The ToonForum Whisky Club

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The ToonForum Whisky Club

Post by Bodacious Benny » Wed Jun 18, 2014 11:53 am

Here is a place for the refined gentleman to share their favourite whiskys and bourbons.

Even if you're not (yet) a whisky drinker you are free to join the club. It may ignite your interest, or may be useful to look for pointers if buying a gift for someone else.

Here are some recommendations people have made throughout the thread for good whisky / bourbons to try:

Balvenie Caribbean Cask
Woodford Reserve
Knob Creek
Highland Park
Pendeyrn
Maker's Mark
Chivas Regal
Jura Superstition
Connermara Peated
Cadenheads individual cask bottling: Heaven Hill Distilleries Kentuky 10 year old
Blanton's Original Single Barrel
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 y/o
Glenrothes Select Reserve
Wild Turkey 101
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 9 y/o
Buffalo Trace
Suntory Hibiki 12 year old
Suntory Yamazaki
Pendeyrn Sherrywood
Lagavulin
Bulleit Bourbon

Some of my personal favourites below that I posted with the original article.

Balvenie Caribbean Cask
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This is from one of my favourite distilleries (Balvenie) which was by chance formed the same year as NUFC.

I've had various bottles from this distillery and all are superb, but this one is my favourite to date.

It's incredibly smooth to drink, and despite being quite light it still packs a lot of flavour.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-17985.aspx

Woodford Reserve
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I've spoke about this on the other threads, but merits a place in the maiden post of the TF Whisky Club. A real A-grade borboun that is exceptional value for money, for less than £30 a bottle you'll have to go a long way to find something better. Again, incredibly smooth and bursting with flavour to give a nice spicy finish. It has won multiple awards, and whiskey drinker who hasn't tried it should invest in a bottle.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1251.aspx

Pendeyrn
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From the only distillery in Wales, this is one of the first whiskys I tried a few years back. And wow, this is superb stuff. I wouldn't rate it quite as highly as the Balvenie Caribbean Cask - but it's unfair to compare those as the Balvenie will set you back £40+ for a bottle.

This one is finised in Madeira barrels to give it a sweet smoothness and is very easy to drink. Perfect for a summers evening. Maybe a little on the sweet side for some peoples liking.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-11163.aspx

Knob Creek
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I only tried this one last week, it has been on my list for a while. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and again it's sub £30 a bottle so not going to set you back too much. This gives a far more complex flavour than the Woodford Reserve mentioned earlier, packs a nice punch as you drink it. It's smooth and not too sweet. Some real spice / flavour in it.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1164.aspx


They're just a few of my favourites - hopefully other people have some to share (I'll add more as time goes, even if I'm the only poster!) and I'll look forward to sampling some of the gems other people have tried.
Last edited by Bodacious Benny on Thu Feb 05, 2015 10:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by KingoStarr » Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:08 pm

Highland Park
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This is quite a readily available Whiskey and can vary in price, I have seen it generally for around £25-£35. It is an award winner and don't get me wrong its not a complex whiskey but for the price it is brilliant. It is quite sweet to begin with but then ends with a smokiness. Definitely worth a try for anyone interested in whiskey.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-6941.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Cal » Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:10 pm

Someone put some effort into this. <gent>

Talisker 10 is £25 at Amazon and Tesco at the moment.

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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by PTAO? » Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:43 pm

I quite like whiskey, but it gives me terrible heartburn so tend not to drink it much.

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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by overseasTOON » Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:50 pm

I stopped drinking whiskey because I discovered a correlation between the amount of times I got punched in the face and the amount of whiskey I'd drunk.

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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Bodacious Benny » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:01 pm

KingoStarrgentina wrote:Highland Park
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This is quite a readily available Whiskey and can vary in price, I have seen it generally for around £25-£35. It is an award winner and don't get me wrong its not a complex whiskey but for the price it is brilliant. It is quite sweet to begin with but then ends with a smokiness. Definitely worth a try for anyone interested in whiskey.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-6941.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I'm all for ones that are good value for around the £25 to £35 mark <ok>

I don't like ones that pack a smoky punch as soon as you take a sip, but it's nice if it starts sweet then eases into a bit of a smoky finish.
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Bodacious Benny » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:03 pm

Calić wrote:Someone put some effort into this. <gent>

Talisker 10 is £25 at Amazon and Tesco at the moment.
Decent price. I got a bottle of Talisker at the distillery last year.

Most whiskys or borbouns I drink neat, but that one has way too much smoke for me to have neat. A splash of water in that particular one helps, but generally not really my thing.
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by KingoStarr » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:06 pm

<ok> Of yours I have tried the Pendeyrn which is a solid selection but I want to try the Woodford Reserve, might treat myself on pay day to a bottle!
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Colback's Orange Tufts » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:08 pm

I love me a whisky, my dad and I have a 35+ bottle collection. I was president of my uni's whisky soc so got to try loads of different types. I may post more later but briefly:
I'm a massive fan of Islay, I love the peatiness even though I know some hate it. Otherwise Sherry/Port finishes really do it for me. I'm getting into bourbon after Jack/Jim put me off for years.

