Fair to say I've been an enthusiastic whisk(e)y drinker since I came of age, though mostly interested in Scotch Whisky with the occasional Bourbon/Irish/Canadian/other for good measure. However, I have had something of a revelation of late.
In Australia we make far fewer whisky's than the lands of my fore fathers (this is slowly changing) and in my family anything outside of Scotch was considered inferior. But, I'm not above changing teams if it means a fine dram, regardless or the origin, so I had tried for some time to drink fine grain spirits from all over which might satisfy me. Canadian and Irish are fine, but Bourbon just didn't suit me unless it was in a highball. Some of the Japanese varieties I very much enjoy. Still have attempted any local offerings yet.
Then I found a recipe for a Penicillin which called for Rye Whiskey... I'd never even heard of Rye Whiskey. So I found some Jim Beam Prohibition Style Rye and make some cocktails; Rye, muddled ginger, honey, lime juice, splash of Laphroaig... bliss!
I'm well into the third bottle of Rye I've ever experienced and finding I like it however it comes; neat, water, ice, cocktail, highball, it's all good. The really bold initial character and soft finish, it's like having a fight with the wife followed by make-up... *cough* ... well, you get the idea.
In Australia we make far fewer whisky's than the lands of my fore fathers (this is slowly changing) and in my family anything outside of Scotch was considered inferior. But, I'm not above changing teams if it means a fine dram, regardless or the origin, so I had tried for some time to drink fine grain spirits from all over which might satisfy me. Canadian and Irish are fine, but Bourbon just didn't suit me unless it was in a highball. Some of the Japanese varieties I very much enjoy. Still have attempted any local offerings yet.
Then I found a recipe for a Penicillin which called for Rye Whiskey... I'd never even heard of Rye Whiskey. So I found some Jim Beam Prohibition Style Rye and make some cocktails; Rye, muddled ginger, honey, lime juice, splash of Laphroaig... bliss!
I'm well into the third bottle of Rye I've ever experienced and finding I like it however it comes; neat, water, ice, cocktail, highball, it's all good. The really bold initial character and soft finish, it's like having a fight with the wife followed by make-up... *cough* ... well, you get the idea.