Questions from an amature

First off - awesome forum. Almost too much information to absorb...

Until recently, when I have a drink, it's a stout beer. However, at 36 the beer seems to expand the gut a more than it did at 25 so I thought I'd try whiskey again. I haven't had whiskey in about 15 years and my memories of it were not fond - but I remember disliking scotch the least, so yesterday I purchased 2 bottles of scotch. Glenfiddich 12 and a Glenfiddich 30. I immediately opened the 12 and was blown away at how much I enjoyed it! (can't wait for another glass tonight, armed with the info I have gained here)

My questions:
1:Reading the forum I have heard several suggestions on scotch brands. Not too many on the Glenfiddich though. I dropped $40 on the 12 and an embarrassing amount on the 30. Have I made a mistake with this brand? I love the scotch, but I am so curious of how much better the other brands are.
2: I cut the drink 2:1 with water (tap) and added 2 cubes of ice that also watered it down a bit. Is this a good method for getting the best experience with scotch, and does tap water make a difference?
3: and last - Should I keep this bottle of 30 or gift it and buy a different brand? I'd really love to hear that I haven't bought bad scotch

Ok, I'm off for my second round of the 12 (still using a wide mouthed glass) but I will remedy that on my next trip to the liqueur store.

[Derek]

Hi,

Just to put you at ease, that is a good brand.

There is no sutch thing as a "bad" scotch. Some are better than others due to personal taste, but because the law on the distillation and maturing of "Scotch" [Scottish Whisky] is so strickt it is very heavily regulated and controlled. This helps to ensure a high standard.

This does not include other whisk[e]y, although it does prohibit other whiskies being distilled in Scotland!!

Originally Posted by Daryl

First off - awesome forum. Almost too much information to absorb...

Until recently, when I have a drink, it's a stout beer. However, at 36 the beer seems to expand the gut a more than it did at 25 so I thought I'd try whiskey again. I haven't had whiskey in about 15 years and my memories of it were not fond - but I remember disliking scotch the least, so yesterday I purchased 2 bottles of scotch. Glenfiddich 12 and a Glenfiddich 30. I immediately opened the 12 and was blown away at how much I enjoyed it! (can't wait for another glass tonight, armed with the info I have gained here)

My questions:
1:Reading the forum I have heard several suggestions on scotch brands. Not too many on the Glenfiddich though. I dropped $40 on the 12 and an embarrassing amount on the 30. Have I made a mistake with this brand? I love the scotch, but I am so curious of how much better the other brands are.
2: I cut the drink 2:1 with water (tap) and added 2 cubes of ice that also watered it down a bit. Is this a good method for getting the best experience with scotch, and does tap water make a difference?
3: and last - Should I keep this bottle of 30 or gift it and buy a different brand? I'd really love to hear that I haven't bought bad scotch

Ok, I'm off for my second round of the 12 (still using a wide mouthed glass) but I will remedy that on my next trip to the liqueur store.

The ONLY bad Scotch is the one you don't like!

I have some Glenfiddich 15 year and I like it best of that brand, more smooth and soft on the palette.

When I have a new Scotch ta try I start out with a bit in a Scotch glass by itself (neat) to get the flavor that way.... then try the same with one ice cube, it will change... then try it again 'neat' with a bit of water, about 1/2 of the amount of scotch, it will change again. Decide which way you like it if ya do and then enjoy!

Heck, I have tried some that cost less than $20 and they are much better (in my opinion) than stiff that cost $200+.

My faves:
Balvenie
Dalmore Cigar Malt (can't get anymore)
Edradour
MacCallan

JJJ-D

[Jojo]

Darryl - how's your Glenfiddich? Sorry for the delay in chiming in on this thread. Few things to mention - I completely agree with Derek when he says - "There is no such thing as a "bad" scotch." Well, of course I might hear an outcry citing differently, but I have come across some scotches I thoroughly enjoyed, yet my friends who are whisky connoisseurs might not always agree. As for Glenfiddich's stats (just for an FYI) It's the #1 selling single malt worldwide - #2 in the U.S. Also, the Glenfiddich range has won more awards than any other range of whisky in Scotland. The first time I had Glenfiddich 12 year, I recall thinking, OK, so I see why it's so widely popular!

As for adding water - please don't add tap water! Think about it, why would you want to add water that has been treated with chlorine into your beautifully aged scotch? Use bottled spring water and just do a drop at a time to see how the flavors open up and how you like it best.