What Whisky/Whiskey are we drinking this month?

Mellor · 22-09-2020 11:28pm

lawrencesummers wrote: »

The 2021 could Well become the Must have collectors item of the whiskey world!

Wouldn’t it be more likely that it would be everywhere and easy to pick up?

lawrencesummers · 23-09-2020 7:59am

Mellor wrote: »

Wouldn’t it be more likely that it would be everywhere and easy to pick up?

Judging by the amount of places dropping it it’s safe to say it won’t be everywhere, but there might be plenty of copies alright!

Mellor · 23-09-2020 9:23am

lawrencesummers wrote: »

Judging by the amount of places dropping it it’s safe to say it won’t be everywhere, but there might be plenty of copies alright!

By everywhere, I was meant the places that retain it don’t sell out, so it’s never rare or valuable.

Although even if a particular edition became rare. I can’t imagine it becoming valuable

Twee. · 23-09-2020 10:11am

Louise McGuane has a piece up today around "Murraygate". https://whiskeygate.wordpress.com/2020/09/23/murraygate-is-not-about-words-its-about-respect-for-women-who-work-in-the-whiskey-industry/

As a woman in the drinks industry thankfully I've never been sexually harassed (comments here and there but nothing dangerous) but I have had my opinion shot down, I've been grilled by consumers (!) at drinks events in a way that my male colleagues have never, I have been asked stupid basic questions by industry professionals that were asked in a way to "prove" my understanding of the subject, I've been advised that the certain drink I've ordered is strong or expensive - was I sure I wanted that, I've sat in meetings for million-euro businesses who didn't even consider women as a viable target market. This whole thing has just lifted the lid on many real-world experiences, the less gendered and sexualised crap going around the better.

Cazale · 23-09-2020 10:28am

Picked this one up. Have Ballykilcavan 1.1, Bannow Island 1.1 and Ratheadon 1.1 already so it'll be interesting to try the nine samples together.

Waterford Collection Tasting Set £39.95

A Perfect Measure tasting set for Virtual Whisky Show 2020, exploring the range of whiskies and new makes from Waterford distillery. This set includes a 3cl sample bottle of each of the following: Douhogmore new make, The Rocks new make, Ballykilcavan 1.2, Bannow Island 1.2, Ballymorgan 1.1 and Sheestown 1.1.

https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/55977/waterford-collection-tasting-set-6x3cl

killbillvol2 · 23-09-2020 1:19pm

killbillvol2 wrote: »

I bought the 12, 18 and Toiteach a Dha in a fit of indecision!

Delivery arrived from CWS with a bottle of Stiùireadair instead of the 18 year old. Now mistakes happen but that's a pretty big one. When I contacted them they were more concerned with how I'd return the Stiùireadair than with how they'd get the 18yo to me. Very unimpressed.

Mellor · 23-09-2020 2:13pm

killbillvol2 wrote: »

Delivery arrived from CWS with a bottle of Stiùireadair instead of the 18 year old. Now mistakes happen but that's a pretty big one. When I contacted them they were more concerned with how I'd return the Stiùireadair than with how they'd get the 18yo to me. Very unimpressed.

I won a bottle of Nikka at Christmas. But Master of Malt sent me the wrong bottle, worth about the same. They apologised, sent a replacement and told me to keep the mistaken bottle.

You think they’d go the same route given you bought a few bottles.

Black Sheep · 23-09-2020 2:59pm

Cazale wrote: »

You should track some of this down for him...

Possibly the most bizarre whisky ever offered for sale, Fishky was a single cask Bruichladdich finished in a Sherry cask that then underwent a secondary period of finishing at the hands of its German owners. For reasons known only to themselves, they chose an ex-herring cask for this purpose.

Mark Gillespie of described Fishky – bottled in 2007 at 50.2% abv – as ‘by far the worst whisky I’ve ever tasted… The nose hides the secrets of this whisky well, with notes of malt, brine, and heather.
‘The taste reveals all, though, with sour butyric baby vomit, brine and stomach acid. The finish is salty, greasy, and nasty, with no redeeming qualities.’

I’m speechless. That sounds so utterly vile....

I actually got a bottle of the kombu cask dispatched to him today! Now seems very tame.

