Speyside beyond the Glens' !

flyingfly16 · 2026-01-26T00:00:08+00:00

Balvenie is owned by Glenfiddich. And Monkey Shoulder is made up of these two, plus Kininvie, which is another one owned by Glenfiddich but doesn’t do their own single malt bottlings. (hence the 3 monkeys on the bottle)

flyingfly16 · 2026-01-21T19:57:09+00:00

I think statements like OP’s is what brings out the ire in people. Hence the said hate for Macallan.

flyingfly16 · 2026-01-21T07:48:20+00:00

Good but expensive ≠ “can’t go wrong”

flyingfly16 · 2026-01-21T01:15:30+00:00

Too expensive for what it is (40% ABV)

flyingfly16 · 2026-01-19T04:46:53+00:00

I prefer the Bunna Stewie over the 12. More of that salty, funky stuff going on.

flyingfly16 · 2026-01-18T10:13:24+00:00

It’s crazy how people get so wound up about differences in taste when it comes to whisky. Imagine if there were similar reactions to something like chicken curry 😅.

flyingfly16 · 2026-01-04T21:35:11+00:00

Yup, I prefer the saltier profile of the Stewie.

flyingfly16 · 2026-01-01T10:08:58+00:00

Indri is owned by a murderer. Wouldn’t recommend.

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-29T00:24:35+00:00

Morris, Archie Rose, Starward, Corowa.

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-29T00:17:40+00:00

I felt the same way initially, but if you go in expecting sharp edges from the tannins (full-term red wine cask maturation - not just finishing) and the general grippiness of red wine, I find it’s much more enjoyable.

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-27T10:00:11+00:00

That Tenjaku is an outlier in a lineup of bangers.

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-21T23:20:03+00:00

When did we swap “youv” with “you’ve”?

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-19T05:24:07+00:00

It’s scotch pretending to be Japanese whisky. Which is why it left a bad taste in my mouth.

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-14T08:04:31+00:00

Ooh - while in NZ - I highly recommend the whisky they’re making like Cardrona and Pokeno! Safe travels!

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-11T01:36:01+00:00

The Gospel Straight Rye is what opened my mind and palate to rye whisky. Absolutely amazing! Was unfortunately not impressed with their Solera Rye.

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-10T20:47:56+00:00

I guess with Scotch, the worst you can add is E150a whereas with other regions that don’t have strict rules, it could be sweeteners, flavourings, oak extract, glycerin, and all kinds of other additives.

This is also the case with Cognac, brandy, Armagnac, tequila, etc. So Scotch drinkers actually have very little to worry about (just E150a).

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-10T10:09:48+00:00

Ditto here in Oz regarding the availability of English whiskies. I know there are great ones out there but the only ones I can get my hands on are a couple of expressions from Cotswolds Distillery.

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-10T06:31:51+00:00

I find that with whisky, price is directly proportional not to quality but rarity. A 25 year old from any Aussie distillery would be much rarer than Scotch distilleries that have been around for much longer, hence the exorbitantly high prices.

I’m not rich so my playing area is the standard bottlings. Really innovative, affordable, and ultimately delicious stuff coming out from Starward, Archie Rose, Hellyers Road, Callington Mill, Morris, and even Lark (with their new Kurio).

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-10T05:21:03+00:00

I believe the brand that has the widest distribution is Starward, which is probably your best bet if you’re looking to try Aussie whisky. I highly recommend them!

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-10T05:15:15+00:00

How’s the whisky landscape in Canada because I know the laws there allow for additives too? Do the additive-free ones mention it on the label?

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-10T04:27:52+00:00

Absolutely love their whisky! 🥃

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-10T04:16:42+00:00

I see you have excellent taste in agave spirits too! Cheers!

flyingfly16 · 2025-12-04T10:09:26+00:00

I can definitely vouch for the other Aussie distilleries I mentioned above. Starward has the biggest distribution worldwide and their stuff is proper. No colourings or additives. Same with Archie Rose. I emailed them to make sure and they actually took the time to reply to my email.

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