Malty versus Blend (honest) (Full Version)

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guitarbuddha -> Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 27 2008 8:03:33)

Hi everyone and Merry christmas.

But already the new year seems close. In scotland that means that it is time for .........more alcohol,, much more.

New here is a question for everyone ( and, as a fellow Scot, maybe to Ron in particular).

For me a malt whisky is a special thing. Now I don't like them all but those which I love I feel really need my attention. They really suit the American term ' Sippin' Whiskey '. The flavours are intense and unique, but somehow they can easily pass you. So you really need to be paying attention to appreciate them. For me they are best enjoyed on their own alone or with intimate company. At the end of a party in a moment of group reflection and calm ( just before everyone falls over ) then one, or at the very most two, fine malts (in measures sensable enough to encourage you to savour them) can be a very fine thing and at least if not everyone enjoys a malt at this point they tend to have the grace to shut up about it.

That being said during the main body of the party I like to drink wine. Wine not too expensive not too subtle but not too poor. But as I branch out I start to see that there can be something really fine about a beer. I have even discovered that beer can be (when produced with intergrity) EXCELLENT a possibility which I had simply not considered. I now really appreciate bavarian wheat beer (I love Wienhenstepan ) and yet though I know it is fine indeed feel no sense of improprietry as I guzzle it.

At a push though if I start to feel bloated, or the beer is bland, or we run out of wine, there is the possibility of having a blended whisky. Now what is a blended whisky of not two or more inferior malts which did not have the character to 'go it alone' ? Well ....... certainly a blend can be BAD which is never a good thing but also there can be selections which (served with just a spot of water and absolutely no ice) really enjoyable. Certainly they don't often warrant the rapt attention that say a ten year old Ardbeg deserves but that is not to say that they cannot be a fine fine drink which will occasionally grasp your attention.


So THERE IS (in my humble opioion) a time for a malt and a time for a blend. I can think of nothing worse than sitting watching strangers guzzle my fine malts without paying the least bit of attention.

Now there comes the final point. What about the introduction of .................................................................................................................................................... a carbonated mixer. Well here I feel I become much less reasonable. Soda water has never been to my taste but I respect that there may be some value in it. However Irn Bru (local Scottish strong tasting caffeinated spicy gingery ultra sugar drink) must be strongly discouraged in all but the very youngest of whisky beginners. Finally there is Coca Cola the all encompassing seductive corporate american world conquering flavour standard.

If anyone at a party of mine is seen pouring coca cola into a spirit which is not clear then let me tell you .............there will be consequences.

D



gj Michelob -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 27 2008 9:00:54)

Interesting subject, Guitarbuddha, in the Season’s “Spirit”;
it does tie-in with flamenco and music if one were to ask what is it you “sip” while you listen to your favorite music?

After a few years of dedicated tasting of fine malts, I took a rather proletarian turn and now enjoy a “Jack Daniels” on a few rocks, while I listen to solo guitar such as Tomatito’s “Porque Tu Lo Vales” [Aguadulce] or Amigo’s “Morente” sitting by the fire place (and become immediately eager to pick up my guitar). ’hate blends, just because, I suppose.

At dinner, it ought to be red wine for me, and strictly form Cally if I have my choice and way. But also a fine glass of Cabernet will go well with Ricardo’s “Madera Sonora” or Nunez’ “Jucal”. Beer is a healthy and nutritious choice, I often replace dinner with. I associate a good German brew with Paco de Lucia, although I am very fond of Chin Tao, the ever so lightly spiced Chinese beer, originally established by a German colony dating back before the two WW. This fine libation, however, I associate with Diego el Cigala, for no rational reason but the simple fact I had one in my hand when I first listened to El Cigala.

On coca cola mixed with spirit, please have mercy, but I must confess that when I rarely –nowadays - find myself at a party or bar where wine stinks, choice of beer is a watery Bud, and all are getting stoned on well stirred Martinis, I’d rather evoke the high school days in Brighton Beach, when I would send a friend “of age” to the club’s bar to (unlawfully) get me a “Coke and Rum” and felt really cool. I waste some Jack on a coke, but get to keep my brain functioning well and avoid the many awkward situations alcohol has often rewarded me with.



