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**Golddiggie** · 07-01-2012, 11:28 PM

First off, I tried Scotch/Scottish whiskey several years ago (long before brewing) and didn't care for it. It was hot and I didn't care for the flavor. I don't remember (exactly) what it was, but I think it was some GlenLivet (could have been GlenFiddish though).

Now, I'm brewing UK styles and want to soak some oak cubes in some good Scotch/Scotch whiskey. My problem is, I really don't know which one to get. I'd like to give it a try again, but don't want a repeat of last time. I don't mind spending the money it takes to get something great, as long as I KNOW I'll be getting something worth the expense.

So, any out there that drink the stuff, and I'm not talking about the cheap stuff either, chime in. What do you drink, how do you drink it, if neat, how does it compare with others, etc...

SledgeH · 07-01-2012, 11:40 PM

Laphroaig is great, but has an aftertaste that would be really bad in beer. Actually so many scotches have a smoky or pat moss type flavor that I think wouldn't pair well. Why not go with bourbon? Glenlivet is smoother with almost a sweet aftertaste. That might be what you want. I'm a big fan of scotch, by unless you're going for a rauchbeir I don't know about the flavor. What are you making?

SledgeH · 07-01-2012, 11:42 PM

Sorry, I've been talking about single barrel stuff, not blends. Blends tend to be a lot more subtle.

**Golddiggie** · 07-01-2012, 11:44 PM

I'm looking for something to pair with the brew that's also from the UK. All my grains, hops, and yeast come from there. It just seems wrong, to me, to use US whiskey/bourbon in such a batch.

What age Glenlivet are you talking about??

Jacob_Marley · 07-01-2012, 11:50 PM

There's no doubt about it ... Laphroaig.

Great smoky flavor ... I think it would work great.

SledgeH · 07-02-2012, 12:03 AM

The regular 12 year. all single barrel scotches are from the UK (specifically Scotland). All scotch is broken down by the area it's made in Laphroaig is from Islay. I find all scotch from that region strong in flavor. Speyside or highland regions by contrast taste much different. Glengoyne is a highland and is fantastic. if you don't plan on drinking the rest of the bottle on the rocks don't buy anything too old. As I said Laphroaig is great but about80 bucks a bottle. Not worth going out and getting something 30 years old or anything like that.

**Golddiggie** · 07-02-2012, 12:04 AM

Which age Laphroaig??

What I saw in the special section at the store includes:
Glenfiddish 15 18 21
Glengrant 10 16
Glenlivet 15
Ardbey 10
Cardhu 12
Balvenie (Madeira?) 17

I think there might be a couple more there, like Johnny Walker, but I'd have to either go back, or email/call the store later.

I think my primary concern is getting something that I might actually be able to drink, but can also use it in my bigger UK recipes (all my stuff qualities

)... I'm planning a BABW (Big Assed Barley Wine) to be brewed soon after I've moved. When it's ready for oak, I'd like to soak the cubes in this too.

BTW, for drinking I already have the soapstone cubes that I can freeze/chill so that I won't dilute the scotch while drinking it. I also picked up some soapstone glasses (small) that can be frozen for use.

I know that when I drink my own mead, that I chill first, it changes as it warms up. From rather sharp right from the fridge, to damned great as it reaches red wine drinking temperatures. When it hits about 60F, you just want to slug it down. At 18%, you don't do too many of those (if you're driving).

I would expect something similar with a high grade scotch.
Also, I don't mind paying more for something that I have a higher chance of enjoying... I just wish there was a place I could go, near me, to sample the different scotch that's available.

thatjonguy · 07-02-2012, 12:12 AM

If it was me (but I wouldn't because I love my scotch) I would go with Glenlivet French Oak or Nadurra (cask strength).

I am working on some Glenlivet 18, at room temp but cut with a few drops of distilled water. I feel the addition of the small amount of water opens the Scotch up a little.

I have also really enjoyed the 16 to 19 year old range (they use vintages rather than strict ages) from Glenrothes.

Next up for me is a bottle of Glenlivet 21 and a bottle of Utopias 2011.

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

**Golddiggie** · 07-02-2012, 12:14 AM

I use Hungarian oak cubes in my beers. I have a packet of spirals, but not sure when I'll use those. I have over a pound of the Hungarian cubes though. I prefer them since they're not nearly as harsh as either French, or the American oak. They're also medium toast.

**Airplanedoc** · 07-02-2012, 12:18 AM

I'm a big fan of The Macallen. Which is made from Golden Promise