Speyside vs Islay vs Skye - Input Please.....

[markeb]

2 hours ago, DreadPirateRobert said:

My son tells me some of the Japanese malts are fantastic. I’m old school and possibly some other less complimentary things but I just don’t go there. 

 

I get that, but many of the Japanese malts ARE excellent. Suntory actually owns Bowmore and Laphroaig (Islay, so not one of your preferred styles), so they got their expertise the old-fashioned way: they bought it!

 

You could also stay local in Texas and try Balcones. It's pretty hard to find in Virginia, but most of the reviews have been excellent. I may try to track down a bottle just out of curiosity. (Retailers can do tastings of liquor in Texas, can't they?)

[Blackduck59]

Remember everyone if it's not from Scotland it's NOT "Scotch". While you may find single malt whiskey from Taiwan or Washington State or even here on Vancouver Island. These whiskeys are not "Scotch". Just like sparkling wine is not Champagne unless it is from the Champagne Region of France.

I have tried several different Scotch whiskeys, single malts and blends; as much as I try I just can't like the flavour.

Best of luck on your quest Bo, while this is off topic I suggest Ron Zacapa Rum, it's a nice pour on ice; not cheap but I think you might like it.

[El Crucero]

I hate to get involved in this conversation because it will quickly show what a neophyte I am!  I admit I don't know what I am talking about, but here goes.

 

I have been a Scotch drinker for years but really didn't know why.  At the beginning of this last February (right before all hell broke loose with Covid-19)  My daughter and her partner took me on an all expenses paid trip to Edinburgh for a week as a birthday present to me, business  class too.  The purpose of the trip was a crash course in Scotch for me.  WHAT A TRIP!  We visited highland and lowland distilleries by day and local pubs by night to do "Scotch Flights" tastings.

 

First things first

- NEVER ask for ice for your Scotch, that will get you escorted from the country immediately.  They will refuse to do it.

-  With the Scotch flights, you will be given a glass of room temp, just plain tap water.  You add the amount of water to suit your palate.

-  Scotch should be treated like a fine brandy - room temperature, keep warm with hands by cradling, release and smell the bouquet with nose deep in glass, check the "legs" (viscosity)

- drink VERY slowly, a five glass flight (maybe 3 drams) should last all evening

- the Scotch is only part of a social evening - conversation (often with total strangers), story telling (tall tales are encouraged), jokes. and singing

- getting "snockered" is considered rude and disrespectful (like farting at the wedding party I was told) and will usually get you escorted from the premises.

-  I visited the Cadenhead's Scotch Shop in Old Town Edinburgh.  The said NEVER purchase Scotch older than about 10 to 15 years old.  They said they would be happy to sell me a 30 y.o. Scotch for several thousand dollars but it is a waste of money and shows that the buyer has no idea about a good Scotch (don't jump on me. I only repeat what he said).  They said a good Scotch will achieve its full bloom in 10 to 15 years.  They also said, in their opinion a blended Scotch is generally  a better Scotch than a single malt

-  Many distilleries are owned by Japanese and Taiwanese interests

-  I got into a discussion with the head distiller at Albemars.  The subject of Trader Joe's Scotch came up.  He insisted that it is a well known secret that Trader Joe's is bottled at Glenfiddich distillery (both blended and single malt) to a proprietary recipe.

- although McCallums is a respected Scotch in Scotland it is not particularly popular there.  It is considered a "mass market" mass produced scotch rather than hand made.  They turn up their noses at it.

,

 

my likes and dislikes

-  I tried Scotch from all the regions with my several flight selections

- I do not like "smokey" scotches

- i prefer Scotches that are aged in Sherry or Kentucky Bourbon barrels.

- I prefer lighter more delicate Scotches, consequently they are much lighter in color

 

What I brought home

- purchased one bottle (due to import restrictions) of Craigellacie single malt.  I love that stuff and of course it is gone by now.  It is aged for 11 years in Bourbon barrels.  BTW, our word "craggy" comes from the Scottish word "Craig"  The Scots have something like 24 words to describe various characteristics of mountains and hills.

- it was the most expensive Scotch I have ever purchased, but what the hell it was my birthday!

