[dapperfied]

Macallan 17

[DA9ve]

Btw for those still hunting. https://specialevents.bcliquorstores.com/spirits2017/products

[Rallydrv]

Was in Japan, picked up a few bottles, among them (post rest later),

had to drive about 2 hours from kobe to get my hands on this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/tool001/IMG_0267_zps388i3krx.jpg

While the 12 years old was sitting in a whisky bar. I ended up buying the last 2 drams, so the owner let me take the bottle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/tool001/IMG_0301_zps4rwlufri.jpg

[hillmar]

^Good find, especially the Hibiki 30!
I've been bargain hunting myself the past few weeks and was able to scoop up a few more bottles.
Was able to score 2 bottles of Aberfeldy 21 for $83 USD per bottle at the duty free in Houston. I know, 21 year old single malt scotch for the price of a Johnnie walker gold label.
Also picked up a bottle of Jura 21 at the Costco in Edmonton for about $120.

[Obsideon]

Just got back from Taiwan and picked a couple.
Anyone tried these ones before?
I'll probably be cracking it open in the next few weeks.

[roastpuff]

Honestly, didn't like the Kavalan I bought. Too fruity, rough...

[Obsideon]

Which one did you try? I believe they have over 10 different bottles.
The Kavalan Classic was rough indeed, still have 80% of a bottle sitting at home lol. However the Concertmaster was delicious, sophisticated notes like a symphony on your palette.
I'm excited to try the Sherry Cask - I tend to enjoy many whiskeys aged in sherry casks. I'll write back after I've tasted them!

[DA9ve]

by rough do you mean its got high abv? try adding a little water

[Rallydrv]

Which one did you try? I believe they have over 10 different bottles.

I'm excited to try the Sherry Cask - I tend to enjoy many whiskeys aged in sherry casks. I'll write back after I've tasted them!

I also picked up sherry from Taiwan, seems to be the best choice, maybe after fino, but not gonna spend $500 on kavalan just yet. But I love cask strength whiskies.

If you guys are in Calgary, visit Kensington wine market. Very good selection and way cheaper than bc.

Just got back with these 3, happy to have gotten my hands on port Ellen
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/tool001/IMG_0386_zpsreqza6lm.jpg

[Obsideon]

by rough do you mean its got high abv? try adding a little water

I've tried it in all manners. Neat, water, ice.
It doesn't have any depth and still rough.

Might have to resort to *gasp* mixing it lol.

[rsx]

^Good find, especially the Hibiki 30!
I've been bargain hunting myself the past few weeks and was able to scoop up a few more bottles.
Was able to score 2 bottles of Aberfeldy 21 for $83 USD per bottle at the duty free in Houston. I know, 21 year old single malt scotch for the price of a Johnnie walker gold label.
Also picked up a bottle of Jura 21 at the Costco in Edmonton for about $120.

Great buy! Recently, my go to is Aberfeldy 12. How's the 21??

[Kilinim]

Any recommendations for a Whiskey around $50?

[hillmar]

Great buy! Recently, my go to is Aberfeldy 12. How's the 21??
Did not crack the bottle yet, but I’ll be sure to let you know how it taste!

[DA9ve]

Any recommendations for a Whiskey around $50?

aberlour 12. my go to for cheap!

[Obsideon]

Any recommendations for a Whiskey around $50?

I was at Hopscotch yesterday, had the Aberfeldy. I must concur it is very good for the price point as well. Well balanced, slight peat.

My pick: Strathisla 12 Year. $54, very smooth IMHO you won't find anything more delicious in this price range.

[punkwax]

DALMORE - 12 YEAR OLD | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/73999)

$15 off Dalmore.. just grabbed one. Nice size discount for BCL.

Also ordered these: https://m.costco.ca/Pirouette-Rotating-Whiskey-Glass---Spiral-320-ml-(10.8-oz.)-Set-of-2.product.100236436.html

Not cheap for 2 glasses but make good gifts for those you know who enjoy a nice glass of scotch.

[DA9ve]

I was at Hopscotch yesterday, had the Aberfeldy. I must concur it is very good for the price point as well. Well balanced, slight peat.

My pick: Strathisla 12 Year. $54, very smooth IMHO you won't find anything more delicious in this price range.

$52 at BCL. not a huge discount but gives me a reason to grab a bottle lol

on side note, seems like BCL increases their prices every year quite significantly. I've always had my eye every year to replenish my glenlivet 18. it was $120 last year and now with discount its $138

[hillmar]

Any recommendations for a Whiskey around $50?

There is a few bottles that I do like in that price range ... Aberfeldy 12 is one of them. But if I want a easy drinking, not so demanding Scotch but still has some complexity I usually pour a glass of Monkey Shoulder.

[hillmar]

Just finished a business trip at Michigan and North Carolina. Picked up 2 bottles in my travels through the duty free, both were decent finds.

1) Duty free at Raleigh-Durham airport, found a bottle of Highland Park 1990. Cost $149 USD. No tax.
Distilled in 1990 and bottled at 2010, I'm assuming makes this bottle a 20 year old. Big fan of the 18 and the 21... wonder how this one will stack up.

2) Duty free at Michigan, found a bottle of Laphroaig 18. Cost $120 USD. No tax.
Last bottle on the shelf, now I have both versions to try out.

[Obsideon]

Went through both the Kavalan Sherry and Bourbon cask.
Both are very strong clocking in at around 58% ABV.

The Sherry's extremely dark colour threw me off a bit. The initial burn from the high alcohol content was strong but it mellowed out quickly and had a slight sweetness to it, no harshness. I enjoyed it.

The bourbon cask was a bit peatier with the same initial burn. Personally I liked the Sherry more but my friends liked the Bourbon cask.

[Rallydrv]

just FYI,
Nikka taketsuru is on sale @ LCBO for $81.xx (limited supply) if anybody is in ONT/TO

were about 300 bottles 5-6 days ago. less than 70 left

[DA9ve]

man what happened to the highland park 12?

I was holding it off to get it till now since BCL has it on sale (albeit not by much but gives me a reason to get more bottles) and i kept seeing the HP 12 Viking Honour.

Reading from reviews, its seems like people hate it compared to the old bottling.

Couldnt even find the original bottling anymore

https://www.whisky.fr/media/catalog/product/cache/4/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/8/m8501.jpg

https://img.thewhiskyexchange.com/900/hlpob.12yov8.jpg

[dapperfied]

Too flashy and not classy?

[Ch28]

Maybe it's just me, but I think the new bottle with the old label would look kind of nice.

[DA9ve]

Not only the bottling but the contents are different too. Quality seems to have gotten worse.

[Obsideon]

Almost finished my Aberfeldy 12 year. Thinking of picking up another one as it's my daily sipper, smooth and tasty without breaking the bank. Noticed the 18 year sitting beside it at almost double the price.
Is it worth it?

[DA9ve]

Almost finished my Aberfeldy 12 year. Thinking of picking up another one as it's my daily sipper, smooth and tasty without breaking the bank. Noticed the 18 year sitting beside it at almost double the price.
Is it worth it?


at the price point for the Aberfeldy 12, its a great buy. I tried the 21 at the whisky classique and it undelivered in complexity for the price.

cant speak for the 18 but i think anything more than $60 for a Dewar's (aka Aberfeldy) is probably overkill since they use their spirits for blending.

edit: if you try a dewar's 12, you'll notice the similaries with the aberfeldy 12 minus the bite.

[Obsideon]

I have never had Dewar's before.
Are you referring to this one?
DEWAR'S - 12 YEAR OLD DOUBLE AGED | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/601757)

It's only $42? And you feel it's better than Aberfeldy?

[DA9ve]

I have never had Dewar's before.
Are you referring to this one?
DEWAR'S - 12 YEAR OLD DOUBLE AGED | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/601757)

It's only $42? And you feel it's better than Aberfeldy?

Yeah the dewars 12 isn't bad. If you like Aberfeldy, you'll like dewars but they're the same producers.

I'm actually surprised the dewars is $42 (it was $30 is last time I saw it locally) .... I'd probably stick with the Aberfeldy.

[winson604]

Polished off a bottle of Yamazaki 18 the other day. So good. Securing another bottle as we speak and will be polishing that soon!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/siECkI_HuiqdqmGWShN-ShFpYoSVHWhodJF2MXsKgxP-uLvWUz7T7DzpnG7_s5_exfs0yKqAQ4XW4hLO1LJ8tRm5h-YMIu89ZEIx8SPCaMa7X8X_QPWoYw55WcmzCT4AZzG7L9PDi5Fz XaxZafpSPRXCTNHHPU5EapJcRxsfP_F3nBqg1o1QIGznNxIKgQ LnwKiMoRqPcWx9UlBrvBq-gxPMrOVMCHLiif-OnKasHKYSN-VRAIN44dKp1vqggoM9mr0hZxbPRoawcfis36hMslVIP7sBzOxg _yGB-dsC7wI0TZFnto24YtiBKuSugNaZYX9owKo57B35Mj1jAUwL0kU 5peDRI-atSGsk4tdgdY7-YegcfXqqL2R9TTVN7B-O2ZUY4NxCBuP7mDTjlEHvcMARXy1eElQYGGHMHo7dsoS4xI8Ua janaybk9Q3zPjbipEDNlKC0L5TeA3grclqipNyeV2nzJrwr7K1 UWwx24EB-Jq-8z1fLJsg8J1OVHtfY7l41EPgeQXC7bAtEsPxY84yOMObgGoMEA z1AzY8i-uyCgDJRLhbloA0S5hq4ho_bKYNWMrAcNLkKjmCBt1ol9bAa5KG HRcu147Wk-cgw=w696-h927-no

[racerman88]

Has anyone tried Nikka Coffee Grain Whiskey?
I’m wondering how sweet it is and the flavour notes.
Is this bottle a little expensive for a newbie?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Eatman]

Has anyone tried Nikka Coffee Grain Whiskey?
I’m wondering how sweet it is and the flavour notes.
Is this bottle a little expensive for a newbie?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It really depends on you. My friends and I have tried it, it's honestly not to our liking, waay too sweet that you'd start to question if it's even a whisky.. I think it would be a good gateway whiskey for females though

[jlo mein]

Is there anything decent under $40? Opened and quickly finished a $100 limited Macallan I got at duty free years ago. Following this guide (http://www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/similar-malts.htm) I bought a $27 Famous Grouse, which isn't too good straight up. Would Naked Grouse for $40 be a bad buy?

I picked up a $40 Buffalo Trace Bourbon and it's a completely different direction, but ok. Hoping for something smoother. Some of the recent recommended budget scotches on this thread are over $60 now.. Might try that Dewars 12 posted earlier for $40.

[Ch28]

Only things at that price point that I can say are pretty decent would be the Northern Harvest, Woodford Reserve, and Bulleit. The last two are bourbons compared to scotchs tho

[bcrdukes]

For something under $40 and does not offend most people, pick up a bottle of Two Gingers. It's palatable for most people, and quite good for what it is.

Full disclosure: It is an Irish Whiskey.

