If this already exists, feel free to put a link to the proper thread...I searched and found a bourbon thread but alas , no whiskey thread which makes me think my search-fu failed....
But, in case there is not already a whiskey thread:
This thread shall be dedicated to all types of Whiskey.
I will try to make some sort of index up here, as more information is added.
*This is a work in progress...
Whisky / Whiskey
"A type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash"
Each of the subcategories will be defined and include recommendations at different rough price points. Please feel free to post up a recommendation and I will try to get a rough price estimate....
Scotch
Map of Scotch Regions
Spoiler!
There are very strict rules as to which whiskies can be called Scotch. To be called scotch firstly and foremost, the whisky must be made in Scotland. Second, it must be made according to a manner prescribed in detail, by Scottish law. For more see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_whisky
Single Malt Scotch
To be a "single malt scotch" the whisky must be a "scotch" (duh!) and ALSO be made of ' only water & malted barley at a SINGLE distillery via batch distillation' (see here: LINK)
Blended Scotch
Must be a scotch (see above)..but: Most whisky is blended. It is easier and cheaper to make better tasting whisky than if you attempt the difficult talk of making a single malt. Master blenders do tastings and come up with blends of many different whiskys to achieve a result that they feel is desirable.
Bourbon
Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey: a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name is ultimately derived from the French Bourbon dynasty, although it is disputed whether Bourbon County in Kentucky or Bourbon Street in New Orleans inspired the whiskey's name.[1] Bourbon has been distilled since the 18th century.[2] The use of the term "Bourbon" for the whiskey has been traced to the 1820s, and the term began to be used consistently in Kentucky in the 1870s.[1] While bourbon may be made anywhere in the United States, it is strongly associated with the American South in general, and with Kentucky in particular. As of 2014, the distillers' wholesale market revenue for bourbon sold within the U.S. is about $2.7 billion, and bourbon makes up about two-thirds of the $1.6 billion of U.S. exports of distilled spirits.[3][4] (Wikipedia)
American Rye Whisky
In the United States, "rye whiskey" is, by law, made from a mash of at least 51 percent rye. (The other ingredients of the mash are usually corn and malted barley.) It is distilled to no more than 160 U.S. proof (80% abv), and aged in charred, new oakbarrels. The whiskey must be put into such barrels at not more than 125 proof (62.5% abv). Rye whiskey that has been so aged for at least two years and has not been blended with other spirits may be further designated as "straight", as in "straight rye whiskey".[1]
Irish Whiskey
Most Irish pot still whiskey is distilled thrice, while most (but not all) Scotch whisky is distilled twice. Peat is rarely used in the malting process, so that Irish whiskey has a smoother finish as opposed to the smoky, earthy overtones common to some Scotches. There are notable exceptions to these rules in both countries! (Some Irish whiskeys use peat, many Scotches do not)
Japanese Whiskey
Japanese Whiskey production first began around 1870. They started out by trying to emulate Scotch Whisky. Areas of Hokkaido are known to have climates similar to Scotland, and the difficulties of single malt production make it such that mainly Japanese whisky is blended.
Congrats on actually getting your hands on some PVW. It's a unicorn around here. How is that W.L. Weller? That's been on my radar for some time. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Indian Chief:
Congrats on actually getting your hands on some PVW. It's a unicorn around here. How is that W.L. Weller? That's been on my radar for some time.
the WLW is absolutely amazing. Insanely smooth for 140 proof whiskey its like candy. Don't hesitate to snag a bottle. Even at secondary prices its still worth every penny. Thankfully I know someone pretty well at the liquor store and he was able to get me some PVW before the bars in town got them all.
Originally Posted by Tombstone RJ:
Pappy Van Whinkle--how much did they cost? And, the Jap whiskey, how much?
from left to right 10 year was $80, 12 year was $135, 20 year was $200 (at a discount from $400), and the 23 was $500. Saving the 23 year for my wedding day to drink at the table.
The Yamazaki was $70 and that bottle was finished in about a week with another buddy. real good whiskey [Reply]
If you haven't tried some of the whiskey coming out of Texas, you are doing yourself a disservice. My favorite is from Ranger Creek, their 36 caliber Texas bourbon.
I've taken a recent interest in developing my palate for Scotch, both blended and single malt styles. The two primary reasons for my interest are my Scottish heritage and the weight I'm gaining from constantly drinking craft beer. Over the past year I've had a dram of The MacAllan 12, Glenlivet 12 and Laphroaig 10. I really enjoyed the Laphroaig the most.
I can't afford to buy a $50+ bottle of Scotch regularly, so I'd love to hear your advice on good, yet affordable blended styles. I've heard good things about Johnnie Walker, Monkey Shoulder and Black Grouse among others. I'd love to hear about your favorite scotch and how you take it.
I understand there is a world of Bourbon out there, but at this time I'm simply not interested. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin:
I've taken a recent interest in developing my palate for Scotch, both blended and single malt styles. The two primary reasons for my interest are my Scottish heritage and the weight I'm gaining from constantly drinking craft beer. Over the past year I've had a dram of The MacAllan 12, Glenlivet 12 and Laphroaig 10. I really enjoyed the Laphroaig the most.
I can't afford to buy a $50+ bottle of Scotch regularly, so I'd love to hear your advice on good, yet affordable blended styles. I've heard good things about Johnnie Walker, Monkey Shoulder and Black Grouse among others. I'd love to hear about your favorite scotch and how you take it.
I understand there is a world of Bourbon out there, but at this time I'm simply not interested.
If you like the peaty style of Islay scotches (Laphroaig), then you might try some of these:
Ardmore Traditional Cask
Finlaggan Malt Whiskey
Trader Joe's Islay Storm
Bowmore Legend
Black Bottle Scotch
Mcclelland's Islay (opinions are pretty polarizing on this one).
Smokey Joe
Islay Mist 8 [Reply]