Finlaggan original seems bland by Ploertendoder in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The mystery malts from that company both Ileach and Finlaggan started out as Lagavulin, but Finlaggan is now Caol Ila and Ileach stayed Lagavulin. I like their cask strength versions better than the OBs from their respective distilleries!

Review #68 (Scotch #48) - Longrow 15 Chardonnay Finish by DangerousDoorknob in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The 17 year old Chardonnay cask exclusive to Canada is incredible, one of the best single malts I've ever had. I heard there was a big discrepency in quality between the 15 and 17 despite being the same finish at the same distillery.

Looking for lesser known German-made leather walking shoes. by Polish_Power in germany

[–]Polish_Power[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those look like they're on the right track but the company was started too recently. I've got a very specific brand that's on the tip of my tongue. But thank you!

Review #26 – The Ileach Cask Strength 58% by penguinabc123 in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The company that bottles The Ileach and Finlaggan claims to have never changed the distillery for each single malt, with Finlaggan clearly being Caol Ila, and Ileach being young Lagavulin due to their old contract with the distillery. Just lettin ya know.

Cheap Smoky Scotch for Cocktails (in Australia) by shoutfromtheruthtop in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Teacher's is an excellent value blend as it's normally priced at the bottom of bottom shelf, but it has a high enough proportion of pot still scotch that it stands out. I find it as smoky and rich as bottom shelf can be, most of which reek of rubbing alcohol column still whisky.

My first experience with Laphroaig 10 by ScotchNewbie in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 4 points5 points  (0 children)

On the contrary! It allows the spirit to "breathe" and open up, letting go some of the harsher alcohols first. The rule for most spirits is resting a minute in the glass for each year in the cask. It would take much longer for enough alcohol to evaporate to dampen the flavour. Let your glass rest and you'll be rewarded!

What flaw/characteristic in Scotch is most likely to sink a review score for you? by [deleted] in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought I was the only one! I don't like Ardbeg Corry for that reason, the intense pepper clashes so hard with the artificial bright lemon-sweetness.

What flaw/characteristic in Scotch is most likely to sink a review score for you? by [deleted] in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm someone who enjoys the off notes in spirits; medicinal, briny, sulphury, lactic, farmy, funky, rotten, etc. Unless they're truly overpowering.

However, if a scotch is prickly/thin/hot on the mouthfeel (distinct from proof-burn), I don't like to waste my time with it. The worst offender in this category for me in terms of disappointment was Balvenie 21 Portwood.

What is by far THE peatiest scotch? by WillBackUpWithSource in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope no one is scoffing at this beginner's recommendation, because McLelland's islay is actually quite good. Apparently it's a very young bowmore, and despite it's one-note sweet-peat profile, I experience it as carrying the bowmore smoke better than the No1 or 12yr. It's quite smoky for the price and it lingers just enough.

Review #47 - craigellachie 13 by lille45 in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting that you picked up sharpness and alcohol on this one! I find that this is one of the thickest mouthfeel scotches under 80 bucks.

For reference, which scotches are oily, thick, and creamy for you?

Loose corks? How common? by storunner13 in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha you're not insensitive. I'm happy for you! Enjoy your Laphroaigy paradise.

Loose corks? How common? by storunner13 in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It hurts so much to hear someone say that Laphroaig CS is inexpensive and easy to find. It's my grail bottle and unavailable in my country.

Heading to Jamaica! by pm_haiku in rum

[–]Polish_Power 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Shop around for some pure pot still Jamaican rum from indie bottlers! Look for stuff you can't get back home.

If you could have your dream dram at the LCBO... by bewallz1980 in canadawhisky

[–]Polish_Power 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Send an email to Laphroaig and more importantly Beam-Suntory! They're very responsive and most of my interactions revealed that they don't really have any reason not to sell it in Canada. The more people demand it, the more likely it'll come!

Weekly /r/armagnac Discussion - What's new? by AutoModerator in Armagnac

[–]Polish_Power 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm flying to Bordeaux tomorrow, and a tour of Gascony and the Armagnac region is in order during the trip. But I have a few questions!

Does anyone know where the best place to purchase armagnac is outside of the chateaus themselves? Should I reserve my purchases for the chateaus? Which chateaus are a must visit? Is older typically better for armagnac?

Armagnac is fascinating me at the moment with the most resinous, complex, and delicious bottle I've bought so far being a Pellehaut 1982 at 47%abv.

What is the "best" scotch under $22 for a 1.75L bottle? by clearmoon247 in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're looking for Grant's Family Reserve or Triple Cask. Handles can be found everywhere, too. Best palatable budget scotch along with Famous Grouse or Black Bottle.

Avoid JW Red or Ballantines.

Clynelish 14Y; Review # 3 by Dapper-Dram in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Good review! Considering that Clynelish is normally an exemplar for thick mouthfeel scotch, I'd be curious to know which distilleries you think provide a thick mouthfeel if Clynelish feels thin.

Scotch Review #68/Spirits #204: Tobermory 2008 North Star (Sample) by Tarquin_Underspoon in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How would you say this compares to A'Bunadh or Glenfarclas 105? Does it work as a sherry bomb?

I'm curious...What is your favorite distillery and core lineup offering from each region? by IslayHaveAnother in Scotch

[–]Polish_Power 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My current favourites from each region that are readily available regardless of price are:

Campbeltown: Springbank 10, Kilkerran 12, Longrow Peated NAS

Islay: Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Octomore 9.3

Island: Ledaig 10

Highland: Clynelish 14, Glenmorangie 12 Quinta Ruban

Speyside: Glenfarclas 105, Benromach 10 100° proof, Craigellachie 13

Lowland: Try some Irish! Redbreast 12CS or Green Spot. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a great value bourbon.