[DA9ve]

There's nothing under $40 for scotches... Pay the extra $20 and get something that's 12 year Aberfeldy, Aberlour, HP.... Unless u like hard bite bourbon which are usually used for mixers. You might be able to get by on decent Canadian whisky if u like rye, lot 40, Alberta premium, aged Canadian clubs.

[jlo mein]

For something under $40 and does not offend most people, pick up a bottle of Two Gingers. It's palatable for most people, and quite good for what it is.

Full disclosure: It is an Irish Whiskey.

Thanks both of you for the recommendations. I went with Two Gingers since I found it at the store I stopped at. They also had one called Tullamore Dew for nearly the same cost, maybe I'll try that next time.

Also picked up the 12 year Aberlour, opinions seem to be it's better than the equal $65 price Macallan.

[bcrdukes]

Bushmills and Tullamore Dew are also great for under $40. I will never turn it down when offered by friends and colleagues.

Fun fact - Bushmills and Tullamore Dew, despite being Irish whiskeys, are highly revered in Ireland, and much cost much more compared to Canadian prices.

Edit: Let us know what you think of it!

[jlo mein]

Cracked open the Two Gingers. For $31 it's a lot more pleasing than the Famous Grouse I had (as a neat drink). Thanks for the rec! I won't be afraid to try any Irish whiskies now. I'm beginning to think there aren't any secret, decent finds at this price point, but this is relatively smooth and easy drinking. I think I'd still prefer Buffalo Trace bourbon at $40, but I haven't had anything better at $30.

I'll open that Aberlour 12 when an occasion comes up.

[Obsideon]

To be honest, if we are talking about Single Malt I would rather drink 2 bottles of $60 than 3 bottles of $40.
I have not found any whiskey under $50 to be enjoyable (yet?).
Strathisla ($54) and (Aberfeldy) $56 are my daily sippers now. Treating myself with Balvenie ($100) every once in a while.

Personally I'm getting tired of the CR Northern Harvest but still a good buy for $35.

[Eatman]

Bushmills and Tullamore Dew are also great for under $40. I will never turn it down when offered by friends and colleagues.

Fun fact - Bushmills and Tullamore Dew, despite being Irish whiskeys, are highly revered in Ireland, and much cost much more compared to Canadian prices.

Edit: Let us know what you think of it!

can confirm, bushmills is pretty good for the price point. that's my choice of scotch if i'm going camping or in the outdoors

[CCA-Dave]

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32313109_10160288197420468_8889727024407511040_o.j pg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=AeGd9niUz_3O3v8-6oLyOxY_Qq4hi-OVBEnek_LLMsR_Oi_JeGLAuFIA9jkckR2u3X8BFwIgHtc-wgxjy-BThf4mdfxU64iS7oFDR-0X8j05sg&oh=72aa304de59e520fa946722d3421b91f&oe=5B7B4A2B

Bought my annual bottle as I drove through Wyoming to Colorado for the Silver Summit driving adventure. Couldn't wait, already cracked this one. Won't last through the weekend, so I guess I'm buying another bottle as I head North!

[!Yaminashi]

To be honest, if we are talking about Single Malt I would rather drink 2 bottles of $60 than 3 bottles of $40.
I have not found any whiskey under $50 to be enjoyable (yet?).
Strathisla ($54) and (Aberfeldy) $56 are my daily sippers now. Treating myself with Balvenie ($100) every once in a while.

Personally I'm getting tired of the CR Northern Harvest but still a good buy for $35.

Aberfeldy is good stuff :D

Not sure if this has been mentioned at all but Dalwhinnie 15 yr is the bomb

[jlo mein]

To be honest, if we are talking about Single Malt I would rather drink 2 bottles of $60 than 3 bottles of $40.
I have not found any whiskey under $50 to be enjoyable (yet?).
Strathisla ($54) and (Aberfeldy) $56 are my daily sippers now. Treating myself with Balvenie ($100) every once in a while.

Personally I'm getting tired of the CR Northern Harvest but still a good buy for $35.

I'll probably say the same further into my whiskey journey. For now, with a novice palate and many other money sucking hobbies I'll be experimenting with cheaper options.

I saw that Aberfeldy for $56, might be next on my list for a nicer drink. Never had the CRNH and you're the second person to mention it to me, certainly buying it someday soon. Cheers

EDIT: Found one of your posts from 2015. Seems like you were on a similar journey as I'm starting on.


This (Crown Royal Northern Rye) is going to be my daily sipper without breaking the bank.
For the price tag of $30 it is DEFINITELY worth it and I can almost guarantee there will not be another whiskey under $80 that is this good.

However I fail to see how it can hold a candle to the likes of my beloved Balvenie 17/21 and Hibiki 21. They are in a league of their own. Although they are exponentially more expensive lol.
.

link to same post (https://www.revscene.net/forums/683111-whiskey-bourbon-etc-10.html#post8702054)

Looks like you certainly found better bottles under $80 now. :)

[Obsideon]

Haha for sure, the journey continues! :drunk:

[jlo mein]

Got to try out a few cheap options thanks to friends. Alberta Premium Dark Horse seems good for $30. It's a sweeter whiskey. Seems to catch a bad rap for its non-traditional process (90% Alberta rye, 9% Old Grand Dad bourbon, 1% sherry). In the US its known as Alberta Dark Batch due to legal naming issues.

Jim Beam Black ($27) isn't too bad. I get a ton of oak, both in the nose and on the palette. I'd buy it and enjoy it at this price. I like Buffalo Trace and even though JBB is so different I like it in its own way.

Appleton Estate 12 Rare Blend rum ($40). I cut my teeth on aged rums, gathering a ~15 bottle collection a few years ago before exploring whiskey, but never tried this. Quite smooth and sweet, like a smoother and more woody Appleton VX. Pretty good for a $40 rum, although I haven't tried Mount Gay XO ($45). I should mention that in the past when I shared rums with whiskey experienced friends, some didn't like it.

[Obsideon]

Semi-related question.
If I had a couple of rarer bottles that I wanted to sell, anyone know where and how do to go about doing that?

[winson604]

Semi-related question.
If I had a couple of rarer bottles that I wanted to sell, anyone know where and how do to go about doing that?

What do you have?

[Hondaracer]

It’s kind of hard to find, but you guys should check out Powers whiskey if u can. Only place I’ve found it is high point on Hastings.

It’s made at the same distillery as Jameson but it’s wayyy better. A friend we go hunting with had brought a bottle back from Ireland and we polished it off in a night. It’s around $55 for a bottle but I’d say it’s good value at that price.

[Obsideon]

What do you have?

A few discontinued Japanese Whiskey's like Hibiki 12, Hakushu, etc.

[dapperfied]

how much for 12

[punkwax]

If you’re a fan of Irish Whiskey might be an idea to stash a few bottles.

https://globalnews.ca/news/4259315/irish-whiskey-shortage/

[Obsideon]

Semi-related question.
If I had a couple of rarer bottles that I wanted to sell, anyone know where and how do to go about doing that?
What do you have?
A few discontinued Japanese Whiskey's like Hibiki 12, Hakushu, etc.
how much for 12

I haven't quite priced out the bottles yet. Doesn't really answer the question though, was wondering if there's a dedicated online group, forum, market or something for it.
It's against policy to sell on Craigslist isn't it?

Most of the "whiskey buying" websites I googled are based in UK?

[Ch28]

I feel if there's a group of people that know, it'll be in these subreddits

https://www.reddit.com/r/Scotch/
https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/

[XTC_604_DKNY]

has anyone tried the Glenmorangie Signet?
Thoughts? Worth the value? ($255).

[DA9ve]

has anyone tried the Glenmorangie Signet?
Thoughts? Worth the value? ($255).

$255 for a NAS bottle!!? Not sure how old the contents are but that's pretty steep. Glenmorangie NAS stuff i find are generally overpriced especially with their random limited bottling releases (they had the Spios released from BCL for the summer spirits release and it aint even selling). Even their aged stuff isnt overly exciting despite comparable pricing to other brands (18, 19 year olds). If Glenmorangie your preferred brand, I'd stick with the 12 year bottlings.


on a side note, i highly recommend the Highland park Magnus. Its fairly short in finish and theres not a ton of complexity going on but for a $45 bottle its a no brainer. it has the HP character and serves as a nice sipping scotch that wont burn the wallet. good for those trying to get into smoke/peaty stuff

[Eatman]

has anyone tried the Glenmorangie Signet?
Thoughts? Worth the value? ($255).

I have, my friends and I love it. I recently purchased a few bottles from duty free to stock up as well.

[Rallydrv]

Was in my inbox, Maybe take it with a grain of salt.


The beloved Japanese whiskey popularized by Bill Murray in Lost in Translation will soon be no more, as supply issues have forced Suntory to discontinue two of its prize-winning products.

Suntory says its 12-year-old Hakushu and 17-year-old Hibiki whiskies are being discontinued “due to supply constraints,” following a years-long boom in popularity.

Both Suntory whiskies have won numerous international taste-test awards over the years, edging out competitors from more traditional whiskey hotbeds such as Scotland, Canada, and the United States. Demand has also been fuelled by a general surge in the popularity of Japanese whiskeys over the last decade. It’s unclear when the whiskies will hit the market again, although Suntory says the world hasn’t seen the last of them.

Some have attributed part of the 17-year-old Hibiki’s success to the film Lost in Translation, in which Bill Murray portrays an aging actor hired to shoot commercials for the whiskey in Japan.

[hillmar]

has anyone tried the Glenmorangie Signet?
Thoughts? Worth the value? ($255).

I tried a few glasses during a business trip to Hong Kong. All I remember is intense coffee going down with a lot of spice in the finish. It was a very unique whiskey and I loved every sip.
I picked up a bottle at the distillery when I was visiting Inverness. What they told me is that they actually stop production of all other bottlings during the malting of Signet. They also put 35+ year old Glenmorangie stock into the Signet.
So I thought it was worth the price, but I would highly suggest you try a glass of it before you commit to a full bottle.

On a side note, one of my friends picked up a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Cask Edition 55.8% ABV. It was a bargain at the Taiwan Duty free for $265CAD. I'm going to save it for a special occasion... though its very tempting to try it side by side with the regular blue label.

[Rallydrv]

Just got back from Cowtown. Picked up a few bottles.

Saw a whole bunch of nikka pure malt. Black and red.
They are telling me. Both black and red are being discontinued, same as white (happened a while back)

[DA9ve]

2018 spirits release is out!

http://www.bcliquorstores.com/sites/default/files/flipbook/spiritrelease2018/

[roastpuff]

https://i.imgur.com/wgooSnlh.png

Got the lottery from Okanagan Spirits for this year's Fintry. Added their BRBN to get free shipping.

[winson604]

2018 spirits release is out!

http://www.bcliquorstores.com/sites/default/files/flipbook/spiritrelease2018/

Let's see everyone's haul! Got to Cambie 39th @ 9am, 140 people ahead of us. Didn't have to wait long, tons of stock, very smooth. Debated getting a bottle of Macalan 25 for $2000 but opted to get 10 bottles for around $2200 instead. Here are a few from the haul, most of these we got 2 so the only one not pictured here was the Red Breast.

