Comments on: The Golden Spike

By: Arctic Wolf

Arctic Wolf — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:51:12 +0000

I noticed the other day when doing a little research, that the scenario I painted with respect to blends is changing. The SWA now allows whiskies blended from single malts from different distilleries to be designated as blended malts. Still, the word ‘blend’ appears to be the proper descriptor for JW Gold.

By: Arctic Wolf

Arctic Wolf — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:26:51 +0000

Some of the best spirits also happen to be low cost. Flor de Cana Rums come to mind, as does Highland Park and Alberta Premium whisky, and Herencia de Plata Tequila (I through that in because I know you like tequila Powderhound). All of these spirits are top notch sippers at prices that are so reasonable that mixing them in cocktails is relatively inexpensive and painless.

But to your point, when I offer someone a drink, I might suggest a way he (or she) could enjoy it, But I would never imagine withdrawing my generosity if they preferred to enjoy it a different way.

By: powderhound

powderhound — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:26:43 +0000

It just about killed me to watch one of my friend drop the last bit of my bottle of Glenmorangie into some Coke awhile back, but I thought to myself that he’d be drinking the exact same amount with or without the Coke and kept my tapped shut. And guess what – we both enjoyed our drinks and had a fun time that night.

That said, I usually keep some lower cost spirits on hand for those that do want want to mix, as most of my friends that do mix really wont notice the difference anyways!

By: Arctic Wolf

Arctic Wolf — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:58:48 +0000

Blended whisky = grain + malt whisky.

I do not think that is exactly true. My understanding is that a “Blend” can also be like Johnny Walker Gold, a blend of single malts from different distilleries. (I can find no evidence of any grain used in the Johnny Walker Gold blend.) The term “vatted Malt” can also be used here, but almost no one refers the the Johnny Walker Gold as a vatted malt, so I have not either.

I also used the term “blended” in my posting as a verb, (quite purposefully), to avoid that quagmire. When used as a verb the term refers only to the act of blending and not to any particular style of spirit. Although upon rereading my post I can see how it might have been taken as a noun.

My Point was that the only difference between the way Johnny Walker is ‘blended’ and the way Glenrothes is ‘blended’, is that the single Malts in the Glenrothes all come from the Glenrothes Distillery, but the Single Malts used in the Johnny Walker ‘Blend’ come from different distilleries.

By: WhiskyNotes

WhiskyNotes — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:04:29 +0000

Glenrothes Select Reserve happens to be every much as blended as Johnnie Walker Gold

I see what you mean (SR contains different casks from different years), but with these words it’s just not true!
Blended whisky = grain + malt whisky. A lot of words have a specific meaning in the whisky world.

By: Paul Gifford

Paul Gifford — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 15:30:55 +0000

Ha that’s funny! Good for him I suppose, broaden the horizons and whatnot. In all honesty I’m just not much of a cocktail person. Ive been served some cocktails with decent stuff in them (I once had a whisky sour with knob creek..shh don’t tell though) and I honestly just preferred it neat or with a drop of water. Different palettes I suppose.
That said, I do always enjoy seeing what crazy cocktail you’ve come up with for your reviews, and perhaps I’ll be tempted to try again in the future…
Cheers

By: Arctic Wolf

Arctic Wolf — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 06:43:59 +0000

Good to hear from you again on my Blog Paul, and also you too Jason.

Paul, I spoke to Cameron the other day and learned that he had finally broken down (after reading my blog too much) and mixed a Cuba Libre with a premium rum, (Havana Club Double Barrel). Now he doesn’t really know why he never tried it before, A premium Cuba Libre is so much nicer than one mixed with a lessor rum.

And just for the record, I do sip my premium rums, my premium whiskies and my premium gins, straight and on the rock. I just also use them in cocktails as well because great spirits make great cocktails.

By: Paul Gifford

Paul Gifford — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 05:05:10 +0000

While I believe you and I have discussed my disagreement with the whole mixing premium spirits, working in the liquor industry I learned long ago that every person enjoys their drink(s) a little bit differently. And while I can’t see myself drinking scotch (or good rum or even bourbon) on the rocks (let alone in a cocktail) any time soon, I’m glad that you and others enjoy the experimentation of mixing. After all, I’d rather have someone enjoy a drink in their own way then have it sit unopened on a shelf somewhere!
Cheers,

By: Jason's Scotch Whisky Reviews

Jason's Scotch Whisky Reviews — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 01:58:10 +0000

Keep up the noble fight! The great feature of the internet is that it democratizes information. No longer is the public at the mercy of whisky industry tasting notes that are invariably glowing. Single malt used in a mixed drink, hey, sure why not. To each his own. Just as I would never tell you how to dress, nor would I arrogantly declare that you should not use single malts or other premium whiskies as ingredients in mixed drinks.

Cheers!

Jason