Ricardo -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 27 2008 10:00:56)

Popular in Spain is tinto verano or tinto limon, red wine mixed with FAnta, clear soda or lemon soda. And also Calemocho, red wine mixed with........sorry guys.....coca cola.[:D]

I am pretty simple, beer in the warm months, red wine in the cold months. White wine, manzanilla or fino anytime, and shots of anything any time any where.[:)] Champagne I try to stay away from if I can help it, but sometimes it is rude to not have at least a glass.



cathulu -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 27 2008 10:50:21)

Well, I love beer, and there are many fine ales, lagers and malts now to choose from. When I was started it was Labatts Blue or Export "Eh" or Molson Canadian out of the old stubby, drinking creekside. Things have changed quite a bit since then with so many wonderful micro brewers. But alas, as I get older my stomach for beer had not matched my taste and I partake now rarely.

So on to wine, and the fun part about that is trying to find a cheap bottle that is punching over its weight. But nowadays I must admit I try and find bottles in the 88 to 91 point range which suits my price range - red in fall and winter and whites in the spring and summer. Rather Cali, why not try Australia and the Barrosa wine region? There are some fine wines coming out of SA and I had a very nice one a couple of nights ago at a party, out of a big magnum. Had to be decanted and was well in the mid 90's me thinks.

And as to old Jack, there are some fine bourbons that you should try - I had one quite recently and it was sublime - can't remember the name unfortunately.

Cheers all!



srshea -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 27 2008 11:36:26)

I’m with you on the malt/blend issue, and I think it’s unfortunate to what extent spirit-snobbery can sometimes rob us of the potential to enjoy a good drink. Sure, single-malts are “better” than blends on all accounts, but they’re really both so different, and each has its own job to perform, so it’s kind of pointless to directly compare them, especially when the result is an outright and wholesale dismissal of blended scotch as inferior.

Bottom line: good booze is good booze; a good beer is better than a bad wine; good bourbon is better than lousy scotch; etc. I have my own tastes and preferences, but on the whole I tend to like it all, so long as it’s the good stuff.

Regarding mixing: eh. I really don’t care for sweetness in alcohol and even tend to shy away from the stuff that’s already sweet on its own without the addition of additional fluids. So, straight-up for me.

I recently got in touch with an old friend who has gotten into wine making. I helped him out with his most recent syrah project, assisting with the sorting, de-stemming, pressing and such. It was a really interesting and enjoyable hands-on experience, and renewed my interest in wine after a summer of beer drinking. What was really cool was that shortly after this I bought a bottle syrah and I could immediately recognize so many of the specific aromatic and taste-related qualities from having just worked with the same grape. An interesting exercise in experiential learning.



Ron.M -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 27 2008 12:29:02)

Hi GB!
A happy new year tae ye min!

I'm not a whisky drinker, but I spent a couple of years in my early life sharing a student flat with a friend from Glencoe who introduced me to the various Highland single malts.

IMO they are never to be drunk as a "chaser" to a beer, or with a "mixer" of any kind but a few drops of water upon the freshly poured glass definitely releases the perfume of the Highland hills and heather.

It is best drunk slowly from stone cold sober and savoured in good company in the late evening, with a good fire in the hearth.

That way it charges the soul, stimulates the memory, relaxes the brain and loosens the tongue for stories of past human struggles, failures, successes and philosophies....

(It's definitely not a "night club" drink or something to glug back as a lunchtime "quickie"......Costs too much for a start![:D])

cheers,

Ron



sam_m -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 27 2008 13:39:39)

Hoosetgahn! If only there was an off-topic section, eh? [;)]

I don't tend to have a preference regarding blend/malt, but I tend to favour the smoother ones - the nicest I can remember is a blend my brother brought back for me for a birthday.

The other night I tried a Welsh whiskey with a mate - I didn't even know the Welsh made whiskey! Was pretty harsh but in a strangely enjoyable warm sort of way - kind of like ginger is, but whiskey flavoured, if that makes sense. Can't remember the name but it was very nice.

[8D]



Exitao -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 27 2008 17:58:23)

I think the blends are great for people who like ice in their drinks.

I've never seen a man in a bar ask for a scotch whiskey and a side of water. It's either on the rocks or neat.

