Any Scotch drinkers in the house?

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Nyah

One Empire looks pretty cool. They have a private room for larger groups too.

I went there for big taste and I can confirm they know more than the average host/hostess. However, on occasion, they do sound like they're reciting a tasting note. That being said, reciting a tasting note is still superior to most other places in Calgary. I was feeling more like they lean slightly more towards Bourbon, but I think I recall their Whiskey and Scotch selections were quite impressive.

They have a smoked old fashioned that's very tasty. Highly recommended. It uses real smoke that they char on the spot and the smoke is captured by the ice cubes and actually adds flavor to the beverage. I thought it was gimmicky at first, but tasting the normal old fashioned vs that smoked one side by side, there was a significant difference in taste.

[Komskies]

Bought a bottle of Aberlour A'bunadh while I was in Phoenix a could of weeks ago. Looking forward to trying it this weekend.

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by Komskies

Bought a bottle of Aberlour A'bunadh while I was in Phoenix a could of weeks ago. Looking forward to trying it this weekend.

Which batch? I have 56 and it's excellent, but needs water for sure.

[Komskies]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Which batch? I have 56 and it's excellent, but needs water for sure.

Not sure, I'll post it once I get home. I have two cask strength scotches now. The Aberlour and a Glenlivet Nadurra.

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by Nyah

My family & I are really getting into scotch and for my Dad's birthday, we were thinking of doing a family scotch tasting. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas for decent places to do this in Calgary? We don't want just flights of Scotch, but staff who actually know what they're talking about too and can tell us about what we're trying. We were looking into Buchanan's, but it looks like that's a restaurant where kids are allowed and that's not the right idea for an adult night. We'd prefer it to be at a pub/bar that also serves food. Any ideas?

If you want to give him a treat give him a Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership. It comes with a nice starter kit including some 200 ml bottles of single cask scotches and a glass in a nice presentation box. Also allows you to purchase Society bottles from Kensington. $150 a year and the Society bottles aren't cheap, but I got both as gifts from my brother-in-law and I'm a happy man.

[Bear]

Originally Posted by Komskies

Bought a bottle of Aberlour A'bunadh while I was in Phoenix a could of weeks ago. Looking forward to trying it this weekend.

The best bang for your buck whisky on the market IMO.

[dammage79]

Thoughts on Compass Box 3 year old?

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by Bear

The best bang for your buck whisky on the market IMO.

Yep. And in the US the price is usually super reasonable, even with the exchange

I still think the Springbank 12 is the best all-around cask strength.

[Komskies]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Which batch? I have 56 and it's excellent, but needs water for sure.

My bottle is from batch #52. 60.5%. Really looking forward to trying it.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Yep. And in the US the price is usually super reasonable, even with the exchange

I still think the Springbank 12 is the best all-around cask strength.

I've found that the prices are mediocre for scotch in the US. There are some good deals of course, but you have to really think about it. I was in the US last week and was looking at a bottle of Oban and it was $74. I didn't buy it because I was almost sure that the same bottle was at Costco here for $77. So obviously once you add that 34% for exchange you are better off buying in Canada.

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by Slava

I've found that the prices are mediocre for scotch in the US. There are some good deals of course, but you have to really think about it. I was in the US last week and was looking at a bottle of Oban and it was $74. I didn't buy it because I was almost sure that the same bottle was at Costco here for $77. So obviously once you add that 34% for exchange you are better off buying in Canada.

I should have been more clear, I was speaking directly about that particular bottle. It's 135ish at KWM, and I picked one up in the US for 72.

[ToewsFan]

Not really a scotch drinker, but I just drank for the first time since August 12, 2016.

[PepsiFree]

Congrats?

[CMPunk]

What are your guys thoughts on Glenmorangie 10 Yr as a starting point for a new scotch drinker?

[14]

Originally Posted by CMPunk

What are your guys thoughts on Glenmorangie 10 Yr as a starting point for a new scotch drinker?

Have not had that one. I recommend starting with Dalwhinnie 15. It was a perfect beginning for me and my Scotch odyssey that started about 2 yrs ago.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by CMPunk

What are your guys thoughts on Glenmorangie 10 Yr as a starting point for a new scotch drinker?

There are two trains of thought here. 1) This is a balanced Scotch, so you wouldn't get to understand much out of it. 2) It has a little bit of everything, so it's a good starting point. It's cheap and cheerful. Go at it!

[MRCboicgy]

I agree with all above and think it's a great place to start - would just add that if its in your budget to spring for the 12yr - Nectar D'or. It's a bit smoother and generally thought of as perfectly balanced. It's always what I serve or suggest to people willing to try single malt.

Edit: Holy fata, it's up to $96 at KWM...never mind.

[Slava]

The only potential issue with a 10yr is that the younger vintages can be a little more harsh than the older. I do understand not wanting to buy a bottle of those "to see if you like it" though. One option is to try some from friends before you buy, and another is to hold off and wait for a sale. You can get really nice bottles for decent sales as you get closer to Christmas it seems.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by CMPunk

What are your guys thoughts on Glenmorangie 10 Yr as a starting point for a new scotch drinker?

Depends. That bottle sounds like a good choice if shooting in the dark. I would probably suggest also not to start off with a crazy expensive bottle and a bottle that is not too extreme in taste. I'd avoid ones with the following attributes:

- Hardcore peaty and smoky
- Cask strength
- Young scotches
- Sherry
- Medicinal/Metallic/licorice

Personally, I wouldn't blindly start with a bottle. I'd ask a few questions to determine what sector of the flavor map the individual may enjoy. What individuals enjoy sometimes surprise even themselves.

- Smoky/earthy
- Nutty/Woody
- Fruity/spicy
- Floral/sweet

Dig into someone's collection and try flavors without touching into price range. Once the "newbie" has liked something, begin looking into the flavor map to see what reasonable priced scotches/whiskeys may enjoy.

Though not necessary for you to take up, I've personally always offered to buy/trade a newbie's first bottle if it doesn't end up being something they fancy. No need to have anyone start their scotch/whiskey journey on the wrong foot. I have not yet needed to take someone up on that offer.

[rain_e]

Originally Posted by CMPunk

What are your guys thoughts on Glenmorangie 10 Yr as a starting point for a new scotch drinker?

If you decide to buy this go to Costco for it.