Scotch Problem

[Dtrain3054]

I came across this website today as I was researching my scotch purchase. Found some good info however I need some advice from some scotch fans.

I'm looking for a daily drinker that's not too expensive. Something that I can find in a 1.75 liter. I prefer single malts like Balvenie, Macallan, Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich but I've been drinking a blended, Johnnie Walker Black, to keep costs down.

Lately, I've been mixing JW Black with a cheap single like Lismore but I'd like to find something even cheaper. Someone had suggested Famous Grous but for some reason I can't stand it. It tastes somewhat creamy, which is kinda why I'm staying away from Teachers. I'm looking for more bite.

Any advice? I certainly appreciate it.

[Dtrain3054]

Interesting note here. I usually drink my scotch with one or two rocks however last evening I decided to try it clean. Turns out that Lismore single that I've been buying is outstanding clean.

[ncyankee101]

The term is actually "neat" and I find that Speysides are generally better neat, they have a very subtle flavor and in many cases just taste like water when you add ice or water. I have noticed this is very much the case with Glenlivet 12, which I find very similar in taste to Lismore (which is one of my favorite low-priced single malts.) Of course I drink almost all my Scotch neat.

On a side note, I bought two bottles of Lismore in December when they were including a very nice genuine Glencairn glass for free. The glass alone is worth half the cost of the Scotch.

[Dtrain3054]

You're absolutely right, it's "neat". I have a lot to learn about scotch. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Yesterday I bought "The Speyside" 10 year since it was on sale at Costco. If Lismore and Glenlivet are Speysides then hopefully I'll like this one as well.

[DavidT]

Here is a recent thread on less expensive scotch:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/722482

[Dtrain3054]

Thanks for your reply as well. Yes, I have read that thread before. That's the exact thread that got me to join this site.

[ncyankee101]

Not sure what you mean by "bite", usually the problem with inexpensive blends is the overly sweet grain alcohol. Teacher's is actually one of my favorite inexpensive blends, and I like it much more then Famous Grouse - much more flavorful and interesting, mainly because (I have heard) it is 45% Ardmore, so I guess I am wondering why you don't like it?

I also like White Horse quite a bit. Black Bottle is also quite good and can be found for under $20, though it is not available in many areas. It is a blend of all the Islays though it is not all that smoky and would complement the talisker in the JW Black (as would the Lagavulin in White Horse.)

[Dtrain3054]

Thanks for your reply. It's the Famous Grouse I don't like. I've never tried Teachers Highland Cream. I'll try that next. The word "cream" throws me off on it a bit which is why I didn't pick it up originally.

Are you familiar with Famous Black? I'm sure it's from the makers of Famous Grouse but was $18 more.

Never had White Horse but will give that a try also.

[ncyankee101]

I think you mean Black Grouse, I have had a bottle of that, it is basically Famous grouse with more of a smokey peaty Islay flavor. it is not bad but I actually prefer the other ones I recommended.

[Dtrain3054]

Your probably right. I knew it shared one of the words from Famous Grouse. I just chose the wrong one.

Thanks again for your advice.