If you don't know how to appreciate it, don't waste money on a "fine" anything, you'll be just as happy drinking your wine from a box or your blended whiskey as you would the expensive stuff. No point wasting money to impress people who likely know as little as you do, or looking stupid to or pissing off the people who do know.

BTW:
How much would a bottle of Talisker (60oz?) cost in Scotland? I was in a liquor store the other day and they wanted $75 CAD, IRC.

And while we're on the topic of Scotland, WTF is a "naif"? (e.g. "What? That wee naif?")

P.S.
How much would it cost me to get one of you guys to ship me a case of Irn Bru? The only place I know around here charges over $2 for a can and it's more addictive than crack.



Ron.M -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 28 2008 5:58:10)

quote:

And while we're on the topic of Scotland, WTF is a "naif"? (e.g. "What? That wee naif?")


Hi Exitao,
Pronounced "nyaff" (or "ñaff" [:D]) I've heard it used in a few contexts, the main one being somebody who has a jumped-up sense of self-importance, but is clearly a "tit" to everybody else. Practically every workplace has one. [:D]

The main cost of spirits in the UK is tax, the cost of production + profit being small in comparison, so the cost in the International market would vary greatly I would think, the final cost being dependent on the level of tax each country imposes. Whether you imported it or bought it retail, this tax would still be payable.

In Scotland it is traditional to have a small jug of water on the bar for adding to the whisky, although younger folk will often have mixers and cocktails made with the less expensive blends and with ice, especially in clubs/discos etc.
"Southern Comfort" is also popular, or at least was when I was young.

To be honest, I've never tasted a bad blend in Scotland. Some, of course are better than others, or have different characteristics such as "smoothness" or "peaty-ness" etc.
Irish whiskey (spelt with an "e") is also highly rated.
I had a taste of some foreign made whisky that someone brought back from Thailand or somewhere and it was absolutely disgusting. Best avoided.

Irn Bru is that indescribable soft drink which is loved by kids and adults alike (who drink it as a "hangover" cure!)
It's quite expensive to buy in cans, but a lot cheaper to buy in 2 and 5 litre plastic bottles, so look around for a Canadian importer of those.
Again, watch out for duty payable if you import it.

cheers,

Ron



guitarbuddha -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 28 2008 6:33:06)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sam_m

Hoosetgahn! If only there was an off-topic section, eh? [;)]




Oops, never thought of that. But in my defence there was already a thread about the advisability of blends and mixes in the general section so I kind of though that this was the appropriate position.


I am glad to see that we all seems to be as enthuiastic about alcohol as one might reasonably expect from a raggle taggle gaggle of musicians. .


Thanks to all who shared reminisences and experiences, warmed my heart and certainly brought my mind back to that time when I too enjoyed a generic cola from a gun in an Airdrie bar to tone down the double vodka I was legally not entitled to drink. OK maybe they went on too long, but they were happy happy days (sigh).


The very very happiest of new years to all you guys.

D.



gj Michelob -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 28 2008 7:16:35)

off-topic, general or other... this is a thread that -as it did- arouses the interest of flamencos, which after all, along with cante, baile, palmas y guitarra, also Vino y Cervezas [y cigarros] are too integral parts of its mood and culture.

How many here continue to indulge in the vile vice of smoking? I unashamedly do and cherish those black&white shorts of flamencos with cigarttes burning on ashtrays next to wine bottles... unquestionably an obsolete and unhealthy romance, you do not have to scold me for my reproachable endorsement, however yet nostalgic of the ways of was raised.

There is indeed more than spruce and cypress to flamenco, and this thread reminds us of one of its many ingridients: real life !!



Guest -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 28 2008 9:46:06)

Hola Ron

I am not a whisky drinker either but I always like to have a bottle of whiskey in my house for visitors, preferably Black Bush or Jameson Redbreast. If I can't find them, I have Macallans, which is not bad

Here is a great recipe: in Ireland we use Powers, but in Scotland a good blend would do: a good shot of whisk(e)y, a spoonful of honey, a few (4 or 5 cloves) recently boiled water to taste. Leave the honey spoon in the glass, so that it does not crack with the hot water. Some people add a slice of lemon. Stir and sip. Cures colds. (If not, have another one and forget the cold!)

