[KK22]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Dang dude, you have been posting some great bottles! Those big hitters are a special occasion for me ususally I have been itching to pull the trigger on an Ardbeg 19 for a bit now... thoughts on that one? I know you said the Laphroig 18 was the one that stood out but I prefer Ardbeg myself.

Thank you! Have been lucky and patient to collect a few bottles over the years, but always at retail. The price gauging of this spirit is becoming ridiculous.

I prefer Ardbeg myself. There is something very soft and delicate abut their peat that I can't find anywhere else. But unfortunately, their popularity has caused the prices to steadily rise. The 19 second release ( 2020) is generally regarded as better than the first release (2019) which tends to be more ashy. But even then, I feel its overpriced by about $100. But you have to pay to play. I do recommend the bottle, it is absolutely terrific. You never know, a year from now you might be thinking the price was great since these values continue to rise!

[UncleWede]

So, how do you get an idea of what a bottle tastes like? I wouldn't mind spending $xxx on a bottle, IF I knew I liked the stuff. The idea of getting one of these better bottles and then not being able to drink it keeps me from trying some of these higher-priced bottles.

If Hawkeye would just invite me over for a sampling, I could expand my bar

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

So, how do you get an idea of what a bottle tastes like? I wouldn't mind spending $xxx on a bottle, IF I knew I liked the stuff. The idea of getting one of these better bottles and then not being able to drink it keeps me from trying some of these higher-priced bottles.

If Hawkeye would just invite me over for a sampling, I could expand my bar

Oh boy, don't you even start!

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

So, how do you get an idea of what a bottle tastes like? I wouldn't mind spending $xxx on a bottle, IF I knew I liked the stuff. The idea of getting one of these better bottles and then not being able to drink it keeps me from trying some of these higher-priced bottles.

If Hawkeye would just invite me over for a sampling, I could expand my bar

Couple of ideas (I love being an enabler )

Flaviar.com - is a club you join and they send you sample size bottles of different stuff every month.

Local Whiskey Bar - find a bar that specializes in whiskey and ask the bar tender as you narrow down your specific taste.

Both can be cheaper than buying an expensive bottle of something and discovering you hate it. I had a bottle of Lagavulin a long time cause I hated it. Lucky me I had friends visit who loved it.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

Couple of ideas (I love being an enabler )

Flaviar.com - is a club you join and they send you sample size bottles of different stuff every month.

Local Whiskey Bar - find a bar that specializes in whiskey and ask the bar tender as you narrow down your specific taste.

Both can be cheaper than buying an expensive bottle of something and discovering you hate it. I had a bottle of Lagavulin a long time cause I hated it. Lucky me I had friends visit who loved it.

I've seen that Flaviar, and almost pulled the trigger.

There was a local Irish restaurant, that had tastings. I was planning to Uber over a few times, but then 'Rona . . . That place is now out of business

[KK22]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

So, how do you get an idea of what a bottle tastes like? I wouldn't mind spending $xxx on a bottle, IF I knew I liked the stuff. The idea of getting one of these better bottles and then not being able to drink it keeps me from trying some of these higher-priced bottles.

If Hawkeye would just invite me over for a sampling, I could expand my bar

I was in a similar situation 4 yrs ago. Luckily there are a lot of reviewers in social media and a lot of blogs like malt-review.com Youtube has The Scotch Test Dummies, Ralphy, Fred Minnick etc. Instagram has a plethora of "Whiskygrammers" including myself (@Epicurean_pursuits) that are constantly acquiring/reviewing rare/expensive bottles. A quick way to search on instagram is by the hashtag like #ardbeg19 or #wildturkey17

Once you get an idea of how some of the reviews flow (usually Nose, palate, finish) and the tasting notes, you can determine (mostly!) what you may or may not enjoy. The discovery is a fun journey, wish I could do it all over again!

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

I've seen that Flaviar, and almost pulled the trigger.

There was a local Irish restaurant, that had tastings. I was planning to Uber over a few times, but then 'Rona . . . That place is now out of business

Very sad. But things should be starting up again. BTW I never did Flaviar so I am only mentioning it as something I stumbled onto. No idea if it's worth it.

[Murf993]

My latest additions. I might have to have a smash of the Caribbean Reserve tonight.