[roastpuff]

Thanks to a friend from AB! Kirkland 18 year Single Malt also incoming.

https://i.imgur.com/8id1lm6h.png

[Bender Unit]

2018 spirits release is out!

http://www.bcliquorstores.com/sites/default/files/flipbook/spiritrelease2018/

I arrived 39th & Cambie at 7a.m.
58 perosons ahead
Got my ticket and went back home
Came again at 9a.m. to lineup

Nobody is buying those expensive $1000+ bottle this year. Those are still available
Well, excpet the Grand Marnier Quintessence...

I got 2 of each below

http://i65.tinypic.com/ejhjt3.jpg

[roastpuff]

Taste update on the Costco Kirkland Signature 27 blend - it's rather mild. Smooth, with a fruit forward palate. Apple-ish taste. Some heat, but fades quickly. Not much aftertaste.

An okay drink, but feels more like a good 18 rather than a 27. Not a very strong flavour profile. I'm okay with it for the price, but something else might be more interesting to drink.

[Obsideon]

Anyone crack open the Nikka 12? Any good? How much was it?

[winson604]

Anyone crack open the Nikka 12? Any good? How much was it?

Not yet, it was $204.99 if i recall.

[DA9ve]

Anyone crack open the Nikka 12? Any good? How much was it?

i had a nikka 12 from japan, same juice and it was incredible. paid $5000-6000 yen for a bottle. its a damn good dram (fruits, floral, and quaffable). still worth the price at BCL even though its somewhat inflated for the japanese whisky hype. hard to find any aged statement japanese whiskies (that are actually made in japan) nowadays without a huge markup.

[skyxx]

Got the lottery from Okanagan Spirits for this year's Fintry. Added their BRBN to get free shipping.



What's your bottle number and batch? :)

[HonestTea]

Damnit!

When does the lottery usually open?

[Expresso]

Picked up a bottle of Blanton's Gold Edition from Craft Cellars based out of Calgary.
https://craftcellars.ca/

They have 15% BF sale going on and if you order 4 bottles you usually come out on top even with shipping factored in. Beats BCL's lame pricing.

[Obsideon]

Recently I've been enjoying the Glenfarclas label. From the 15 year to the 25 year is all delicious. The 12 is not bad too but a daily sipper.

Also picked up a bottle of 13 year from Trader Joe's, it's drinkable for $38 but not memorable at all. Slight sweetness, zero finish.

[skyxx]

Recently I've been enjoying the Glenfarclas label. From the 15 year to the 25 year is all delicious. The 12 is not bad too but a daily sipper.

Also picked up a bottle of 13 year from Trader Joe's, it's drinkable for $38 but not memorable at all. Slight sweetness, zero finish.

The Glenfarclas 12 is similar to the Yama 12. Ofcourse not exactly but it's close enough to justify it considering the price of yama.

[Bender Unit]

If anyone need a quick gift idea for Christmas

BC Liquor Store have Dalmore 12 Years on sale for $79.99
It is a GOOD, Easy to drink Whiskey.
It is rare Liquor Store have this much of discound on liquor.
Usually just $1 - $5 max.

Products Details | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/73999)

[roastpuff]

What's your bottle number and batch? :)

Derp I keep forgetting to answer this.

https://i.imgur.com/VRJjF07h.png

[Gerbs]

What's a good value whiskey/bourbon that we can grab at BC Liq store?

[DA9ve]

What's a good value whiskey/bourbon that we can grab at BC Liq store?

Weller Special Reserve
Basil Hayden
Eagle Rare

[punkwax]

+1 for Basil Hayden’s. Pretty sure it’s a few bucks off at BCL right now too.

[skyxx]

Recent haul that arrived safely, especially during all the C-Post "issues"

Whisky budget depleted for the holidays. FeelsBadMan

[Bender Unit]

Where in the world you still able to find those Japanese whiskey ?
Did you pay a fortune to get them ??

[Ch28]

Weller Special Reserve
Basil Hayden
Eagle Rare

I had some Basil Hayden recently and it's good! The packaging is pretty nice, too.

[roastpuff]

If anyone need a quick gift idea for Christmas

BC Liquor Store have Dalmore 12 Years on sale for $79.99
It is a GOOD, Easy to drink Whiskey.
It is rare Liquor Store have this much of discound on liquor.
Usually just $1 - $5 max.

Products Details | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/73999)

Picked up a bottle. It's a good drink. Very smooth for a 12, and easy drinking. Lots of fruit/sherry on the palate, caramel, raisin/grape, vanilla flavours. Someone mentioned Christmas cake on Whiskey Exchange and that's really not far off the mark lol.

[winson604]

Recent haul that arrived safely, especially during all the C-Post "issues"

Whisky budget depleted for the holidays. FeelsBadMan

Where and how the hell did you ship that here?

[skyxx]

It's all from whisky collectors/friends I made throughout the years. I paid more then what they were at MSRP but less than what the secondary wants for them.

Where in the world you still able to find those Japanese whiskey ?
Did you pay a fortune to get them ??

Where and how the hell did you ship that here?

[winson604]

It's all from whisky collectors/friends I made throughout the years. I paid more then what they were at MSRP but less than what the secondary wants for them.


Let's be friends, no joke lol unless you're are the buying and collecting type but if you're the buying and drinking type I'm down to match bottles down the road!

[skyxx]

I usually open bottles when I have backups haha. I'm down for swaps. The nikka 21 and yama12 in the photo are all backups of backups....so I'd be down for swapping those. Once I find more backups of the Yoichi 15 and the the rum wood, I'll open them as well.:alonehappy:

Let's be friends, no joke lol unless you're are the buying and collecting type but if you're the buying and drinking type I'm down to match bottles down the road!

[roastpuff]

If anyone need a quick gift idea for Christmas

BC Liquor Store have Dalmore 12 Years on sale for $79.99
It is a GOOD, Easy to drink Whiskey.
It is rare Liquor Store have this much of discound on liquor.
Usually just $1 - $5 max.

Products Details | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/73999)

https://i.imgur.com/n5bADnth.png

This is at Jak's. Looks like that's the new regular price now?

[winson604]

I usually open bottles when I have backups haha. I'm down for swaps. The nikka 21 and yama12 in the photo are all backups of backups....so I'd be down for swapping those. Once I find more backups of the Yoichi 15 and the the rum wood, I'll open them as well.:alonehappy:

My friends and I used to only open once we found a 2nd bottle as well but eventually thought it was dumb to torture ourselves. We buy to enjoy not to collect or sell so we just say fuck it and drink it lol

Since it's a back up of a back up you down to open the Nikka 21 and of course we'd offer up something close in price or if you prefer a straight up trade that can work too. Let's talk!

Which brings me to my next question and feel free to PM if you prefer but how much did you get the 12 and 21 for, in fact how much did you pay for all of them?

[roastpuff]

https://i.imgur.com/IX9r05oh.png

As good as a whisky. Smoky, peaty, sweet rummy goodness.

[jlo mein]

Weller Special Reserve
Basil Hayden
Eagle Rare

I find it interesting that Weller Special Reserve is usually $5-10USD less than Buffalo Trace in the US, but here the BCLS has Weller $3 more than Buffalo.

Weller is made by Buffalo Trace. (As is Eagle Rare)

What's a good value whiskey/bourbon that we can grab at BC Liq store?

I asked this a few months ago and have now tried many bourbons and scotch under $70. I'm no expert but I like:

Bourbon
Wild Turkey 101 $37
Buffalo Trace $40

Scotch
Naked Grouse $43
Aberfeldy 12 $60
Highland Park 12 $62
Aberlour 12 $66

Naked Grouse is my absolute favorite drink under $45. Buffalo is an easier drink for those new to whiskey. Highland Park is probably the worst choice of those mentioned for a new whiskey drinker, but its good once you like smokey peat.

I've asked before about =<$30 whiskey, and while some are drinkable neat you really get a lot better at $40-50.

[Nlkko]

Anyone do cocktails? Wonder what are some of the good value gin, whiskey or vodka to mix drinks with?

[Gallardo]

Anyone do cocktails? Wonder what are some of the good value gin, whiskey or vodka to mix drinks with?

For mixing:

Gin- Bombay
Whiskey- Johnnie Walker Red Label
Vodka- Smirnoff

[punkwax]

Gin - Bombay
Whiskey - Forty Creek or Alberta Premium
Vodka - Sobieski

I’ve been making a lot of whiskey sours lately (minus the egg white). Juice from 2 lemons + 6oz whiskey + 4 oz simple syrup and a couple dashes of bitters = two delicious drinks for me and the missus.

[gilly]

Game of thrones limited edition scotches. Will be available on Jan 19 at certain BCliquor stores.

Promotion Details | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/promotion/2019-jan-game-of-thrones)

[winson604]

Game of thrones limited edition scotches. Will be available on Jan 19 at certain BCliquor stores.

Promotion Details | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/promotion/2019-jan-game-of-thrones)

It's already available, the 19th release is for the full set. You can already buy individual bottles at pretty much an BC Liquor Store

[HonestTea]

It's already available, the 19th release is for the full set. You can already buy individual bottles at pretty much an BC Liquor Store

Which stores? I called two stores and they will only sell them to me on the 19th.

[Bender Unit]

Which stores? I called two stores and they will only sell them to me on the 19th.
Was it one of those store that show in stock ?
- 39th & Cambie
- Richmond Brighouse
- Park Royal

[Raid3n]

heading to japan next month, interested in getting some quality whiskey that i can sip rather than the shit i've had that's for mixing haha.

what would be some good ones to pick up, in your collective opinion, for someone that doesn't know ass from elbows when it comes to whiskey?

[HonestTea]

Was it one of those store that show in stock ?
- 39th & Cambie
- Richmond Brighouse
- Park Royal

Yep.

[Ch28]

Game of thrones limited edition scotches. Will be available on Jan 19 at certain BCliquor stores.

Promotion Details | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/promotion/2019-jan-game-of-thrones)

Not sure how well they taste, but I do really appreciate that they made the effort to make an all black packaging for the Night's Watch

[winson604]

Which stores? I called two stores and they will only sell them to me on the 19th.

My bad! I assumed the website showed as in stock and available that it was ready to be sold.

[gilly]

.

[HonestTea]

It's already available, the 19th release is for the full set. You can already buy individual bottles at pretty much an BC Liquor Store

Which stores? I called two stores and they will only sell them to me on the 19th.

My bad! I assumed the website showed as in stock and available that it was ready to be sold.

Sorry, You are right. You can pick up the bottles individually now.

Full set are available on the 19th and at these locations.

39th & Cambie Signature BC Liquor Store
Richmond Brighouse Signature BC Liquor Store
Park Royal Signature BC Liquor Store
Victoria Fort Street Signature BC Liquor Store
Kelowna Orchard Park Signature BC Liquor Store


Also, I read on RFD that these arent just rebranded/relabeled bottles.

:confused:

[gilly]

Just walked to the liquor store. Not available until tomorrow.

[nabs]

anyone else pick up the Johnny Walker White Walker?

[Bender Unit]

anyone else pick up the Johnny Walker White Walker?
Yes, I did during Christmas holiday.
Bought it for the BOTTLE.
Not the whiskey inside.

ALL reviews said it taste bad.
so I don't brother open it.

