Spirits Talk To Me

Talisker, quite possibly the perfect malt

bennie — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:12:30 +0000

Talisker is one of the single-malt scotch whiskeys with the greatest pedigree. After all, how many scotch whiskeys can be the basis of other greats like Johnny Walker. It has an island-style peat nose with very distinctive peppery overtones. Those peppery tones get stronger as the drink approaches the lips and is quite prevalent in the flavor. It’s a light malt as it sits on the palette. However, the peppery nature is always prevalent. One of the most notable characteristics of this malt, as it is well-documented on almost everyone’s tastings, is the gentle warming sensation felt as it rolls from the throat to stomach.

This malt is definitely one to be served neat. Any alteration in the temperature or dilution will change the experience. This is possibly my favorite malt. I have yet to have the pleasure of any of Talisker’s other bottlings but they are on my list of must-finds.

Speyburn, the one in the tin

bennie — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:56:47 +0000

Priced accessibly at around $25, the Speyburn 10yr Highland malt provides a great value. What it lacks in complexity it makes up for in its crisp flavor. Normally I prefer to enjoy my malts neat, however I personally enjoy this malt on ice since the inclusion of the lower temperature and melting cubes fuse perfectly with this malt. Seeing as how they pride themselves on their fresh-water resource Granty Burn, it’s no wonder why the two go so well together.

The flavor is sweet with a measure of tartness as it glides over the sides of the tongue. It’s light and fruity nature make it ideal for the end of a summer day.

While Speyburn’s 10yr Highland malt won’t be unseating any of the classics, it is a great addition to any bar. After all, it’s only $25.

Laphroaig, a smokey pleasure

bennie — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:13:31 +0000

Laphroaig is a staple in the scotch garden. My first experience with it was before my appreciation for such things had evolved to where it is today. Never-the-less, I buy Laphroaig very often as I’ve become very fond of its heavy-peat flavor. There are several other subtle fruit undertones that I can’t quite make out exactly but the delicate complexity is elegant. Even the classic green bottle and white label it comes in suggest a legacy of refinement.

This distillery defines the Islay region malts for me. Not for everyone, either you love it or you hate it.

… I love it!

Lismore, left me listless

bennie — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:07:39 +0000

My trips to the liquor store often involve the purchase of unknown, at least to me, scotch labels. I purchased this bottle due to its remarkably low-price and my high-hopes of finding an inexpensive treat. However, one smell and a few sips later, I was regretting the loss of my $18.

From the beginning, the Lismore experience was one I’d rather forget. My girlfriend often remarks that my scotch smell like turpentine or rubbing alcohol. For once, that comparison is just. With an industrial smell and a taste like rusting pipes, Lismore is my least favorite whiskey of all-time.

While I’ve found a few lo-cost gems, this distillery is one I will avoid like I avoid Smirnoff Ice.

P.S. - Interestingly, Lismore is an island off the west-coast of Scotland though this is a “Single Speyside Malt.” If that’s not confusing enough, several other web sites have it listed as a Highland Malt.