Whisky/Whiskey lovers!

[markeb]

8 hours ago, zitsky said:

Has anyone done the Macallan tasting that I think runs $25?  I think it would be over in 5 or 10 minutes tops.  So would it be a good experience?  Maybe I'm better off spending that money on one of the better Macallans available?

 

If this is the one I did on Equinox, it's not the one Bo is describing. If memory serves it was three "no age statement" Macallans (could have been four). It was "OK". I remember, but am not sure about, dried apricots, nuts, etc., to go with the whisky. I enjoyed it, might do it or something similar again, but it definitely could have been much better.

[zitsky]

1 hour ago, markeb said:

 

If this is the one I did on Equinox, it's not the one Bo is describing. If memory serves it was three "no age statement" Macallans (could have been four). It was "OK". I remember, but am not sure about, dried apricots, nuts, etc., to go with the whisky. I enjoyed it, might do it or something similar again, but it definitely could have been much better.

 

Thanks for sharing that.  I ask myself... do the tasting or spend the money on a glass of good Macallan?

[dcbiker97]

I’ve done the Macallan tasting you’ve described. A group of us did it together, which was a lot of fun. I wouldn’t have enjoyed it had it just been me. I would have rather ordered a single malt off the menu with the premium package and enjoyed.  

[Denny01]

Still learning Whiskey’s. Enjoy a nice Irish and trying various Single Malts. I put a few frozen stone cubes and just a touch of water in the glass. But probably should try some of these tastings. It’s kind of fun to work through. 

 

It’s unbelievable the range of tastes. My wife hated whiskeys she’s had but in Dublin, we when on an evening “Literary Pub tour” where we walked to various pubs where Irish writers hung out and actors stepped out as the writers and talked on ‘their’ lives and novels/poetry and we all sat and sobbed into ourIrish beers. My wife told the bartender she wasn’t a beer drinker and so he set her up with “Tullamore Dew” whisky and she loved it! I know it’s not a top-notch whiskey but she loved it’s smoothness and I enjoyed it too. She had it with a bit of ginger ale but enjoyed it straight with a touch of water also. 

 

Den

[Bo1953]

16 hours ago, Mynki said:

 

OK, the first stage is understanding that this is a high risk alternative investment.

Secondly you need to put the work in to choose your investments wisely, obviously...

Thirdly it's easy enough to purchase as many companies will ship to you in the US. You'll just need to investigate shipping and insurance costs as well as any import tariffs that may apply.

 

Finally you just need to find a sales outlet. It can be done privately via specialist FB groups but the dedicated auctions are a lot safer and will attract a lot more interest.

Almost on topic is the fact that Macallan is the most collected whisky in the world with rare examples making silly money, so much so that there are now counterfeit bottles with increased regularity. So take a look at them and what we call 'silent stills', distilleries that ceased production in the past but who's product is highly thought of, and of course they can't produce any more but specialist whisky bars and high end hotels need to replenish their stock. So look out for the likes of Brora, Rosebank and Port Ellen amongst others. 

The big auctions here are all online so no invite or time travelling required etc. 

Give me a day or two and I'll email you some info.  

m - Thank you for the input and thoughts

 

With the estate sales I do look for labels that I Am not familiar with, to start, alas they have been all 'known' standard names here in the US. I have found a few great wines though!

 

I will research and follow auctions in the UK to get a better idea as to what is going on and valued in your part of the world...

 

Much appreciated.

 

cheers and bon voyage

 

 

[mac66]

Having read through all 3 pages I have an alternative. Buy/order the mass marketed stuff they serve on cruise ships and/or bring your own good stuff.  It's not that hard to bring a bottle (in a suitably discrete container) of your favorite on board for special sipping and order the other stuff through your drink package/free elite and above cocktail hours.

 

Alternatively, the last cruise I was on I picked up a couple bottles of Bulliet liters at a good price to be delivered to my cabin the last evening of my cruise or... I could pick it up in the morning of the last day.  Since the last day was the next day, I asked If I could just take it with me now. The guy  looked back and forth, didn't say anything and then brought out 2 liter bottles and pushed them toward me..  We cracked a bottle open that afternoon and enjoyed it for the next two days.

[Blazerboy]

Yep, I'm the lone Bourbon drinker of the five boys in my family- and Woodford, Blanton's, Bulleit, MM, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden all range from basically acceptable to pretty nice.  But every once in a while, I have Jim Beam, and it tastes just like going to Grandma's house.  A taste that I will always remember fondly.