[nabs]

^^yeah same. Apparently the bottle changes color when frozen? I haven't tried doing that yet.

I am interested in the Oban Nightswatch edition however from this collection.

[HonestTea]

Anyone lining up for them?

[DA9ve]

Anyone lining up for them?

i saw people on my IG lining up at 5am lol

[HonestTea]

i saw people on my IG lining up at 5am lol

Damn lol I went at 8am and bought a few, Oban x2, Talisker and Lavagulin. Wanted the Royal Lochnagar and Clynelish but they were near impossible to get.

[Bender Unit]

Are you big fan of GOT ?

[HonestTea]

I'm a fan but I wouldn't consider myself a "huge" fan. I like the artwork though.

[winson604]

Lol shit got raped but I'm not sad about it. Despite me being a huge GOT and Whiskey fan the whiskey was all shitty stuff and yes I know the point is more on the cool factor and yes they were cool but at the end of the day I'm not losing any sleep over it. Curious to see what Craigslist looks like.

[DA9ve]

Lol shit got raped but I'm not sad about it. Despite me being a huge GOT and Whiskey fan the whiskey was all shitty stuff and yes I know the point is more on the cool factor and yes they were cool but at the end of the day I'm not losing any sleep over it. Curious to see what Craigslist looks like.

totally agree, its all marketing hype/packaging with subpar juice.

[Obsideon]

I went this afternoon to check it out, was interested in the Clynelish but they said pretty much everything was sold out right from the start.
I honestly didn't think there would be so much demand for average tasting whiskey in a fancy bottle.

I had a chance to buy the House Lannister and White Walker bottle when I was in Los Angeles around Christmas. There were tons stacked up the shelves at Costco, but I'm not a fan of super smokey whiskeys and Lagavoulin is as peaty as they get. With the USD exchange it was like $140 a bottle so passed.

[Vansterdam]

its $940 + tax for a full set here. I was gonna wake up early to buy and resell but :fuckthatshit:

[HonestTea]

The resell market is crazy for the limited ones.

[gilly]

wow wtf. i see 3 GOT Oban Bay scotches for like $500 each LMAO.

[nabs]

is it sold out? I was thinking i would go sometime this week to get a bottle of the Oban.

[Obsideon]

is it sold out? I was thinking i would go sometime this week to get a bottle of the Oban.

I just checked at the store. Every bottle of every brand in Vancouver is completely gone. 99% were out by 2pm of the release. Didn't know there were so many Whiskey/GoT fans haha :nerd:

[jlo mein]

Anybody seen Alberta Premium Dark Horse around? It's a fantastic sherried rye for cocktails at $30. BC Liquor Stores had tons of them back in June/July but now I see it's removed from their online inventory.

[Ch28]

I just checked at the store. Every bottle of every brand in Vancouver is completely gone. 99% were out by 2pm of the release. Didn't know there were so many Whiskey/GoT fans haha :nerd:

I was on the BC Liquor website yesterday and saw a bunch of different GoT branded whiskeys at the Fremont Village BC Liquor in PoCo

[nabs]

The only one i cared about was the Oban... unfortunately sold out everywhere.

I was on the BC Liquor website yesterday and saw a bunch of different GoT branded whiskeys at the Fremont Village BC Liquor in PoCo

[6thGear.]

Anybody try the Crown Royal Salted Caramel? I was just given a bottle last night. Possibly cracking it open tonight

[DA9ve]

:badpokerface:Anybody try the Crown Royal Salted Caramel? I was just given a bottle last night. Possibly cracking it open tonight

[westopher]

Oh my god that sounds like a bottle of diabetes.
I just polished off my balvenie carribean cask. One of my favourites to date. Just drinking a Suntory Tori right now. Its nice, but a little light for my tastes.

[Ch28]

Anybody try the Crown Royal Salted Caramel? I was just given a bottle last night. Possibly cracking it open tonight

That sounds absolutely disgusting lol

[Ch28]

I'm looking to get rid of some bottles because we're running out of space at our place. They're all unopened and taking up shelf space.

- Lagavulin 16 (comes with a box)
- Highland Park Einar (comes with a box)
- Johnnie Walker Double Black (comes with a box)
- Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select
- Glenfiddich 18 (comes with a box) - sold
- Johnnie Walker Black (comes with a box) - sold

PM me and we can figure out a reasonable price if you're interested.

[6thGear.]

So I opened up the Crown Royal salted caramel. Noticeable caramel on the nose. Quite creamy, no burn, no finish lol. It's quite sweet, and probably better as a mixer. Pretty much like JD honey. Glad I didn't pay for this. Lol

[westopher]

Haha first thing I thought was oh god that’s sounds like it’s going to be like honey jack.

[hillmar]

Picked up two bottles of Highland Park 21 at Costco Nisku on 46th Ave in Edmonton at retail for $260 including taxes.
They are discontinued and there is a healthy supply at Costco if anybody knows someone in Alberta. Drink one now, save the other bottle for retirement.:)

[Obsideon]

Oh my god that sounds like a bottle of diabetes.
I just polished off my balvenie carribean cask. One of my favourites to date. Just drinking a Suntory Tori right now. Its nice, but a little light for my tastes.

I personally am not a fan of any of the flavoured whiskey's. Honey Jack, Caramel or Apple Crown, they are all way too sweet. I would categorize them more of a liqueur.
Balvenie is still by far my favourite distillery. Every line of their whiskey is delicious in their own way. My favourite within budget is the Sherry Cask 15.
I didn't like the Tori very much, for a tad more in Japanese whiskey, try Fuyu! It's a cool label as well.
http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/215734
http://www.bcliquorstores.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/height400px/215734.jpg

[winson604]

One of my new fav distilleries is Old Pulteney

We are or have just drank their 12 year, 25 year and their 2004 Single Cask which was exclusive for the BC Liquor Spirits release which side note randomly I got bottle 1 of 229. All great stuff!

[Obsideon]

For anyone still interested, as of today. At the Bute and Robson liquor store they still have the Cardhu (House Tully) and Singleton (House Targaryen) GOT Bottles

[cristian555]

I like Jack Daniel:)

[CCA-Dave]

I like Jack Daniel:)

Cain working on his post count? :P

[skyxx]

Picked up two bottles of Highland Park 21 at Costco Nisku on 46th Ave in Edmonton at retail for $260 including taxes.
They are discontinued and there is a healthy supply at Costco if anybody knows someone in Alberta. Drink one now, save the other bottle for retirement.:)
That's a fantastic price!!! Buy all of it!!!

One of my new fav distilleries is Old Pulteney

We are or have just drank their 12 year, 25 year and their 2004 Single Cask which was exclusive for the BC Liquor Spirits release which side note randomly I got bottle 1 of 229. All great stuff!

The discontinued 17 is great stuff! If you manage to find a 21 year old, those aren't bad too, make sure to not pay over 200 for them. As for the BCLS single cask, what did you think of it?


Anyway, another "small" haul. :drunk:

http://i63.tinypic.com/4pwq3s.jpg

[Raid3n]

i picked up a bottle of the Miyagikyo from the duty free last week.
it's my first proper whisky, any recommendations on how to best enjoy it?

[skyxx]

i picked up a bottle of the Miyagikyo from the duty free last week.
it's my first proper whisky, any recommendations on how to best enjoy it?
Which duty free did you find it? In japan eh?

No special way, drink it however you like it. Try it neat, add a drop of water or two to see if you like it more. Even add ice if that fancies you. Haha All about experimenting right?:drunk:

[Raid3n]

Which duty free did you find it? In japan eh?

No special way, drink it however you like it. Try it neat, add a drop of water or two to see if you like it more. Even add ice if that fancies you. Haha All about experimenting right?:drunk:

lol, fair.

yeah, duty free at Haneda.

[hillmar]

I think it’s time for another trip to Scotland, looking into possibly flying out next month! :)

[skyxx]

I think it’s time for another trip to Scotland, looking into possibly flying out next month! :)

Planning to head to Islay region?

[hillmar]

Planning to head to Islay region?

Well maybe, but most of the time I travel to Inverness and drive up to Dalmore and Glenmorangie at the beginning and then travel to Dufftown and visit all the distillery around that area. I do want to visit the finished Macallan distillery during this trip. But you never know, might just land in Aberdeen and then decide to visit the Islay region this time around.

[Nlkko]

Anyone knows where to get some kokuto umeshu (japanese plum wine). I had the Choya Kokuto Umeshu recently in NY and it was delicious.

[Obsideon]

Anyway, another "small" haul. :drunk:
http://i63.tinypic.com/4pwq3s.jpg

Damn how did you manage to get a GOT Clynelish I heard they were sold out right away. I don't care for the House names, that whiskey sounded the most interesting and possibly the most delicious! Are you gonna crack it open April 14th? lol

I only got the Dalwhinnie :okay:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0227/0581/products/Game-of-Thrones-House-Stark-Dalwhinnie-Winters-Frost-Scotch-Whiskey-750ML-BTL.JPG?v=1542419774

[hillmar]

So instead of traveling to Scotland as I would have liked, I ended up going to France instead.
I visited a small hidden gem in the countryside about 2 hours south of Paris and they had some pretty nice offerings.
I only picked up one bottle, can you guys guess which one? I will give an update when I return home next week.

[roastpuff]

Yamazaki 18? OTOH I would love a bottle of Talisker Distiller's Reserve.

[winson604]

Yamazaki 18? OTOH I would love a bottle of Talisker Distiller's Reserve.

I say not the 18 since that's one of the easiest botttles to get and the price isn't anything special just standard.

[roastpuff]

I say not the 18 since that's one of the easiest botttles to get and the price isn't anything special just standard.

Really? I thought any Japanese single malt was basically unicorn tears at this point.

[winson604]

Really? I thought any Japanese single malt was basically unicorn tears at this point.

The 12 year old stuff yes because even the avg person may shell out a couple hundred. However, the 17/18 year stuff at around $600-700 CDN is for the more committed and I know my friends and I have easily without trying secured around 6 bottles of the Yama 18 and Hibiki 17 in the last year plus I know of other friends as recent as last month still stumble upon 17 and 18's. I mean Hillmar here just randomly came across them all as well right.

[hillmar]

So just to update my earlier post, I came back with the bottle of Ardbeg Dark Cove Committee Release. I was very tempted with the Laphroaig 15 though.
I did give a hint with the earlier post as you see that the first bottle of the committee release was missing. :)

[Rallydrv]

Really? I thought any Japanese single malt was basically unicorn tears at this point.

well, 12 yo (yamazaki.hibiki) were already withdrawn , as of nov 2018 17yo is gone also, hibiki that is. not sure about 18yo yamazaki

[hillmar]

Just got back from Scotland, trip was cut short but was able to do a little shopping.
Anybody looking for GOT bottles? There is a boat load at Heathrow at the moment. Selling for $60 Cdn to $70 Cdn.
Picked up a bottle of King Alexander from the Dalmore distillery ($250 Cdn) with a few glasses and a bottle of Glengoyne 21 ($180 Cdn) from the distillery.
Also picked up a set of drinks by the dram.

[Obsideon]

After the ending of the show I regret picking up the bottles haha! I'm just kidding the House Stark Dalwhinnie is pretty good but the White Walker Johnnie Walker was horrible! Warm, chilled, on ice. Did not like it at all. Just rough and artificially sweet.

