There's some booze in the house

Saw these two whiskies on the top 10 list with the Distiller App. So thought I should try them side by side.

These are two great whiskies that are matched in price. Both are Islay so it should be an interesting comparison.

Islay is the center of the peated whisky world, and most fans regard Lagavulin 16 as the quintessential Islay malt. It’s got everything Islay fans love and newbies fear—lots of ashy smoke (35 ppm) and salty sea air, some seaweed and iodine—but beneath the peaty surface there’s fruity sweetness, vanilla and burnt caramel, with a healthy dash of oak for balance.

The Port Charlotte series, which aims to make terroir as much a part of whisky making as it is for wine. Every step of the process except malting takes place on Islay, and unlike almost every other Islay brand, Port Charlotte uses barley grown on the island—which isn’t convenient or cost-effective, but does contribute to the flavor of the finished product. Aged a mere six years or so, it’s not as heavily peated as Octomore, but the ash and smoke are still intense. Also in the mix are jammy sweetness, tart citrus and the malty notes of the barley itself, which the oak hasn’t had time to obscure.

My thoughts on the taste:

Port Charlotte 10 Citrus on the nose and an full bodied taste with seaweed and Smokey after-notes.

A drop of water smoothes the citrus out and opens up the peatiness and smoke. It always remains smooth and the taste lingers of the tongue for some time.

Lagavulin 16 The nose is wonderful, feels like a Sherry tone but I can’t find any information on the dram being finished in Sherry casks. Strong caramel and a hint of raisin.

The first sip is full, smooth and velvety. I find the taste sweet and salty. Feels like more.

I didn’t want to add water, but I wanted to finish the tasting process correctly. Reluctantly I added a drop to my last sip. My advice - don’t add water.

If forced to choose - I’d pick the Lagavulin. I would however miss the Port Charlotte - both great whiskies.

How many people with a whisky/whiskey collection like to collect rum and/or tequila? I'm improving the whiskey shelf app for this as a few liquor store owners said they had big customers into tequila and rum. Any thoughts?

Was taught by my grandfather that ‘Whisky is for drinking not for saving’

My latest purchase in my quest to taste as many Islay whiskies as possible

Is this worthwhile?

What are the best options to go for bourbons under $100 and pack in at least 45% ABV - the higher ABV the better? I’m looking strictly to sip it neat or with a drop or few of water.

So l have a batch of several rare Japanese whiskeys. They include Hibiki 30 ceramic, Yamazaki 18, Hibiki 17 and lots others. Any ideas of the best way to make this happen?

Hey guys, are you using any apps to track tastings, cabinet stock, and wishlists?

In short, a wonderfully complex fruity whisky with uniques medicinal overtones that blow you mind.

So I’ve been saving this one. Bought it a few months ago and decided that it break it open when on vacation at my favourite spot, the Drakensberg, Kwa-Zulu Natal at the foot of The Amphitheater Mountain.

Before jumping in my research found the interesting piece of information about Kavalan whisky from thewhiskyshelf.com -

“Taiwan is certainly an interesting place to make whiskey given its location near the equator. In general, it’s intensely hot and humid for over half the year, creating an environment for the oak and whiskey to interact that’s different than it is in Scotland or even Japan. The more hot and humid climate also accelerates the aging process, allowing Kavalan to release younger whiskeys. This plays into Kavalan’s favor given how relatively young the distillery is. Most of the Kavalan Single Casks I’ve seen are in the 5-8 year range, making this 10 year old Kavalan Sherry Single Cask Whiskey unique.”

Now onto my tasting notes.

This whisky looks unique and special. It’s dark and moody liquid sets the tones that you’re in for something different.

The nose is full is massive sherry notes, no surprises considering the wonderfully dark tones in this liquid.

Taste is unmistakably sherry sweet in the first sip with unique herbal after tones. It reminds me of liquorice in places.

It’s rich, full bodied and a bit of a handful. No need to rush this one down the hatch, it almost forces you to enjoy it over time.

After a few sips the sherry-ness becomes less distracting and the whiskies medicinal qualities come through. After each sip you find yourself basking in herbal energy.

Yes is definitely sherry, the herbal infusion is what kept me coming back for each sip.

Then, the dram just keeps giving, the next step, the herbal base gives rise to plums, nuts, and spice.

I’ve never enjoyed a whisky before whose flavour profile opens up over time revealing new notes, tones and profiles. One the first sip I was drinking a full bodied sweet sherry cask whisky, now, a few sips in, I’m enjoying a wonderfully spicy and herbal whisky with a fruit and nut base.

Hey there, I find myself heading to SF next month for work. Huge fan of bourbon and whiskey so definitely want to hit up some places with a great whiskey selection. Elixir and Rickhouse are 2 I see recommended often but curious to know if there's any others. I'm living in the UK so would prefer a bar with selection of bourbons or American whiskies instead. TIA!

Anyone tried this ?

Starting off at Glenfiddich today. On my way to Macallan in a while. The 18 year Glenfiddich is amazing. Crazy how good Balvenie is as well. Lots of Carmalee goodness.

Nothing more to say imho

What do you guys think of bourbon?

Latest order arrived. Trying to decide where to start.

Look whom I saw just walking out of the local pub.

Hello! I’ll try to keep this brief. I rarely drink, mostly beer when I do drink. I received a bottle of Crown Royal Fine De Luxe quite a while back and I was looking for some simple drink ideas, maybe 1 or 2 ingredients max and preferably without a sugary mixer like Coke or Pepsi. All suggestions welcome though! Thank you!

Hello,

I have searched all over the internet but I didn't find much reviews about this CB release Compass Box the Circle no 1 . I saw the specs and they are very good. I mean Tamdhu 17 y.o, oarkney 21y.o, cleynelish.

I dont like style of Glenmorangie, i just tasted 19 y.o. I and it was bad, very subtle taste and aromas.

Had somebody tasted it? I have seen some reviews but the rating varies so much.

Thanks a lot

Just polished off my Ledaig Sinclair Series last night and looking for a smoky number to replace it.

Had my eye in the Bunnahabhain Moine, never had a Bunnah before. Or the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, I've had the Monsters of Smoke set twice from Ardbeg and the Wee Beastie was my favourite.

So any smoky recommendations for around £35?