Black Sheep · 23-09-2020 3:10pm

killbillvol2 wrote: »

Delivery arrived from CWS with a bottle of Stiùireadair instead of the 18 year old. Now mistakes happen but that's a pretty big one. When I contacted them they were more concerned with how I'd return the Stiùireadair than with how they'd get the 18yo to me. Very unimpressed.

My wife had a mare with them in relation to quite an expensive whisky last year. Ordered, paid, then delayed... And delayed... Then told they didn’t have it in stock after all. It wasn’t the error, if that’s what it was, it was the run-around involved.

The bigger Uk operators do have better customer service but on the other hand I do want to support the likes of the CWS, so...

Black Sheep · 23-09-2020 7:32pm

Just reading Jim Murray’s intro to the 2021 bible ... He was somewhat prescient...

He wrote he had struggled “With the imprisoning advent of Covid 19, [and] with the continued pressure of now being in an increasingly humourless society hell-bent on apportioning blame and embracing a new form of Puritanism”. ...Little did he know!

Seems like all the industry folk, critics, bloggers, twitterers and assorted hangers-on have come out and dutifully said their bit at this stage. Last post on the subject... Back to actual whisky... Should I order a few Compass Box bottles? What’s a good one along with the Spice Tree? hmmm

2011abc · 23-09-2020 7:36pm

Twee. wrote: »

Louise McGuane has a piece up today around "Murraygate". https://whiskeygate.wordpress.com/2020/09/23/murraygate-is-not-about-words-its-about-respect-for-women-who-work-in-the-whiskey-industry/

As a woman in the drinks industry thankfully I've never been sexually harassed (comments here and there but nothing dangerous) but I have had my opinion shot down, I've been grilled by consumers (!) at drinks events in a way that my male colleagues have never, I have been asked stupid basic questions by industry professionals that were asked in a way to "prove" my understanding of the subject, I've been advised that the certain drink I've ordered is strong or expensive - was I sure I wanted that, I've sat in meetings for million-euro businesses who didn't even consider women as a viable target market. This whole thing has just lifted the lid on many real-world experiences, the less gendered and sexualised crap going around the better.

I love JJCorry and Louise but if , "“Have I had this much fun with a sexy 41-year-old Canadian before? Well, yes I have. But it was a few years back now and it wasn’t a whisky. Was the fun we had better? Probably not.” is the best ammunition (and that seems to be the 'worst' I can find ...describing a whiskey as orgasmic doesnt make you a sex offender)people can come up with to hound and vilify Murray I despair for the future .
To mention Murray's language used in his reviews while also referencing people trying to break into your hotel bedroom is dangerous stuff.

Black Sheep · 24-09-2020 12:14pm

Took a punt on a Compass Box Spice Tree (As recommended by the notorious JM... Although this has been on my list for a while). On a whim also ordered a bottle of Paul John Brilliance.

I'm really interested in Paul John and Amrut. The climate means they reportedly see more evaporation than distilleries in the Northern hemisphere, and if I'm right then this is one reason they're reportedly turning out good whiskey at younger ages than might be expected (One reason, anyway, I think I'm paraphrasing more than a little?). I bought a bottle of Amrut Fusion for a friend when he got engaged to his missus, and he raved about it.

Cazale · 24-09-2020 1:22pm

Black Sheep wrote:

I'm really interested in Paul John and Amrut. The climate means they reportedly see more evaporation than distilleries in the Northern hemisphere, and if I'm right then this is one reason they're reportedly turning out good whiskey at younger ages than might be expected (One reason, anyway, I think I'm paraphrasing more than a little?). I bought a bottle of Amrut Fusion for a friend when he got engaged to his missus, and he raved about it.

The Paul John stuff is lovely. I have a 100ml each of Paul John Edited and Paul John Peated Select Cask on the way. I was surprised how much I enjoyed them before.

Ivefoundgod · 24-09-2020 1:47pm

I see Tesco have added a few more whiskies to their range recently; Drumshanbo, Makers Mark and Sexton. Might be more that i've missed but I think thats it. Decent coup for Drumshanbo to get in there I think, can see that doing well. Don't know much about Sexton but the bottle would nearly put me off.

Cazale · 24-09-2020 2:00pm

Ivefoundgod wrote:

I see Tesco have added a few more whiskies to their range recently; Drumshanbo, Makers Mark and Sexton. Might be more that i've missed but I think thats it. Decent coup for Drumshanbo to get in there I think, can see that doing well. Don't know much about Sexton but the bottle would nearly put me off.

