Any One for a Scotch?

[ericgereghty]

The philosophy behind this distillery kinda gives me the ick, and I know the Special Release Diageo stuff is not well loved, certainly compared to the stuff of years past (if only I wasn’t in 8th grade during their heyday!), and understandably so…but this is really nice. Nose is gorgeous.

 

[venividivicibj]

The philosophy behind this distillery kinda gives me the ick

??

 

[ericgereghty]

??

So, it’s new, which is fine, but it’s built somewhat as a Jack of all trades, master of none, which is also fine…but the idea that they can twist a knob (I’m obviously oversimplifying…I’m sure) and crank out a few hundred thousand liters approximating Lagavulin one week, and do the same for Oban the next, just feels a bit discomforting to me.

Not that they’d ever do away with the old school distilleries (one assumes), but the paranoid amongst us might see it as a slippery slope.

Either way, I’d certainly be curious to see/try more offerings if they come out with them.

This is overpriced, but really enjoyable.

 

[jcman311]

Following my Port and American single malt thing comes this from Cedar Ridge. I remember having a really nice single malt aged in cherrywood like 14 years ago and then I didn't see much from them in terms of single malt. Got word of this and its good.

Nose - first wiff I got some cherry notes and strawberry. Odd. Then brown sugar.. a lot. Vanilla. It seems to be missing the port note, or probably just getting a lot of the Ruby Port.

Palette - Again, a little cherry, port, brown sugar, vanilla, almost cream soda like. Then the full tannin and flavor of port finished whisky. Excellent!

 

[ericgereghty]

When they say a whisper of peat smoke, they really do mean it!

I dig it, but realistically probably need it priced $40 cheaper or so to be a serious multi-buy bottle.

 

[KarlHungus]

When they say a whisper of peat smoke, they really do mean it!

I dig it, but realistically probably need it priced $40 cheaper or so to be a serious multi-buy bottle.
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Dude you are on a heater with all these (high qual) bottles you are buying. Keep it coming!

 

[WoolyLamb]

When they say a whisper of peat smoke, they really do mean it!

I dig it, but realistically probably need it priced $40 cheaper or so to be a serious multi-buy bottle.
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I would buy any of the big 3 on Islay over this in the 50-65 range all day.

 

[mhip]

Dude you are on a heater with all these (high qual) bottles you are buying. Keep it coming!

I think he's part of a flash mob thief crew, but they wear suits and only steal good scotch...

 

[venividivicibj]

When they say a whisper of peat smoke, they really do mean it!

I dig it, but realistically probably need it priced $40 cheaper or so to be a serious multi-buy bottle.
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Love the 18!

But if you want power, try the cask strength - probably about half this price.

 

[KarlHungus]

Love the 18!

But if you want power, try the cask strength - probably about half this price.

Was gonna make a similar remark but didn't want to do anything that might disrupt his ridiculous heater
It's like when a pitcher has a no-no going thru 6, just stay away....

 

[sftiger]

I would buy any of the big 3 on Islay over this in the 50-65 range all day.

Never tried HP but I have negative associations with it since I see it almost exclusively in Duty Free shops in airports, making me think it's overpriced. Although admittedly this is probably a dumb reason not to like something, especially something I haven't tried.

 

[WoolyLamb]

Never tried HP but I have negative associations with it since I see it almost exclusively in Duty Free shops in airports, making me think it's overpriced. Although admittedly this is probably a dumb reason not to like something, especially something I haven't tried.

For me it just not that interesting. If I go for peat there are better. Imo there are other highland scotch that are more interesting for what they do best.

 

[gnatty8]

Bought on recommendation. Very nice.

 

[ericgereghty]

I think he's part of a flash mob thief crew, but they wear suits and only steal good scotch...

If only I still had the speed of my HS days. Currently I'd probably pull a hammy in the first 20m of my getaway

Love the 18!

But if you want power, try the cask strength - probably about half this price.

Was gonna make a similar remark but didn't want to do anything that might disrupt his ridiculous heater
It's like when a pitcher has a no-no going thru 6, just stay away....

Agreed re: CS. I love it. Obviously a different beast entirely. I think I may prefer it, which is not a knock on 18. Just different juice altogether...certainly prefer the price of the CS. 18 is probably about $30 too high for me at the typical retail I see.

Never tried HP but I have negative associations with it since I see it almost exclusively in Duty Free shops in airports, making me think it's overpriced. Although admittedly this is probably a dumb reason not to like something, especially something I haven't tried.

I think HP is worth a try. Maybe at a bar or something to avoid sinking the whole cost on a bottle. I do enjoy HP, but it's also not going to be a top choice for me consistently. The standard 12 is really good, and for the most part well priced ($50ish) from all I've seen

 

[KarlHungus]

For me it just not that interesting. If I go for peat there are better. Imo there are other highland scotch that are more interesting for what they do best.

This is actually what I like about HP - marries a more classic scotch profile with a subtle layer of peat and Sherry cask. Really shines for me at a slightly higher proof than the standard 43%.
Btw HP is located in the Orkney Islands so not a highland scotch despite the name.