Focus on the Macallan 18 on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
After attending the Raise the Macallan event, we realized that we really do prefer the good stuff. And by that, I mean the expensive stuff. So we broke down and bought a bottle of the Macallan 17 Year fine oak and the 18 Year sherry oak.
Raise the Macallan, a set on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
On April 11, 2012, a few of us attended “Raise the Macallan.” This was a free scotch tasting event held in Boston. We were able to sample the 10, 12, 15, 17, and 18 year. Fun opportunity to experience a scotch flight!
Ben displays the Balvenie 15 Year and the Dalwhinnie 15 Year on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
While at Gordon’s Liquors, Ben shows off the scotches we tried at Five Horses Tavern on Friday night.
Balvenie 15 Year on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Tasted 3/2/12.
We tried both the Balvenie 15 Year and the Dalwhinnie 15 Year at the same time. Both scotches recommended by friends. Against each other, the Balvenie stood out a little more. It had the flavors of vanilla and honey, with some oak and spice notes.
So the Balvenie was good, but the Macallan still reigns supreme.
Dalwhinnie 15 Year on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Tasted 3/2/12.
Not bad to me. I thought it was okay in flavor, with a hint of vanilla - not too strong and no burn in the throat. Ben felt it tasted more medicinal, so that somewhat turned him off.
I could drink this again, but we would still rather spend the money on a Macallan.
Last night, we went to Five Horses Tavern in Davis Square for dinner and drinks. We met up with some friends/coworkers and had a wonderful dinner with a Southern flair. But more importantly, this restaurant/bar has an impressive whiskey menu. I plotted out the two scotches I was going to try: the Balvenie 15 Year and the Dalwhinnie 15 Year. Ben and I ordered them and sampled each other’s scotch. The Balvenie won over the Dalwhinnie, because the Dalwhinnie had a slightly medicinal feel. But again, both paled to the delicious taste of the Macallan scotches that we own.
However, from the recommendation of of our friend Tanner. we tried the Bulleit Bourbon. And success - Ben and I finally found a bourbon that we like that’s spicy in flavor without too much throat burn, vapors, or alcoholic potency. And the best part - it’s affordable! Only $23 from our local liquor store. As a result, we now own a bottle of bourbon.
Sweet.
I must admit, this has been fun! With the craziness of both my regular job, my second job doing tax returns, and my kung fu training, I have been enthusiastic in trying new scotches, bourbons, tequilas, etc. Everything in moderation, of course, hence why you see many of the tastings with 50mL nips. What have I discovered so far?
For instance, this Friday, I am going out to dinner at Five Horses Tavern in Davis Square. Between the two of us, Ben and I aim to try 2-3 new whiskeys to see what we can add to our likes and dislikes. Looking forward to it!
Want to see my progress so far? Check out my photo journey here.
Macallan 15 Year Fine Oak on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Tasted 2/24/12.
Technically, we tasted the 17 Year Old Fine Oak while at Gordon’s Liquors. It was the 1st of 3 scotches we sampled. And it just blew the other two out of the water!
Another enjoyable scotch for both of us. Where the Macallan 12 Year has the taste of chocolate and orange, the 17 Year has the delicious taste of butterscotch. Just melts in your mouth. Very sweet from start to finish.
I stupidly said, “Let’s get it!” and Ben reminded me of the hefty price tag on this fine scotch. So as a compromise, we purchased the 15 Year Old, which the manager recommended as the best balance of value and taste of the three choices (10 Year, 15 Year, and 17 Year).
And now we own two bottles of scotch: both from Macallan!
Highland Park 15 Year on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Tasted 2/25/12.
Had opportunity to try this scotch at Gordon’s Liquors. It was the 3rd of 3 scotches Ben and I sampled that evening.
Although the label states this whiskey has a gentle smoky finish, it was still more then Ben liked. We have definitely determined that any smokiness in a scotch, whether faint or strong, is not for Ben.
The flavor is like smoked honey. I liked this slightly better than the Glenmorangie Lasanta, but still not enough to purchase it only for myself. Just as well, because you can see in the photo the prices for both the 12 Year and the 18 Year!
Glenmorangie Lasanta on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Tasted 2/25/12.
Had opportunity to try this scotch at Gordon’s Liquors. It is a 12 Year Old scotch matured 2 extra years in sherry casks. It was the 2nd of 3 scotches Ben and I sampled that evening.
The flavor was very rich, very spicy and slightly smoky.
There was an apparent burn in the back of my throat from the aftertaste. I did not like that at all. It took away from the drinking experience.
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