169 replies to this topic

[Jack Weber]

I'm ressurecting this thread...Well...Because I can...

I'm currently imbibing in Ballantine's Finest...I know,I know...It's the cheap stuff.But for the money spent (13 and change for a micky),it's fairly good!Frankly,it's pretty good if you drink it neat.It's even better with about 2 spoonful's of water.The water kills the harshness of the alcohol and brings out the notes in the flavour of the scotch.I would wager that it's an even better mixer than Johnnie Walker Red,which is a spectacular mixer,especially with Coke.It's actually not that far off Johnnie Walker Black...A cut or two below,but not that far off...

Less than 25 bucks for a 26er...As blended Scotch goes,that's what I call a steal!

Why they call it Ballantine's Finest is beyond me?It's the cheapest label in the Ballantine's range.Unfortunately,I cannot find the next scotch up from that at any of the LCBO's in my area.I'm keenly interested in the 12 year old version.They have quite an expensive range,and,I'm in the mood for tryin' em all!I've seen prices for a bottle of Ballantine's 30 year old go for almost $500.

Anyway,for those that enjoy a wee dram once in a while,just thought I'd give the heads up...

[dre]

I'm ressurecting this thread...Well...Because I can...

I'm currently imbibing in Ballantine's Finest...I know,I know...It's the cheap stuff.But for the money spent (13 and change for a micky),it's fairly good!Frankly,it's pretty good if you drink it neat.It's even better with about 2 spoonful's of water.The water kills the harshness of the alcohol and brings out the notes in the flavour of the scotch.I would wager that it's an even better mixer than Johnnie Walker Red,which is a spectacular mixer,especially with Coke.It's actually not that far off Johnnie Walker Black...A cut or two below,but not that far off...

Less than 25 bucks for a 26er...As blended Scotch goes,that's what I call a steal!

Why they call it Ballantine's Finest is beyond me?It's the cheapest label in the Ballantine's range.Unfortunately,I cannot find the next scotch up from that at any of the LCBO's in my area.I'm keenly interested in the 12 year old version.They have quite an expensive range,and,I'm in the mood for tryin' em all!I've seen prices for a bottle of Ballantine's 30 year old go for almost $500.

Anyway,for those that enjoy a wee dram once in a while,just thought I'd give the heads up...

I have a bottle of glenfiddick in my cabinet usually. I like the real smokey stuff.

[Jack Weber]

My Mom brought back a bottle of Laphraoig from Florida back in the Fall...Speaking of peaty,smokey,Islay scotches...

I think she said she picked it up for around $45 US...I've seen it at the LCBO for close to $70...

I have'nt been over to try a sampler,but I'm thinkin' I might sneak in for a snort!

Edited by Jack Weber, 07 January 2011 - 03:02 PM.

[kimmy]

Since last time I posted in this thread, I've tried Highland Park 12 year and Basil Hayden Kentucky bourbon. The Highland Park was pretty nice, but not something I'd put on my "must buy again" list. Basil Hayden is ok, but I liked Buffalo Trace better.

-k

[fellowtraveller]

I'm not a drinker, but my wife likes single malt so the cabinet has a bunch of bottles accumulated over time. Her favorites so far are Oban, Lagavulin and Auchentoshan. Last time through Heathrow, I picked up a Johny Walker sampler, four 200 ml bottles of Black, Blue, Gold and Green blends, costs about $80CDN which is a good deal. Hasn't been opened yet, she isn't big on belended Scotch but the $200+ JW Blue is supposed to be good.
If you are travelling through London, Heathrow has a huge duty free with lots of Scotch selection and a helpful staff who know something about the product- very useful for somebody who knows nothing, like me.
But the best store I've seen is -not surprisingly- in Edinburgh. There is a Scotch-only store, a pretty big one, on the Royal Mile just a bit below the Castle. They have thousands of different Scotches there, from cheap stuff to about $12,000 for a single bottle! It is all a bit overwhelming. The staff there are also really knowledgeable and helpful. Cheaper at Heathrow, but far less selection.

[kimmy]

As as Bourbon goes...

You really cannot go wrong with Jim Beam...