 

Good thing with the shortages talked about.  It may be all I can afford!👍

[zitsky]

Professor in grad school turned me on to Maker's Mark.  Never tried Woodford and I wonder if I would like it.

[Blazerboy]

2 hours ago, zitsky said:

Professor in grad school turned me on to Maker's Mark.  Never tried Woodford and I wonder if I would like it.

Having a glass now to end a hideous week.  I get it at Trader Joe's for a not-awful price.  But it does seem to 'evaporate' at an alarming rate.

[Bo1953]

9 hours ago, zitsky said:

Professor in grad school turned me on to Maker's Mark.  Never tried Woodford and I wonder if I would like it.

Yes, you will... different flavour profile, yet still nice.

 

When aboard, let us know your thoughts unless you cannot wait so long and get a bottle before you sail..

 

Cheers and bon voyage

[Mynki]

On 7/12/2019 at 11:20 AM, Bo1953 said:

m - Thank you for the input and thoughts

 

With the estate sales I do look for labels that I Am not familiar with, to start, alas they have been all 'known' standard names here in the US. I have found a few great wines though!

 

I will research and follow auctions in the UK to get a better idea as to what is going on and valued in your part of the world...

 

Much appreciated.

 

cheers and bon voyage

 

 

You've got mail. Incidentally if you're interested in tasting, check the Youtube videos by Richard Paterson, they're quite entertaining. Just bear in mind he's a Brit with a tongue in cheek sense of humour. 😉

 

Edited July 13, 2019 by Mynki

[Bo1953]

3 minutes ago, Mynki said:

You've got mail. Incidentally if you're interested in tasting, check the Youtube videos by Richard Paterson, they're quite entertaining. 

m - just received it, thank you very much.

 

Will keep you in the loop as to my progress...

 

cheers and bon voyage

[Mynki]

1 minute ago, Bo1953 said:

m - just received it, thank you very much.

 

Will keep you in the loop as to my progress...

 

cheers and bon voyage

 

I'll look forward to hearing about your progress. :) 

[mac66]

21 hours ago, zitsky said:

Professor in grad school turned me on to Maker's Mark.  Never tried Woodford and I wonder if I would like it.

 

Woodford is much better than MM in my opinion. Wild Turkey 101 is also very good. BTW,  Woodford is often for sale on board X at good prices for liter bottles.

Edited July 13, 2019 by mac66

[zitsky]

2 minutes ago, mac66 said:

 

Woodford is much better than MM in my opinion. Wild Turkey 101 is also very good. BTW,  Woodford is often for sale on board at good prices for liter bottles.

 

Thanks.  You can't drink it on board.  You have to take it home, yes?

[mac66]

8 minutes ago, zitsky said:

 

Thanks.  You can't drink it on board.  You have to take it home, yes?

Yes.. unless you get it/pick it up earlier enough on the last day. My experience is that it usually is delivered in the afternoon on the last day. Nothing prevents you from opening it up. On my last cruise I was told I could pick it up in the morning of the last day. I talked the guy into giving it too me the afternoon before the last day. That was on RCI.  The time before I bought Woodford on X and it was delivered at 2 pm on the last day. We got a chance to enjoy it the last night of the cruise.

Edited July 13, 2019 by mac66

[miched]

We drive from Mi to Fl and back for our cruises.  On the way back we do always stay a few nights in KY and visit the bourbon distilleries on and off of the bourbon trail

 

Old Grand Dad is the same bill mash as Basil Hayden.   The only different is the aging and blending.  Also look at the bottles. Do they look the same? 

 

Woodford Reserve Double Oak technically isn’t a bourbon.   It is enhanced by adding staves.   Angel Envy isn’t either as it is finished in port wine barrels.  

 

basically if you like the taste it doesn’t matter what it is called.  

 

My wife likes Rebel Yell and Basil Hayden.  

 

I will always buy a BIB if the price is decent and will try any bourbon.   Don’t see the fasic action with Blanton.  I have a few bottles that I purchased in KY at Total Wine.  

 

MM is OK of you like a wheated bourbon.  We are Ambassadors and our barrels ready.   We reserved a tour date in Nov.   We get a free behind the scene tour with a heritage member and have the opportunity to purchase one liter  bottles from that barrel for $40. A little too high but will buy one just to have.  

 

A lot of it has to do with marketing and perception.  Evans Williams 1783 is a good value along with many others under $25/ bottle

 

drink up 🍷🥂🍸🍾🍻

[ghstudio]

I’ve found woodford double oak in a few bars on the constellation this week....sometimes it’s hidden away since it’s less commonly ordered.