[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

So, how do you get an idea of what a bottle tastes like? I wouldn't mind spending $xxx on a bottle, IF I knew I liked the stuff. :

You find a good local whiskey-bar and have a few drinks, or visits. When you find something you really like, purchase a bottle.

[Run Silent]

Originally Posted by Murf993

My latest additions. I might have to have a smash of the Caribbean Reserve tonight.

Those GL's - specifically the Caribbean cask are very non-offensive. Especially as to how cheap they are. Nothing to write home about, but a good solid single malt. I drink that one as a 'nightly' nightcap. Always good to have one laying around.

[Captain Blood]

Any suggestions for a good Irish whiskey for $50 or less per bottle? My favorite so far was a Jamison 12 year.

[Murf993]

Originally Posted by Captain Blood

Any suggestions for a good Irish whiskey for $50 or less per bottle? My favorite so far was a Jamison 12 year.

Bushmills is solid, Redbreast 12 and Sexton is great too.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by Murf993

My latest additions. I might have to have a smash of the Caribbean Reserve tonight.

That is solid! How would you rank them?

[lord1569]

Blanton's is great...when you aren't paying 4x retail (ugh).

[Murf993]

Originally Posted by BMW F22

That is solid! How would you rank them?

Had a taste of the Caribbean Cask last night, good whiskey and great price. I really like the Founders Reserve, honestly for the price you can't beat it. I haven't opened the double oaked yet.

[S65Hunter]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

So, how do you get an idea of what a bottle tastes like? I wouldn't mind spending $xxx on a bottle, IF I knew I liked the stuff. The idea of getting one of these better bottles and then not being able to drink it keeps me from trying some of these higher-priced bottles.

If Hawkeye would just invite me over for a sampling, I could expand my bar

Through denial and terror..... or trial and error, forget how the saying goes.

[Maynard]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Dang dude, you have been posting some great bottles! Those big hitters are a special occasion for me ususally I have been itching to pull the trigger on an Ardbeg 19 for a bit now... thoughts on that one? I know you said the Laphroig 18 was the one that stood out but I prefer Ardbeg myself.

I think my favorite Ardbeg is the Corryvreckan; if you like more sherried than you may like the Uigeadeal. If I drive a state over I can still get it for about 80/per. The 'Grooves' was very nice, but probably overpriced - I got it as a novelty. Have not found the 19yo around here, though. And for Laphroaig, I like the Quarter Cask and 10yo Cask Strength about as much as the 18/15, for a lot less $$ (and some of the Cairdeas too).

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Maynard

I think my favorite Ardbeg is the Corryvreckan; if you like more sherried than you may like the Uigeadeal. If I drive a state over I can still get it for about 80/per. The 'Grooves' was very nice, but probably overpriced - I got it as a novelty. Have not found the 19yo around here, though. And for Laphroaig, I like the Quarter Cask and 10yo Cask Strength about as much as the 18/15, for a lot less $$ (and some of the Cairdeas too).

A lot of their committee releases are likely overpriced but I like them. I have the grooves, drum, blaaaack, and dark cove currently. I had to let me corryvreckan air for a year before I could appreciate it, I do like the Uigeadeal though! Solid suggestions. I have not been as much of a fan of Laphroig for some reason. I tend to like Ardbeg and Lagavulin better. I will also pick up another Octomore when I see one, its much more balanced than expected... I was expecting a punch in the face.

[Maynard]

I know what you mean about the distinction. I'm still looking to find an Octomore to try, heard great things. Bruichladdich is similar to the Ardbeg/Lagavulin (in the Ardbeg vs. Laphroaig distinction); I love the Port Charlotte Heavily Peated. The younger 8yo Lagavulin is also interesting, but more towards the Laphroaig camp - a bit more raw/edgy aspect.

[Pablo Chacon]

Originally Posted by Murf993

My latest additions. I might have to have a smash of the Caribbean Reserve tonight.

Originally Posted by Run Silent

Those GL's - specifically the Caribbean cask are very non-offensive. Especially as to how cheap they are. Nothing to write home about, but a good solid single malt. I drink that one as a 'nightly' nightcap. Always good to have one laying around.

Agree on the Glenlivet offerings, my favorite bottle of theirs is the 18 year Batch Reserve.

[Housekeeping]

This is by far my favorite

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Sy1616

This is by far my favorite

This is one I can't say that I have had!

I am slowly working on my whiskey room... hope to start posting some progress pictures sometime soon... with the whiskey in it of course.