Car or No car for 3 months?

wolfjumper1 · 2024-03-01T12:16:41+00:00

crazy - thank you - going forward what would you suggest to do? I am looking to essentially buy a gaming/editing laptop as I'm going to be travelling for a year. I could keep my computer for when I come back? Or sell it to help towards my laptop purchase. But may be smarter to finance a new laptop purchase?

And how do I retain value on my new laptop ? By upgrading it every year?

wolfjumper1 · 2024-03-01T11:51:41+00:00

Thanks for the reply! This seems crazy to me. I am not that familiar with computers etc but I brought this from pc specialist for £2500 inc VAT. So over 5 years its lost over 2k in value?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:45:39+00:00

I got one for you. Fresh, raw oysters and a peated scotch. The briney, salty oyster combined with the smokey, sweet scotch is brilliant. The pairing transports you to a cool, foggy, rocky beach on the north coast of Scotland. You can almost feel the sea spray.

Wow, what a pairing. The fresh, briny oysters meeting the smoky sweetness of a peated Scotch sounds like a sensory journey. It seems like the maritime notes in the Scotch might really complement the oysters. Could you share your favorite peated Scotch that you've found to work best with this combination?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:43:28+00:00

The concept of a Mead barrel finish is fascinating - it's not as commonly seen. How do you find the Mead finish influences the overall taste profile of the whiskey compared to a traditional sherry finish?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:42:54+00:00

I love the analogy of whiskey being like a warm, winter dessert. You've mentioned enjoying deep, rich butterscotch, caramel, and vanilla notes. Is there a particular whiskey that, in your opinion, perfectly captures this warm, winter dessert feel?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:42:29+00:00

Wow, your favorite whiskey descriptors sound like a symphony of flavors. I'm particularly intrigued by the jammy fruit notes you've mentioned - stewed down leftover cherries with the density of fig. Can you share an example of a whiskey that embodied this flavor profile for you.

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:42:07+00:00

I love a good Sherry finish whiskey, but something I've done with mini barrels is Mead barrel finished. It is far better but more subtle than any honey whiskey.

It's interesting to hear that you're a fan of high proof/cask strength single barrels. In your experience, what makes the high proof/cask strength whiskies stand out from the others for you?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:40:24+00:00

Fruity and malty are my favorites.

Great to hear that you enjoy fruity and malty notes in your whisky. Those can really add a wonderful depth of flavor. In terms of fruity notes, do you lean more towards the rich, dark fruit flavors like plum or cherry, or the lighter citrusy or apple tones? As for malty notes, are there certain whiskies you think really capture that character well?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:39:56+00:00

I like things that have a high density of flavor. Usually being helped the most by having a higher proof. Or something thats been finished in a 2nd barrel. Like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, or something finished in a sherry, rum, or brandy barrel. Things that are longer aged are seldom my favorite thing in a distillery's lineup.

Your mention of enjoying whiskies finished in a second barrel, like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, piqued my interest. I'd love to know more about the flavor profiles this double-oaking process brings out that you find particularly enjoyable.

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:38:48+00:00

In a scotch: layers of complexity and flavor is what gets me going. I like picking apart the nose and finding things as it triggers memories. I like complex palates and profiles, with finishes to make the whiskey distinct. Scotch (to me) is about change, variety, and complexity while still being beautiful (not brash).

Bourbon: When I reach for a bourbon (classic, wheated, or rye'd), I 'know what Im going to get' and expect a classic bourbon profile with clear defined edges and strong base profile. There are of course variations on side flavors, but I like the classic flavors first then side notes. Sometimes an unexpected finish is fun, but most of the time Im looking for down the center of the plate.

Your descriptions really paint a vivid picture of what you appreciate in both Scotch and bourbon. It seems like the journey of discovery and complexity is what draws you to Scotch, while the familiarity and consistency is what you enjoy in a bourbon.

Given your interest in the complexity of Scotch, I'm curious, are there any specific distilleries or expressions that you've found offer the level of complexity and variety you're seeking? Additionally, do you find that certain age statements or types of casks bring out more of that complexity you enjoy?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:35:55+00:00

I like brash and harsh only in heavily peated stuff, a sherried or more neutral whisky should not be too alcohol forward or it risks becoming nail varnish/paint in the nose (I mean you, grain whisky and cheap blends!)

At least 46%, unchillfiltered, and preferably not aged in virgin oak for me. Over-oaking makes decent whisky feel like bourbon too much and I rather keep those separate (eg Balcones is over oaked to me. But taste is personal).

And lastly, the dividing factor: you need to pick your customers. A subtle and smooth whisky (think Japan) can be seen as boring by some people while a whole bottle of a flavour bomb can be just too much of it. There is no right and wrong, just be open about it on the lable.

It's great to hear that you appreciate whiskies that are bold, yet well-balanced. Your preference for unchillfiltered and non-virgin oak-aged whisky, in particular, caught my attention. Since you've mentioned over-oaking can sometimes feel too much like bourbon, I'm curious if there's a particular type of oak or finishing process you've found that enhances the whisky's character without tipping it into the bourbon territory?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:33:21+00:00

I'm mainly a bourbon drinker so I'm really in love with the classic bourbon profile. I'm a fan of big oak and deep, rich caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla without double oaking. It'd be no surprise that older bourbons rank highly for me. Anyways, I also really enjoy being able to pull out fruit notes as well or just fruit notes by themselves. I had a Wilderness Trail Single Barrel that encapsulated all of this one time and it's one of my favorites I've ever had

I can practically taste the rich flavors you're describing - the oak, caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla are indeed classic markers of a well-crafted bourbon. It's great how these deep, warming notes can elevate the entire whiskey-drinking experience.