Although Woodford Reserve and Makers Mark give it a good run for its money....

Tried Maker's Mark on your recommendation, and find it yucky. While I realize that aging in charred casks is a mandatory part of making bourbon... the burnt wood flavor in Maker's Mark is excessive. It's kinda gross.

-k

[Jack Weber]

Tried Maker's Mark on your recommendation, and find it yucky. While I realize that aging in charred casks is a mandatory part of making bourbon... the burnt wood flavor in Maker's Mark is excessive. It's kinda gross.

-k

I would'nt call it gross...Admittedly,Makers is the sort of entry point into the world of good Bourbon,"entry point" being the key phrase...

Perhaps you got a bad barrel?...It happens sometimes...

It's kinda like what Glenfiddich is for single malt Scotch...

Ya' gets what you pay for....

Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve are a different price point,though.Ihave'nt had Buffalo Trace,mainly because I can't seem to find it here...I've heared that it's spectacular.I can speak to Woodford Reserve and it's worth the near 50 bucks for a 750 ml bottle..

I'm on the look out now for Wild Turkey 101,Four Roses Yellow Label,and,Four Roses Single Barrel...

Edited by Jack Weber, 17 May 2011 - 01:31 PM.

[kimmy]

I would'nt call it gross...Admittedly,Makers is the sort of entry point into the world of good Bourbon,"entry point" being the key phrase...

Perhaps you got a bad barrel?...It happens sometimes...

It's kinda like what Glenfiddich is for single malt Scotch...

Ya' gets what you pay for....

Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve are a different price point,though.Ihave'nt had Buffalo Trace,mainly because I can't seem to find it here...I've heared that it's spectacular.I can speak to Woodford Reserve and it's worth the near 50 bucks for a 750 ml bottle..

I'm on the look out now for Wild Turkey 101,Four Roses Yellow Label,and,Four Roses Single Barrel...

My bottle of Maker's Mark was $40, and Buffalo Trace sells for $45 here (and well worth the extra $5 IMO). Prices here are pretty ridiculous though... I've found scotches that sell for $60-$70 here can be purchased for $40 in Edmonton. I'll have to price things out on my next trip back home.

-k

[Jack Weber]

My bottle of Maker's Mark was $40, and Buffalo Trace sells for $45 here (and well worth the extra $5 IMO). Prices here are pretty ridiculous though... I've found scotches that sell for $60-$70 here can be purchased for $40 in Edmonton. I'll have to price things out on my next trip back home.

-k

My bottle of Makers was 37 and change at the LCBO...Apparently they sell Buffalo Trace in Ontario,it's just not available anywhere near me...

Buffalo Trace costs about the same as Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek here....It around the 45 buck range.I did pick up a bottle of Jim Beam Black yesterday for just a bit more than 28 bucks.It's actually pretty good considering the price.It's only a little bit more than the standard White Label but light years better....

[BubberMiley]

Reading about alcohol always makes me want to try it. All the descriptions of woody flavour and single and double malts is very intriguing.
But when I do try it, I remember why I don't drink.
It all tastes like gasoline to me.

[Smallc]

But when I do try it, I remember why I don't drink.
It all tastes like gasoline to me.

Pretty much. Except to me, it all tastes like hand sanitizer.

[Jack Weber]

Pretty much. Except to me, it all tastes like hand sanitizer.

I am consuming Jim Beam Black as I type this...

This is a very underrated whiskey because of it's name...

If one likes sweet honey,vanilla,caramel,and, a little charred oak...Like I do...

This is a damned good bourbon at a reasonable price....

Edited by Jack Weber, 21 May 2011 - 09:32 PM.

[BC_chick]

I can't believe Chivas got so little airtime on this thread, for me it turns a coca cola into candy.

For Small C and Bubber I'd compare it to premium gas or fruity hand-sanitizer.

[Smallc]

[kimmy]

I was at a party once where this Korean guy kept offering me Chivas. "Chivas! Most greatest!"

Except he had such a thick accent that I didn't understand him and I kept telling him "No, I don't want any Sea-bass."

I felt quite the fool later when I figured it out.

-k