who likes whiskey?

These guys have personally made me top tier status at my favorite liquor store chain "Total Wine". Now if only other liquor stores status matched Total Wine . I never saw the tin cup video but will add it to my list. They have so many reviews I have yet to catch up on it is ridiculous how many new whiskeys keep getting released

 

I've tried maybe 30-40 of the whiskies on the channel...trying to buy/try more but beer screams my name a little louder

 

Lets just say that when Prohibition in the US ended in 1933, you guys had the trucks loaded with CC and they streamed across the border the next day. It took a little time for the US distilleries to catch up, so Canadian Whisky had the market to itself for awhile. Canadian Club is not in my wheelhouse, I would pick VO over CC. Crown Royal Deluxe is probably the biggest Canadian Import down here, but there are probably 15 varieties. In Pennsylvania, the top seller is Crown Apple.

I was lucky to stop into the Forty Creek distillery on my way back home from a business trip to the big town of Wallenstein and picked up a bottle of Confederation Oak Reserve. It was very good. I think Gibsons is a bigger name up in Canada, I don't really see it down here. However, I have seen JP Wisers on the shelf here in the States.

EDIT, I just noticed you're from Alberta, one of my faves that I can only get at the duty free is Alberta Premium Rye. It's cheap and makes a fantastic Manhattan. Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye recently won Whisky of the Year.

Davin De Kergommeaux wrote a couple books about Canadian Whisky and Spirits, here is great resource: https://canadianwhisky.org/about

 

Whiskey is my only liquor of choice. Scotch and bourbon both have their own qualities so ill drink either one. Makers Mark has been my go to for years, even though it isn't as smooth as some of the other ones I've had at that price point. As far as my favorite, don't want to sound snobbish, but JW Blue is tops for me. Some people don't like it because of the mixes of flavors it has, but if I'm splurging, a pint of that runs me around $75 where I'm from.

 

Other stores match Total Wine, BWAHAHA! Not happening, m8. Or as I say when asked about TW:
"Total Wine: If they ain't got it, you don't need it."

 

Just poured the same – a big one – and for the same reason! I must have over a dozen brands of bourbon, rye, Scotch, Canadian, blah, blah, blah, but recently found a new favorite … McAdams Canadian. I thought I had found a hidden gem until I read reviews along the lines of "watered down Jameson" and "not fit for human consumption!"

I concluded a long time ago that the ONLY way to judge wine, whiskey or any booze for that matter is to conduct a blind tasting. Almost everyone (except me of course) is way too heavily influenced by name, label, cost, advertising, other opinions, etc. to render fair judgements.

 

Well now here is a subject that is entirely subjective

My list and why

Makers Mark: Either Regular or 46. Great "wheater" bourbon. This is my favorite everyday, pour over a little ice, and drink it.
Eagle Rare: To me this is the best rye as a secondary grain bourbon. Best neat.
Old Forrester: Oldest current bourbon in continuous production. (medicinal in Prohibition, HA!). My favorite inexpensive brand. Great for any bourbon cocktails. Bourbon and ginger is
my favorite.
Woodford Reserve Double Oak: Not fond of the regular WF, but this iteration is super smooth and has dynamic vanilla and caramel taste and smell. Should be enjoyed neat.
Finally, Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Barrel Proof 117 proof. Careful this stuff will kick your a** to the curb quick and in a hurry!

Also if you are looking for a great experience in Vegas outside of the casinos, take some time to visit The Whisky Attic. They have tastings flights available from hundreds of whisky's from around the world. Its only about 5-10 minutes from the strip on Harmon. My buddy and I went there a couple of years ago and it was informative, fun, and it's drinking whisky so what else do you want. My only suggestion would be to take a Uber or Taxi. Google it for their website.

 

Although somewhat quite pedestrian I'm a big JD and Maker's Mark fan

 

Not a thing wrong with JD. It's my go to when in overseas. Every bar has that. As Robin Williams said, "Jack Daniels makes English optional".

 

thanks ..B T
i will drink on the rocks , takes the edge off at least for me
and also neat , but i tend to have a chaser after a shot
1783 is pretty good , i will look for some cask strenghth and try that , thanks

 

B T .. to me pricey is over 40.00 , i realize i need to expand that limit some

 

J D has its place , i like the green label , BUT i think the retail asking price is just way way too much for what it is , so i havent had in awhile

 

A really good "transition" whiskey to help one make to jump to Scotch - is a very good Irish Whiskey, Knappogue Castle 12

Runs about $38... then give the Glenlivet 14 a try:

runs about $50-$60

 

for all you Canadians - any thoughts on Caribou Crossing single barrel? I see it around but not sure if I want to pull the trigger.

 

It's pretty expensive so for that price the rate of diminishing returns is high for someone as yourself who is slowly working up the ladder of $40+ whiskeys meaning you're more likely to be disappointed jumping to that price point. There are many good whiskeys at the $40 and under price range and many are even better than more expensive whiskeys. I would buy that bottle if it is something you're interested in and treating yourself to a special occasion. But I think it is mostly overpriced due to Sazerac company's marketing and making it attractive like they did with their "Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel" and "Blanton's Single Barrel" bourbon.

Edit: If you can find it under the $50 price range then it may be something to consider to dip your feet in that $40-50 price range

 

It won a silver medal in 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards.

 

I had some 12 year old Suntory Single Malt Yamazaki a while back—a little pricey, $139 per bottle. It was well worth it. So excellent. But I'll probably stick to the Toki, as mentioned above for about $40.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll ever get to savor the 25 year old Yamazaki—it runs about $10k per bottle. LOL

 

popped into a random liquor store today and was able to get their last bottle of Eagle Rare. apparently they also got a shipment of Blanton's this morning so I picked up one of those as well. definitely my lucky day, probably going to get a lottery ticket later.

 

got a couple bottles that are new to me in the mail today, excited to dip into these with some friends next month when we're all vax'd

 

I know little to nothing about scotch but my dad and stepmom drink it. For dad’s bday I usually go to Total Wines and tell them I want to spend about $100 and want something with an interesting story. A few years ago I got him one from Berry Bros. and Rudd that they really liked. I bought them a Macallan 25 for Christmas last year but wasn’t able to take it to them til Easter and they cracked it open......it was pretty tasty even for me, the non scotch drinker.