Scotch - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

kae006 · 11-19-2022, 11:01 PM

Tried scotch for the first time this week when a colleague ordered Laphroaig at a dinner and it was delicious. I picked up a bottle of the 10 year on my way home the same evening. Considering I know absolutely nothing scotch and the Laphroaig 10 was the first and still only one I’ve tasted, are they all so smoky? Saw they also offer an 18 year, anyone had both - if so, curious to know how they compare. From those who also enjoy the Laphroaig, any others worth trying?

Mitchell8 · 11-19-2022, 11:03 PM

Just finish off this bottle and get you a new bottle Monday. By the end of the year you should have a good idea what you like.

thegrouse · 11-19-2022, 11:05 PM

I am partial to The Famous Grouse

. I do not care for the Laphroaig, I prefer the Balvenie or Macallen. Try a few and experiment with ice, water or neat and find one that works for you.

trophy8 · 11-19-2022, 11:09 PM

Like drinking an ash tray lol.

Chad C · 11-19-2022, 11:11 PM

It’s an acquired taste. I’d say, unfortunately for me and more than 30 years into a passion for scotch. My love for this beast is nearly 1k per bottle. Neat…

Stick to blends and basic singles

Sample all of them

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rubicon51 · 11-19-2022, 11:14 PM

Laphroaig is one of the smokier ones from Islay (which is a region known for heavy peat). Try a MacAllen, glenfiddich, or something like that.

kae006 · 11-19-2022, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trophy8

Like drinking an ash tray lol.

LoL, the first sip I had I compared it to drinking a campfire. I like my analogy better.

Artos · 11-19-2022, 11:43 PM

Man, I can't stand lafrog...try Caol Ila 12yr to see if that suits. I'm a tequila / Bourbon guy, but CI12 is one I can enjoy sipping.

TxMedic · 11-19-2022, 11:44 PM

I’m a Balvenie or Glenmorangie guy…Oban is really good as well.

Tom · 11-19-2022, 11:45 PM

strathisla

snappertapper · 11-20-2022, 12:55 AM

If you've decided you like islays or peatier scotches, but Laphroaig is a little too smokey, give bruichladdich a shot. It seems to float the gap for me.

I like all scotch, so ymmv.

Homer75 · 11-20-2022, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegrouse

I am partial to The Famous Grouse

. I do not care for the Laphroaig, I prefer the Balvenie or Macallen. Try a few and experiment with ice, water or neat and find one that works for you.

The Famous Grouse is a good everyday scotch. I’ve drank a ton of the red bird, I bet I still have some stashed away somewhere at the farm.

jmw · 11-20-2022, 05:28 AM

https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/sc...ll/p/192980750

This is my favorite one so far. Very smooth.

TexasBob · 11-20-2022, 08:26 AM

Flavored vary with the region it was produced in. I like Speyside- not very Smokey and prefer sherry cask finished. Macallan is the standard there, but I’ve had others I like as well.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

220swift · 11-20-2022, 08:37 AM

I’m no expert, but Oban is pretty good.

rjtkdplus · 11-20-2022, 10:48 AM

I use their tape sometimes

lovemylegacy · 11-20-2022, 10:53 AM

My taste of scotch is very narrow.
Glanfarclas or Glennfiddich, both are great. Glenfarclas is or can be a little pricey, but very good, smooth as silk.

Twist · 11-20-2022, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmw

https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/sc...ll/p/192980750

This is my favorite one so far. Very smooth.

Exactly the brand I was going to chime in with. Glenlivet is my go to when it comes to somewhat readily available Scotch. The 12 year is good, if you can find 17 year or up, it’s even better but that has gotten pretty pricey over the past 10 or so years.