[HonestTea]

Laird of Fintry worth getting?

[roastpuff]

Laird of Fintry worth getting?

Did you get the lottery? IMO yes, it's a nice BC whiskey. I've had 3/5 years and they've improved every year as it gets more and more aged.

Fruity, vanilla, oak, spice notes from what I remember. Have to refresh my memory when I get home now.

My 2018 bottle.
https://i.imgur.com/JegR0SIh.png

My 2014/2015 bottle (IIRC?) both are drunk now. Delicious.
https://i.imgur.com/Xi3JZC2h.png

[HonestTea]

Did you get the lottery? IMO yes, it's a nice BC whiskey. I've had 3/5 years and they've improved every year as it gets more and more aged.

Fruity, vanilla, oak, spice notes from what I remember. Have to refresh my memory when I get home now.

My 2018 bottle.
https://i.imgur.com/JegR0SIh.png

My 2014/2015 bottle (IIRC?) both are drunk now. Delicious.
https://i.imgur.com/Xi3JZC2h.png

Yeah, just got the email.

[roastpuff]

I just checked my e-mail, and I just got it too. I will order it and add the Laird Blue Label (https://okanaganspirits.com/products/whisky/laird-blue-label/) to get the free shipping.

[Obsideon]

I just cracked open a Ballantine's 19 Year single Malt that I got from Duty Free, absolutely delicious. Crisp floral and smooth with lingering spice.
https://media.karousell.com/media/photos/products/2019/04/04/ballantines_19_years_single_malt_scotch_whisky_mil tonduff_wisky_1554379807_468e9130_progressive.jpg

[winson604]

2019 release!

Promotion Details | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/promotion/2019-premium-spirit-release)

[roastpuff]

https://i.imgur.com/8ZSEybnh.png

Forgot to post my Okanagan Spirits whiskey(ish) collection now that the 2019 has arrived.

[Rallydrv]

Haven't posted for a while.

31097


Friend sent this. Anybody got $40k they could loan me? Yamazaki 55

31098

My haul from trip to Japan. Had these sitting there for almost 6months at friends place.

[racerman88]

Anyone where where I can find the new Jameson Cold Brew Irish Whisky? I already checked with BCLD


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rallydrv]

^ Legacy liq?

we found some crazy tickets, and booked 3 weeks in Lon. Planning to do whisky tour in scotland. can anybody give inputs, buses/drive. any blogs and pointers. would be great help

[Eff-1]

Well this was a bit disturbing to read...

Some Japanese Whiskies Aren’t From Japan. Some Aren’t Even Whisky.
Though the spirits have won praise and high prices, Japan has few rules for what those bottles should contain.



Clay Risen
By Clay Risen
Published May 29, 2020
Updated May 30, 2020

59
Mamoru Tsuchiya is worried about the future of Japanese whisky. Sales are booming, but there’s a problem: A large amount of the liquor isn’t actually made in Japan, said Mr. Tsuchiya, one of that country’s leading whiskey experts.

Some of it isn’t whiskey at all.

“There are a lot of situations where you call it Japanese whisky, but they’re using imported Scotch or Canadian whisky,” he said.

Global demand for Japanese whisky has exploded over the last decade — bottles like the Yamazaki 18 Year Old, which once collected dust at $100, sell for five times the price and are now almost impossible to find. The dollar value of exports to America grew by nearly 50 percent in 2019 over the previous year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.


ImageMamoru Tsuchiya, one of Japan&rsquo;s leading whiskey experts, has proposed a set of new rules.
Mamoru Tsuchiya, one of Japan’s leading whiskey experts, has proposed a set of new rules.Credit...Mamoru Tsuchiya
But unlike most whiskey-producing countries, Japan has few rules about what constitutes whiskey, let alone what makes it Japanese. Companies can buy spirits in bulk from abroad, bottle and label it “Japanese whisky,” and ship it back out. They can export aged shochu made from grains, like rice or barley, for sale in America as whiskey. Some so-called distilleries don’t even do any distilling; they import the whiskey in bulk and contract another company to bottle it.

It’s a regulatory Wild West that both established distilleries and start-ups are taking advantage of to feed growing global demand. It’s also a potential public-relations disaster: The internet is already rife with articles claiming to pull back the curtain on the myth of Japanese whisky.

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While many of the premier brands, like Yamazaki and its 18 Year Old, point out that they are made exclusively in Japan, others refuse to say. “It puts Japanese whisky’s reputation at risk,” said Makiyo Masa, the founder of Dekanta, an online retailer.

In September Mr. Tsuchiya, who runs an advocacy organization called the Japan Whisky Research Centre, proposed a set of rules for Japanese whisky, including a requirement that it be distilled in Japan. The rules would be voluntary, but he planned to use the 2020 Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition, which he runs, as a carrot: Only products that met his criteria could enter as “Japanese whisky.”

Mr. Tsuchiya said he had received support from most of the distilling industry, as well as the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association, an industry-funded, government-chartered agency that helps set nationwide regulations.

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But because of the coronavirus pandemic, the competition and Mr. Tsuchiya’s proposed rules are on hold. While the industry and consumers wait to see what happens next, a new debate is underway: What is Japanese whisky, anyway?

Japan’s laissez-faire regulatory approach is rooted, at least in part, in its complicated history with the West.

Its first recorded encounter with whiskey came in 1853, when Commodore Matthew Perry, during his inaugural visit to Japan, gave his hosts 70 gallons of Scotch and American whiskey. It was a hit among the imperial court, and the gift became a defining memory of a landmark cross-cultural encounter.

As part of its subsequent push to emulate the West, Meiji-era Japan encouraged the production of domestic versions of that same whiskey. Japanese distillers often used sweet potatoes, which were abundant, but they produced a much different spirit than the barley, corn and rye used in Scotland and America.

“From the get-go, Japanese whisky was not whiskey as the rest of the world understands it,” said Liam McNulty, a Tokyo-based whiskey writer. No one gave much thought to defining it, he said, since it was entirely for domestic consumption. The bragging rights that came with having a homegrown whiskey industry, and whatever tax revenue it generated, were more important than the precision of the end product.

The first modern Japanese whisky distilleries, including Yamazaki, didn’t open until the 1920s. While they were modeled on Scottish operations and often produced high-quality spirits, they did little to change the overall character of Japanese whisky, which, especially following World War II, was aimed at everyday salarymen looking for a quick drink after work.

The Japanese government introduced formal definitions for domestic whisky in 1989, but by then the industry was dominated by a few big distilling companies that wanted to keep the rules loose. After 1989, for example, whisky sold domestically had to contain at least 10 percent aged malt whisky; the rest could be unaged alcohol, typically made from imported molasses.

“The lack of regulation benefits major producers,” said Stefan Van Eycken, the author of “Whisky Rising: The Definitive Guide to the Finest Whiskies and Distillers of Japan.” “If the lack were a disadvantage to them, rules would be quickly be implemented.”

Both domestically and internationally, interest in Japanese whisky began to pick up in the early 2000s, snowballing through the next 15 years as the industry’s premium brands, like Hibiki and Yamazaki, racked up global critical acclaim. But distillers didn’t have enough fully aged product to meet demand, leading many established and start-up brands to start buying in bulk from overseas.

The Japanese whisky industry can be opaque, so it is hard to know which distilleries rely on foreign sources. Still, analysts point to fast-growing exports of Scotch and Canadian whisky to Japan in recent years, even as the retail sales of those whiskeys remain flat — implying that most of the imported spirit is being bought by distilleries and relabeled as Japanese.

One company that has been open about its sources is Nikka, which makes whisky in Japan and owns the Ben Nevis distillery in Scotland. Emiko Kaji, Nikka’s manager of international business development, said that domestic supply shortages force the company to use “a small amount of whiskey from overseas” to meet demand.

She also said that imported Scotch is a critical ingredient in creating Nikka’s flavor profile, in the same way that an American baker might swear by French butter in making an apple pie.

“Unlike in Scotland, we do not have the custom of exchanging casks with other producers within the country,” Ms. Kaji said. “In order to create a complex blended whisky to meet this demand, blenders in Japan needed to look outside our country for whisky to realize their visions.”

Nevertheless, as more American whiskey fans learn that Japanese whisky isn’t 100 percent Japanese, they’re increasingly unhappy. Much of the critical praise over the past decade leaned on generalizations about Japanese craftsmanship and ingredients, and drinkers are understandably angry to learn that the whisky in their glass might not even be made in Japan.


Image
Three bottles of rare Japanese whisky, including two limited-edition releases of Hibiki, a blend made by Suntory.
Three bottles of rare Japanese whisky, including two limited-edition releases of Hibiki, a blend made by Suntory.Credit...The Aloha Whisky Shop
Some distilleries are coming clean by labeling their whiskies “world blends,” meaning a combination of imported and domestic products, said Flavien Desoblin, who carries several of these bottles at his two Manhattan whiskey bars, the Brandy Library and Copper and Oak. (These include Ao, from Suntory, one of the largest distilling companies in Japan, and Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Whisky, from Chichibu, a highly regarded craft producer.)

“I believe it’s a great first step,” Mr. Desoblin said. “Since we have to pay a premium for just about any whisky that comes from Japan, we need to be told the truth.”

Mr. Tsuchiya wrote his proposed rules to move even further. They would require distilleries to use only grain in their mash, ferment it with yeast (shochu uses a different process), distill it entirely in Japan, and then age it for at least two years in a wood cask.


Image
Yoshitsugu Komasa, the president and master distiller of the Kanosuke distillery.
Yoshitsugu Komasa, the president and master distiller of the Kanosuke distillery.Credit...Yoshitsugu Komasa
“We require two years, instead of three like in Scotland, because in Japan we have a more temperate climate and whisky may age faster,” he said.

So far, Japan’s largest whisky companies have said they are receptive to Mr. Tsuchiya’s proposal. But some experts question whether the industry will end up supporting it. Japanese whisky may have earned a global following, but its largest market is among everyday, value-conscious domestic drinkers who don’t pay attention to technical details.

Mr. Van Eycken wonders if producers want to create a polarized landscape by explaining that Japanese whisky, their bread and butter, isn’t what people thought it was. “Call me a skeptic, but from a business point of view, that’s very unlikely.”

He may be right. But if distillers end up rejecting Mr. Tsuchiya’s proposals, it’s possible that Japanese whisky’s newfound fans will reject them in turn.

“They need to decide if their interests are good for the industry, or for consumers,” said Yoshitsugu Komasa, who founded the Kanosuke distillery in southern Japan in 2017 and has pushed other craft producers to be more transparent. “If these rules are not adopted, I think things are going to get worse.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/29/dining/japanese-whisky.html

[SkinnyPupp]

Chinese will stop buying it in such large amounts, and eventually demand and prices should come down.

I still remember the first time I bought Yamazaki 12 after moving to HK. I bought it because it was cheaper than the big Scottish brands of similar age LUL Turned out to be really good, so I became a regular drinker of it (and the 18 which wasn't as cheap but still good value for the quality). Haven't touched it since prices went insane. Now even the cheap below-bottom-shelf stuff is expensive as hell when you see it in stores and airports.