[Icon901]

On 7/13/2019 at 6:34 PM, miched said:

Woodford Reserve Double Oak technically isn’t a bourbon.   It is enhanced by adding staves.   Angel Envy isn’t either as it is finished in port wine barrels.  

  

drink up 🍷🥂🍸🍾🍻

 

Solid info here but wanted to correct you on a couple things here: 

1) Woodford Double Oaked doesn't utilize staves, it's a second toasted stave barrel that imparts a bit more sweetness.. something that IMO wasn't particularly absent in regular Woodford. Makers 46 utilizes french oak staves in a secondary aging process, and their private selection barrels allow customization using a combination of 10 staves using 5 different woods to "Customize" your flavor profile. 

2) Neither Secondary barrel finishing nor does the use of finishing staves disqualify classification as a bourbon. I tend to disagree with this as many "Finished" bourbons use "Wet" barrels (ie a good bit of port or other liquid) remaining in them... which SHOULD violate the classification but it does not. I am not a fan of finished bourbons myself, but wanted to clear that up. 
 

On 7/13/2019 at 5:37 PM, mac66 said:

 

Woodford is much better than MM in my opinion. Wild Turkey 101 is also very good. BTW,  Woodford is often for sale on board X at good prices for liter bottles.

 

Fun fact about Woodford is only a portion of their product is distilled onsite, and most of the blend is actually from Old Forrester's distillery. I've heard some close to the facility state the cause as the product being distilled onsite at WR being subpar. I can't confirm this one way or the other, but always found it interesting to share with Woodford Fans. 

Makers Mark will make it clear they're convinced they are the cats meow if you tour the facility. It's a solid simple wheated bottle that sells for a premium over what it should... but absent other options, It'll make do in a pinch served neat.

--- enough bourbon nerdery.. on to the actual question :) ------- 

I'll be cruising Celebrity Equinox in the W Caribbean for the first time in November. Any updates on stock or is it still pretty much jack, woodford, and makers plus a decent scotch assortment? Is there a premium bar on the ship that might have more options? 

Also, Anyone seen Blantons Gold or Straight From The Barrel at shops in Cayman, Cozymel, or Costa Maya? I'm down to my last couple bottles of STFB and would love to grab a couple to bring home.

Thanks and cheers!
 

[ghstudio]

You should also find bulleit bourbon and rye.  You have to find the bars that have what you want to drink.  Ask because they sometimes have bottles under the counter where you can’t see them.

[miched]

They sell Louie XIII for $145 a shot.  

 

I walked up to to the bar and sat down. There were a few people there.  I said rather loud that I will have a Louie Xlll mixed mixed with Red Bull.  I got a few stares and the person next to me said he never heard of mixing Louie with that.   I told him that he should try it as you only have to pay the difference over the premium max.  The BT knew that I was joking as I did it a few time before.  Sometimes I get  some strange looks and most don’t really know what it is.  

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[zitsky]

31 minutes ago, miched said:

They sell Louie XIII for $145 a shot.  

 

I walked up to to the bar and sat down. There were a few people there.  I said rather loud that I will have a Louie Xlll mixed mixed with Red Bull.  I got a few stares and the person next to me said he never heard of mixing Louie with that.   I told him that he should try it as you only have to pay the difference over the premium max.  The BT knew that I was joking as I did it a few time before.  Sometimes I get  some strange looks and most don’t really know what it is.  

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

So you just want to get a rise out of people?  Do you drink it neat?

Edited July 19, 2019 by zitsky

[miched]

26 minutes ago, zitsky said:

 

So you just want to get a rise out of people?  Do you drink it neat?

 

Not really.  It is just a good different conversation starter.   It doesn’t matter if they know what it is or isn’t because if they know they are knowledgeable about spirits if not they will ask as they never heard of it.  And it opens everyone up to further discussions and conversation instead of just saying Hi 

 

happy cruising. 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[zitsky]

Yea.  I didn't think you were serious about mixing.  When I drink the good scotch I drink it neat.

[Icon901]

42 minutes ago, miched said:

 

Not really.  It is just a good different conversation starter.   It doesn’t matter if they know what it is or isn’t because if they know they are knowledgeable about spirits if not they will ask as they never heard of it.  And it opens everyone up to further discussions and conversation instead of just saying Hi 

 

happy cruising. 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

I like your style ☺️

 

 

This is a sampling of the home bar so I’ll likely smuggle a few goodies aboard for a treat and just temper my expectations for the selection on board! 

Edited July 19, 2019 by Icon901