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....

**MacGumerait** · 4th October 12, 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by artificer

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:

Woodsheal , I would have to second artificer ! If you want buy some cheap " swill " to keep your son and his friends out of the good stuff , Clan MacGregor would get my vote . My experience with it back in the day was similar to aftificer's ! ( assuming it's still available )

It may make them decide to leave your stuff alone !

**James Hood** · 5th October 12, 01:10 PM

Cutty Sark.

No apologies; for inexpensive hooch, it agrees with this palate.

**Dale Seago** · 5th October 12, 07:23 PM

Sorry, but I just don't do blends. At all. Ever.

I agree with the recommendations for Speyburn as an inexpensive but drinkable single malt. Another I'd recommend, currently US $14.97 at BevMo, is Tambowie:

http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductDet...ProductID=4873

The site inaccurately shows the type as "Single Malt", which it is not. It is a "Vatted Malt": Contains whiskies from several distilleries. But it is all malt whisky. It's been my go-to tipple when I've been between jobs or otherwise trying to save money.