They definitely do need some rules though. Normally prices wouldn't go near what they did without proper rules in place, but again it's Chinese demand driving it up.

Also I wouldn't be too mad if I found out my Japanese whisky had some of its blend imported from Scotland... Like why are you even buying it? because it's a good whisky from Japan? Or because it's simply "Japanese whisky"? FailFish

[Eff-1]

My first taste of Japanese whisky was in HK as well, before the hype took off. Over the next couple of years, I visited Japan, saw a few distilleries and learned about the manufacturing processes. So it was a a bit upsetting to find out many years later some of these Japanese varieties don't come from Japan, but that's only after seeing the distilleries and learning the history first-hand.

I spent a lot of money and time over the years building my collection. It all comes from Suntory or Nikka, therefore I am confident none are gaijin lol.

[SkinnyPupp]

My first taste of Japanese whisky was in HK as well, before the hype took off. Over the next couple of years, I visited Japan, saw a few distilleries and learned about the manufacturing processes. So it was a a bit upsetting to find out many years later some of these Japanese varieties don't come from Japan, but that's only after seeing the distilleries and learning the history first-hand.

I spent a lot of money and time over the years building my collection. It all comes from Suntory or Nikka, therefore I am confident none are gaijin lol.
The very post you made has a quote from a Nikka rep saying they use imported whisky in their blends

Not that there's anything wrong with it, if you're buying a Japanese whisky for it's quality and not for its Japanese-ness

[winson604]

Well this was a bit disturbing to read...

Some Japanese Whiskies Aren’t From Japan. Some Aren’t Even Whisky.
Though the spirits have won praise and high prices, Japan has few rules for what those bottles should contain.



Clay Risen
By Clay Risen
Published May 29, 2020
Updated May 30, 2020

59
Mamoru Tsuchiya is worried about the future of Japanese whisky. Sales are booming, but there’s a problem: A large amount of the liquor isn’t actually made in Japan, said Mr. Tsuchiya, one of that country’s leading whiskey experts.

Some of it isn’t whiskey at all.

“There are a lot of situations where you call it Japanese whisky, but they’re using imported Scotch or Canadian whisky,” he said.

Global demand for Japanese whisky has exploded over the last decade — bottles like the Yamazaki 18 Year Old, which once collected dust at $100, sell for five times the price and are now almost impossible to find. The dollar value of exports to America grew by nearly 50 percent in 2019 over the previous year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.


ImageMamoru Tsuchiya, one of Japan&rsquo;s leading whiskey experts, has proposed a set of new rules.
Mamoru Tsuchiya, one of Japan’s leading whiskey experts, has proposed a set of new rules.Credit...Mamoru Tsuchiya
But unlike most whiskey-producing countries, Japan has few rules about what constitutes whiskey, let alone what makes it Japanese. Companies can buy spirits in bulk from abroad, bottle and label it “Japanese whisky,” and ship it back out. They can export aged shochu made from grains, like rice or barley, for sale in America as whiskey. Some so-called distilleries don’t even do any distilling; they import the whiskey in bulk and contract another company to bottle it.

It’s a regulatory Wild West that both established distilleries and start-ups are taking advantage of to feed growing global demand. It’s also a potential public-relations disaster: The internet is already rife with articles claiming to pull back the curtain on the myth of Japanese whisky.

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While many of the premier brands, like Yamazaki and its 18 Year Old, point out that they are made exclusively in Japan, others refuse to say. “It puts Japanese whisky’s reputation at risk,” said Makiyo Masa, the founder of Dekanta, an online retailer.

In September Mr. Tsuchiya, who runs an advocacy organization called the Japan Whisky Research Centre, proposed a set of rules for Japanese whisky, including a requirement that it be distilled in Japan. The rules would be voluntary, but he planned to use the 2020 Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition, which he runs, as a carrot: Only products that met his criteria could enter as “Japanese whisky.”

Mr. Tsuchiya said he had received support from most of the distilling industry, as well as the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association, an industry-funded, government-chartered agency that helps set nationwide regulations.

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But because of the coronavirus pandemic, the competition and Mr. Tsuchiya’s proposed rules are on hold. While the industry and consumers wait to see what happens next, a new debate is underway: What is Japanese whisky, anyway?

Japan’s laissez-faire regulatory approach is rooted, at least in part, in its complicated history with the West.

Its first recorded encounter with whiskey came in 1853, when Commodore Matthew Perry, during his inaugural visit to Japan, gave his hosts 70 gallons of Scotch and American whiskey. It was a hit among the imperial court, and the gift became a defining memory of a landmark cross-cultural encounter.

As part of its subsequent push to emulate the West, Meiji-era Japan encouraged the production of domestic versions of that same whiskey. Japanese distillers often used sweet potatoes, which were abundant, but they produced a much different spirit than the barley, corn and rye used in Scotland and America.

“From the get-go, Japanese whisky was not whiskey as the rest of the world understands it,” said Liam McNulty, a Tokyo-based whiskey writer. No one gave much thought to defining it, he said, since it was entirely for domestic consumption. The bragging rights that came with having a homegrown whiskey industry, and whatever tax revenue it generated, were more important than the precision of the end product.

The first modern Japanese whisky distilleries, including Yamazaki, didn’t open until the 1920s. While they were modeled on Scottish operations and often produced high-quality spirits, they did little to change the overall character of Japanese whisky, which, especially following World War II, was aimed at everyday salarymen looking for a quick drink after work.

The Japanese government introduced formal definitions for domestic whisky in 1989, but by then the industry was dominated by a few big distilling companies that wanted to keep the rules loose. After 1989, for example, whisky sold domestically had to contain at least 10 percent aged malt whisky; the rest could be unaged alcohol, typically made from imported molasses.

“The lack of regulation benefits major producers,” said Stefan Van Eycken, the author of “Whisky Rising: The Definitive Guide to the Finest Whiskies and Distillers of Japan.” “If the lack were a disadvantage to them, rules would be quickly be implemented.”

Both domestically and internationally, interest in Japanese whisky began to pick up in the early 2000s, snowballing through the next 15 years as the industry’s premium brands, like Hibiki and Yamazaki, racked up global critical acclaim. But distillers didn’t have enough fully aged product to meet demand, leading many established and start-up brands to start buying in bulk from overseas.

The Japanese whisky industry can be opaque, so it is hard to know which distilleries rely on foreign sources. Still, analysts point to fast-growing exports of Scotch and Canadian whisky to Japan in recent years, even as the retail sales of those whiskeys remain flat — implying that most of the imported spirit is being bought by distilleries and relabeled as Japanese.

One company that has been open about its sources is Nikka, which makes whisky in Japan and owns the Ben Nevis distillery in Scotland. Emiko Kaji, Nikka’s manager of international business development, said that domestic supply shortages force the company to use “a small amount of whiskey from overseas” to meet demand.

She also said that imported Scotch is a critical ingredient in creating Nikka’s flavor profile, in the same way that an American baker might swear by French butter in making an apple pie.

“Unlike in Scotland, we do not have the custom of exchanging casks with other producers within the country,” Ms. Kaji said. “In order to create a complex blended whisky to meet this demand, blenders in Japan needed to look outside our country for whisky to realize their visions.”

Nevertheless, as more American whiskey fans learn that Japanese whisky isn’t 100 percent Japanese, they’re increasingly unhappy. Much of the critical praise over the past decade leaned on generalizations about Japanese craftsmanship and ingredients, and drinkers are understandably angry to learn that the whisky in their glass might not even be made in Japan.


Image
Three bottles of rare Japanese whisky, including two limited-edition releases of Hibiki, a blend made by Suntory.
Three bottles of rare Japanese whisky, including two limited-edition releases of Hibiki, a blend made by Suntory.Credit...The Aloha Whisky Shop
Some distilleries are coming clean by labeling their whiskies “world blends,” meaning a combination of imported and domestic products, said Flavien Desoblin, who carries several of these bottles at his two Manhattan whiskey bars, the Brandy Library and Copper and Oak. (These include Ao, from Suntory, one of the largest distilling companies in Japan, and Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Whisky, from Chichibu, a highly regarded craft producer.)

“I believe it’s a great first step,” Mr. Desoblin said. “Since we have to pay a premium for just about any whisky that comes from Japan, we need to be told the truth.”

Mr. Tsuchiya wrote his proposed rules to move even further. They would require distilleries to use only grain in their mash, ferment it with yeast (shochu uses a different process), distill it entirely in Japan, and then age it for at least two years in a wood cask.


Image
Yoshitsugu Komasa, the president and master distiller of the Kanosuke distillery.
Yoshitsugu Komasa, the president and master distiller of the Kanosuke distillery.Credit...Yoshitsugu Komasa
“We require two years, instead of three like in Scotland, because in Japan we have a more temperate climate and whisky may age faster,” he said.

So far, Japan’s largest whisky companies have said they are receptive to Mr. Tsuchiya’s proposal. But some experts question whether the industry will end up supporting it. Japanese whisky may have earned a global following, but its largest market is among everyday, value-conscious domestic drinkers who don’t pay attention to technical details.

Mr. Van Eycken wonders if producers want to create a polarized landscape by explaining that Japanese whisky, their bread and butter, isn’t what people thought it was. “Call me a skeptic, but from a business point of view, that’s very unlikely.”

He may be right. But if distillers end up rejecting Mr. Tsuchiya’s proposals, it’s possible that Japanese whisky’s newfound fans will reject them in turn.

“They need to decide if their interests are good for the industry, or for consumers,” said Yoshitsugu Komasa, who founded the Kanosuke distillery in southern Japan in 2017 and has pushed other craft producers to be more transparent. “If these rules are not adopted, I think things are going to get worse.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/29/dining/japanese-whisky.html

Was always common knowledge it's just that it has gotten more out of control now a days. People always looking to take advantage!

[Hondaracer]

Great idea though just buy the quality whiskey and create your own blends and jack up the prices through the roof by riding a reputation.

I know very little of Japanese whiskey but I’ve done some relatively extensive tastings in Scotland and Ireland and funny thinking back Japanese whiskey was not once mentioned in these tastings where as a lot of praise went to Canadian Whiskey and American Burboun.. wonder if they were all in the know

[Eff-1]

The very post you made has a quote from a Nikka rep saying they use imported whisky in their blends

Not that there's anything wrong with it, if you're buying a Japanese whisky for it's quality and not for its Japanese-ness

They never hid the fact. No issues with me.

[SkinnyPupp]

Great idea though just buy the quality whiskey and create your own blends and jack up the prices through the roof by riding a reputation.

I know very little of Japanese whiskey but I’ve done some relatively extensive tastings in Scotland and Ireland and funny thinking back Japanese whiskey was not once mentioned in these tastings where as a lot of praise went to Canadian Whiskey and American Burboun.. wonder if they were all in the know
There are some great Japanese whiskys, but many more average and bad ones. I think most of the hype is riding ONE brand, and that's Suntory's Yamazaki aged single malt. That's the one that got everyone's attention, and although there are other great ones as well, it's mostly hype created by that one (IMO)

[Expresso]

Is nobody drinking anymore lol? Dived into bourbons the last few months. Really enjoying Rare Breed and Eagle Rare at the moment.

