep, there is a huge misconception here on this thread about Scottish whisky and peat. There is a reason why scotch is much bigger than Irish globally.

The triple distillation used in Irish tends to create a "smoother" whiskey, but it loses a lot of character too and many scotch drinkers find Irish whiskey weak and bland in comparison.

Personally, I love both. But scotch is generally more complex and offers more on the nose while Irish is lighter and a little sweeter. A well aged sherry matured scotch is probably my favourite whisky overall. Glendronach 18 or 21 yo are both examples and are magnificent.

Was lucky enough to get a bottle of Glengoyne 25 for christmas last year. 25 years in first fill sherry casks...look at the natural colour. No caramel colouring like you get in most Irish whiskies, especially anything from midleton.

Hodors Appletart · 06-02-2020 2:56pm

Had a Powers JL the other night, neat.

It was grand, but I still prefer something like Glenmorangie, the PJL was still a little harsh than I usually enjoy, and the base level Glenmorangie is lovely and fruity too.

I'm not knocking PJL, if people say it's good or great then that's cool, tastes differ, and I was looking to give it a try for a while. Glad I did too, but I won't buy a bottle of it, nor would I turn it down if offered.

beardybrewer · 06-02-2020 7:16pm

I concur with the above sentiment of not placing yourself in one camp or the other. I freely travel both roads and am continually surprised and impressed by the offerings of both. Long ago I liked but dismissed whiskey as pedestrian and was a whisky snob. Islay first then Speyside and Highland in warmer weather or simply to take a break from the peatey stuff. However by proximity I drink mostly whiskey and there's some great ones when I stretch above the usual suspects. I'm immensely enjoying a bottle of Teeling single grain right now. Even the other day I was remarking how lovely Bushmills bog standard white label is. I'm a whisky snob no more.

picachu · 07-02-2020 1:21am

I think time and trying as many different types of both brings you on a journey. I hated peaty /smokey scotch 2 years ago... now i love it...
It was a bottle of bowmore 12 that got me into it... you have to dip your toes gently with islays.

Effects · 07-02-2020 7:48pm

Wailin wrote: »

No caramel colouring like you get in most Irish whiskies.

Isn't that an odd statement? Scottish whiskey is more likely to have caramel colouring than Irish whiskey.

Wailin · 07-02-2020 10:39pm

Does it? How do you know? As far as I can tell, Teelings are the only Irish distillery that don't use colouring in any of their whiskies, even young batches. Hats off to them. I could name at least twenty Scottish distillerys that don't add it.

Anyway, that wasn't the point of my post was it?

Effects · 08-02-2020 2:02pm

Wailin wrote: »

Anyway, that wasn't the point of my post was it?

No, it was a part I picked up on.

It's just that I've read a lot more about scotch using colouring than Irish whiskey.

Wailin · 08-02-2020 5:53pm

I think that might be because companies like Diageo Pernod and Hennessey own the biggest portion of Scottish distilleries and most of those use E150. Johnny Walker is the worlds best selling whisky and is owned by Diageo so that sways the percentage a bit.

Whiskey.. Irish or Scottish?

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