Favourite I've ever had was Talisker 30 at a whisky fest. Weren't supposed to have it but we knew the server. It's £300+ a bottle apparently. A deep woody (but not smoky flavour) with a subtle sweet finish. Bliss
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Colback's Orange Tufts » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:10 pm

Also if anyone is ever in Liverpool, go to Whisky Business. See the Guardian's review here. Really cracking and the guys are cool. Do good tastings and they offer 10% off with an Independant card
Most shops do all they can to advertise their presence: neon signs, hideous hoardings, unhappy-looking souls bearing sandwich boards … Not so Whisky Business, a basement booze outfit so well hidden that, even equipped with GPS and the patience of an alcoholic saint, you may be hard-pressed to find it. Persist, however, as this specialist shop sells an astonishing array of whisky and other spirits, from Paul John Indian single malt whisky to Liverpool Gin. Staff who know their stuff can help make decisions. Just don't expect them to help you find your way home again.
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Bodacious Benny » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:24 pm

KingoStarrgentina wrote:<ok> Of yours I have tried the Pendeyrn which is a solid selection but I want to try the Woodford Reserve, might treat myself on pay day to a bottle!
<ok> You won't be dissapointed. It was on offer for £23 in ASDA but not sure if it still is.
Cisse's Overheating Torso wrote:I love me a whisky, my dad and I have a 35+ bottle collection. I was president of my uni's whisky soc so got to try loads of different types. I may post more later but briefly:
I'm a massive fan of Islay, I love the peatiness even though I know some hate it. Otherwise Sherry/Port finishes really do it for me. I'm getting into bourbon after Jack/Jim put me off for years.

Favourite I've ever had was Talisker 30 at a whisky fest. Weren't supposed to have it but we knew the server. It's £300+ a bottle apparently. A deep woody (but not smoky flavour) with a subtle sweet finish. Bliss
35+ is impressive <applause> I've got 6 on the go at the moment. I like bourbon and single malt equally. JD and Jim are mixers at best and probably do give people a different perception of borboun. But there are superb borbouns out there, I'll post a few more of my favourites later.

I've never had anything as expensive as the Talisker 30 - the most expensive I've had is George T Stagg which is about £120 a bottle and only released in a small batch each year. It was mighty (again, it deserves a post so I'll save that for later too).
Cisse's Overheating Torso wrote:Also if anyone is ever in Liverpool, go to Whisky Business. See the Guardian's review here. Really cracking and the guys are cool. Do good tastings and they offer10-20% off with an Independant card
Most shops do all they can to advertise their presence: neon signs, hideous hoardings, unhappy-looking souls bearing sandwich boards … Not so Whisky Business, a basement booze outfit so well hidden that, even equipped with GPS and the patience of an alcoholic saint, you may be hard-pressed to find it. Persist, however, as this specialist shop sells an astonishing array of whisky and other spirits, from Paul John Indian single malt whisky to Liverpool Gin. Staff who know their stuff can help make decisions. Just don't expect them to help you find your way home again.
That place sounds fantastic - I can get to Liverpool in about an hour or so on the train so will certainly check it out soon!
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Colback's Orange Tufts » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:51 pm

Bodacious Benny wrote: That place sounds fantastic - I can get to Liverpool in about an hour or so on the train so will certainly check it out soon!
Good luck finding it, they sometimes forget to put the board out. The bar above, Jenny's', has great stocks. And check their twitter before you go, sometimes they close early.
If you plan on buying a few, get an Independant Liverpool card (a tenner) for 10% off Tuesday and Wednesday. Also have the best selection of bitters I've ever seen. They also do discount at 'Ship in a Bottle' which is a nearby specialist beer shop.
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Donkey Toon » Wed Jun 18, 2014 5:40 pm

Loving this thread already. <ok>

Will have to try that Welsh Whisky, haven't had that yet.

Woodford Reserve and Maker's Mark are my favourite bourbon's and Laphraoig my favourite whisky. Got a really peaty taste to it, although it is quite expensive.

http://www.laphroaig.com/new-packaging- ... eImage.png

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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Colback's Orange Tufts » Wed Jun 18, 2014 5:47 pm

Hmar Toon wrote:Loving this thread already. <ok>

Will have to try that Welsh Whisky, haven't had that yet.

Woodford Reserve and Maker's Mark are my favourite bourbon's and Laphraoig my favourite whisky. Got a really peaty taste to it, although it is quite expensive.

http://www.laphroaig.com/new-packaging- ... eImage.png
If you can get it, try the cask strength version with three drops of water to make it less harsh. Full of flavour.
Similarly the Caol Ila peated, or Bruichladdich / Bunnahabhain for a subtler Islay peat/smoke.
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Donkey Toon » Wed Jun 18, 2014 5:57 pm

Cisse's Overheating Torso wrote:
Hmar Toon wrote:Loving this thread already. <ok>

Will have to try that Welsh Whisky, haven't had that yet.