The sexton bottle is supposed to be impossible to pour without spilling.

Ivefoundgod · 24-09-2020 2:13pm

Cazale wrote: »

The sexton bottle is supposed to be impossible to pour without spilling.

I usually like an usual bottle shape/design but that one does nothing for me. Quick google doesn't fill me with much confidence, JC Master Distribution are behind it going by their website but I don't see anything about a distillery so I assume this is just bought stock?

Cazale · 24-09-2020 2:24pm

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

I usually like an usual bottle shape/design but that one does nothing for me. Quick google doesn't fill me with much confidence, JC Master Distribution are behind it going by their website but I don't see anything about a distillery so I assume this is just bought stock?

Its 4/5 year old Bushmills. Produced by Proximo who own both Bushmills and Sexton.

odyssey06 · 24-09-2020 2:25pm

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

I usually like an usual bottle shape/design but that one does nothing for me. Quick google doesn't fill me with much confidence, JC Master Distribution are behind it going by their website but I don't see anything about a distillery so I assume this is just bought stock?

Bought from Bushmills I think, as per the below:
http://www.lmulliganwhiskeyshop.com/Sexton-Single-Malt-p/sexton.htm

Ivefoundgod · 24-09-2020 2:49pm

I'll give it a wide berth so, even at €40 theres a lot of decent options out there that isn't bought stock. Planning on raiding the O' Briens sale one last time tonight before it finishes. If anyone else is wondering their Facebook and Instagram both say it ends on Sunday.

2011abc · 24-09-2020 5:42pm

Sexton is ok ,as stated its from Bushmills and a bit of a sherry bomb ,kinda like Black Bush plus 20% more fruity oomph .I loved it at Whiskey Live a few years ago but got a litre bottle in a UK airport and wasnt as keen .Still nic though and Id be tempted to have a punt at 40 euro but might go for a Tyrconnell Single malt instead esp at OBriens sale price of low 30s.Oh and yes the bottle is impossible to pour without spilling a little .This is especially mournful for us tighter gits who dont want to loose a drop .By the way if you leave an 'empty' bottle upside down for a minute or two you will find a generous sip pooled down the bottom .

BonnieSituation · 24-09-2020 7:39pm

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

I usually like an usual bottle shape/design but that one does nothing for me. Quick google doesn't fill me with much confidence, JC Master Distribution are behind it going by their website but I don't see anything about a distillery so I assume this is just bought stock?

Had this gem on the site:

"Marked by soul of the North Coast of Ireland.
Born in the cold northern reaches of County Antrim, alongside Saint Columb's Rill."

So it's Bushmills, given St Columb's is a tributary of the River Bush.

:D:D:D:D:D

---

Just on that, I had completely missed that Diageo offloaded Bushmills back in 2014.

I remember doing a tour of the distillery back in 2008 and I grabbed a bottle of their Bushmills Cream, and then it went away given its potential to cannibalize Bailey's share.

Whatever about the intricacies of the sale, seems an odd one, but the recent and massive increase in popularity of Irish Whiskey, means that Bushmills really should be exploited more than it has been. Anyway...

Hodors Appletart · 24-09-2020 10:29pm

had a Laphroaig 10 and a Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso this evening

been a while since I had any of my Laphroaig 10 and it's just beautiful, lovely sweetness in it, which prompted me onto the Nadurra

Ivefoundgod · 25-09-2020 11:03am

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

I'll give it a wide berth so, even at €40 theres a lot of decent options out there that isn't bought stock. Planning on raiding the O' Briens sale one last time tonight before it finishes. If anyone else is wondering their Facebook and Instagram both say it ends on Sunday.

Update, picked up the Brabazon 1.

Brabazon2.jpg

Mellor · 25-09-2020 11:38am

Cazale wrote: »

The sexton bottle is supposed to be impossible to pour without spilling.

Yeah, terrible bottle design. Looks like it would start flowing before the neck has cleared the sides.

BonnieSituation wrote: »

So it's Bushmills, given St Columb's is a tributary of the River Bush. :D:D:D:D:D

St Columb's is the river Bushmills distillery is built on.

odyssey06 · 25-09-2020 11:52am

Cazale wrote: »

The sexton bottle is supposed to be impossible to pour without spilling.