Suerte

Sean



Ron.M -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 28 2008 12:51:23)

quote:

Here is a great recipe: in Ireland we use Powers, but in Scotland a good blend would do: a good shot of whisk(e)y, a spoonful of honey, a few (4 or 5 cloves) recently boiled water to taste. Leave the honey spoon in the glass, so that it does not crack with the hot water. Some people add a slice of lemon. Stir and sip. Cures colds. (If not, have another one and forget the cold!)


Hi Sean,
Exactly the same here in Scotland!
We call it a "Hot Toddy" and it's a cure-all for seriously feeling unwell.

About 10 years ago I got viral pneumonia just out of nowhere.
It left me in my bed for about 6 weeks just dozing between wakefulness and sleep, on antibiotics and not wanting anything to eat. (I lost 14 pounds)
I couldn't have cared less if I had died.
UNTIL I was given a Hot Toddy!
In minutes my spirits picked up and I felt hungry and scoffed some grub and slowly was on the path to recovery!

Ah...there's no cures like the old cures! [:D]

(Ya hearing me Ramzi?...[:D])

cheers,

Ron



Exitao -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Dec. 28 2008 18:26:00)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ron.M

quote:

And while we're on the topic of Scotland, WTF is a "naif"? (e.g. "What? That wee naif?")


Hi Exitao,
Pronounced "nyaff" (or "ñaff" [:D]) I've heard it used in a few contexts, the main one being somebody who has a jumped-up sense of self-importance, but is clearly a "tit" to everybody else. Practically every workplace has one. [:D]

The main cost of spirits in the UK is tax, the cost of production + profit being small in comparison, so the cost in the International market would vary greatly I would think, the final cost being dependent on the level of tax each country imposes. Whether you imported it or bought it retail, this tax would still be payable.

In Scotland it is traditional to have a small jug of water on the bar for adding to the whisky, although younger folk will often have mixers and cocktails made with the less expensive blends and with ice, especially in clubs/discos etc.
"Southern Comfort" is also popular, or at least was when I was young.

To be honest, I've never tasted a bad blend in Scotland. Some, of course are better than others, or have different characteristics such as "smoothness" or "peaty-ness" etc.
Irish whiskey (spelt with an "e") is also highly rated.
I had a taste of some foreign made whisky that someone brought back from Thailand or somewhere and it was absolutely disgusting. Best avoided.

Irn Bru is that indescribable soft drink which is loved by kids and adults alike (who drink it as a "hangover" cure!)
It's quite expensive to buy in cans, but a lot cheaper to buy in 2 and 5 litre plastic bottles, so look around for a Canadian importer of those.
Again, watch out for duty payable if you import it.

cheers,

Ron


Thanks for the pronunciation guide and explanation. I've read most of Ian Rank's books and that was the only thing I didn't understand. I imagine that's because he writes in English for the most part ;-)


I went to a local "Highland Games" in the summer (people trying not to lose all sense of culture in a land where white European culture is the only culture that isn't vigorously safeguarded) and the concessions all had Irn Bru. I had my first sip and I thought, "Oh no, this is bad" because knew I was addicted. I think it might be the quinine, because it's something I'd never tasted before.


Hot Toddies have made it over here. I remember having tasted one as a child. But I doubt many people would know how to make one off hand. I'd have to ask someone's grandma... or Google. Google is very wise.



Pgh_flamenco -> RE: Malty versus Blend (honest) (Jan. 3 2009 20:56:11)

A friend of mine, who loves all things Scottish, travelled to Scotland two or three times a year and each time returned with as many bottles of Scotch as he was allowed to carry into the USA. Around the third week of January he would have a party in honor of Robert Burns—this included a bagpiper, people wearing kilts, haggis with neeps and tatties and of course the whiskey he personally imported. I don’t drink spirits but I tasted about a half dozen of these different types of whiskey over the years out of at least thirty different brands. The most memorable was the unfiltered Scotch which smelled worse than it tasted. I’ll take a Belhaven over this stuff any day of the week.

If I told him how many Scots were on this forum he’d probably take up Flamenco guitar.



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