3 hours ago, Alpha_TATEr said:

I am not a drinker really, although I do toss some cold ones back occasionally. that said, I have been getting into whiskey. jameson seemed like a good starting point.

It's not the worst starting point but you can do better.  I got some relatively inexpensive starter rec's for you do you can narrow down what you like. I'm sure others can add on

Bourbon: On the sweeter side which a lot of people prefer when they first start out. I'd recommend starting out with something like 4 Roses, Knob Creek, Woodford, Basil Hayden.  Should be able to find all of those for about $40 or less.

Rye: Similar to bourbon but a bit "spicier" and dryer.  Don't like this by itself but it's the go-to for a cocktail like Manhattan, old fashioned, or Sazerac. I could list plenty here but Rittenhouse Rye is the cheap go-to starter here and I know plenty of people who still use it even if they can afford better. High West makes some good ones if you want to get fancy with it though.

Irish: This is kind of tough because I'm not big on cheap Irish whiskeys. Bushmills Black Bush comes to mind, but honestly I'd just shell out the extra for something like Green Spot or Red Breast 12 year.

Scotch: This is even harder because there is so much variety.  Most important thing to understand is the differences in scotch regions.  The ones you'll see on shelves in the US most often are Speyside, Highlands, and Islay. Plenty of variation within these regions but in general Islays tend to have the most "peaty" (ie smoky) flavor, Highlands are a bit spicier and complex with varying levels of peatyness (although these vary the most IMO), and Speyside which tend to be the more complex, "delicate" flavors and in general a touch sweeter. I'd avoid peat to start off unless you know you like smokey flavor (Islay scotch is to Speyside scotch as Mezcal is to Tequila...if that helps), so I'd try a Speyside or maybe a Highland.  Glenfiddich 12, Glenmorangie 10, Glenlivet 12, Highland Park 12 all seem like reasonable starting places.  If you decide you definitely want to try out an Islay Ardberg 10 or Laphroaig Quartercask.

thanks DE7 - I have been told about knob creek. I may check that out next time I go to the wine n spirits store. ill certainly check in on this thread some again to try some of the others you mentioned as well.  

6 minutes ago, Alpha_TATEr said:

thanks DE7 - I have been told about knob creek. I may check that out next time I go to the wine n spirits store. ill certainly check in on this thread some again to try some of the others you mentioned as well.  

It's a solid bourbon. My personal favorite in that mid-tier price range is Basil Hayden but everyone has their personal opinion.  Plus it tends to be a bit more expensive than the others.

46 minutes ago, ToastJenkins said:

I will use good rye in a manhattan but thats about it. but also drink it neat about half the time

gin is nothing fancy for a tonic. Same with vodka

 

I don’t consider a Manhattan the same thing as I’m saying. It’s the main ingredient 

1 hour ago, Alpha_TATEr said:

thanks DE7 - I have been told about knob creek. I may check that out next time I go to the wine n spirits store. ill certainly check in on this thread some again to try some of the others you mentioned as well.  

Buffalo trace too

compare a high rye bourbon to a wheated one and see which you prefer

Yay or nay?

cherry in the manhattan

59 minutes ago, ToastJenkins said:

Yay or nay?

cherry in the manhattan

Yay. But only if you're using rye.  Bourbon or heavy on the vermouth (or bad vermouth) it adds to the sweet too much.  

6 hours ago, Alpha_TATEr said:

thanks DE7 - I have been told about knob creek. I may check that out next time I go to the wine n spirits store. ill certainly check in on this thread some again to try some of the others you mentioned as well.  

I love knob Creek but there's a chance it could be too much for someone just getting into bourbon. It's 100proof and a good but if barrel spice. Buffalo Trace, four roses Small batch and larceny are all in the $30 range, very good, and much easier a drink than the knob Creek. 

Maker's Mark is a nice way to start and not too pricey plus you get the fake candle wax which should not be underestimated

Page two. For shame

i scored a Bruichladdich feis ile bottle somehow. 3k bottles made, its a port charlotte 16 yo. They will ship when restrictions are lifted

Kilchoman's Feis Ile bottle is going up for sale tues just fyi

On 4/28/2020 at 5:37 PM, graysferry said:

Novice here. I've polished off a bottle of Macallan 12, Glenfidditch 18, and a Tomatin something since I've made the switch to Scotch.

I've been working on a Laphroaig quarter cask, but it's a little too smoky for my taste. Haven't really acquired that flavor yet.

Any suggestions on what to try next?

Glenlivet 15 for a mid range

My daughter added two rocks glasses to go with my decanter. On the two glasses, the Eagles face each other, my glass says "Pop" and when you drink and look in...

 

Oh those are awesome. 

Since I moved to TN I've got more into whiskey and bourbon being so close to bourbon country.  I have tried a lot of different bourbons which is my favorite type.  I have tried different types of scotch and couldn't get into it.  Glenlivet was ok.  I just prefer bourbon and some whiskeys.  For my 40th birthday me and some friends did the Jack Daniels tour, then went up to the Kentucky Bourbon trail and did some bourbon distillery tours.  Learned about the process and how to taste and enjoy.

There's a good documentary on Hulu called "Neat: the Story of Bourbon."

My favorite bourbons are Woodford Reserve, 1792, Makers 46, Blade & Bow, Eagle Rare, Bulleit, Buffalo Trace, Old Forester and Belle Mead (local to Nashville).  

I like an Old Fashioned but not everyone makes a good one.  There's a cigar bar here that makes a good version of Old Fashioned with infused cherry cigar smoke and some other ingredients for a different take.

I like a Kentucky Mule:  ginger beer, bourbon and lime.  I make it at home all the time.  My wife got me a mule tin mug for Christmas.

One of my favorite drinking glasses.

 

made some whiskey gingers this weekend, mostly out of boredom. good way to mix it up

anyone tried Balcones?

I'm going through handles of Maker's Mark like water.  Crushed 3 decently sized glasses on the rocks last night way too fast, and I feel like a overstuffed sack of deeks.  

26 minutes ago, hputenis said:

and I feel like a overstuffed sack of deeks.  

Just an average day for you then......................

2 hours ago, hputenis said:

I'm going through handles of Maker's Mark like water.  Crushed 3 decently sized glasses on the rocks last night way too fast, and I feel like a overstuffed sack of deeks.  

 

2 hours ago, downundermike said:

Just an average day for you then......................

LOL.

I was going to say, he oughtta know how that feels.

@hputenis my go to in quarantine has been Old Forester.  My local liquor store sells a 1.75ml bottle for $38.  Can't beat the value.  

3 hours ago, ToastJenkins said:

anyone tried Balcones?

I love their bourbon. Tried baby blue once before and it was ok if you like young corn whiskey. I was to try some of their others but selection is limited in PA

25 minutes ago, NOTW said:

 

LOL.

I was going to say, he oughtta know how that feels.

@hputenis my go to in quarantine has been Old Forester.  My local liquor store sells a 1.75ml bottle for $38.  Can't beat the value.  

Nice - I'll try it out!  I need to start sampling a bunch of different bourbons/whiskeys.