Hmm. Might be one for a decanter. Or if not available, pour the bottle into a jug, and then use a funnel to put it into a regular bottle.

killbillvol2 · 25-09-2020 12:39pm

odyssey06 wrote: »

Hmm. Might be one for a decanter. Or if not available, pour the bottle into a jug, and then use a funnel to put it into a regular bottle.

Or drink it by the neck!

Effects · 25-09-2020 12:59pm

odyssey06 wrote: »

Pour the bottle into a jug, and then use a funnel to put it into a regular bottle.

Why the need for a jug? Just go straight from bottle to funnel.

oleras · 25-09-2020 1:03pm

Padraig Mor · 25-09-2020 3:00pm

Hodors Appletart wrote: »

had a Laphroaig 10 and a Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso this evening

been a while since I had any of my Laphroaig 10 and it's just beautiful, lovely sweetness in it, which prompted me onto the Nadurra

Laphroaig 10 is probably my overall favourite whiskey. Definitely not for everyone.....but it sure is for me!

Black Sheep · 25-09-2020 3:38pm

Laphroaig 10 has been hugely consistent over the years, definitely a cracker.

In terms of new (newish?) Islay distilleries I really enjoyed the Kilchoman samples I've had. I think a bottle is in order, sooner or later.

Wailin · 25-09-2020 3:47pm

Laphroaig is a great distillery and the 10 is indeed lovely, but ardbeg, for me, is the top dog from islay. A bonus with ardbeg too is natural colouring, 46% abv (40% for Laphroaig) and no filtering. Plus their blends, like Uigeadail and corryvreckan, are on another level to anything else from islay.

Just ordered the corryvreckan and lagavulin 12 cask strength (pricey but an unbelievable whisky). Looking forward to some nice peaty goodness over the coming winter

Cazale · 25-09-2020 3:48pm

Padraig Mor wrote:

Laphroaig 10 is probably my overall favourite whiskey. Definitely not for everyone.....but it sure is for me!

Black Sheep wrote:

Laphroaig 10 has been hugely consistent over the years, definitely a cracker.

Black Sheep wrote:

In terms of new (newish?) Islay distilleries I really enjoyed the Kilchoman samples I've had. I think a bottle is in order, sooner or later.

Laphroaig 10 is one to always have on the shelf. I'm getting my own Laphroaig sample night together and have the 10, select, lore, quarter cask, 18 and 25 cask strength so far. One for a dark November night!

Kilchoman is one I haven't tried so far but it's on the list. I've heard good things about their whisky.

Cazale · 25-09-2020 3:52pm

Wailin wrote:

Just ordered the corryvreckan and lagavulin 12 cask strength (pricey but an unbelievable whisky). Looking forward to some nice peaty goodness over the coming winter

Winter doesn't seem too bad now!

Wailin · 25-09-2020 4:00pm

Winter might start for me tonight! Have Talisker Skye, Ardbeg 10 and samples of Lagavulin 12 CS to dip into.

Cazale · 25-09-2020 4:13pm

Cazale wrote: »

My two passions in life are Bob Dylan and whiskey but if I had to choose one forever I wouldn't hesitate to say goodbye to whiskey. So I was delighted to hear he has released a new episode of his theme time radio show for the first time in 11.5 years. Each show Dylan picks a specific theme and plays songs and tells stories based on it. I was even more delighted to hear that the theme of this new episode is whiskey. Apparently he shares a few whiskey cocktail recipes and stories from the Clancy brothers about drinking whiskey.

Dylan has his own whiskey called Heavens Door so I have procured my own sample of Double Barrel to try while I listen along. Now this being Bob Dylan it ain't no Proper 12.

Currently €135 in Celtic Whiskey Shop with a Straight Rye and Tennessee Bourbon also released at €102 each. It's going to be a great couple of hours.

https://www.celticwhiskeyshop.com/Heaven's%20Door%20Double%20Barrel

A great night with the Double Barrel being a perfect accompaniment. Here is the show for anyone interested.

Black Sheep · 25-09-2020 4:25pm

Cazale wrote: »

Laphroaig 10 is one to always have on the shelf. I'm getting my own Laphroaig sample night together and have the 10, select, lore, quarter cask, 18 and 25 cask strength so far. One for a dark November night!