- I drink it with one or two drops of filtered water (our tap water here is terrible)

- a dram lasts me about two hours.

 

For my house Scotch, I use Trader Joe's blended.  I did a blind taste test with that and TJ single malt and much prefer the blended version.  Not  the best Scotch but not the worst either and it is cheap.  I think it is approximately equal to Glenfiddich.  I use this when a novice comes over and wants a shot of Scotch and downs the shot glass in one swig.

 

My visit to Scotland was one of my best vacations ever.  I am Irish and the Scots made me feel welcome like a long lost relative. They felt like family.  The Scots are more closely related to the Irish and Welsh than to the English. We come from the same ancient Celti and Picti tribes.  The English come from the Anglo Saxon migration.They are warm, patient, fun, and easy to live with.  I hope to go back and visit again soon.  Fabulous!

Edited August 11, 2020 by El Crucero

[Bo1953]

8 hours ago, NantahalaCruiser said:

Unfortunately, if the cancellations persist into mid 2021 or later, they may not have enough funds to create an inventory of any single malts!

 

Cheers Bo

 

n - I Am sure they will do what they can to accommodate Us Scotch drinkers... many of us will pay for the experience beyond PBP offerings, as I usually do with brands I really want while afloat...

 

We just want it available... 🍹

 

Cheers and bon voyage

[Bo1953]

7 hours ago, Blackduck59 said:

Remember everyone if it's not from Scotland it's NOT "Scotch". While you may find single malt whiskey from Taiwan or Washington State or even here on Vancouver Island. These whiskeys are not "Scotch". Just like sparkling wine is not Champagne unless it is from the Champagne Region of France.

I have tried several different Scotch whiskeys, single malts and blends; as much as I try I just can't like the flavour.

Best of luck on your quest Bo, while this is off topic I suggest Ron Zacapa Rum, it's a nice pour on ice; not cheap but I think you might like it.

b - thank you. I do have RZ in my cabinet... for sure.

 

As for the cost, I find that it is comparable to a mid to low end scotch and does taste better!

 

Scotch along with bourbon, for many, is an acquired (if at all) taste...

 

Not really off topic, maybe someone can do a comparison to one of the regions...  there may be something close in taste.

 

Cheers and bon voayge

[Bo1953]

6 hours ago, El Crucero said:

I hate to get involved in this conversation because it will quickly show what a neophyte I am!  I admit I don't know what I am talking about, but here goes.

e - while many of Us are snobs in many areas, here we tend only to be snobs in terms of what we like, seeing you are a lover of scotch, you fit right in...

 

Heck, even if one does not like scotch, they will fit right in and quite possibly find one they like enough to call their own including how they wish to drink it straight through lots of ice and lemonade...

 

If it is anything more than a splash of water, I think 'interesting choice' and smile.

 

I have a tendency to drink most of liquors neat or with an ice cube at most if not just a drip or two of water... (the gamut)

 

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge on this thread, much appreciated.

 

Cheers and bon voyage

[JeanieC,Aston]

I’m with Chemmo’s husband,,,Irish every time,,I believe the Irish learnt the Scots how to make whiskey.

 

ps,,,Scotch is the drink,,,,,Scottish is the people.

[Bo1953]

25 minutes ago, Bo1953 said:

b - thank you. I do have RZ in my cabinet... for sure.

 

As for the cost, I find that it is comparable to a mid to low end scotch and does taste better!

 

Scotch along with bourbon, for many, is an acquired (if at all) taste...

 

Not really off topic, maybe someone can do a comparison to one of the regions...  there may be something close in taste.

 

Cheers and bon voayge

I have to add that I Am aware that RZ is made from cane and scotch from grain which lends itself to whole different flavour profile on the whole...

 

Cheers and bon voayge

Edited August 11, 2020 by Bo1953

[isnowman]

What a fantastic topic to take our thoughts away from what's going on in the world. Hopefully someone can help me out with a question. We were on the Equinox last March and I sampled a single malt at the World Class bar, somewhat " smokey ", like a Lagavulin. Unfortunately I just can't remember the name, wished I had taken a picture with my phone. Does anyone have a bar menu from the World Class bar, or possibly suggest some different names. Appreciate any help.