[SkinnyPupp]

I drink like a fish but it's all cocktails now. High quality cocktails, but there's no need for expensive liquor in a cocktail. My go-to bourbon is a 90 proof Ezra Brooks which would probably sell for like $15 in the US but booze is crazy expensive here so that's what I stick with. I use their 90 proof rye as well. Actually for cocktails both are excellent, as they just have a good "this is a bourbon and this is a rye" flavour.

Unfortunately I still have to buy some expensive booze, but it's proprietary liqueurs like Chartreuse, Benedictine, etc. Have to keep some absinthe around as well.

Lately I've been drinking a lot of tiki drinks, so that means I have to keep several bottles of rum on hand. Favourite light rum is Plantation 3 stars. For aged column still (Spanish style) I got with Matusalem 7 (originally from Cuba, now Dominican Rep). I keep two types of Jamaican - Myers's for some funk and strong molasses flavour, and Smith & Cross for strong funk and higher proof (my favourite booze in the world). I also keep Plantation OFTD which is 69% (nice) for the proofy needs.

My wife bought me a bottle of Plantation Guyana 2005 for my birthday, and I've used it in a few cocktails but it's too good for cocktails LUL I think I'll enjoy it more as a sipper in the winter.

For gin I stick with Bombay Sapphire, as a 1L bottle is "just" $25 USD and it's a nice 47% ABV. Other gins are cheaper, like Beefeater, but the Beefeater we get is their low quality 80 proof, might as well use vodka. I would prefer Tanqueray as my go-to, but Bombay is just about as good but a much better deal.

I recently found an insane deal on Cognac, which is usually insanely expensive in HK. Jules Gautret VSOP is as good (in cocktails) as any of the big brands like Martel, Remy, Courvoisier VSOP, but these bottles were 1/4 the price. Snatched up 2 bottles but never saw it again. Finished the first bottle yesterday with a Between The Sheets SeemsGood

So there's my "etc" part of the "whiskey, bourbon, etc" thread SeemsGood I have much more sitting on the shelf, lots of different liqueurs and vermouth in the fridge (I get into arguments about vermouth on reddit because people care more about brand than flavour). I've been trying all sorts of different brands, and have come to some conclusions on what I settle on.

[DA9ve]

Is nobody drinking anymore lol? Dived into bourbons the last few months. Really enjoying Rare Breed and Eagle Rare at the moment.

Been getting into bourbons as well. Currently loving Stagg Jr and WT 101.

High proof is awesome!

[Raid3n]

this is the extent of my collection

https://i.gyazo.com/8a4f5690821602d3cdf15113a25b2d41.png

[Expresso]

Been getting into bourbons as well. Currently loving Stagg Jr and WT 101.

High proof is awesome!

haha yes I agree! I haven't opened my Stagg Jr, but soon hopefully. Give Rare Breed a try its WT101 amped up; same distillery and 116 proof.

Skinnypupp: Try WT101, higher proof kind of stands up in cocktails pretty well. Usually about $30-35 CAD, definitely affordable. Don't have too many liqueurs though. Only enough to make an old fashioned, manhattan, and negroni/boulevardier.

Raiden: How's the Miyagikyo?

[Bender Unit]

I am drinking Elijah Craig small batch recently
$55 + tax

https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/414169

[SkinnyPupp]

haha yes I agree! I haven't opened my Stagg Jr, but soon hopefully. Give Rare Breed a try its WT101 amped up; same distillery and 116 proof.

Skinnypupp: Try WT101, higher proof kind of stands up in cocktails pretty well. Usually about $30-35 CAD, definitely affordable. Don't have too many liqueurs though. Only enough to make an old fashioned, manhattan, and negroni/boulevardier.

Raiden: How's the Miyagikyo?
I picked up some Wild Turkey 101 at duty free (remember those?) but I didn't like it. A bit too much rye spice for a bourbon IMO. Made for some really weird cocktails where you're looking for that mellow sweet corn bourbon flavour.

[Expresso]

Bender Unit: nice, got one as well lol.

Skinnypupp: Can I assume this was awhile ago? Say pre 2018?

[SkinnyPupp]

Bender Unit: nice, got one as well lol.

Skinnypupp: Can I assume this was awhile ago? Say pre 2018?
Nope it would have been last year! But it was from Japan which IIRC is the only region that puts an age statement (8 years I think)

I think for cocktails, especially if making classics, you want the most 'basic' bourbon possible. Once it starts adding new flavours, it can mess with the balance. Sometimes in a good way, but not in my experience with this bottle.

700 ml bottle costs $47 USD locally so I don't think I'll be trying it again... The stuff I buy is $30 for 1L and is 90 proof, I think it's perfect for my uses. I'd love to try some other 100 proof some time though.

[punkwax]

Gifts received from friends today for my 40th :notbad:

https://imgflip.com/i/4ce6f7

Ugh can’t figure out how to upload images directly to RS from this site anymore

[Raid3n]

haha yes I agree! I haven't opened my Stagg Jr, but soon hopefully. Give Rare Breed a try its WT101 amped up; same distillery and 116 proof.

Skinnypupp: Try WT101, higher proof kind of stands up in cocktails pretty well. Usually about $30-35 CAD, definitely affordable. Don't have too many liqueurs though. Only enough to make an old fashioned, manhattan, and negroni/boulevardier.

Raiden: How's the Miyagikyo?

tbh, of the three i liked it the least. though i still have some other ways i have yet to try it. so far just neat at room temp and mixed. mixed it was okay though nothing special, neat it didn't have much flavour, just the alcohol burn. though that might be partly due to the glassware.. i need to get some proper glasses i think. haven't tried it with ice or water yet though. the fujisan was better, and the glenfiddich is good.

[winson604]

Another Canadian Winner for those who even care

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2020/09/murray-gives-canadian-rye-top-spot-in-whisky-bible/

[HonestTea]

Another Canadian Winner for those who even care

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2020/09/murray-gives-canadian-rye-top-spot-in-whisky-bible/

Is there gonna be another shortage? lol

[bcrdukes]

Sold out / back ordered / shortage / COVID-19 - you name it. :D

[Expresso]

Pretty sure the GVRD stock was cleared out by all the staff lol. It disappeared less than a day.

I've heard good things about this though and the fact its cask strength is intriguing. AP used to supply juice for Whistle Pig and people go crazy over that.

[Bender Unit]

:rukidding: 5 bottles show available in BC

in Parksville, Kelowna, Dawson Creek.....

[DA9ve]

lol i dont know how this shit gets voted best whisky. i bought a bottle when it first came out last fall and i cleared the neck pour already, just had it after 3-4 months and it still didnt open up. Fucking bottle is so rough even with liberal amounts of water to try and dilute it.

at $50-60 if you're really curious then sure. if it starts going up to $70-80, theres tons of other whiskies worth trying.

[Obsideon]

To each their own. I agree. Even last time the Crown Royal Northern Harvest got all the hype from being the "best whisky" ... I grabbed 3 bottles. Not really a fan. I mean it's not bad... but it's definitely not the best whisky by far. I haven't wanted to get a bottle since, and probably never will.

[wreck]

ahhh the fall/winter, time for the good stuff.

#drinkseasonally

[SkinnyPupp]

After pretty heavy drinking most of this year, I am kicking off #SoberOctober soon... who's with me? :badpokerface:

[Expresso]

Considering I picked up Weller 12 year and Antique 107 recently, that will be hard to do lol! Fall Spirits release is going to be in a month or so too!

[DA9ve]

Considering I picked up Weller 12 year and Antique 107 recently, that will be hard to do lol! Fall Spirits release is going to be in a month or so too!

whaaat where?

[Expresso]

whaaat where?

Paid secondary on FB, but at least the prices weren't out to lunch. :okay:

[DA9ve]

Paid secondary on FB, but at least the prices weren't out to lunch. :okay:

ah i see. i heard the 107 is better than the 12. lmk what you think. i only have the weller 12 and special reserve to compare.

[SFU_wmc]

How much would a Yamazaki 12 yrs sell for in Vancouver? Nothing on Craigslist or Marketplace to benchmark

[HonestTea]

Fintry raffle winners announced

[Expresso]

ah i see. i heard the 107 is better than the 12. lmk what you think. i only have the weller 12 and special reserve to compare.

Will do. But I really want to give poor mans pappy blend a try, mixture of both.

Did you grab the W12 from the recent spirits release?

[DA9ve]

Will do. But I really want to give poor mans pappy blend a try, mixture of both.

Did you grab the W12 from the recent spirits release?

i got it 1 from the recent summer release.

poor mans pappy would be interesting.

[DA9ve]

How much would a Yamazaki 12 yrs sell for in Vancouver? Nothing on Craigslist or Marketplace to benchmark

$200 max

i remember these went for $100 CAD when i was in Japan in 2017

[SFU_wmc]

$200 max

i remember these went for $100 CAD when i was in Japan in 2017

Lots have changed since 2017. Not sure if you can even find the NAS version for $200 now a days. Nevermind the 12yr.

[SkinnyPupp]

You can still pick them up for $50 MSRP if you come across them in grocery stores in non tourist areas of Japan FeelsBadMan

[Expresso]

If you ever make it to the US, it retails for about $130USD. Pricing in Japan in late 2018 varied alot from $130-250.

PS. Spirits release catalogue is up now.

[Expresso]

How'd everyone do in the Spirits Release? I know rslater killed it lol!

DA9ve: Not sure if you were able to score an OWA. I find it has big artificial cherry hit along with some good sweetness, but I feel like it drinks hotter than 107 proof. It's a punch in the face compared to W12 where its just so smooth and sublime. Two different beasts definitely will depend on your mood.

[DA9ve]

How'd everyone do in the Spirits Release? I know rslater killed it lol!

DA9ve: Not sure if you were able to score an OWA. I find it has big artificial cherry hit along with some good sweetness, but I feel like it drinks hotter than 107 proof. It's a punch in the face compared to W12 where its just so smooth and sublime. Two different beasts definitely will depend on your mood.

Ah no kinda choked no Weller at all. Just got a 1792 Fp and Ardbeg 19. I need to try OWA sometime. I'm sure I'll be able to snag a bottle sometime in the future.


Every year bcl fucks up the system. Tbh I rather they just do a lottery system.

[donk.]

As someone who does not care for liquor, my realtor got me a bottle of blue label, at the time i had no idea what it was.

So as per usual i started to drink it mixed with OJ, my buddy came over a few weeks later with the bottle 3/4 full still.
Looks at the bottle, looks at me, and asks since when i started to buy expensive booze, i chuckled and told him its from my realtor
Then he told me its like 350$, at this point, all you heard from me was saaayyy whhaaaaat

So we both took a shot, buddy said it was 11/10, and to me, just as gross as any other 30$ hard liquor.

Buddies birthday was around the corner, gifted it to him in the suede box it came with, that i used as tile cutting stand for some renos bahahha.

[SkinnyPupp]

:ahwow:

[punkwax]

As someone who does not care for liquor, my realtor got me a bottle of blue label, at the time i had no idea what it was.