JTRichardson · 11-20-2022, 11:45 AM

can't stand Islay scotches - they all taste like iodine to me ::YUCK::

Personal favorites in the scotch world of mine are:

Balvenie 12 year double wood
Glennmorangie 10 year (a great "cheap" single malt that punches above its price point)
Any of the Glenlivets - all easy drinkers
Glenfiddich 14 year Oak Cask
GlenDronach 12 year single malt
Any of the Macallans are great as well

All of these are going to fall into the Highland, Speyside regionals - which I prefer. They won't have the smoke that Islays do, but they will have a malty sweetness and a shorter finish to them which I prefer

Welcome to the world of Scotch, so many things to try, and so few livers

Box-R · 11-20-2022, 11:47 AM

Yes, I've tried Laphroaig 10, 18, 'Cask Strength', and Select.
The 10-year is still my 'go to' over the slightly higher priced other Laphroaig options.
I do like the smoky peat !

Looney Tatonka · 11-20-2022, 11:50 AM

Glenmorangie is my favorite.

Dewers when I'm waiting on the paycheck.

waterdog · 11-20-2022, 11:56 AM

i have try all kinds. it all taste like burnt whiskey to me.

muzzlebrake · 11-20-2022, 12:04 PM

A good cask finished Highland scotch is my preferred libation when I'm enjoying my favorite cigar. Glenmorangie 14yr, Bunnahabhain 12 Year Whisky, Dalmore 12 and Tomatin 12 are my go to's that don't break the bank. Stay with Highland scotches to get away from woody and smoky flavors. Sherry or Port wine cask finished are best with a good cigar.
Dalmore straight up!

Brute Killer · 11-20-2022, 12:15 PM

Something I found while in Virginia is the Glenlivet 14.
I like it a lot.

Brute Killer · 11-20-2022, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTRichardson

can't stand Islay scotches - they all taste like iodine to me ::YUCK::

I've only had the Laphroaig 10, but I couldn't drink it.
I did a "custom blend" with it, "marrying" it with some Johnny Walker red, which I don't really care for.
It turned out not that bad.

CWendling · 11-20-2022, 12:20 PM

I dont like the really smokey ones. Like the others suggested, macallen is great. I also like the Dalmore quite a bit

ken · 11-20-2022, 12:57 PM

Islay Scotches are peatier than highland or speyside scotches. This is because the peat that is burned to dry out the malted barley smolders more in the islands than other areas. Just how a campfire at the beach is smokier than a campfire in the mountains. Laphroid is one of the peatier Islay Scotches.

Another peaty Isley scotch I like is Arbeg 10 year or Arbeg Wee Beastie

Gerald G · 11-20-2022, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjtkdplus

I use their tape sometimes

That’s all I’ve ever tried

gemini2759 · 11-20-2022, 01:16 PM

Nothing like a good ole bottle of Clan MacGregor.

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Hands On · 11-20-2022, 01:23 PM

Glenlivet or Glenmangie

S-3 Ranch · 11-20-2022, 01:24 PM

Sheep dip, vatted whiskey is pretty good for the price $50

Stuff like famous grouse is like drinking whiskey strained through a dirty sock!! price imo makes a difference on scotch whisky

ThisLadyHunts · 11-20-2022, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muzzlebrake

A good cask finished Highland scotch is my preferred libation when I'm enjoying my favorite cigar. Glenmorangie 14yr, Bunnahabhain 12 Year Whisky, Dalmore 12 and Tomatin 12 are my go to's that don't break the bank. Stay with Highland scotches to get away from woody and smoky flavors. Sherry or Port wine cask finished are best with a good cigar.
Dalmore straight up!

I’m guessing aging them in a Sherry or Port Wine cask makes them slightly sweeter?

thegrouse · 11-20-2022, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S-3 Ranch

Sheep dip, vatted whiskey is pretty good for the price $50

Stuff like famous grouse is like drinking whiskey strained through a dirty sock price imo makes a difference on scotch whisky

Blasphemy !!

tigerscowboy · 11-20-2022, 01:56 PM

Try some Macallan. I enjoyed all of theirs back when I could.

Gout took that pleasure away just a couple years ago.

Jon B · 11-20-2022, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemini2759

Nothing like a good ole bottle of Clan MacGregor.

Sent from my SM-A536U1 using Tapatalk

Something tells me this guy thinks Sunnybrook is a fine whisky!

