Discussion
interesting there aren't more replies to this given the comments in the other whisky threads "it's ok considering it's a blend" etc...!
Fair point about there being a wider selection of Single malts to choose from, but normally that would mean the blends should be considered "more exclusive" i'd have thought.
Fair point about there being a wider selection of Single malts to choose from, but normally that would mean the blends should be considered "more exclusive" i'd have thought.
Blends also change over time to suit popular tastes, as does wine, champagne etc
For example, the last time I drank Bells Whisky was in my twenties, and then it was commonly accepted to be pretty cheap and nasty stuff. It was easy to recognise the taste of it because it was so awful, and it put me off drinking whisky for a long time.
However, I was at an event recently where they were serving Bells, and out of interest I tried some. I have to say that I found it pretty palatable. It had some interesting subtle notes and aromas that I recognise from more expensive whiskies, and none of the vomit inducing hammerblow scotch flavour I remember from my youth.
I did wonder at the time whether Bells had actually improved their blend to suit a more sophisticated market. For the money, I certainly wouldn't turn up my nose if I was offered Bells nowadays.
For example, the last time I drank Bells Whisky was in my twenties, and then it was commonly accepted to be pretty cheap and nasty stuff. It was easy to recognise the taste of it because it was so awful, and it put me off drinking whisky for a long time.
However, I was at an event recently where they were serving Bells, and out of interest I tried some. I have to say that I found it pretty palatable. It had some interesting subtle notes and aromas that I recognise from more expensive whiskies, and none of the vomit inducing hammerblow scotch flavour I remember from my youth.
I did wonder at the time whether Bells had actually improved their blend to suit a more sophisticated market. For the money, I certainly wouldn't turn up my nose if I was offered Bells nowadays.
Podie said:
Personally, I stick to (Speyside) single malts - but only because I prefer the taste. 
Yes I agree, Speysides for me, nice and subtle and understated. I think it depends what you want from a whisky - obviously if you are mixing it a cheap blend is fine but everyone's taste is different and to savour a good malt on its own with a splash of water is down to personal preference.whirligig said:
Podie said:
Personally, I stick to (Speyside) single malts - but only because I prefer the taste.
Yes I agree, Speysides for me, nice and subtle and understated. I think it depends what you want from a whisky - obviously if you are mixing it a cheap blend is fine but everyone's taste is different and to savour a good malt on its own with a splash of water is down to personal preference.this is the essence of my question
dcw@pr said:
but why not a good blend instead of a good malt?
this is the essence of my question
Simple really - I've not found one that tastes as good as a malt.this is the essence of my question
If you can reduce my monthly booze spend, them I'm all for it.
I've just had a nose on Sainsbury's online out of curiosity - Aberlour 10 year old is lovely and about £18 a bottle... Teacher is £12 and Jonnie Walker £20.
In fairness, you do get some absolutely fantastic blended whisky - the potential is there to take flavour from several sources so the choice of ingredient is much wider for making blended whisky. A master blender with an unlimted budegt can make some pretty damn good whisky!
Ever tried Old Parr Superior in any of its guises? Amazing stuff. Johnny Walker Blue label is not bad although a bit over-priced IMHO but even the black label is pretty decent.
Having said that, I own 4 bottles of blended whisky and about 80 malts so I'm guilty of malt snobbery too to a certain extent...
Ever tried Old Parr Superior in any of its guises? Amazing stuff. Johnny Walker Blue label is not bad although a bit over-priced IMHO but even the black label is pretty decent.
Having said that, I own 4 bottles of blended whisky and about 80 malts so I'm guilty of malt snobbery too to a certain extent...
My local has a pretty extensive range of malts, and last night - in a fit of alcohol-fuelled bravery - I asked one of the bartenders to walk over to the whisky section, close their eyes, and pick a whisky for me.
I usually go for either Ardbeg or one of the Macallan's.
She picked Laphroaig.
I usually go for either Ardbeg or one of the Macallan's.
She picked Laphroaig.
depends what i fancy really.
father christmas brought me 3 bottles of islay single malts [caol ila, lagavulin, laphroaig] and a bottle of jameson's. sampled many other's over the period as well, including suntory for the first time. i find i go for a single malt when i want to enjoy each sip or when i am in the mood for a particularly brand. i actually don't like some of the more expensive malts that have a floral, brandy-esque taste, i go more for smokey/oak/peat flavours
for blended, i seem to be going through the baillie nichol jarvie at a fair rate, and i also like stewart's cream of the barley. smooth, subtle, nicer on my wallet when i am in the mood for a half bottle
father christmas brought me 3 bottles of islay single malts [caol ila, lagavulin, laphroaig] and a bottle of jameson's. sampled many other's over the period as well, including suntory for the first time. i find i go for a single malt when i want to enjoy each sip or when i am in the mood for a particularly brand. i actually don't like some of the more expensive malts that have a floral, brandy-esque taste, i go more for smokey/oak/peat flavours
for blended, i seem to be going through the baillie nichol jarvie at a fair rate, and i also like stewart's cream of the barley. smooth, subtle, nicer on my wallet when i am in the mood for a half bottle
Johnnytheboy said:
I like the peaty Islay malts, and blends tend to be at the other end of the spectrum, so it's single malts for me all the way.
...then you must love Tallisker....they do a very dark, smokey, and peaty one.....not to everyones taste.....but certainly interesting....I like it.Gassing Station | Food, Drink & Restaurants | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff