Megamixer wrote:rupert wrote:Megamixer wrote:
The only 'proper' whisky I've had is Talisker and I wasn't a huge fan of the actual flavour. I've noticed that there is also a 'Talisker Storm'...anybody know the difference?
Talisker has a very distinctive pepper taste which isnt for everyone. I would suggest not trying the Storm as it's more of the same but the flavour profile is turned up a notch. I've also had a bottle of the Dark Storm, similar again, I think a 'Travel Retail exclusive' though (i.e. duty free shops only).
Try Highland Park 12yo, good value and sometimes on offer in one of the supermarkets - a hint of smoke and honey that isnt over powering, very easy to drink.
I did suspect that it might be a more 'souped up' version (to use very un-whisky terminology) of the regular Talisker but anyway, cheers - will give the Storm a miss. I work in a wholesalers so I can sometimes get the bottles a few quid cheaper than in the shop when they are on promotion and I know we do Highland 12 yo so I might give that a go sometime.
Pubs and clubs don't often stock anything of much worth - usually the same-old same -old - but Jameson is currently a lovely dram. And it is a most reasonable price in stores, too. [Jameson is an Irish whiskey] Occasionally, Dalwhinnie can be found in pubs, and that is also a very worthwhile experience. Glenmorangie might not be too exciting, but you can't really go wrong with that, either.
Don't just neck the shots, either. Keep each sip in the mouth (at least 5-seconds), rolling around, coating the tongue - some of the flavour takes a few moments to appear, and if you are feeling brave either a small breath in through your teeth to invigorate the fumes or a mouth-wash shuck; then swallow slowly. Some people choke first time, others are short of breath. Either way, what you now have still in your mouth - and for some time after - is the true flavour of the golden liquid imbibed. Simply neck the juice and you miss all that experience, flavour, wanton assault on your tastebuds etc. And for anyone new to whiskey, I find those I mentioned are some of the easier to explore. Cope with any of those and want something more 'exciting' (wrong word, but it'll do), take your pick. Although some whiskies are dire - seriously, even for seasoned drinkers, they're a gagfest - you will encounter some quiet extraordinary drams; just probably not in the pub (unless it's Ardbeg 10yr!).
The Whisky Bible, created by Jim Murray, gives a good idea of what a good, worthwhile whisky is (just don't expect there to be a very large choice of Scottish under £30. And you're unlikely to find anything other than Bourbon beyond these shores for that money, too).
Most whiskey talk usually centres on single malts. That's a bit unfair as, technically, they are easier to achieve grandeur at than a blend. A worthy blend, however, is a thing of rare beauty. Super Nikka I find just such. Over here, it's a hard-to-find Japanese. The majority on a pub shelf are generally the same-old same-old and worth avoiding (for my money, anyway).
Oh, and Southern Comfort, despite being listed under Whiskey on menus, is NOT a whiskey. Just so you know.
Slàinte