Woodford Reserve and Maker's Mark are my favourite bourbon's and Laphraoig my favourite whisky. Got a really peaty taste to it, although it is quite expensive.

http://www.laphroaig.com/new-packaging- ... eImage.png
If you can get it, try the cask strength version with three drops of water to make it less harsh. Full of flavour.
Similarly the Caol Ila peated, or Bruichladdich / Bunnahabhain for a subtler Islay peat/smoke.
Cheers i'll have a look out for those <cheers>

Peaty whisky's are my thing.

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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Micky Quim » Wed Jun 18, 2014 7:28 pm

Woodford reserve is the nectar of the gods. I love Bulleit Bourbon too. Both are perfect over a little ice.

Jim Beam is really poor.

I do like a very strong JD though - its reasonably priced and nicely flavoured. I expect to be superbly ridiculed for this final statement so have fun!

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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Bodacious Benny » Wed Jun 18, 2014 9:12 pm

Hmar Toon wrote:Loving this thread already. <ok>

Will have to try that Welsh Whisky, haven't had that yet.

Woodford Reserve and Maker's Mark are my favourite bourbon's and Laphraoig my favourite whisky. Got a really peaty taste to it, although it is quite expensive.

http://www.laphroaig.com/new-packaging- ... eImage.png
I thought you may like this <gent>

Makers Mark is nice stuff <ok>

Penderyn is known as 'welsh gold' for good reason!
Badly Packed Kebab wrote:I do like a very strong JD though - its reasonably priced and nicely flavoured. I expect to be superbly ridiculed for this final statement so have fun!
The TF Whisky Club welcomes all views <roll>

And your views on Woodford Reserve redeem you <gent>
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by biggeordiedave » Wed Jun 18, 2014 9:14 pm

Chivas Regal
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Readily available and around £24-£27 a bottle for the standard 12yo variety. 18yo and 25yo versions available at around £45 and £160-£180 respectively.

Unfortunately I have only tried the 12yo but it has a beautiful, smokey flavour. I love sitting out in the summer with a measure of this. I would very much like to try the other varieties and if anyone else has, I'd be interested to know what they're like.

<gent>
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Colback's Orange Tufts » Wed Jun 18, 2014 9:37 pm

Connermara Peated
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An unusual Irish Peated whiskey*. Irish drams are triple filtered to make them smoother/softer, so this is less bold than many peated ones. Actually it's a hint spicy more than peaty and also a little sweet, especially with a drop of water. My dad hates peat but like this one. Can get it for 26-28 quid

Connermara Peated
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Again 28 quid ish, a smoother take on peaty whisky. More abvious peat than the ones above, but very light so not as overpowering, especially again with a few drops of water. Easygoing, much like the value for money standard Jura

Cadenheads individual cask bottling: Heaven Hill Distilleries Kentuky, 10 year old
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My personal favourite. Cadenheads in Scotland buy a barrell's worth fresh Bourbon from the states, then age it themselves. Bourbon can only use fresh barrells but here they reused ok. At a hefty 62.5% it packs a punch. Has really deep oak flavours and strong alcohol but with that bourbon sweetness. All together got a slight caramel vibe. It's lush. They do various one of bottling of American stuff, well worth looking up their shop at Edinburgh royal mile.
*Irish drams, like yankee ones are whiskey not whisky
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Re: The Toon Forum Whisky Club

Post by Bodacious Benny » Wed Jun 18, 2014 9:59 pm

fatbastardvegetarian wrote:Chivas Regal
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Readily available and around £24-£27 a bottle for the standard 12yo variety. 18yo and 25yo versions available at around £45 and £160-£180 respectively.

Unfortunately I have only tried the 12yo but it has a beautiful, smokey flavour. I love sitting out in the summer with a measure of this. I would very much like to try the other varieties and if anyone else has, I'd be interested to know what they're like.

<gent>
Chivas Regal is one of those ones you always see np in Duty Free at the airport but I've never tried it.
Cisse's Overheating Torso wrote:Connermara Peated
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An unusual Irish Peated whiskey*. Irish drams are triple filtered to make them smoother/softer, so this is less bold than many peated ones. Actually it's a hint spicy more than peaty and also a little sweet, especially with a drop of water. My dad hates peat but like this one. Can get it for 26-28 quid

Connermara Peated
SpoilerShow
Image
Again 28 quid ish, a smoother take on peaty whisky. More abvious peat than the ones above, but very light so not as overpowering, especially again with a few drops of water. Easygoing, much like the value for money standard Jura

Cadenheads individual cask bottling: Heaven Hill Distilleries Kentuky, 10 year old
SpoilerShow
Image
My personal favourite. Cadenheads in Scotland buy a barrell's worth fresh Bourbon from the states, then age it themselves. Bourbon can only use fresh barrells but here they reused ok. At a hefty 62.5% it packs a punch. Has really deep oak flavours and strong alcohol but with that bourbon sweetness. All together got a slight caramel vibe. It's lush. They do various one of bottling of American stuff, well worth looking up their shop at Edinburgh royal mile.
*Irish drams, like yankee ones are whiskey not whisky
That Cadenheads one certainly sounds like it packs a punch!
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