Back during the 2008 recession, the Wall Street Journal published an article with that title. It was essentially a list of the best of the bottom shelf. Unsurprisingly, they listed blends and Teachers Highland Cream won and I believe Ballantines was a runner up. Recent economic news has made we curious about what this sub would drink in a down market.

Decided to try a bottle of The GlenGrant 15. I'm a fan but I don't think I could drink this stuff all night because the flavor of green apples can be overwhelmingly sweet at times. That being said, it's got a bit of burn going down but it's a real easy drink for 100 proof.

I've got a feeling this a hit or miss bottle for most folks.

How does r/scotch feel about the GlenGrant 15?

Cheers!

I'm pretty new to scotch and haven't mastered the art of intricate dissection yet but I also hadn't seen any reviews for this expression yet so figured I'd at least let anyone curious about the bottle know that it's pretty damn good 👍

Info: US only special release, from what I could tell

Age: 15 years

ABV: 55.3% (110.6 proof)

Maturation details: European Oak finished in ex-Oloroso & Palo Cortado sherry casks.

Rich nose. Raisin and brown sugar. Hint of citrus. Fairly prominent salt note when you get your nose in there. (Sea spray, if you're feeling bougie 😉) Extremely inviting on the nose...

And I'm pleased to report that all of the above continues without missing a beat into (onto?🤔) the palate. Such a warm, full bodied mouth feel. Coming from the world of bourbon/rye, some malt whisk(e)y I've tried have come across before as a bit "thin" and that's one reason why I was willing to pony up a bit to experience cask strength with this one... and it did not disappoint.

It's rich and velvety-smooth. Mouth coating. Taste= Vanilla, raisins. Candied and guey figs out of the oven, with an orange zest coating. It's warming and decadent.

This sticks the landing, thankfully, too ...

The finish is long, with cinnamon, brown sugar, and peppercorn pleasantly crackling along the roof of my mouth. It still has that malt note, don't get me wrong, but otherwise it reminds me of the finish on Old Overholt 11 year cask strength rye (if you have had it, you'll know what I mean), which is to say, I really enjoy it.

All in all this has really exceeded my expectations... Given the price, I was extremely nervous driving home that I'd be disappointed and I'm thrilled to say that it's my favorite bottle of Scotch yet. I am not saying that the price isn't an issue, and certainly wish it was at 100 not 150, but having tasted it, I'm also not mad or remotely let down by that either.

I don't feel experienced enough to give it a numerical rating but I will just conclude that I am really enjoying every sip, and keep going back for more. Thanks for reading, cheers!

So I am really getting into independent bottlers like Cadenheads, Signatory, Adelphi, etc. But how do you know what you are buying? Some shops near me have some open bottles but a lot of times there are so few bottles produced that I have no way of trying before buying. Are you guys just buying them with the information on the label/good experiences with previous bottles from the distillery/bottler?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a special whisky to gift my friend for his 40th birthday. He’s a big whisky enthusiast with an impressive collection, and I’d like to find something unique that he doesn’t already own. The whisky should fit his taste preferences, which lean towards Islay and Highland whiskies. The budget is up to €200, and it should be something I can purchase on the European market.

Here’s his current collection, which could be identified (based on pictures provided by his wife and analysed by ChatGPT):

1. Aberfeldy 12 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
2. Laphroaig Lore - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
3. Laphroaig Select - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
4. Laphroaig Quarter Cask - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
5. Laphroaig PX Cask - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
6. Laphroaig Triple Wood - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
7. Ledaig (Sherry Cask Finish) - Scotch Whisky.
8. Ardbeg 10 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
9. Ardbeg An Oa - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
10. Glenmorangie 10 Original - Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
11. Dalmore 12 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
12. Dalmore 15 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
13. Bowmore 18 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
14. Talisker 10 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
15. Talisker Port Ruighe - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
16. Bunnahabhain Toiteach a Dhà - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
17. Bunnahabhain 12 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
18. Lagavulin 9 (Game of Thrones Edition - House Lannister) - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
19. Lagavulin 16 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
20. Dalwhinnie Winter's Frost (Game of Thrones Edition - House Stark) - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
21. Kilchoman Machir Bay - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
22. Kilchoman Sanaig - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
23. Connemara Original - Irish Peated Single Malt Whiskey.
24. Auchentoshan 12 Years Old - Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
25. Teeling Blackpitts - Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey.
26. Caol Ila 12 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
27. Royal Lochnagar (Game of Thrones Edition) - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Do you have any recommendations for a special bottle that would complement his collection and stand out as a gift? I’d love to hear your suggestions!

