Date: June 16th, 2021 12:24 AM Author: big pozpig pit
I've had more expensive scotches, peatier ones, rarer ones, but it just hits a spot unlike any scotch I've ever tasted. It's the most unique scotch I've ever had. I realize it's sort of "played out" amongst scotch snobs because its become ubiquitous (as ubiquitous as $100 bottles of scotches can get) but I don't give a damn it's amazing and it's become popular for a reason.
Date: June 16th, 2021 12:32 AM Author: big pozpig pit
My issue w/ Laphroaig is it's too on the nose. "Eh, you like peat? Here's some peat right up your ass!" Laphroaig to me is an entry into the world of Islay scotches and when I want to be punched in the nose I'll pour myself a dram of it but I find Lagavulin to be so much more interesting and complex while still having that classic peat smoke of a good Islay. It's such a good scotch. As much as I've tried to find something to best it, I can't so far.
I was in the mood for scotch a few months back but I’m a complete noob. Bought the lagavulin 16 on a whim. Was 1800000000 and I’ve been buying only that since.
Date: June 16th, 2021 6:09 PM Author: gunneratttt (gunneratttt)
i went to lagavulin and it was one of the most 180 tastings of all time. i have a lot of connections in the liquor industry, and i buddy set me up with an insiders tour and tasting. i got set up with this really amazing cask tasting and was allowed to valinch the scotch right from the barrel. the tasting was hosted by ian mcarthur, the master distillery and the oldest barrel was 35 years old. when we got that barrel, he filled my glencarin ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP. that's probably like a $500 glass of scotch at that point. one of my favorite whiskey experiences ever.
Date: June 16th, 2021 6:55 PM Author: gunneratttt (gunneratttt)
it was absolutely peak experience. i've had tons of 180 whiskey experiences.
unfortunately it's not something a regular dude can get hooked up with. which is such a shame, because they'd make a ton selling these experiences.
my advice is this: if you buy a lot of whiskey, start patronizing only one store. a store with a strong focus on whiskey that buys lots of single barrels. get in good with the owner or whoever is their "whiskey guy". make sure they see you every time you come in and buy something. this will have a lot of benefits because they will often have "stuff in the back" or other rare items that never hit the shelf that you'll have first crack at. if you're planning on going to some whiskey area, tell them about it. they will probably hook you up. it's really no skin off their back. every time i've done something like this the owner just emails a rep and says "a vip customer of mine is visiting you, can you set them up with a vip/insider tasting?" and the distilleries are happy to accommodate. same thing with wineries and breweries. i just went to napa and my guy set me up with a bunch of free tours that would have cost me thousands otherwise.