I haven't gotten in to the Canadian whiskies. No real reason, just haven't tried that branch just yet. All I know about them is that they will typically have a good bit of rye in them without going so far as to be called 'rye' by American standards, i.e. 51% of mash bill being rye. How do you like it?

What are you drinking/tasting right now? Infinity bottle pro or con? I was given a bottle of Blue Note 9 year Bourbon yesterday by a friend. Very nice, very smooth. It will get in to my rotation if I can find it. I'm undecided with infinity bottles, because... I normally drink each bottle dry...

What are you drinking/tasting right now? Infinity bottle pro or con? I was given a bottle of Blue Note 9 year Bourbon yesterday by a friend. Very nice, very smooth. It will get in to my rotation if I can find it. I'm undecided with infinity bottles, because... I normally drink each bottle dry...

Captain Morgan and sprite

Infinity bottles can be a lot of fun! It doubles as a master list of the bottles you have had, is a great talking piece for people looking at your whiskey collection, and while it probably won't taste like a master blend, the flavor constantly is changing. I'm enjoying a Russell's Reserve 10yr Bourbon these days. Priced right, easy to find, and pretty tasty.

You make Kentucky Jesus cry when you drink Capitan Morgan...

Anyone aver had Boondocks 11 year? It is very smooth. My favorite Bourbon that I've come across so far.

I haven't tried that one yet... I don't think I've seen the bottle. Might not be available here in Alabama. I'll ask my local dealer

What are you drinking/tasting right now? Infinity bottle pro or con? I was given a bottle of Blue Note 9 year Bourbon yesterday by a friend. Very nice, very smooth. It will get in to my rotation if I can find it. I'm undecided with infinity bottles, because... I normally drink each bottle dry...

So I hadn't heard of the infinity bottle trend before reading your post, I think I'm going to try to start one of my own now!

What are you drinking/tasting right now?

I am so uneducated about this subject.

Just got a bottle of this from an airport, my favorite Scotch of the relatively affordable ones. Lagavulin 16.

Lagavulin Distillers Edition is my all time fav. 16yr is close 2nd. I also have the GOT edition, 12, 10, & 8 yr on standby. Other favorites include Post Askaig, Ileach, and similar Islay peated smoky drams. Not excluding others in the bar from Japanese to American selections, including unusual gift from Finland, Australia, France, and even Cambodia

Teach me Master!

If you are new to whisky and want to dip in gently, I'd recommend something nice and friendly to drink post-meal. Depending on your preference, whether you like sweeter, floral, fruity, sweet, smoky, peaty, etc. then I hope to point you in the right direction. While I know there are high end, collector's whiskies, my wallet says otherwise and dropping $10k on a bottle is too rich for me, so I stick to ones that I've tried and enjoyed over the years, especially on special occasions and every day alive and well is a special day right? Here is a primer: https://www.whisky.com/in[...]nners.html Anyway, you can't go wrong with Scotch IMHO. Japanese whiskies are great too but due to the current popularity spike it has caused the prices to match and supplies are dwindling. The main differences between the two are character (taste profile, alcohol content, etc.) and finish (how long the aroma and flavours remain on your palate). This is all very personal and subjective. Many bottle shops will do product launches and offer free or paid samples for you to see the spectrum. It's quite fascinating to see how inventive and creative man have become in deriving tasty and safe drinks years ago. Anyway, if you have a chance go for a taster, a show or launch. Pre-covid there used to be an international roadshow where all the brands are showcased and you can pick up a bottle or two after trying them. If are unsure, I'd recommend a Glenfiddich 15 ~ 21 to start. If you prefer sweeter look for something that has been in a Jimenez Sherry cask. The deeper colour is a sign that it's been through that but not always, but the flavour will. Enjoy the journey grasshopper :)

Agree with Vince. I have people start with something that is good, not to expensive, and they can easily find. Like a Makers Mark, or Bushmills, Jonny Walker. Whiskey is something that you have to acquire a taste for. Mainly because you need to get used to the initial alcohol taste/feeling before you can actually enjoy the spirit. You want to stay away from really cheap stuff, because you won't get the flavors and mouthfeel that you get from the good stuff. Don't worry about whisky 'type' at the beginning. It really doesn't matter if it is Scotch, Bourbon, Canadian, Irish, or whatever. Just pick good quality. Just being honest... Your first bottles will be you learning how to drink it. Try it first with a little bit of water and with some ice. Don't just start drinking it straight. If you find that you like the taste, and you want more intensity, reduce the amount of water, then ice until you get to neat. You will find that there is hot debate on 'how' to drink. Just find the way that works for you. After you find you can drink it and can really experience it, then start branching out in to the different types to find what you like best. I like Bourbons and Ryes myself. I will also drink Scotch if I can find something that is good, but not so expensive that my wife will yell at me. Very personally, I like to drink Bourbon neat, but I drink Scotch with just a few drops of water. Scotch tends to be more subtle than Bourbon, and I like to 'open' it up with a drop or two of water.

My problem is when I was younger I was only drinking for the effect and now I drink for the taste and experience not the buzz. As a matter of fact, when I drink I try to make it so I get as little a buzz a possible. Very slow and moderate with the intention of enjoying the process. I was never taught to drink like a man. (grew up without a paternal example) I find that there is so much more to spirits and consuming them than just getting buzzed. It's great