 

 

[Bo1953]

1 hour ago, JeanieC,Aston said:

I’m with Chemmo’s husband,,,Irish every time,,I believe the Irish learnt the Scots how to make whiskey.

 

ps,,,Scotch is the drink,,,,,Scottish is the people.

Thus the Peoples Whisky vs Irish Whisky?

 

Methinks both have their place (rightfully) in the pantheon of Whiskies and I, personally, would be very hard pressed to say one is better than the other.... except when I Am in the company of one or the other drinker and want to push a few buttons after consuming a few! LOL

 

Yet, in all seriousness, both regions offer great beverages alike... it is our individual taste buds which dictate the one We think is better or not... 😁

 

Cheers and bon voyage

Edited August 11, 2020 by Bo1953

[jimzgoldfinch]

58 minutes ago, Bo1953 said:

Thus the Peoples Whisky vs Irish Whisky?

 

Methinks both have their place (rightfully) in the pantheon of Whiskies and I, personally, would be very hard pressed to say one is better than the other.... except when I Am in the company of one or the other drinker and want to push a few buttons after consuming a few! LOL

 

Yet, in all seriousness, both regions offer great beverages alike... it is our individual taste buds which dictate the one We think is better or not... 😁

 

Cheers and bon voyage

The big question is what is the best whisky? The answer is the one that you enjoy the most.

 

I am Scottish and enjoy a dram or two. I know what I like and what to avoid. I Drink single malt whiskies, most of what I drink is Scottish but I have enjoyed “Writers Tears” from Ireland and “Glenora” from Canada. I have not tried other countries single malts but I am prepared to be surprised.

 

One of my favourites is Bunnahabhain 12 yr old from Islay.

 

 

Jim

Edited August 11, 2020 by jimzgoldfinch

[Fouremco]

10 hours ago, Blackduck59 said:

Remember everyone if it's not from Scotland it's NOT "Scotch". While you may find single malt whiskey from Taiwan or Washington State or even here on Vancouver Island. These whiskeys are not "Scotch". Just like sparkling wine is not Champagne unless it is from the Champagne Region of France.

Nevertheless, the Bard had it right:

 

What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet

[markeb]

3 hours ago, JeanieC,Aston said:

I’m with Chemmo’s husband,,,Irish every time,,I believe the Irish learnt the Scots how to make whiskey.

 

ps,,,Scotch is the drink,,,,,Scottish is the people.

I think one thing, in my limited experience, is we get much more Scotch whisky imported in the US than Irish whiskey. At least by variety. Jameson may well outsell all of them, but you just don’t easily find the variety. And all Irish whiskey isn’t equal. 
 

Whisk(e)y and its close cousins, are pretty fascinating around the world. You can have a fairly interesting discussion, for instance, on whether Genever is really more of a flavored whiskey than gin, especially the ould or aged varieties. It’s certainly nothing like a traditional English gin.

 

There are probably books out there on following the grain and it’s impact on spirits! Or other sugars and starches...

 

 

[JL87]

3 hours ago, isnowman said:

"What a fantastic topic to take our thoughts away from what's going on in the world. Hopefully someone can help me out with a question. We were on the Equinox last March and I sampled a single malt at the World Class bar, somewhat " smokey ", like a Lagavulin. Unfortunately I just can't remember the name, wished I had taken a picture with my phone. Does anyone have a bar menu from the World Class bar, or possibly suggest some different names. Appreciate any help.

 

 

 

My guess is Caol Ila. That and Lagavulin were the two from Islay they had when I was last on Equinox. They are also both Diageo products as is Talisker. It's from Skye and I think they had it as well.

Edited August 11, 2020 by JL87

[markeb]

11 minutes ago, JL87 said:

My guess is Caol Ila. That and Lagavulin were the two from Islay they had when I was last on Equinox. They are also both Diageo products as is Talisker. It's from Skye and I think they had it as well.

Could have been Oban 14. That was a featured whisky at WCB on our two cruises. A little smoke, bit not Lagavulin or Caol Ila smoke, and definitely not Talisker smoke!