So as per usual i started to drink it mixed with OJ, my buddy came over a few weeks later with the bottle 3/4 full still.
Looks at the bottle, looks at me, and asks since when i started to buy expensive booze, i chuckled and told him its from my realtor
Then he told me its like 350$, at this point, all you heard from me was saaayyy whhaaaaat

So we both took a shot, buddy said it was 11/10, and to me, just as gross as any other 30$ hard liquor.

Buddies birthday was around the corner, gifted it to him in the suede box it came with, that i used as tile cutting stand for some renos bahahha.

:gtfo:

[mikemhg]

As someone who does not care for liquor, my realtor got me a bottle of blue label, at the time i had no idea what it was.

So as per usual i started to drink it mixed with OJ, my buddy came over a few weeks later with the bottle 3/4 full still.
Looks at the bottle, looks at me, and asks since when i started to buy expensive booze, i chuckled and told him its from my realtor
Then he told me its like 350$, at this point, all you heard from me was saaayyy whhaaaaat

So we both took a shot, buddy said it was 11/10, and to me, just as gross as any other 30$ hard liquor.

Buddies birthday was around the corner, gifted it to him in the suede box it came with, that i used as tile cutting stand for some renos bahahha.

Whiskey and OJ?! That's disgusting LOL.

[punkwax]

Shooting blue label is blasphemous as well. Such a nice buttery sipper :sweetjesus:

[bcrdukes]

That read as ghetto.

[Obsideon]

Personally if I had to choose a JW I actually prefer the Green Label more than the Blue. Of course if I had to choose 1 for free I'll take the Blue lol.
But overall I'm not a Johnnie fan in general, my all-time favourite brand is still Balvenie followed by Glenfarclas. Every age from 12 to 30 has been delicious and unique in their own right.

[DA9ve]

As someone who does not care for liquor, my realtor got me a bottle of blue label, at the time i had no idea what it was.

So as per usual i started to drink it mixed with OJ, my buddy came over a few weeks later with the bottle 3/4 full still.
Looks at the bottle, looks at me, and asks since when i started to buy expensive booze, i chuckled and told him its from my realtor
Then he told me its like 350$, at this point, all you heard from me was saaayyy whhaaaaat

So we both took a shot, buddy said it was 11/10, and to me, just as gross as any other 30$ hard liquor.

Buddies birthday was around the corner, gifted it to him in the suede box it came with, that i used as tile cutting stand for some renos bahahha.
Some crime was committed here.... My God.

[bcrdukes]

RIP to our good friend Johnnie.

[unit]

every time one of my customers asks me what i drink i say beer or whiskey, they either bring me budweiser or a $30 bottle of booze lol

[punkwax]

Then be more specific? LUL

[unit]

i dont wanna sound too picky, after all it's a gesture that they are offering not payment.
one time i was doing a favour very reluctantly for a customer that i don't particularly like, and he asked if i drank whiskey. i said yes, bring me something good. he brought me a 40 of crown... i gave it to my buddy lol.

[Expresso]

i dont wanna sound too picky, after all it's a gesture that they are offering not payment.
one time i was doing a favour very reluctantly for a customer that i don't particularly like, and he asked if i drank whiskey. i said yes, bring me something good. he brought me a 40 of crown... i gave it to my buddy lol.

Sadly this always happens when someone who doesn't drink beer or drink whiskey buys you either lol.

BTW the Michter's Toasted Rye is legit, probably one of the best bourbon/ryes I've tried this year.

[Bender Unit]

Michter's Toasted Rye is legit, probably one of the best bourbon/ryes I've tried this year.

I am sad I didn't get this Michter's Toasted Rye last Saturday.
I wasn't expect these many people to line up

[StanleyR]

I am sad I didn't get this Michter's Toasted Rye last Saturday.
I wasn't expect these many people to line up

These days, folks don't have much else to look forward to.
:drunk:

[Expresso]

I am sad I didn't get this Michter's Toasted Rye last Saturday.
I wasn't expect these many people to line up

What store and time did you go?

[Bender Unit]

What store and time did you go?

39th & Cambie
6:15a.m.
Already lined up out of the parking lot to alley
:lol
I wasn't trying hard like preivous years.

[Expresso]

ahh good ole Cambie. I felt like nobody really wanted the Michter's anywhere else. I walked into Park Royal around 8:30 and they still had about 3-4 left.

[BlackV62K2]

Any good places to pickup mini bottles of scotch? Looking to get into it and want to try a wide variety of them to see what I enjoy. Of course a scotch/whiskey bar would be ideal but that isn't a safe option during covid.

Have started with Glenfiddich 12, Glenlivet 12 and Aberfeldy 12.

[DA9ve]

Any good places to pickup mini bottles of scotch? Looking to get into it and want to try a wide variety of them to see what I enjoy. Of course a scotch/whiskey bar would be ideal but that isn't a safe option during covid.

Have started with Glenfiddich 12, Glenlivet 12 and Aberfeldy 12.

Legacy in Olympic village

[winson604]

Any good places to pickup mini bottles of scotch? Looking to get into it and want to try a wide variety of them to see what I enjoy. Of course a scotch/whiskey bar would be ideal but that isn't a safe option during covid.

Have started with Glenfiddich 12, Glenlivet 12 and Aberfeldy 12.

You mean like the mini bottles as in the stuff you get on a plane? To my understanding the selection in which you can get in that size is super limited anyway to mostly garbage stuff.

[BlackV62K2]

You mean like the mini bottles as in the stuff you get on a plane? To my understanding the selection in which you can get in that size is super limited anyway to mostly garbage stuff.

Doesn't need to be that small but something smaller than the regular size. Yeah I would assume all the really good stuff won't come in any other sizes.

Guess if I have to continue with the standard size, then so be it. Just hurts the wallet and the liver lol.

[mikemhg]

Doesn't need to be that small but something smaller than the regular size. Yeah I would assume all the really good stuff won't come in any other sizes.

Guess if I have to continue with the standard size, then so be it. Just hurts the wallet and the liver lol.

Reminds me of that Cheap Pete skit from In Living Color :lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yoAVDuE7XY&ab_channel=GreatestShowsOnEarth

BlackV62K2: You got any of that Johnnie Walker Blue in a baby bottle?
Clerk: Huh..? No, only full bottle..
BlackV62K2: Can I just buy a sip then?

:lol

[Expresso]

Doesn't need to be that small but something smaller than the regular size. Yeah I would assume all the really good stuff won't come in any other sizes.

Guess if I have to continue with the standard size, then so be it. Just hurts the wallet and the liver lol.

Just do your research online. Find reviewers that have similar taste profile or if you see reviews are generally positive, likely it'll be something you would enjoy too. The other alternative is to get your buddies into it and start sharing bottles haha.

[Obsideon]

I recently go to try a bottle of Knappogue Castle 12, for the price of around $80 it's really good. I would compare it to the Balvenie 12 that's about $20 more.

[Obsideon]

Any good places to pickup mini bottles of scotch? Looking to get into it and want to try a wide variety of them to see what I enjoy. Of course a scotch/whiskey bar would be ideal but that isn't a safe option during covid.

Have started with Glenfiddich 12, Glenlivet 12 and Aberfeldy 12.

Aberfeldy is my daily sipper. Great value scotch!

[unit]

on reddit there are some whiskey sharing groups where someone will buy a number of expensive whiskeys, decant them into glass bottles at several ounces per bottle, label the decanted bottles, and everyone splits the cost. for example, 10 people participate, 10 750ml bottles are split, everyone gets 75ml of each bottle, everyone pays for the cost of the bottles evenly. someone set that up here? i'd be interested if there were enough peeps.

[BlackV62K2]

Aberfeldy is my daily sipper. Great value scotch!

Yeah that one was pretty good. I didn't mind all 3 that I bought but I dont really have a good baseline to start with. I started with the 2 Glens as most recommend those as beginner scotch. May try the Balvenie Doublewood or Glenmorangie Lasanta/Quinta Ruban next.

[Obsideon]

Personally Balvenie is my all-time favourite brand. Their entire line-up is pretty delicious, my favourite is the 15 year Sherry Single Cask. I can't justify $500 for the 21 year but it was also pretty good, and I can't afford the 26 or 40 year haha

My second would be Glenfarclas, from the 12 to the 21 year, all are good in their own way for the price.

[Expresso]

on reddit there are some whiskey sharing groups where someone will buy a number of expensive whiskeys, decant them into glass bottles at several ounces per bottle, label the decanted bottles, and everyone splits the cost. for example, 10 people participate, 10 750ml bottles are split, everyone gets 75ml of each bottle, everyone pays for the cost of the bottles evenly. someone set that up here? i'd be interested if there were enough peeps.

Reddit shut those down awhile ago. Wonder if we can pull it off on RS lol!

[mikemhg]

Just as a heads up, one of my collogues within our industry was telling me that on every first Friday of the month, Brewhall does a "breakeven" bottle night. They open a pricy whiskey bottle and sell each oz at cost, it starts @ 5PM first Friday of each month. We'll be going there to check it out in February.

Seems like a good way to try some high tier whiskey nonetheless.

https://brewhall.com/events/

[BlackV62K2]

Can finally pay for that one sip lol

[Expresso]

Those are big boy bottles so expect $20-25 a pour but otherwise hard pressed to try it anywhere else.

[Obsideon]

Well if you break down the cost of the Balvenie 40 Year it's $380 per ounce lol safe to say I'll probably won't be able to get a taste of that in the foreseeable future.

[punkwax]

I found a bottle of Blue Label on sale at an airport duty free a couple of years ago. Bought it, loved it and decided to show friends how good it was. Easily gave away 70% of the bottle and now I can’t find the crystals to my time machine. Shit.

[winson604]

Just as a heads up, one of my collogues within our industry was telling me that on every first Friday of the month, Brewhall does a "breakeven" bottle night. They open a pricy whiskey bottle and sell each oz at cost, it starts @ 5PM first Friday of each month. We'll be going there to check it out in February.

Seems like a good way to try some high tier whiskey nonetheless.

https://brewhall.com/events/

What are their top shelf stuff though? Often the top shelf stuff I see aren't that crazy but none the less thanked, good info regardless.

[mikemhg]

What are their top shelf stuff though? Often the top shelf stuff I see aren't that crazy but none the less thanked, good info regardless.

No clue, we're just gonna check it out. If it's garbage, we'll have beers to drink either way.

[bcrdukes]

Better off finding a group of close friends to share top shelf stuff with. At least you get to cherry pick what the "bottle of the month" is than let someone else decide for you.

[SkinnyPupp]

Better off finding a group of close friends to share top shelf stuff with. At least you get to cherry pick what the "bottle of the month" is than let someone else decide for you.
Imagine having enough friends for there to be a group of them :alone:

[bcrdukes]

:inoutugh:

[BlackV62K2]

Imagine having enough friends for there to be a group of them :alone:

https://media.tenor.com/images/d47f9c564301c8a0eff34f6d2be56731/tenor.gif

[mikemhg]

My friends are mostly the Forty Creek kind :lol

[Obsideon]

My 2 best friends both drink quite a lot, the 3 of us can polish off a bottle over a course of a dinner. Splitting a "top shelf" among us 3 is still way too expensive haha