299532 Thu Dec 23 16:53:49 -0800 2004 3 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1659874 Has anyone tried the Trader Joe's branded scotch? I noticed the Macallan 10yr for $20 which doesn't sound all that cheap for just a 10yr single malt. How does this stack up to it's older brothers? What other scotches can you compare them to? Thu Dec 23 16:53:49 -0800 2004 0 Mr. Souffle 1 1659888 The Macallan 12 is $40 at a local retailer. I enjoyed the Trader Joe's Macallan very much for the price. It's pretty smooth, but the flavors aren't quite as concentrated as in the slightly older stuff. (I suspect that's only partially due to the age, as well, I am guessing they weren't happy with the way these barrels were shaping up, hence the relabeling). But again, I enjoyed it very much for the price. I liked the Trade Joe's Aberlour a little less at $17, I think, but I'd want to go back to the bottle again to compare. Actually, scratch that. I don't want to say how much a liked or disliked it, except to say again that I thought it was good for the price. I'll try it again this weekend and comment. What I really liked for the price ($17 or $20)was their "Finlaggan," which purports to be from Islay, but they won't say which of the eight or so distilleries. Very strong peatiness without being acrid. I've linked a tasting note for something that has the same name, though I don't know that it's the same bottling. Their comments sound right to me. Link: http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/home/jhb/whisky/smws/265.html Thu Dec 23 18:07:38 -0800 2004 1659874 0 ericf 1 1659923 My father bought this and as mentioned before, good for the price. I'm VERY pickly about alcohol, so I'd personally pay more for something smoother and more even in taste... What I DO love from TJs is the Woodford Reserve Bourbon... VERY smooth, very even and great straight up... Several lucky pals are going to get a bottle from me this christmas! :D It's not exclusive to TJs, but they have it for a great price $25.99... Here is what to look out for... http://www.bevmo.com/productinfo.asp?sku=00000051204&sasrc=HomeNav&No=80&N=168+166+40+4294961920&area=spirits --Dommy! Thu Dec 23 23:31:40 -0800 2004 1659874 0 Dommy! 2 1660098 The Bourbon is a great idea. Love a good smooth bourbon after dinner. Tue Dec 28 14:13:57 -0800 2004 1659923 0 Mr. Souffle