laphroaig quarter cask

It's been a while since my last entry, so you might now realize, I don't drink heavily. For my second entry I have Laphroaig Quarter Cask. It took a bit of researching to find out the actual age of this scotch. It turns out to spend 5 years in the standard American Oak barrels, and then another 7 months in the much smaller quarter casks. The idea with this scotch is, at one time, booze runners would store there scotch in smaller barrels to trick customs men to avoid import/export fees. While I was a bit disappointed to find out it's not a full 10 year, after tasting I am quite pleased. Being an Islay bottle, it has that warm peat flavor you expect. As with most things, I take information on the label at face value. This particular bottle states that; being aged in their warehouse #1 which is by the sea imbibes it with a different flavor. I actually have to agree. This scotch has a very distinct initial flavor that beyond the smokiness, is also a bit sweet. After taking a drink and resting, you'll notice a salty flavor in the back of you mouth that lingers. The sweet bit is quite light and a bit like coconut. I have to say, if you're looking for something different, at a fantastic price point (34.99) I would suggest giving the Laphroaig Quarter Cask a try.

My first tale-Bowmore 12yr

The first scotch I will talk about, is the one I'm drinking now. When I'm looking for something new (or what I want isn't available) I will go to the large liquor emporium on my way from work and talk to the 40 something Australian wine connoisseur that works there. He almost always leads me in the right direction. This time I came in looking to replenish with more Glenmorangie, they were out. I walked to the clerk and simply requested: 12 year, single malt, Islay. The aroma is quiet and a little peaty, hides the alcohol well compared to some others. Initial flavor has that delicious smokey/peaty taste as well as a mild taste of honey. The finish leaves you with a bit of camp fire and tingly sweetness. All-in-all it's fantastic. Well worth the cost of a bottle (about 50 bucks post tax). I imagine for someone wanting to first try Islay scotch this would be a good way to go. It has all of the classic flavor of an Islay, but a bit less mind-blowing then the Forest fire in you mouth flavor of Ardbeg, and considerably less expensive.

My first post, and a run down

Right now I am sipping a glass of delicious highland single malt. I decided to jump on to the interwebs and see what other are enjoying. I was disappointed to find most references to "top 10" scotch lists end up being full of Johnny Walker and Chivas. That ain't scotch, Johnny Walker is whiskey, no matter what color it is, and Chivas is Canadian....CANADIAN! So, I'm starting this. I am no snob. I have very little money to spend on alcohol. It usually takes me a month to empty a bottle, but when I do have that one glass, I drink what I enjoy.

Fare warning. I drink it the way I'm probably not supposed to according to you. Medium size snifter, 3 ice cubes, scotch to the top of the cubes. Keep in mind when I comment on the flavor of every brand I may post about, this is how I'm drinking it...Every time.

I hope that what I end up offering is of use to others looking for some yummy scotch. I hope to hear from those with scotch tales to tell as well.

-Brandon