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General Discussion => Beer and Queso => Topic started by: Ebby Calvin on November 30, 2011, 09:13:10 pm

Title: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Ebby Calvin on November 30, 2011, 09:13:10 pm
I recognize the difference between single malts and blends.  If I had my way, I'd drink Laphroiag or Lagavulin every time I poured a glass.  Problem is, the pocketbook doesn't always lend itself to my preferred (and daily) tastes, so I'm left with the cheaper stuff more often than not.  I call it "Everyday Scotch."

I've been drinking Famous Grousse (and Black Grousse) mostly, because that's what my old man drinks and that's what I started with.  I found out tonight, much to my surprise, that Grousse is owned by Macallan, and what I drink regularly is the dregs of their barrels.  But Spec's was out of Black Grousse and I felt adventuresome.  Scottish Leader was what my liquor guy recommended, and I'm less than impressed.  So I turn to you:

What's a good cheap scotch?
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: HudsonHawk on November 30, 2011, 09:42:56 pm
Auchentoshan. It's Lowland single malt. About 30 skins. It ain't half bad.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: VirtualBob on December 01, 2011, 06:02:37 am
Auchentoshan. It's Lowland single malt. About 30 skins. It ain't half bad.
Glen Fiddigh is another drinkable budget choice.  Not up there with Oban (much less Laphroig), but not as expensive either.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Taras Bulba on December 01, 2011, 06:44:56 am
A friend of mine likes Grant's for everyday drinking.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: juliogotay on December 01, 2011, 06:49:53 am
Glen Fiddigh is another drinkable budget choice.  Not up there with Oban (much less Laphroig), but not as expensive either.

Interesting that you like Oban and Laphroig. I enjoy Oban very much but can't drink Laphroig. Too peaty for me. I can't get past the bouquet.

Back to topic...when I want an everyday drink that is less than top-dollar Scotch....Bourbon.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: headhunter on December 01, 2011, 07:45:50 am

Back to topic...when I want an everyday drink that is less than top-dollar Scotch....Bourbon.
+1!
http://www.fourroses.us/home

if you're willing to drink a blended Scotch, and some aren't, you might try Ballantine's--their basic, cheapest version. http://www.ballantines.com/
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: VirtualBob on December 01, 2011, 08:06:40 am
A friend of mine likes Grant's for everyday drinking.
... which, of course, is just a blend based on Glen Fiddich
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: VirtualBob on December 01, 2011, 08:07:21 am
if you're willing to drink a blended Scotch, and some aren't, you might try Ballantine's--their basic, cheapest version. http://www.ballantines.com/
Never ... worse than Cutty Sark.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: VirtualBob on December 01, 2011, 08:08:49 am
Interesting that you like Oban and Laphroig. I enjoy Oban very much but can't drink Laphroig. Too peaty for me. I can't get past the bouquet.

They are very different, that's for sure.  Oban is an easy sipping whiskey, while Laphroig is a bit more demanding.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: juliogotay on December 01, 2011, 08:22:48 am
I've been considering trying a quality tequila for dieting purposes (no carbs I'm told). I've had some that have a scotch-like quality. Any suggestions on what I might try and the price range?
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Ebby Calvin on December 01, 2011, 08:28:50 am
I've been considering trying a quality tequila for dieting purposes (no carbs I'm told). I've had some that have a scotch-like quality. Any suggestions on what I might try and the price range?

The only requirement I have for good tequila is silver (not gold), 100% Blue Agave.  Once you get past that threshold you're good.  This includes Patron, Don Julio, Herradura, etc.  But I'm no tequila aficianado.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: HudsonHawk on December 01, 2011, 08:42:06 am
Back to topic...when I want an everyday drink that is less than top-dollar Scotch....Bourbon.

Cheap bourbon is worse than cheap scotch. My bourbon tastes run on the expensive side, even for everyday drinking.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Bench on December 01, 2011, 08:51:19 am
Interesting that you like Oban and Laphroig. I enjoy Oban very much but can't drink Laphroig. Too peaty for me. I can't get past the bouquet.

Those are my two favorites.

Ebby, don't try to justify it and just be happy with your Cutty Sark.  My grandmother used to drive around drinking out of a mason jar of the stuff.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: jwhudson on December 01, 2011, 08:58:31 am
The only requirement I have for good tequila is silver (not gold), 100% Blue Agave.  Once you get past that threshold you're good.  This includes Patron, Don Julio, Herradura, etc.  But I'm no tequila aficianado.