Scotsman 1 · 11-20-2022, 03:36 PM

Try Aberlour. Small Distillery in Speyside Scotland. It can be found at Specs.

sboudreaux · 11-20-2022, 03:53 PM

Another vote for Balvenie 12 year doublewood.

Ætheling · 11-20-2022, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThisLadyHunts

I’m guessing aging them in a Sherry or Port Wine cask makes them slightly sweeter?

It can. It can also add spice, vanilla, earth, and citrus notes. Chardonnay is a great finisher for Speys if you just want mellow sweetness aka honey. Ive had Caribbean Rum cask finished scotch thats pretty ****ed good.

Brute Killer · 11-20-2022, 04:03 PM

Another one I like is Springbank. It's from It's own region of "Campbelltown".

Ætheling · 11-20-2022, 04:06 PM

OP stick around the 12 yr range of Speys or Highland Malts. 12 seems to be the magic sweet spot. From there its decreased marginal utility. For example I give you the attached. Im sure its tasty af but obviously not worth the price.

kae006 · 11-20-2022, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ætheling

OP stick around the 12 yr range of Speys or Highland Malts. 12 seems to be the magic sweet spot. From there its decreased marginal utility. For example I give you the attached. Im sure its tasty af but obviously not worth the price.

At 25k I'd probably cry every time I drank it.

Brute Killer · 11-20-2022, 04:21 PM

Has anyone tried Bruichladdich Black Art?
They made a movie about it.

Clayton · 11-20-2022, 04:41 PM

Another vote for The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 year

It's a Speyside so not as smoky. About $50-60/ bottle

kae006 · 11-20-2022, 04:49 PM

Brute Killer · 11-20-2022, 05:21 PM

In light of the last pic, can anyone recommend a good whisky ice ball maker?
I got a double one from HEB (IIRC) and i have to really bust it open to get my balls out.

thegrouse · 11-20-2022, 05:46 PM

I got mine during the Holidays when they do the boxed sets with glasses. I think it was Dewars that had the soft silicon ice ball maker.

kae006 · 11-20-2022, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brute Killer

In light of the last pic, can anyone recommend a good whisky ice ball maker?
I got a double one from HEB (IIRC) and i have to really bust it open to get my balls out.

I normally buy bagged ice balls but the silicone one my wife bought me last Christmas does well in a pinch

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lovemylegacy · 11-20-2022, 10:34 PM

$25000, scotch! Thats impressive…made my mouth water

Martin · 11-21-2022, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegrouse

I am partial to The Famous Grouse

. I do not care for the Laphroaig, I prefer the Balvenie or Macallen. Try a few and experiment with ice, water or neat and find one that works for you.

Famous Grouse is the most popular scotch in Scotland.

ken · 11-21-2022, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brute Killer

In light of the last pic, can anyone recommend a good whisky ice ball maker?
I got a double one from HEB (IIRC) and i have to really bust it open to get my balls out.

I hate busting my balls

11-19-2022, 11:01 PM	#1
kae006 Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2014	Scotch Tried scotch for the first time this week when a colleague ordered Laphroaig at a dinner and it was delicious. I picked up a bottle of the 10 year on my way home the same evening. Considering I know absolutely nothing scotch and the Laphroaig 10 was the first and still only one I’ve tasted, are they all so smoky? Saw they also offer an 18 year, anyone had both - if so, curious to know how they compare. From those who also enjoy the Laphroaig, any others worth trying?

11-19-2022, 11:11 PM	#5
Chad C Pope & Young Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NRH	Scotch It’s an acquired taste. I’d say, unfortunately for me and more than 30 years into a passion for scotch. My love for this beast is nearly 1k per bottle. Neat… Stick to blends and basic singles Sample all of them Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro Last edited by Chad C; 11-19-2022 at 11:18 PM.

