The best "swill"?

**Woodsheal** · 2nd October 12, 07:01 AM

An odd question, I know!

Anyways, when I visit the Scotch section of my favorite liquor store, on the bottom shelf (literally) is the cheap stuff - blended Scotches of various brands. I can think of these names: House of Stewart, Inver House, Clan MacGregor, Grant's, Duggan's Dew.

So, what is the best of the "not-so-best"? The prices are all comparable. The reason I ask is that I want a half-way drinkable, cheap Scotch on hand for certain occasions - like when my son and his goofy friends are over and I don't want to waste good stuff on them! Or, for making Scotch-based concoctions like Atholl Brose.

Bring on the "swill" debate...!

**artificer** · 2nd October 12, 07:06 AM

That's a tough call, but if I were going to buy a blend of this sort for "chemistry experiments"

I'd probably go with Grants.

In college I used to drink Clan MacGregor when I couldn't afford anything better (that would be most of the time). Let's just say the experience left me with a lasting impression, and not a particularly good one.

ith:

**Kilted Magyar** · 2nd October 12, 07:37 AM

A good inexpensive single malt is SPEYBURN. It's 10yrs old and sells for about $20 in my area. Just over the state line in MD.

**Spc. Scott** · 2nd October 12, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

That's a tough call, but if I were going to buy a blend of this sort for "chemistry experiments"

I'd probably go with Grants.

In college I used to drink Clan MacGregor when I couldn't afford anything better (that would be most of the time). Let's just say the experience left me with a lasting impression, and not a particularly good one.

ith:

I was going to say much the same thing here. It was the well scotch at a bar I worked at. Funny enough even after a short stint behind a bar I don't have much in the way of helpful info...

**piperdbh** · 2nd October 12, 09:03 AM

I second the vote for Speyburn. To me, it tastes good and is not terribly fiery.

**hallmarktex** · 2nd October 12, 09:59 AM

Yup, Speyburn. It's a pretty decent single malt and the last 1.75 liter bottle I picked up was $40.

**Woodsheal** · 2nd October 12, 10:41 AM

Speyburn is around $23.00 hereabouts. I've bought it on occasion. Decent stuff, and I wouldn't put it in the $11.00-15.00 per liter "swill" class, however!

I've heard positive reports regarding White Horse, but haven't seen that for sale around here....

**sailortats** · 2nd October 12, 11:02 AM

Harumph Mr. Woodsheal Sir, as a proud member of clan Stewart I should probably take offense at your including "House of Stewart" scotch in your list of swill....................
However, I can't and I won't as I have tried it and did not enjoy it at all. So carry on mate

**ctbuchanan** · 2nd October 12, 11:26 AM

I have found John Begg Blue Cap reasonable for the purposes you describe. (It helps that it is always on sale in the New Hampshire State Liquor Outlets.)

**Angstrom** · 2nd October 12, 11:35 AM

Just went looking at the NH website, filtered the selection by price, and saw brands I'd never seen......
http://www.liquorandwineoutlets.com/...s?search=&type[]=spirit&brand[]=Imported+Whiskey

I understand that there are times when the cheap stuff is appropriate -- I make Christmas suet puddings, and I certainly don't buy top-shelf brandy for those.