Thanks in advance! 😊

What would you choose between A'Bunadh batch 60 and Balvenie 12 golden cask? both are about the same price 100$/90$ relatively Aberlour is 60.3% has pretty solid score on whiskybase definitely not the worst batch, Balvenie is only 43% but maybe the profile is a bit unique so I'm a bit puzzled here.

If anyone was able to try the Balvenie I would like to hear your opinion, can it offer something the regular 14 cannot.

I bought some but am curious what you guys think

Has anyone out there had this before? Had never heard of it before today. I’m no good at reviews, but really enjoying this one. Kind of a honey taste? Definitely a highlander

Hi All,

As my bottle is nearing its end, I thought it would be nice to commemorate this limited edition Arran. This was a pre-covid bottling in a small quantity, exclusively for the Hungarian market, and for that it was finished in Tokaji wine casks, which is a sweet, dessert wine from Hungary. I think I bought it for ~50€, which seems funny after just 5-6 years.

The specs: - Non-chill filtered, Natural color - 48%

Color: Light mahogany

Nose: Quite heavy and complex on the nose. It starts with mineraly, salty notes, which I for some reason usually get from the Tokaji casks. Under the heavier aromas there are the crispy clean, lighter notes typical for Arran, with green apple and some bourbon spices - I guess most of its time was spent in bourbon barrels. With some water the soft and clean notes are stronger, accompanied by floral aromas. Nice one.

Palate: Oh boy. Very introverted whisky. It is complex and full bodied but it doesn’t want to open up for you. Light tannins, minerals and sweet spices. With water maltiness comes forward, with nutmeg and something perfumy. Very complex, but asynchronous.

Finish: Biscuits, caramel and dried apple chips.

I’m a bit sad about this one, because somehow the casks and the distillate character just don’t seem to go well together, even though separately they have the potential for something good. The nose is great, the taste is subpar, all over the place. A weak 6/10 for me.

Hello Whisky lovers! How do you’ll like your liquid? Neat with a dash of water or over ice? And, is there a particular type of glass preferred?

With the tariffs incoming, I'm looking for a last second stock up on stuff thats already on shelves.

What are some can't miss drams that I should keep an eye out for?

Currently have:

Glenmorangie Signet, Ice Cream, Cake, and Tokyo

 Lagavulin 16

Glenfiddich 14

Glenlivit 14

Aberlour A'bunadh

Royal Lochnagar 12

Hey Scotch lovers,

I got gifted this old bottle from a friend’s dad who received it as a gift when he used to work a big corporate job 20 years ago. Unopened!

Not sure how old it is/what it’s worth?

Hi all, My father in law was given this bottle as a gift many years ago and didn’t think of it anything. Whilst having a drink with him and looking through his collection of bottles (he has a mix of different spirits) I have found this, only caught my eye because of the Glenfiddich name on it.

I know it’s technically not scotch but given that it was made from one I wanted to know if anyone has tried this liqueur? And if it’s any good?

Hey all! I have a group of four golf guys wanting to do a one day (have car/driver for 10 hrs total) trip to a couple of distillaries. Early June. I am helping them plan a trip will start and end in St. Andrews. Likely need a stop for food.

I am struggling to pick 2 great experiences for them. I have looked at Dewar’s Aberfeldy, Dalwhinnie, Blair Atholl, and Glenturret as options. Obviously, Kingsbarns is close the opposite way.

Dalwhinnie is in their quiet period, so no tours of the distillery. Is it still worth it?

Other options not explored that may be best? Speyside seems like it will eat up too much time for them to do more than one.

If you could do two £40-100 tours, what would you do?

Does anyone know or remember the last time we had tarrifs on Scotch in the US if that affects orders from TWW? I only ask because anyone that has ordered from them before knows they are, uh ... should we say, loosey goosey? ... with the rules and their "antique glass". I'd have to imagine they would still be affected somehow by the upcoming 10%?

I am taking about direct fees, outside of the general inflation I'm sure this nonsense will cause.

I may have to start getting back until Bourbons otherwise 😬 (which I suppose is the point of this)

What makes this a "value whisky"? It was voted best value whisky for the OSWAs very recently but I'm not seeing it for under $100.