Herradura Anejo very nice.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: BizidyDizidy on December 01, 2011, 09:05:22 am
Any liquor is fine for low carb - tequila no better than scotch. The carbs were all turned to alcohol.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: juliogotay on December 01, 2011, 09:07:16 am
Cheap bourbon is worse than cheap scotch. My bourbon tastes run on the expensive side, even for everyday drinking.

Me too. I should have been clear on that. A quality bourbon, such as Woodford Reserve which I buy, is still much less than a quality scotch and that was the point I meant to make. I drink my brown goods neat and always buy the upper end of whatever it is. I also only drink them October-March.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Bench on December 01, 2011, 09:15:27 am
Any liquor is fine for low carb - tequila no better than scotch. The carbs were all turned to alcohol.

Scotch, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, cheese and bacon.  That's a diet I can support. 
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Taras Bulba on December 01, 2011, 09:20:28 am
Me too. I should have been clear on that. A quality bourbon, such as Woodford Reserve which I buy, is still much less than a quality scotch and that was the point I meant to make. I drink my brown goods neat and always buy the upper end of whatever it is. I also only drink them October-March.
What, no scotch on a fine 115 degree day?  I also do most of my scotch drinking during the winter months.  Pet peeve right now: Taco Cabana commercial touting margaritas made with "real Mexican tequila."  Until then, I was unaware that they were making tequila in New Jersey but you learn something every day.

On tequilas, I'm no expert but I did a session of tequila and mescal tasting when I was in San Miguel back in April and I much preferred some of the mescals.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: GreatBagwellsBeard on December 01, 2011, 09:25:41 am
It's a Islay blend, but I'm fond of Black Bottle.  About $25, and really smooth and smokey. 

I got some Puro Vida Reposado tequila last time I was at Spec's.  Owned by the one and only Billy Gibbons, and a fine tequila to boot. Haw haw haw haw.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: BizidyDizidy on December 01, 2011, 09:51:31 am
Scotch, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, cheese and bacon.  That's a diet I can support. 

You forgot big honking steaks and red wine (in moderation).
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Bench on December 01, 2011, 10:07:25 am
You forgot big honking steaks and red wine (in moderation).

But I draw the line at Michelob Ultra.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: BizidyDizidy on December 01, 2011, 10:09:10 am
But I draw the line at Michelob Ultra.

Not that good to drink anyways - it's like being on a low carb diet so just eating a little bread.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Duke on December 01, 2011, 10:31:10 am
Cheap bourbon is worse than cheap scotch. My bourbon tastes run on the expensive side, even for everyday drinking.



So where does Tennessee sour mash sippin whiskey fit in?
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: chuck on December 01, 2011, 11:12:52 am
Scotch, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, cheese and bacon.  That's a diet I can support. 

This reminds me, I have a (small) wedding gift for you.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: HudsonHawk on December 01, 2011, 11:29:21 am



So where does Tennessee sour mash sippin whiskey fit in?

The low end. Jack generally tastes like watered down bourbon.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: ybbodeus on December 01, 2011, 11:30:51 am
You forgot big honking steaks and red wine (in moderation).

But I draw the line at Michelob Ultra.
What, Lowenbrau has been replaced?!
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Col. Sphinx Drummond on December 01, 2011, 11:36:02 am
Never ... worse than Cutty Sark.
I drank Cutty Sark once, then didn't drink Scotch again for 30 years.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: OregonStrosFan on December 01, 2011, 11:39:32 am
Herradura Anejo very nice.

I like the Reposado, but yes, Herradura is a quality tequila choice!
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: VirtualBob on December 01, 2011, 01:13:59 pm

Ebby, don't try to justify it and just be happy with your Cutty Sark.  My grandmother used to drive around drinking out of a mason jar of the stuff.

[obligatory] NTTAWWT [/obligatory]
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Limey on December 01, 2011, 01:32:59 pm
I've been considering trying a quality tequila for dieting purposes (no carbs I'm told). I've had some that have a scotch-like quality. Any suggestions on what I might try and the price range?

Vodka.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Limey on December 01, 2011, 01:34:28 pm
Scotch, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, cheese and bacon.  That's a diet I can support. 

That's every night at Griff's.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: S.P. Rodriguez on December 01, 2011, 01:36:15 pm
What, no scotch on a fine 115 degree day?  I also do most of my scotch drinking during the winter months.  Pet peeve right now: Taco Cabana commercial touting margaritas made with "real Mexican tequila."  Until then, I was unaware that they were making tequila in New Jersey but you learn something every day.

