Whisky Expo SF

[MrAndySais]

Hi all,

as I have mentioned before, I am a newbie to Whisky and started collecting/drinking in October 2001.

When I tried my first Single Malts, I always felt that certian burning in my throat and had to cough. To be frank, I couldn´t really enjoy the bottle I had bought, but continued anyways since I am was intrigued by the topic Whisky itself. Now, and especially after a long Whisky night with a friend of mine (and 15 drams) I am under the impression that my taste has changed.. matured even. I don´t feel that burn anymore, the coughing is gine and everything tastes smoother than a few months before. Suddenly that Glendronach 15-y.o. tastes amazing and I can finally taste a difference between all my Bowmores. Even Glenmorangie Port Finish is delicious now, and I remember well that I didn´t like it at all when I first tried it.
Could it really be that my taste has improved or changed? That I got used to Whisky? I am really wondering, because everything tastes better now. Or am I gradually becoming an alcoholic? Lol, I hope not.
What can you, esteemed forum members recommend? I have a lot of the "normal" Whiskies and I am looking for something special now, such as special finishes, filling from independants, special editons and so on.
All comment will as always be appreciated.
Regards from Munich, Germany
Andy

[BruceCrichton]

This brings back memories. I used to ruin some of the greatest whiskies known to man by adding coke or Irn Bru to them (though never water- I still can't go that).

I gradually got used to the taste and eventually was able to take it neat. I still remember that it was 'Black Bottle' that I drank a few drams of neat. I then progressed to the bottle of Laphroaig that my mum got me for that Christmas and I've never looked back.

My acid test for a whisky is still, can I drink it neat? If I can't then I avoid it.

[Deactivated Member]

Hello to everyone,
After reading your message Andy, I too felt a sense of familiarity with your findings .I am also a recent whisky convert.In times gone by I would spend a night out drinking your usual spirits and the occasional 'alcopop'-for a change!. A few years ago we were offered one of the 'Morangie wood finishes by a friendly bartender. I recall finding this rather drinkable, or maybe I was too merry to notice the burning mouth- whatever. That was my first dalliance with whisky ,my second was last year when one friday night not feeling like "the usual" I spied tha familiar 'Morangie plinth .Not knowing which one I tried before I opted for the Port finish .This was not happily accepted by my "chicken korma" tastebuds .Not to be beaten and fuelled by "it's not that you don't like whisky, you just haven't found one you do like yet", I continued my quest.My next port of call was 10 yo Macallan which I sipped rather daintily and enjoyed .Once the barowner (good friend and fellow malthead) had seen this act and was rather taken aback by a young woman drinking single malt ,his egging on and eagerness for me to try other malts has given me the whisky bug. I don't think I've had my usual since. As for "have my tastebuds changed?",I don't think so. It is a bit like getting into a hot bath, after that initial burn you learn to relax and soon you are soaking in a warm glow.
cheers all
ps sorry for going on a bit, but I am a woman after all

[MrAndySais]

Hello,

I am glad that I am not the only one to experience this phenomenon. I liked the comparison with the hot bath. It seems that I over the "burning" taste of Whisky. I just had a glass of Bowmore 12 and it was very smooth. No burn at all. If I didn´t know otherwise I would have said there was no alcohol in it.
By the way, I got a bottle of Aberlour Sherry Cask Finish because I have read so mayn good things about it and I must say that this beats even Macallen hands down! Best Sherry finish my newly discovered tastebuds have had so far.
That being said I wish you all goodnight and will finish the day with a glass of Glendronach.

Andy

[St.Peat]

Is anyone else going attending Riannon's whisky event tomorrow?

I hope to see some of you there -- it should be great!

Cheers

[bartok]

hi- If you like the Bowmore12 I recommend the Bowmore15 Mariner. I find it much smoother.Aberlour has kocked Macallan out of my collection. I found the Aberlour A'bunadh (batch6) superior to either Macallan12 or 18(1982).I recently took a trip to Chicago and went to Sam's Wine and Spirits and found Glenfarclas105.This made me happy since it is not available in my home town and Glenfarclas10 is the most inexpensive scotch that I would by again.When I tasted it, it reminded me of Aberlour A'bunadh so I sampled the two side by side and although they were very close I would have to go with the Aberlour. An added bonus is that I've seen the Aberlour on special in two places for the low $40's while the Glenfarclas105 lists in the mid $60's.