The Best Whisky Blend!

[skidrowbum]

The best is, of course, what is best for ones taste.

I am relatively new to scotches, but this internet is a great source of education, scotch or otherwise.

I got introduced to the drink about a month ago (I drink bourbon occasionally) by my son-in-law. Since then I have scorched a trail in the scotch internet-world, and my budget.

He got me a shot of McCallan fine oak 15 year old, and was impressed with the smell (I say "smell" because I am a newbie). I liked the "taste", and the alcohol was not intolerable on my mouth, hard and soft palate, and nasopharynx. I was quite impressed by it, really, that I bought a bottle the next day.

The next night I had 30 cc of my new bottle, but somehow it did not "taste" as good as the first time. I changed the drinking glass to about the same kind used at the restaurant, but that did not change the "taste".
So I came to the conclusion that the pleasure of the first experience was modified by at least a few changeable factors:
1. One's state of hydration
2. The electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, chloride)
3. The temperature and humidity of the room.
4. Other subtle factors that I may not be aware of that changes the sensitivity of the olfactory and taste functions in any given time.

So my quest on a constant or near constant pleasing taste to my now new drink - scotch - would have to be a new blend. My own blend.

So I bought a few bottles to modify the base taste of my Macallan.
I got a peaty, smoky, islay.
I got a sweetish Crown Royal Maple Finish and a more peaty Hazelburnhttps: 8 year old finished in sauternes cask.
And just for the heck of it, a bourbon finished in portwine cask.
Finally a relatively "bland" irish blend.

So now, on any given evening, when I want to modify the 15 year old base scotch, I can add a bit of peat, smoke, sweetness.

And even if I do not really get the finest of result, I use my imagination that I have done so.

I guess it all goes back to basics - a matter of taste.

[Dale]

For your 15 fix with a bit of peat and sweetness, I'd guide you to both Springbank and Highland Park. Other distillers with similar profiles, if you can find them (or other aged expressions, will be Ardmore, Benromach, Benriach, Glenturret and Dalmore.

[skidrowbum]

Originally Posted by Dale

For your 15 fix with a bit of peat and sweetness, I'd guide you to both Springbank and Highland Park. Other distillers with similar profiles, if you can find them (or other aged expressions, will be Ardmore, Benromach, Benriach, Glenturret and Dalmore.

i'll try one of those.

[michael]

Originally Posted by Dale

For your 15 fix with a bit of peat and sweetness, I'd guide you to both Springbank and Highland Park. Other distillers with similar profiles, if you can find them (or other aged expressions, will be Ardmore, Benromach, Benriach, Glenturret and Dalmore.

Agree with you on the Springbank 15. I have it every week. Springbank 21 is one of my top 3.

[skidrowbum]

Originally Posted by skidrowbum

i'll try one of those.

thanks for the tip dale and michael.
springbank made modifying my 15 y old easier.

[cato]

"The Best Whisky Blend!"

for me...Black Bull 30