Scotch
Fictitious anchorman Ron Burgundy once sang a song that went something like:
"scotch, scotch, scotch
I like scotch, down in my belly."
Well Ron, I like scotch too.
This past weekend I was heading through NH with Bob and we did the only thing two intellegent people could do: we stopped at the state run liquor store on I-93. I'm relatively new to scotch, but lately I've been sorting out what I like and don't like. At our little stop in NH I managed to pick up a new favorite. I'll give you a hint, its the least empty in this picture.
For those who might be even newer to scotch than I am, I'll give you a little tour of my collection.
On the left is an old standard: Glenlivet single malt. Its something the cool kids might drink. It spent 12 years in oak before making it to my liquor cabinet.
Next up is Johnny Walker Black. Its a blended scotch whisky so the flavor doesn't have as much character as The Glenlivet. The finish on it is a little smokier, its one step above Johnny Walker Red, and below the other colors. Its on par with a 12 year for quality, but drinks real easy.
Next up is The Balvenie single malt DoubleWood. Doublewood means it spent most of its 12 years aging in oak, then spent a little while in sherry casks. Its delicious and flavorful and was my favorite scotch until recently.
Up next is the Highland Park 15yr single malt. Its got a little personality like the Glenlivet but also has a slightly smokier finish like the Johnny Walker Black. Its a little too pricey for the amount I like it.
To its right is The Macallan 15 year, aged in fine oak and then finished off in sherry casks. I discovered with the Doublewood that I like the taste of scotch aged in oak and then sherry casks. The Macallan is a lot like the Doublewood but smoother and more delicious. In NH, its not even that much more expensive.
Lastly is my handle of Chivas Regal blended 12 year. Its a very smooth, generic tasting scotch that is slightly cheaper than Johnny Walker black and also lacks the smokey finish. If I don't think I'll be able to appreciate any of the finer stuff, this will do just fine.
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