What dram is in your quaich?

**ASinclair** · 9th October 13, 07:17 PM

This evening, I've had several wee drams of Auchentoshan Classic.

**mookien** · 9th October 13, 10:07 PM

And, at the moment I am sipping a dram of Auchentoshan 18 - very smooth and flavorful, but with a not entirely unpleasant hint of metallic bitterness in the finish.

**HippieLee** · 9th October 13, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by mookien

Mike: I'm not sure you're in the minority here, or in any random group for that matter. Lots of folks drink Islay malts and love 'em.

I just sense the peat as " burnt rubber tire" in both smell and taste. My wife says that they smell/taste to her like the odor of the air being let out of a bicycle tire. Some of my friends feel the same way, but I also have lots of friends who tell me that they do not get that sensation at all when they drink peaty malts.

The beauty of scotch is like that of art - in the perception of the imbiber.

Interesting - I've never gotten that burnt rubber smell from Laphroaig but I have gotten it from Moosehead beer. I wonder if it's like some people and cilantro - they say some folks are genetically pre-disposed to hate cilantro as it tastes like soap to them while others just taste fresh, green leaves...

At any rate, the Laphroaig quarter cask is one of my favorites too. It's a great value for a good whiskey. Still haven;t gotten my hands on a Buchanan's yet though - I want some to match my tartan.

**mookien** · 9th October 13, 11:19 PM

I suspect it is the "cilantro effect" you describe that is in play here. People just sense things differently - part of the spice of life, I suppose. I dislike cilantro in larger quantities, but for me a bit of it in guacamole, for example, significantly improves the overall flavor.

I used to drink a good bit of Moosehead years ago, but have drifted away from it. I'll have to try it again and see how I like it. That, of course, brings up another huge factor in the perception of taste - for many folks it changes over time.

Many years ago I used to distinctly dislike Glenfiddich 12, mostly because of the peat. A few years ago, I was sitting in a bar on the river in Steinhatchee, FL and, for want of anything more interesting to do, ordered a Glenfiddich 12 on the rocks. To my surprise I found it very pleasant, and have been drinking it ever since.

By the way, I see you post from Florida. I was born in Miami and spent lots of time in Tallahassee, Vero Beach (Sebastian, actually) and the Keys (mostly Marathon).

**HippieLee** · 10th October 13, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by mookien

I suspect it is the "cilantro effect" you describe that is in play here. People just sense things differently - part of the spice of life, I suppose. I dislike cilantro in larger quantities, but for me a bit of it in guacamole, for example, significantly improves the overall flavor.

I used to drink a good bit of Moosehead years ago, but have drifted away from it. I'll have to try it again and see how I like it. That, of course, brings up another huge factor in the perception of taste - for many folks it changes over time.

Many years ago I used to distinctly dislike Glenfiddich 12, mostly because of the peat. A few years ago, I was sitting in a bar on the river in Steinhatchee, FL and, for want of anything more interesting to do, ordered a Glenfiddich 12 on the rocks. To my surprise I found it very pleasant, and have been drinking it ever since.

By the way, I see you post from Florida. I was born in Miami and spent lots of time in Tallahassee, Vero Beach (Sebastian, actually) and the Keys (mostly Marathon).

I know exactly what you mean about the cilantro in the guac. I get the soapy taste in large quantities but I love Mexican and Tex-Mex food so much I really can't avoid getting some cilantro so I've gotten used to it and in small bits I actually like it.

I haven't had a Moosehead in close 30 years but it tipped a memory when you mentioned the burnt rubber - my friends and I would get off work and split a case of Lone Star while one of them invariably would refuse to drink that "swill" and buy a 6-pack of Moosehead and we'd always laugh at him for spending as much on 6 as we did on 24 (back then quantity was prized over quality - lol - we were teenagers and didn't know any better) and on top of that, his stuff tasted like burnt rubber.

Yep, I was born in Tallahassee and lived many places (including Dallas, TX for most of my school years, hence the Lone Star) and moved back here to Orlando for the last 28ish years. I love visiting all those places you've been and I'm looking forward to seeing some of them kilted in the near future! (My first is due for delivery next month)

**Cambeul** · 10th October 13, 01:19 PM

I'm a fan of most things Islay (including The Botanist gin), Highland Park 12 and 18 (never tried the 15), and Oban 10. I've tried one of the Yamazaki's, which was amazing. And when I cant afford whisky, I'll drink Buffalo Trace or Evan Williams Single Barrel. The only whisky I didn't care for was a young expression of Glen Garioch.

**mookien** · 10th October 13, 01:38 PM

HippieLee: Can't wait to see the pics.

I would have almost certainly opted for the Lone Star, too, and for the same reason. When my wife and I were in college (FSU), we used to buy bottled Old Milwaukee for 79 cents a six pack. At that time we didn't regard it as particularly cheap.

mookien

**mookien** · 10th October 13, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Cambeul

I'm a fan of most things Islay (including The Botanist gin), Highland Park 12 and 18 (never tried the 15), and Oban 10. I've tried one of the Yamazaki's, which was amazing. And when I cant afford whisky, I'll drink Buffalo Trace or Evan Williams Single Barrel. The only whisky I didn't care for was a young expression of Glen Garioch.

Cambeul: I love Oban, but didn't know there was a 10-year old. I'll have to try it, if I ever see it. I drink the 14, the Distiller's Edition (when it was/is available), and mostly the 18. It is exquisite.

As for Glen Garioch (pronounced "glen geary", I'm pretty sure), I find it "interesting". I've had the entry level "Founders Reserve", the 8-yr old, and the 15-yr old. I have not tried the 21-yr, because it is EXPENSIVE - about $200 a bottle.

What I find "interesting" is that there is not much difference in smell, taste, finish, etc. between them. I sense a bit more between the Founders Reserve and the 8, but not so between the 8 and the 15. So, for now I'm resolved to buy only the 8, but one of these days I may try the 21 just to see what the $200 fuss is all about.

mookien

**Cambeul** · 10th October 13, 01:56 PM

Ah....you're correct. It's Oban 14, not 10. I've never had the 10 either....lol.

**HippieLee** · 10th October 13, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by mookien

HippieLee: Can't wait to see the pics.

I would have almost certainly opted for the Lone Star, too, and for the same reason. When my wife and I were in college (FSU), we used to buy bottled Old Milwaukee for 79 cents a six pack. At that time we didn't regard it as particularly cheap.

mookien

My mom and dad met at FSU - and I am the reason they dropped out of FSU. But my grandpa got his Master's there (he was attending at the same time my mom and dad were) and my Uncle (Dad's brother) went there a few years later (where he met my Aunt but they managed to finish school lol)

Grandpa is 92 now but I still go over to his house on Saturdays to watch the Noles play. Garnet and Gold at this house all day every day!