11-20-2022, 12:04 PM	#23
muzzlebrake Pope & Young Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Euless, Texas Hunt In: Sterling County	A good cask finished Highland scotch is my preferred libation when I'm enjoying my favorite cigar. Glenmorangie 14yr, Bunnahabhain 12 Year Whisky, Dalmore 12 and Tomatin 12 are my go to's that don't break the bank. Stay with Highland scotches to get away from woody and smoky flavors. Sherry or Port wine cask finished are best with a good cigar. Dalmore straight up! Attached Images

11-20-2022, 01:24 PM	#31
S-3 Ranch Pope & Young Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Sisterdale Hunt In: Sisterdale, Mertzon , presidio , tiviolie	Sheep dip, vatted whiskey is pretty good for the price $50 Stuff like famous grouse is like drinking whiskey strained through a dirty sock!! price imo makes a difference on scotch whisky Last edited by S-3 Ranch; 11-20-2022 at 01:41 PM.

11-20-2022, 04:06 PM	#40
Ætheling Pope & Young Join Date: May 2015	OP stick around the 12 yr range of Speys or Highland Malts. 12 seems to be the magic sweet spot. From there its decreased marginal utility. For example I give you the attached. Im sure its tasty af but obviously not worth the price. Attached Images

11-19-2022, 11:03 PM	#2
Mitchell8 Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: College Station Hunt In: Anywhere	Just finish off this bottle and get you a new bottle Monday. By the end of the year you should have a good idea what you like.

11-19-2022, 11:05 PM	#3
thegrouse Pope & Young Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Antonio Hunt In: Wilson and San Saba County	I am partial to The Famous Grouse . I do not care for the Laphroaig, I prefer the Balvenie or Macallen. Try a few and experiment with ice, water or neat and find one that works for you.

11-19-2022, 11:09 PM	#4
trophy8 Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Georgetown Texas	Like drinking an ash tray lol.

11-19-2022, 11:14 PM	#6
rubicon51 Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: San Antonio Hunt In: Webb County	Laphroaig is one of the smokier ones from Islay (which is a region known for heavy peat). Try a MacAllen, glenfiddich, or something like that.

11-19-2022, 11:43 PM	#8
Artos Pope & Young Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Deep South TX Hunt In: Deep South TX	Man, I can't stand lafrog...try Caol Ila 12yr to see if that suits. I'm a tequila / Bourbon guy, but CI12 is one I can enjoy sipping.

11-19-2022, 11:44 PM	#9
TxMedic Pope & Young Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Georgetown Hunt In: Kimble County	I’m a Balvenie or Glenmorangie guy…Oban is really good as well.

11-19-2022, 11:45 PM	#10
Tom Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Conroe Hunt In: Rocky Mountains, Africa	strathisla

11-20-2022, 12:55 AM	#11
snappertapper Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: htown	If you've decided you like islays or peatier scotches, but Laphroaig is a little too smokey, give bruichladdich a shot. It seems to float the gap for me. I like all scotch, so ymmv.

11-20-2022, 05:28 AM	#13
jmw Eight Point Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Baytown Hunt In: Where I can	https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/sc...ll/p/192980750 This is my favorite one so far. Very smooth.

11-20-2022, 08:26 AM	#14
TexasBob Pope & Young Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NW Houston Area	Flavored vary with the region it was produced in. I like Speyside- not very Smokey and prefer sherry cask finished. Macallan is the standard there, but I’ve had others I like as well. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11-20-2022, 08:37 AM	#15
220swift Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: New Braunfels Hunt In: South, East, and Central Texas	I’m no expert, but Oban is pretty good.

11-20-2022, 10:48 AM	#16
rjtkdplus Pope & Young Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lockhart Hunt In: Everywhere I can	I use their tape sometimes

11-20-2022, 10:53 AM	#17
lovemylegacy Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Buna, Tx Hunt In: SETx,La,Il,Ks,Mo	My taste of scotch is very narrow. Glanfarclas or Glennfiddich, both are great. Glenfarclas is or can be a little pricey, but very good, smooth as silk.