Edited August 11, 2020 by markeb

[JL87]

4 minutes ago, markeb said:

Could have been Oban 14. That was a featured whisky at WCB on our two cruises. A little smoke, bit not Lagavulin or Caol Ila smoke, and definitely not Talisker smoke!

 

Yeah, I forgot about Oban. I think they had that when I was on as well.

[cangelmd]

20 hours ago, Bo1953 said:

s - Of course I did... any maker you like is welcomed here...

 

We want to know everyone's thoughts, regardless if we happen to like that House or Region...

 

Thank you for you input...

 

Cheers and bon voyage

I’m not the Scotch drinker, my husband is, although I do occasionally have a glass. I’m not knowledgeable enough to contribute to the taste question BUT

If you ever get to Edinburgh, do the Scotch whisky experience. Hokey as all get out (you take ride through distilling and history in a whisky barrel aka Disney World) but at the end you get to see an amazing collection of whiskeys and taste an iconic example of each of the regions.

Also, before you go, join The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

https://www.smwsa.com/

They have tasting events in the US, which are fun, heavy hors d’oeuvre and lots of Scotch - likely suspended because of Covid. Then when you get to Edinburgh, you can go to the club on Queen Street, an experience which is about the opposite of the Sotch Whisky Experience, but also fun. Just paging through the tasting book of their special single malts is worth buying a couple of drinks.

[markeb]

One of the interesting questions is what's actually available onboard. Under normal circumstances, there would be multiple threads in the last 30 days where someone was looking for a current drink menu. Clearly not normal times.

 

Found a really good menu from the the Club on the Edge posted by vtcruising, maybe one of her last. From the looks of it, it would be their primary whisk(e)y selection, on and off package. The usual menus from other ships are just buried too far back to find.

 

 

Aberfeldy 21 Year...................................................................................20
Chivas Royal Salute................................................................................45
Dewar’s Signature ................................................................................19
Johnnie Walker Blue........................................................................... 60
Johnnie Walker Blue Cruise Edition................................................. 25
Johnnie Walker Blue King George V.....................................................45
Johnnie Walker Explorer Series Spice Road......................................... 12
Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve..................................................................11
Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Year ..........................................................50

Johnnie Walker XR 21 Year .....................................................................35
Lagavullin 16 .............................................................................................18
Macallan Estate Reserve.............................................................................50
Macallan Whiskey Makers...........................................................................20
Oban 14 Year ................................................................................................11 

 

 

I'd reformat it, but that's the gist of it. Bizarre pricing! Two of those (I think) would be in the packages. Very heavy on blends, which is a little odd, but Johnnie Walker almost seems like a sponsor...

 

There are other whiskies listed in the fleetwide packages, from some time in the spring:

 

Aberfeldy 12
Chivas Regal 12
*Dewar’s White Label
Dewars 12
*Famous Grouse
Glen Scotia Scotia Single Malt
Glenfiddich Reserve Cask
Glenfiddich Select
Glenlivet
Haig
Highland Park
Highland Park Einar
Johnnie Walker Black
Johnnie Walker Red
*Monkey Shoulder
The MacAllan
The Macallan Lumina
The MacAllan Quest

 

*In the classic package.
 

I don't know that I've ever seen that many on a ship? I have seen Balvenie behind the bar. The Triple Wood is a duty free version, and that may be what I've seen (I think that was on X). I'm remembering why I drank Oban at the WCB!

 

vtcruising posted wine lists from all the specialty restaurants, but they don't include any spirits. That may be where the package whiskies hide on Edge, and behind the bar and off the main menu.

Edited August 11, 2020 by markeb
Reformatted

[JL87]

I'm 100% positive I had Caol Ila on the Equinox at the WCB about 2 years ago. I say that as I'm currently drinking a glass of the 12 yo. I drink it often as it's a favorite, but the reason I remember having it there is that I was sitting beside a couple from Scotland. She was born and raised on Islay but had never heard of it. We had an interesting discussion about the pronunciation.  

[ejnsb]

My handle on a couple other message boards is scotch12rox so I was happy to find and read this thread.  I can't comment on scotch I have had on X because our first cruise was to be on the Equinox right now.  Rescheduled for the Edge in March.  We have sailed NCL a number of times recently.   They have an upgraded beverage package that includes any spirit they have.  I took advantage of that in September and the Maltings bar had a nice selection including, I think, Macallan, Lagavullin and others.  You could also get a nice champagne  (Veuve) and other top shelf spirits. 

