Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Scotch?

Single malt scotch has interested me for some time now. I've drank burbon but not scotch. I bought a bottle this weekend, an Isley. It was ok but not great. Started out like a burbon but ended with what I would call an earthy after taste, very strong. I have been doing some research and have a short list to try next. Some of them are blends but they got high reviews.

I would like for the Scotch drinkers on this site to give me a few recommendations. I'm looking for an affordable bottle, $50 or less.

Thanks

I was going to respond then saw your spending limit...... My favorites start around $90.00 a jug.

Glenlivet

+1 for Glenlivet in that price range.

Bunnahabhain 12 year old.

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=620025

Try some Macallan.

Islay whiskies are very peaty and smoky. They should be worked up to, IMO.

A Scotch I like that a new drinker might appreciate is The Famous Grouse. I get it for about $25 a fifth. It isn't a "knock your socks off" Scotch, but would still show you a bit of what Scotch is about. It's a blended whiskey. Other blended but enjoyable Scotches include Johhny Walker and Dewar's.

If you insist on starting with a single-malt, Glenlivet is never a bad choice. Work up to the more unusual or niche whiskies slowly.

BTW, the way to unlock the flavor of a good Scotch is to pour it neat and then add just a small splash of warm water. Not cool, not hot - about body heat. A teaspoon is plenty.

Back when I used to drink a lot of Scotch, I would sometimes chase shots with beer, and would end up with an Earthy aftertaste. I would usually get up at some point, spit, and swish some Scotch or beer around in my mouth, spit again and stagger on home.

Alan

YES!!! The best for the money, IMO! It is a very rich Scotch with a lot of flavor and well balanced.

It's Islay.


Probably peat, the level of which varies by brand.


Good scotch has really gone up, but if you can catch Highland Park under your price ceiling it would be an excellent one to try.

Stay away from ice. The addition of a small amount of still spring water, not chilled of course, may "open up" the flavor. That isn't true for all whisky though.

Forgot that one, I tend to the 18 year stuff myself.

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1022390

Macallan 18

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=620010

The 18 yo Bunnahabhain ain't in his price range.

Neither is the Macallan 18 but both are some GOOD whiskey. No moss on the 12's though, I am working on the one you suggested right now that Bob sent me. I ain't that picky when somebody else pops for the stuff!

SOMEBODY at last years pigfest hooked me in on the GOOD stuff, the stuff you don't DARE put ice and/or soda in!

So very true Mr. Raab, at least on the Bird and Dewar's. For some reason I've not had JW in too long to remember it well. Another suggestion for close kith & kin to scotch are the Irish whiskeys. Try Bushmill or Tullamore Dew for a good $25 fifth. Thank me later.

If we're going Irish, then Redbreast 12 yr. old pot still whiskey is a big step up from those two.

I hadn't had Johhny Walker in almost 40 years, myself. But last year I grabbed a bottle on a whim. It was all right, but I still prefer Famous Grouse.

When I was in pilot training at Laredo AFB back in 1969, we'd go across the border into Mexico. In a side-street house with a green door you could get smuggled Johhny Walker, Canadian Club, Crown Royal and several other brands - for $3.50 a fifth. Today, I'd be scared to death to even go across the border, much less drink what would probably be colored wood alcohol.

Thanks. Several of these are on my list to try.

If you don't mind airing it out, put up your list. I may be able to steer you away from a dead end or two.

Malt whisky has been an interest of mine for a while, and I've tried a bunch.

Lagavulin or Highland Park are very good. Personally I preferred the 1 year old Macallan

I generally get a pint glass - top it with ice. Pour an inch of whatever is on sale and top it off with red Kool-aid.

Never had a bad one yet.