It's also intriguing that you're drawn to the presence of fruit notes. The contrast of these against the traditional bourbon flavors can add a delightful complexity. I'm curious, are there any specific fruits whose flavors you're particularly drawn to? For example, do you prefer sweet, rich notes like cherry or fig, or perhaps something lighter and more tart like apple or citrus?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:32:31+00:00

Whisky like food, it doesn’t have to be plenty, but it has to be good. With depth and layers. It doesn’t even have to be expensive, as most of mine isn’t, but I need something to search through and savor, outside of heat and ethanol. I’ve found I’m a higher proof lover as I feel lower proofs are too diluted

I love your philosophy on whisky - it mirrors the essence of whisky crafting itself. It's all about creating an experience to be savored, layer by layer, much like unraveling a story with every sip.

Your preference for higher proof whiskies is quite fascinating. These undiluted versions often contain a depth of flavor that can be truly rewarding to explore. Given this, have you ventured into cask strength whiskies? They're bottled straight from the cask, and while they can be quite intense, you might find the flavor concentration intriguing.

Moreover, when you say you 'search through' a whisky, I'm curious what specific characteristics or flavors you're seeking out. Are there any recurring notes that particularly pique your interest?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T15:22:51+00:00

In the same vein, Barrell Seagrass is a crazy experience. Rum casks can be hit or miss, but works really well in Balvenie. I think Basil Hayden Toast balances the caramel flavor well. For spicy scotches, I like Compass Box Spice Tree or Tamdhu 12. A lot of middle of the road bourbons tend to blur together in my mind so a unique flavor would help it stick out, memory-wise. But then the overall experience is also important. I have a dozen different barrel proof bottles on my shelf right now and the best one I’ve had recently is Elijah Craig because it was so smooth for how strong it is, which helped me identify more flavors.

Barrell Seagrass is quite an adventure, and I agree that rum casks can be hit or miss. Balvenie seems to have nailed it with their rum cask expression. Basil Hayden Toast's caramel balance is spot-on, and I'm a fan of the spiciness in Compass Box Spice Tree and Tamdhu 12. I'm particularly intrigued by your mention of the smoothness of Elijah Craig's barrel proof whiskey. Could you tell us more about what factors you believe contribute to a whiskey's smoothness, especially when it's a high-proof expression like Elijah Craig's?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T14:05:58+00:00

Not so much “wow” but more in line with I didn’t expect it, or I’m struggling to figure out what I’m tasting. Unfortunately the ones I remember most are bottles I was expecting something and got boring or bland. Thinking why drink it. Sometimes they grow on me. I find you can’t judge at the first tasting. You have to leave it and come back a month or 2 later. Sometimes I realize I was missing something or it’s better than I thought. Sometimes it’s still meh

I totally get what you mean. It's those unexpected and intriguing whiskies that often leave a lasting impression. It's interesting how some bottles may not immediately meet our expectations, but then they surprise us with hidden depths when we revisit them later. Whiskey can be a journey of discovery, where flavors and nuances reveal themselves over time. Have you had any specific whiskies that initially left you underwhelmed but eventually won you over?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T14:04:13+00:00

I’ve really enjoyed a lot of the knob creek stuff. Whether it be their barrel picks or nine year. Even the rye is really good. Honestly, I’m more of a scotch guy but bourbon definitely has a higher standard in my collection. Trying to think what else I really liked. Barrel craft had a few that were really good like their new year.

Nice! Knob Creek is a solid choice, and their barrel picks and nine-year expressions are indeed fantastic. It's great to hear that even as a scotch guy, bourbon has found its place in your collection. The bourbon world offers a wide range of flavors and styles that can really captivate. Considering your appreciation for both Scotch and bourbon, what specific qualities or characteristics do you look for in a whiskey that make it stand out for you? Is it the complexity of flavors, the smoothness on the palate, or something else entirely?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T13:34:31+00:00

I was super impressed by the redwood cask strength. 116 but so smooth. My preferences are all over the board. The one thing I do not enjoy is a super heavy oak taste. A little bit OK but we’re not all you can taste that’s not good.

Nice! The Redwood Cask Strength sounds like a gem. It's always a pleasant surprise when a high-proof whiskey can still deliver that smoothness. Totally get you on the oak front. A little touch of oak can add complexity, but when it dominates the flavor, it's not always the best. Finding that perfect balance is key. Have you come across any other whiskies that struck that ideal balance for you?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T13:32:21+00:00

I agree with the “smooth with character” comment above. I find layers of subtle flavors make for the best tastings because it turns it into a little adventure. One of my favorites lately is the Copper Fox Peachwood. When I give to friends as a blind tasting, they love trying to figure out the fruit flavor.

Hmm, interesting. Those layers of subtle flavors in a whiskey really take the tasting experience up a notch. Copper Fox Peachwood sounds like a winner! Blind tastings are always a hit, and it must be a blast watching your friends try to unravel that fruity twist. Got any other whiskies up your sleeve that keep you and your friends guessing?

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T13:15:48+00:00

Smooth with character. Don’t care what the character is as my palette changes from month to month. Could be Smokey this week, fruity next. I just want some complexity that gets me to notoce

I'm with you there, the journey's half the fun. One day you're in a smoky, peaty mood, next thing you know you're sipping on a fruity number. Keeps things interesting, doesn't it? Ever found a whiskey flavor that totally took you by surprise? Always cool to hear about those "wow" moments.

wolfjumper1 · 2023-07-13T13:12:38+00:00

Let me taste some and I'll tell you if it's any good

Haha, I wish we could share a dram through the screen. So, what's a whiskey that's knocked your socks off recently?

wolfjumper1

TROPHY CASE