I recently finished a bottle of Lore, and it's a really good whisky, a good example of how a no age statement product can still be really luxurious and high end. Might be the best Islay bottle I had in 2019/2020.

Kilchoman is one I haven't tried so far but it's on the list. I've heard good things about their whisky.

I can't remember what I've had, as the samples were from Christmas 2019, but they were top notch... Peated, but very refined.

actuar90 · 25-09-2020 6:35pm

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

Update, picked up the Brabazon 1.

Brabazon2.jpg

Is brabazon 1 in the sale too? It's not on their website, which store did you get it in?

adrian522 · 25-09-2020 6:52pm

Cazale wrote: »

A great night with the Double Barrel being a perfect accompaniment. Here is the show for anyone interested.

It's up on the pod cast apps too if you tube doesn't suit. It's a wonderful listen.

Darc19 · 25-09-2020 7:09pm

Obriens whiskey sale ends Sunday and seems some extra reductions.

Roe and Co €30 (my own favorite everyday tipple)
Knappogue 12 €35
Green spot €50
Method and madness single grain €40
Powers 3 swallow release €30

Ivefoundgod · 25-09-2020 8:07pm

actuar90 wrote: »

Is brabazon 1 in the sale too? It's not on their website, which store did you get it in?

Yeah it was reduced down to €70 from €78. I got it in Carlow shop, was in beside the Brabazon 2 which had the same reduction. I went in planning on getting yellow spot or Dingle but saw that and went for it instead.

Wailin · 25-09-2020 8:11pm

Supervalu have offers on jameson at the moment too. Caskmate bottles down to €27, black barrel and crested reduced also. Not sure if posted here already.

Ivefoundgod · 25-09-2020 8:14pm

Wailin wrote: »

Supervalu have offers on jameson at the moment too. Caskmate bottles down to €27, black barrel and crested reduced also. Not sure if posted here already.

Not great discounts compared to O' Briens has at the minute though I notice a Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey I've never heard of before.

I'm tempted to have one last go around of the O' Briens sale over the weekend for a bottle of Method & Madness but must resist. Have enough to keep me going for now.

Insect Overlord · 25-09-2020 8:21pm

Couldn't resist picking up a Green Spot and the Jameson Caskmates stout edition. Including loyalty card points and the VAT reduction as well they were just over €69 instead of the usual €97.95. They'll go nicely on the shelf with the Knappogue 14 YO and the Method & Madness single grain.

I shouldn't have to buy another drop for a while now, unless someone spots a bargain on Scotch... >_>

Edit: the Jameson is remarkably drinkable.

Cazale · 25-09-2020 8:24pm

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

Not great discounts compared to O' Briens has at the minute though I notice a Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey I've never heard of before.

Made by the same people behind Grace O'Malley Whiskey.

Cazale · 25-09-2020 9:30pm

Drinking some Powers John Lane tonight. Beautiful stuff. Would be in my top five I think!

Cazale · 26-09-2020 9:36pm

Wailin wrote: »

Winter might start for me tonight! Have Talisker Skye

Heading off to the Isle of Skye myself tonight for some Talisker. I have a full size bottle of the 10 year old but the others are new to me.

Wailin · 26-09-2020 10:24pm

Had Talisker skye, Highland Park 12 and ardbeg 10 last night. The skye is decent, a bit tamer than the talisker 10 but very drinkable. HP12 is a superior whiskey, lightly smoked but lovely balance. Ardbeg 10 is just a peat/iodine behemoth and definitely one to finish off rather than start! Enjoy the selection.

Hodors Appletart · 26-09-2020 10:54pm

I've had a bottle of Ardbeg 10 on my shelf before and always found Laphroaig 10 a less approachable peated than it, different strokes of course, but still.

I love(d) both and personally prefer L10.

BonnieSituation · 26-09-2020 10:58pm

Cazale wrote: »

Drinking some Powers John Lane tonight. Beautiful stuff. Would be in my top five I think!

Actually, you there you... throw us out your Top 5. You've not led me astray yet.

---

Just opened up the Method and Madness there for a wee one to celebrate the end of a week from hell that concluded an intensive 3-week Java course (I still don't understand it) and doing the Irish Rail assessments which were a lot easier than I thought they would be.

Hodors Appletart · 26-09-2020 11:05pm

I'll have to revisit PJL

wasn't that impressed by it

What Whisky/Whiskey are we drinking this month?

Comments