Jul 8, 2011

Scotch and Bourbon of Choice

For the longest time, I was strictly a beer guy.

There are few things better than a cold beer on a hot summer day.

The problem with beer is that it is so filling.

For the past five years or so, I have been getting into single malt scotch and bourbons.

So, for what it's worth, here's my take on my favorite single malts and scotch.

My favorite single malt is the 18 year Macallan. There are smoother single malts and tastier single malts, but you're going to have to really pay for those scotches. Even the 18 year Macallan will set you back at least $150. So, I only drink this on special occasions.

For normal sipping, I typically stick with the 12 year Macallan. It's not as smooth nor tasty as the 18 but it will do. Even the 12 year Macallan will set one back about $50.

The scotch that is most wallet friendly but still will give you a whisky worth sipping on is Ballantine. For around $20, you get a blended scotch that's still tasty enough to sip on without adding anything to it.

I typically sip on Ballantine straight without ice.

For bourbons, the bourbon of choice for me is the Pappy Van Winkle. Just writing this makes my mouth water. The problem with Pappy Van Winkle is that it tends to be a bit pricy ($60) and that it's very difficult to find.

The most wallet friendly bourbon for my taste is Elijah Craig. For about $20, you'll get a bourbon that you can sip without going broke.

The main thing is sip responsibly. You can enjoy without being irresponsible.

2 comments:

Buck said...

Nice review, James. I tend to prefer single malts... but, that said, I bought my first blend in over 30 years last week and that bottle is already gone (and I am NOT a drunk, LOL).

You might want to check out Johnnie Walker Gold... a blend of 18 year old single-malts (no grain spirits added to dilute the final product) that typically runs about $62.00 a bottle, give or take a fin. That's a bargain where 18-year-olds are concerned, and it is GOOD.

Unknown said...

Buck, I will try the Johnnie Walker Gold. Not tried that. I've had the red label and the black. Thought those were ok. $62 for an 18 is very good.

Thanks for the read and for the recommendations!