So I bought my first bottle of single malt a few months back, and just finished it last week. I had bought Speyburn, after seeing that it people seemed to like it and it was a bit less expensive at Vons when I was there. Fast forward to yesterday, and I picked up a bottle of The Glenlivet. I opened it to have a glass last night, and from the first taste I could tell it was much different. I read the Glenlivet review here on B&B, and can definitely agree on the peach and vanilla aroma/taste in it. I usually mix it 50/50 with club soda and I could tell that this bottle is much mellower. This leads me into my question, what is the main difference in taste between these two? I did like the Speyburn, but it had a stronger taste, more "harsh". I don't really know how else to describe it so I was hoping someone who has tasted more scotch could tell me what it is that the Speyburn has more of a flavor of.
Just opened my second bottle of single malt, now I have a question...
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I'm not familiar with Speyburn but congratulations on your choice of The Glenlivet. By this second purchase you've started on a long and happy road. There are a lot of SMWs and they all have their own taste.
I'd suggest a much lower proportion of club soda. A few drops of water loosens the drink, releasing the aromas and rounding the flavour - still it's your whisky and you drink it as you like it. The important thing is to drink and enjoy it!
I'd suggest a much lower proportion of club soda. A few drops of water loosens the drink, releasing the aromas and rounding the flavour - still it's your whisky and you drink it as you like it. The important thing is to drink and enjoy it!
I agree with RF1963. I drink single malts straight up, or with just a wee bit of water.
If I want ice or soda, I'll use a Scotch blend.
If I want ice or soda, I'll use a Scotch blend.
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I'm actually drinking the Glenlivet now with just a splash of soda and it's great.
How ever you want to drink it is up to you. Don't let anyone tell you different. However if you scale back the soda a little every time you will be drinking it neat in no time. Then the flavors really pop.
I posted a video called "The history of Whisky" on this site. That should help answer some questions about the difference between each whisky.
Enjoy your whisky anyway you want. I prefer to drink my scotch neat. As for the differences in taste, the age of the whisky plays a big part in the taste profile of a scotch, so there is no definitive answer. In general, however, I find the Glenlivet not as savoury as the Speyburns.
+1. I like it neat and drink it in a brandy glass.
Single malt Scotches are worth sipping alone. Take a small sip and hold it for a second until it reaches the back of the mouth/tongue. This will let you appreciate the complexity.
Love the Glenlivet! It's the one that invites all to the world of single malt Scotch whiskey.
When I sip Glenlivet, I detect a bit of honey and I like that, since I have a sweet tooth
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At tastings, Scotch is usually sipped neat, then with a few drops of water added. Some Scotches are better one way, others the . . . errr, other.
I drank ALL my Scotches, even the really expensive ones, on the rocks with a splash of club soda for years and years, and could still tell the difference between them. Drink however you like, it's your damn drink.
That said, this year I started leaving out the club soda and drink Scotch on the rocks alone, and like it even better that way. I live in a hot climate and like cold drinks . . . snifters are for chilly evenings by the fire. We don't get those in this part of Texas.
NANP
I drank ALL my Scotches, even the really expensive ones, on the rocks with a splash of club soda for years and years, and could still tell the difference between them. Drink however you like, it's your damn drink.
That said, this year I started leaving out the club soda and drink Scotch on the rocks alone, and like it even better that way. I live in a hot climate and like cold drinks . . . snifters are for chilly evenings by the fire. We don't get those in this part of Texas.
NANP
+1...no ice...nothing fizzy...just a bit of slightly cool water to bring out the scents/flavor. But I agree with NANP...you paid for it...drink it how you please!
Speaking of which...I have to convince the wife to let me check and see if the new Laphroaig cask strength is in the store on the way to dinner tonight!
First they are both Highland whiskeys, one of the six classic malt regions (although more than six exist when you count all the islands) so they should be reasonably similar, at least your comparing oranges with oranges.
If you are starting out with scotch try to taste the 6 classic malts, and then concentrate on exploring the region or regions you like best.
Of the 6 your pallet could at the moment love 2, like 3 and hate 1. But who knows in 10 years time your pallet will have evolved and this could be completely different.
Okole maluna, Enjoy your whiskey your way, there is no right and wrong. I always place a very small piece of ice in my glass or have a glass of ice water to sip also.
I don't appreciate the bubbly waters in my scotch because the salt in the water changes the taste as well. But if you enjoy your whiskey that way, so be it.
I don't appreciate the bubbly waters in my scotch because the salt in the water changes the taste as well. But if you enjoy your whiskey that way, so be it.
I received a set of Whisky Stones from my wife earlier this year. I'm not sure how I ever lived without these.
I received a set of Whisky Stones from my wife earlier this year. I'm not sure how I ever lived without these.
As I prefer my whisky neat, I don't want to add water that is inevitable from melted ice. Since you seem to endorse their use, I think I'll pickup a set. Thanks for the tip.
Tried it and I like it. Thanks.
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