Hard Drinkers, Lets Drink Hard (Spirits, Liquors and Cocktails)
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When it comes to scotch nothing beats Ardbeg Uigeadahl for me. On the rye side Colonel E.H. Taylor is probably my favorite. Always wanted to try Pappy Van Winkle but haven't been willing to pay $40+ for a glass here in Seattle (let alone buy a whole bottle).
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Just got a bottle of Laphroaig Select. Anybody ever try it? I have yet to crack open the bottle.
I've got two bottles of Laphroaig Select. Had the privilege of meeting their master distiller awhile back when he was doing a US tour. For me its a bit more harsh than the 10 year or quarter cask. It's basically a blend of three of their scotches (I believe 10 year, quarter cask, and triple wood but don't quote me on that). Huge fan of Laphroaig and I enjoy all their makings. Select is an interesting blend because you get some of the strong peat character but with more of a woody flavor (which makes sense based on the blend). I typically don't put any water in my scotch but a few drops in Select smooths it out a bit. I also really like it in a Rob Roy cocktail.
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Bacon infused vodka anyone?
The Guardian has a recipe and guide up if you're interested in some DIY experimentation.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jul/22/bacon-flavoured-vodka-recipe
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Alcohol and bacon-Two of the major food groups in one go !
The strawberry vodka looks like a winner . -
^ right there with you on that one.
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One of the best gin and tonics I've ever tasted…
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Really want to try Ardbeg's space whiskey…. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-34168471
They also recently released the last run of their Supernova, which is phenomenal if you are a peat fan.
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@seawolf , There is a more mildly peated Ardbeg called "Blasda", worth trying.
Other tasty but not quite so full on peated whiskies to check out: Longrow CV, Talisker Skye.
Also check out the AnCnoc peat series that come in varied PPM offerings from 9 PPM through to 20 PPM.
PPM is the Parts Per Million Phenol content in the spirit ( a basic measure of peatiness ).
I had a bottle of AnCnoc Rutter ( 11 PPM ) and really enjoyed it.
Ardebg and other Islay peaty malts will typically be around 40 PPM
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@ddtrash Wow! Thanks for the PPM tip and thanks for breaking all of that down for me! I had no idea there was a way to quantify peat content. That makes sense though. Fwiw, I had a bottle of Lagavulin 16 and really liked it, but it was a peat bomb! I've been thinking about getting another bottle….
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@seawolf ditto to what @ddtrash said. I would also suggest Ardbeg's Uigedahl (sp). Definitely one you should buy a shot of at a bar before going all in for a bottle since It's one of their pricier options. It's going to have around 40-45 ppm with regards to peat, but the smoothness and more caramelly flavor makes the peat less distinct and in your face than say their standard 10 year or other options (excluding the Blasda).
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@seawolf I'm not sure wether the Blasda is still available, at least not in germany. It was an excellent dram, so if anybody has a source with a reasonable price…
Does it have to be an Ardbeg? As BloodnThunder said, they come with at least 40PPM (similar to Laphroaig & Lagavulin) and thus are on the intense peat end (excluding experiments like the Supernova & Octomore).
I'd suggest these malts in increasing order of peatiness: Yoichi 10 YO, Springbank 15YO, Talisker Distiller's Edition, Bowmore 18 YO, some Caol Ila by an Independent bottler, Kilchoman, Laphroaig 18 YO, Arbeg Corryvreckan, Octomore.
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@Max Power Thanks! That's quite a list to get started on
I'm copying it to a safe place for reference. I'm up for trying anything, and we were just talking about Ardbeg. -
Hic
Sherry casks
