Cheap Scotch

[Ebby Calvin]

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?

[HudsonHawk]

Auchentoshan. It's Lowland single malt. About 30 skins. It ain't half bad.

[VirtualBob]

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.

[Taras Bulba]

A friend of mine likes Grant's for everyday drinking.

[juliogotay]

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.

[headhunter]

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/

[VirtualBob]

A friend of mine likes Grant's for everyday drinking.

... which, of course, is just a blend based on Glen Fiddich

[VirtualBob]

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.

[VirtualBob]

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.

[juliogotay]

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?

[Ebby Calvin]

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.

[HudsonHawk]

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.

[Bench]

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.

[jwhudson]

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.

[BizidyDizidy]

Any liquor is fine for low carb - tequila no better than scotch. The carbs were all turned to alcohol.

[juliogotay]

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.

[Bench]

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. 

[Taras Bulba]

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.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

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.

[BizidyDizidy]

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).

[Bench]

You forgot big honking steaks and red wine (in moderation).

But I draw the line at Michelob Ultra.

[BizidyDizidy]

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.

[Duke]

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?

[chuck]

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.

[HudsonHawk]

So where does Tennessee sour mash sippin whiskey fit in?

The low end. Jack generally tastes like watered down bourbon.

[ybbodeus]

You forgot big honking steaks and red wine (in moderation).

But I draw the line at Michelob Ultra.

What, Lowenbrau has been replaced?!

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Never ... worse than Cutty Sark.

I drank Cutty Sark once, then didn't drink Scotch again for 30 years.

[OregonStrosFan]

Herradura Anejo very nice.

I like the Reposado, but yes, Herradura is a quality tequila choice!

[VirtualBob]

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]

[Limey]

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.

[Limey]

Scotch, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, cheese and bacon.  That's a diet I can support. 

That's every night at Griff's.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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. 

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Vodka.

Tito's!

[Bench]

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."

[hostros7]

That's every night at Griff's.

The jello shots for dessert though really fuck your diet.

[Ebby Calvin]

This reminds me, I have a (small) wedding gift for you.

Bacon?

[Ebby Calvin]

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.

[hostros7]

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)

[WakePhil]

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).

[hostros7]

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.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Sometimes I want the Irish variety and I don't mind sipping on Bushmills at all, it's not too pricey.

[WakePhil]

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.

[strosrays]

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?

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

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.

[HudsonHawk]

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?

That's a lot of woman.

[austro]

That's a lot of woman.

It's a lot of something.

[Limey]

That's a lot of woman. Whataburger

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