 

My go to scotches would be Glenmorangie and Glenlivet.  When splurging I love The Balvenie and Macallan.  I hope they are still doing the Macallan tasting when we sail.

[markeb]

Too late at night, but a minor analogy.

 

Two weeks from today marks the release of my all time favorite album: Born to Run. Whether you love him or hate him or somewhere in the middle, like the various regions of Scotland and the different styles of whisky, Bruce has written, to date, 327 recorded pieces pieces of music! Writers over the years have attempted  to rank a top 100, top 50, etc., to varying degrees of success, and usually incredible gnashing of teeth from the faithful. I just read through a top 100 that I'm OK with because the author really goes out of the way to say it's "his" top 100, not the top 100. (Although any list that doesn't have Jungleland in the top 10 is just wrong!). Springsteen fans, like many other music fans, are pretty passionate! (For the record, yes, the avatar is Bruce and Jake, from the pit, January 29, 2016, River Tour. Never got that close to Clarence.)

 

The variety of Scotch whisky creates a passion for those of us who have had the opportunity to try a lot of varieties, and I've only touched on the varieties available. There's a lot of whisky I've never even heard of! One Google hit tonight says there are 133 distilleries in Scotland; another says 122. There's a lot of them! I'm sure that almost all bottle more than one single malt, not including what the supply to the major blends. If there are 133 distilleries, and they each make 3 finished whiskies, then my math says that's 399 single malt whiskies! Sounds like trying to rank Springsteen songs for fans! No way you'll get any significant sample size of that on a cruise ship, even if they suddenly decided to actually have a whisk(e)y bar, but that's the scope of trying to seriously look at Scottish whisky. And honestly, I haven't done the same numbers on Bourbon, which has been the "big thing" for the last few years.

 

Just food for thought, and I'm enjoying this thread for however long it runs!

 

 

[Bo1953]

7 hours ago, ejnsb said:

My handle on a couple other message boards is scotch12rox so I was happy to find and read this thread.  I can't comment on scotch I have had on X because our first cruise was to be on the Equinox right now.  Rescheduled for the Edge in March.  We have sailed NCL a number of times recently.   They have an upgraded beverage package that includes any spirit they have.  I took advantage of that in September and the Maltings bar had a nice selection including, I think, Macallan, Lagavullin and others.  You could also get a nice champagne  (Veuve) and other top shelf spirits. 

 

My go to scotches would be Glenmorangie and Glenlivet.  When splurging I love The Balvenie and Macallan.  I hope they are still doing the Macallan tasting when we sail.

e - Welcome to our world of X!

 

The Macallan Tasting is considered a mainstay on X.

 

Every ship I have been on has this activity along with, from time to time, other types of tastings i.e. Chachaca,  Bourbon or various Wine tastings.

 

Check your CP for the sign up and cost.

 

Cheers and bon voyage

[isnowman]

19 hours ago, JL87 said:

My guess is Caol Ila. That and Lagavulin were the two from Islay they had when I was last on Equinox. They are also both Diageo products as is Talisker. It's from Skye and I think they had it as well.

Yes I believe that is it, never did find out how to pronounce it correctly. Now if I can only find some locally....

Thanks!

[Bo1953]

I need to add that there are at least two (2) CC members I Am familiar with who are Scotch Collectors!

 

How cool is that???

 

I do know of at least two (2) Scotch clubs, fairly prominent, one in NYC and the other in Vancouver, BC....

 

I trust one of them will see this thread and give their insight on the topic, too.

 

Cheers and bon voyage

[JeanieC,Aston]

58 minutes ago, isnowman said:

Yes I believe that is it, never did find out how to pronounce it correctly. Now if I can only find some locally....

Thanks!

Hi 

Pronounced....Col Eela.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiKmNLz1ZXrAhWoRBUIHdjFB5YQFjAOegQIBhAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.islayinfo.com%2Fislay_caolila_distillery.html&usg=AOvVaw1XtsF5PWn89jvVYUTF8-AH