General Differences between Whiskeys and Whiskys

[HitMan009]

I am only beginning to learn the complexity of whiskey/whiskys. Can someone here provide me with the general differences between Irish whiskeys and Scotch whiskies along with good representatives of both types. I am trying to find a good bottle for gift giving.

 

[HitMan009]

Help a bro out...... I know there are many many whiskey aficinados on this forum. I would like to get something special, a little different but at a moderate price.

Any help would be great!

 

[Xiaogou]

In for some education as well...

 

[Bohdathone]

Being triple-distilled, Irish tend to be lighter in flavour than Scotch whiskies. Obvious examples are the famous Jameson's, Bushmills etc. There's huge variation in the world of Scotch whisky, from light, fruity blends (Cutty Sark, J&B) and malts (Rosebank, Tullibardine) to heavier styles of blend (most of the Johnnie Walker range, also the excellent Teacher's) and single-malts. Islay malts, like Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, famously being the heaviest with big smoke and peat flavours. There's so much to learn and you can explore for years.. try a good forum to start with such as www.whiskymag.com/forum

 

[StopPolloition]

Whisky as a gift is a good idea, but you might want to know what other bottles the recipient enjoys. Taste is preference based and while some people, myself included, may enjoy some of the heavy hitters in flavor like Laphroaig, others will tell you it is for stripping paint. I like Malt Madness as a site to read about whisky.

 

[HitMan009]

Originally Posted by Bohdathone

Being triple-distilled, Irish tend to be lighter in flavour than Scotch whiskies. Obvious examples are the famous Jameson's, Bushmills etc. There's huge variation in the world of Scotch whisky, from light, fruity blends (Cutty Sark, J&B) and malts (Rosebank, Tullibardine) to heavier styles of blend (most of the Johnnie Walker range, also the excellent Teacher's) and single-malts. Islay malts, like Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, famously being the heaviest with big smoke and peat flavours. There's so much to learn and you can explore for years.. try a good forum to start with such as www.whiskymag.com/forum

I definitely looking something smooth. Middle of the road but with some personality. For example, I tried a 12yr old Jameson and prefered over a Balvenie 12yr old Doublewood

Originally Posted by StopPolloition

Whisky as a gift is a good idea, but you might want to know what other bottles the recipient enjoys. Taste is preference based and while some people, myself included, may enjoy some of the heavy hitters in flavor like Laphroaig, others will tell you it is for stripping paint. I like Malt Madness as a site to read about whisky.

Definitely not looking for a heavy hitter. Distinctive is what I am aiming for.

For the connoisseurs, can you post what is your favorite whiskey and some info about what makes you love it. That would go a long way in helping figure out to get. I am focusing on something under $75 give or take but if it is so good that it is worth a few bucks more, please do let me and everyone know.

Thanks

 

[ysc]

If you want something that is not too much of a "heavy hitter" and is a bit special try finding a Rosebank, it's a Scottish lowland distillery, now closed, but most of its stuff is fantastic and the taste tends to spice and honey, not smoke or iodine. Their 12 year is great, scores a 95 (out of 100) in Murray's whisky bible and would be within $75 I would have thought. Some of their other stuff is a bit heavier than the 12 year but all is comparatively light.

 

[Bohdathone]

As well as the aforementioned Rosebank (which is actually a closed distillery) and Tullibardine, another light and easy-drinking malt whisky is Isle of Arran. It shouldn't be too hard to track down, especially if you're buying online. For sheer smoothness see if you can get hold of Johnnie Walker Swing; lovely bottle containing a rich, velvety blend. No age-statement but most of the consituents are probably 15-18 years old

 

[ysc]

Originally Posted by Bohdathone

As well as the aforementioned Rosebank (which is actually a closed distillery) and Tullibardine, another light and easy-drinking malt whisky is Isle of Arran. It shouldn't be too hard to track down, especially if you're buying online. For sheer smoothness see if you can get hold of Johnnie Walker Swing; lovely bottle containing a rich, velvety blend. No age-statement but most of the consituents are probably 15-18 years old

I had some Arran 100 proof and actually thought it was pretty fierce, but it was pretty good stuff.
Rosebank is closed, but you can still buy the stuff, I thought that added to the interest since the OP said he was after something distinctive.

If you are looking at blends I had some Black Grouse recently that I thought was excellent, famous Grouse obviously is familiar stuff, but the black grouse is a blend made using some Islay stuff giving it a much more interesting flavour, I went for one drink with a friend and ended up splitting half the bottle, it's also pretty cheap.