On tequilas, I'm no expert but I did a session of tequila and mescal tasting when I was in San Miguel back in April and I much preferred some of the mescals.

I'm not revealing my sources, but I know for a fact that Taco Cabana made their margaritas with a wine-based mix. 
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: S.P. Rodriguez on December 01, 2011, 01:36:39 pm
Vodka.

Tito's!
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Bench on December 01, 2011, 01:38:27 pm
I'm not revealing my sources, but I know for a fact that Taco Cabana made their margaritas with a wine-based mix. 

It's the same as at the ball park.  I think it's called "neutral wine."
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: hostros7 on December 01, 2011, 01:38:55 pm
That's every night at Griff's.

The jello shots for dessert though really fuck your diet.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Ebby Calvin on December 01, 2011, 01:43:53 pm
This reminds me, I have a (small) wedding gift for you.

Bacon?
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Ebby Calvin on December 01, 2011, 01:45:13 pm
It's a Islay blend, but I'm fond of Black Bottle.  About $25, and really smooth and smokey. 

I got some Puro Vida Reposado tequila last time I was at Spec's.  Owned by the one and only Billy Gibbons, and a fine tequila to boot. Haw haw haw haw.

You had me at Islay.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: hostros7 on December 02, 2011, 02:43:11 pm
Anyone sampled any Pappy Van Winkle before?  Worth the hype? I'm thinking about seeking some out.  (Note: cheap scotch tread is entirely an erroneous thread title to post this under)
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: WakePhil on December 02, 2011, 02:51:49 pm
Anyone sampled any Pappy Van Winkle before?  Worth the hype? I'm thinking about seeking some out.  (Note: cheap scotch tread is entirely an erroneous thread title to post this under)

Had it at Branch Water Tavern in Houston. It was excellent, but definitely not cheap. The waiter was very excited by the order and could not stop raving about it (I'm sure the impact on his tip was not lost in the excitement).
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: hostros7 on December 02, 2011, 02:56:12 pm
Had it at Branch Water Tavern in Houston. It was excellent, but definitely not cheap. The waiter was very excited by the order and could not stop raving about it (I'm sure the impact on his tip was not lost in the excitement).

Did you order the 15 or the 20 (or something really cool I don't even know about yet)? I hope Poison Girl or maybe Anvil has some, but Branch Water is a good tip.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Col. Sphinx Drummond on December 02, 2011, 06:25:18 pm
Sometimes I want the Irish variety and I don't mind sipping on Bushmills at all, it's not too pricey.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: WakePhil on December 02, 2011, 09:08:52 pm
Did you order the 15 or the 20 (or something really cool I don't even know about yet)? I hope Poison Girl or maybe Anvil has some, but Branch Water is a good tip.

15, but as I recall there was a third option not on the list. Think it may have been a 12 that was cheaper. The 15 was great but I believe it was 60 bucks. The 20 was 80. (may have been 40 and 60, don't remember exactly).

I will say that if any of you go to Branch Water Tavern I highly recommend the sticky toffee pudding dessert. The fiancé and I both agree it's the best dessert we've had.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: strosrays on December 04, 2011, 06:50:52 am
The low end. Jack generally tastes like watered down bourbon.

I used to think your weird sexual obsession with Nancy Grace was the most fucked-up thing about you; but now I am starting to seriously wonder.

Just how much high-end, hoity-toity scotch-cum-bourbon do you have to slam down to make yourself want to dive headlong into this (http://yeeeah.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nancy-grace-nip-slip.jpg)?
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: GreatBagwellsBeard on December 04, 2011, 08:29:29 am
Reserve 101 downtown is doing a tasting of this year's batch of Pappy next week. Word on the street is that Pappy has become so acclaimed that they're starting to run low on supply. Get a bottle now if you can.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: HudsonHawk on December 04, 2011, 10:55:08 am
I used to think your weird sexual obsession with Nancy Grace was the most fucked-up thing about you; but now I am starting to seriously wonder.

Just how much high-end, hoity-toity scotch-cum-bourbon do you have to slam down to make yourself want to dive headlong into this (http://yeeeah.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nancy-grace-nip-slip.jpg)?

That's a lot of woman.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: austro on December 04, 2011, 11:59:09 am
That's a lot of woman.

It's a lot of something.
Title: Re: Cheap Scotch
Post by: Limey on December 04, 2011, 02:30:21 pm
That's a lot of woman. Whataburger

FIFY