11-20-2022, 11:45 AM	#19
JTRichardson Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Splendora Hunt In: east texas, in your stand when you aint there :)	can't stand Islay scotches - they all taste like iodine to me ::YUCK:: Personal favorites in the scotch world of mine are: Balvenie 12 year double wood Glennmorangie 10 year (a great "cheap" single malt that punches above its price point) Any of the Glenlivets - all easy drinkers Glenfiddich 14 year Oak Cask GlenDronach 12 year single malt Any of the Macallans are great as well All of these are going to fall into the Highland, Speyside regionals - which I prefer. They won't have the smoke that Islays do, but they will have a malty sweetness and a shorter finish to them which I prefer Welcome to the world of Scotch, so many things to try, and so few livers

11-20-2022, 11:47 AM	#20
Box-R Six Point Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Jarrell	Yes, I've tried Laphroaig 10, 18, 'Cask Strength', and Select. The 10-year is still my 'go to' over the slightly higher priced other Laphroaig options. I do like the smoky peat !

11-20-2022, 11:50 AM	#21
Looney Tatonka Six Point Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Crazytown Hunt In: Anywhere	Glenmorangie is my favorite. Dewers when I'm waiting on the paycheck.

11-20-2022, 11:56 AM	#22
waterdog Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006	i have try all kinds. it all taste like burnt whiskey to me.

11-20-2022, 12:15 PM	#24
Brute Killer Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pleasanton Hunt In: Pleasanton	Something I found while in Virginia is the Glenlivet 14. I like it a lot.

11-20-2022, 12:20 PM	#26
CWendling Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Nevada,tx Hunt In: Henderson	I dont like the really smokey ones. Like the others suggested, macallen is great. I also like the Dalmore quite a bit

11-20-2022, 12:57 PM	#27
ken Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Houston/Galveston Hunt In: Dew	Islay Scotches are peatier than highland or speyside scotches. This is because the peat that is burned to dry out the malted barley smolders more in the islands than other areas. Just how a campfire at the beach is smokier than a campfire in the mountains. Laphroid is one of the peatier Islay Scotches. Another peaty Isley scotch I like is Arbeg 10 year or Arbeg Wee Beastie

11-20-2022, 01:16 PM	#29
gemini2759 Ten Point Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Port Isabel Hunt In: Jim Hogg, public land	Nothing like a good ole bottle of Clan MacGregor. Sent from my SM-A536U1 using Tapatalk

11-20-2022, 01:23 PM	#30
Hands On Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Van Alstyne, TX Hunt In: Grayson & Kimble counties	Glenlivet or Glenmangie

11-20-2022, 01:56 PM	#34
tigerscowboy Pope & Young Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Texas Hunt In: Eagle Lake. Elk, Pronghorn, Nigai, Carribou. Bass, Trout, and Reds.	Try some Macallan. I enjoyed all of theirs back when I could. Gout took that pleasure away just a couple years ago.

11-20-2022, 03:36 PM	#36
Scotsman 1 Eight Point Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Woodlands - TX Hunt In: Jasper TX	Try Aberlour. Small Distillery in Speyside Scotland. It can be found at Specs.

11-20-2022, 03:53 PM	#37
sboudreaux Ten Point Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Helotes Hunt In: Kimble County	Another vote for Balvenie 12 year doublewood.

11-20-2022, 04:03 PM	#39
Brute Killer Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pleasanton Hunt In: Pleasanton	Another one I like is Springbank. It's from It's own region of "Campbelltown".

11-20-2022, 04:21 PM	#42
Brute Killer Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pleasanton Hunt In: Pleasanton	Has anyone tried Bruichladdich Black Art? They made a movie about it.

11-20-2022, 04:41 PM	#43
Clayton Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Denver, CO Hunt In: Real County, TX	Another vote for The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 year It's a Speyside so not as smoky. About $50-60/ bottle

11-20-2022, 04:49 PM	#44
kae006 Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2014

11-20-2022, 05:21 PM	#45
Brute Killer Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pleasanton Hunt In: Pleasanton	In light of the last pic, can anyone recommend a good whisky ice ball maker? I got a double one from HEB (IIRC) and i have to really bust it open to get my balls out.