[Sid Vicious]

post your favourite king of all liquors

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DM9-kuhxgfI/UFdIAZ7stSI/AAAAAAAAFEY/c1eIf5jps7U/s320/Canadian+Club+Small+Batch+12.JPG
http://resources.barmano.com/brand-images/makers-mark-646-big.jpg
http://shw2010.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/wild_turkey_101_1.jpg

[Zedbra]

^ I am a bourbon whiskey fan myself. Wild Turkey, Maker's Mark and Jim Beam. One is always available at home.

http://shw2010.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/jim-beam-bottels.jpg


I do like Teachers scotch whiskey blend as well

http://www.indiaprwire.com/downloads/photo/201106/21634.jpg

[sonick]

Knob Creek & Woodford Reserve for nicer Bourbon.

Bulleit and Jim Beam Black Label for cheaper stuff (JB white is no good).

Canadian Club & Wisers for Canadian whisky and Jameson's for Irish whiskey.

Johnnie Walker Black for scotch blend whisky.

[yray]

^black on rocks :heckno:

http://www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/johnnie-walker-green-label.jpg

otherwise glenfiddich

[sonick]

Black I take with 1 rock or a few drops of water to really open it up. The smoke overpowers it when neat.

I had a bottle of green once, it is smoother and more peaty. For the price I prefer Black, though.

[Brianrietta]

If I absolutely have to drink bourbon rather than scotch whisky, it's almost always my favorite Elijah Craig. I think I have 11 bottles of scotch, and only 4 whiskeys/bourbons right now. Elijah Craig 12yr, Booker's Small Batch 7yr Cask Strength (129.1 proof for my most recent batch, my chest is now appropriately hairy), Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack. I highly recommend the Elijah Craig to anybody who enjoys good bourbon.

http://www.caskstore.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/1/416_2.jpg

[Obsideon]

I've only recently started getting in Whiskey, I can't seem to tell the difference between most of the lower to mid-level ones, most of them are "bad" to me.
I've had Johnnie Walker Blue Label which was ultra-smooth but lacking character.
I also tried Macallen 18 year but I found it to be overly smokey, same with Talisker 10-year.
My new favourite:
http://www.global-customer.com/images/Wine_Ballantine's/glogou_Ballantine's_Wine_28.jpg

But they are all pretty expensive so I don't drink them very often. I'm currently slowly sipping on a couple of Japanese Whiskeys which are surprisingly good; Nikka 21-year and Hakushu 15-year, delicious!

[rageguy]

Ardbeg Uigeadail. Very very delicious. Super smokey yet has a very distinct and unique sweet palette. You can buy it at the liquor store locally.

http://ard-shop-media.s3.amazonaws.com/catalog/product/cache/1/image/f63dc5ec28f3175f8a7f615bd217eb71/f/i/file_7.jpg

[dinamix]

Blue label
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[rsx]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdFgW0tOWGY/Tnay4ZPezYI/AAAAAAAAAK0/GxhfGPAj-j8/s1600/the-glenfiddich-quartet.jpg

Love the 18, hate the 15, I can only afford to drink 12 regularly.

[SkinnyPupp]

My favourite:

http://www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/macallan-18-year-sherry-oak.jpg
Sherry oak, not "fine oak"

Also

http://tokyobaron.com/products_pictures/SUNTORY_Yamazaki_18_Year_Old_700_ml.jpg

Can't really afford those these days... but I still like whisky so... for cheap day to day drinking (if you do that.. ;))

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nFDV-_oMRQ/T0yAsbezKhI/AAAAAAAAABo/cjPW9KJJ5io/s1600/Dewars-White-Label-75CL.jpg

Better than anything in the same price range IMO (in HK it's about $120 HKD for a 1L bottle, so about $15 USD)

I'm in Japan now, drinking whisky in the $15 USD/bottle price range, haven't come across anything very good yet.

[punkwax]

Definitely more of a scotch guy than a bourbon guy. +1 for Macallans. My go to bottle is usually Oban.

In a wedding party today and supplying each of the boys with a flask of Tennessee honey. Will report back on taste.

Update Edit: Tastes awesome. Didn't last long. Went down very easy lol

http://www.thedieline.com/storage/04_06_11_jackdaniels_honey_3.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CAC HEVERSION=1302132702611

[SkinnyPupp]

This is what I am drinking now.. this shit will put hair on your chest

http://whiskywall.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/kirin-fuji-sanroku.jpg

50 proof (I drink all my whisky neat)
:alonehappy: :drunk:

[importantLS]

This is what I am drinking now.. this shit will put hair on your chest

http://whiskywall.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/kirin-fuji-sanroku.jpg

50 proof (I drink all my whisky neat)
:alonehappy: :drunk:
isn't 50 proof = 25%?, but anyways yes neats the way to go! I think on the rocks dilutes the taste.

[SkinnyPupp]

I meant 100 proof sorry

Switched back to scotch from Japanese whiskey. Expensive Japanese whiskey is good, but normal priced is nasty. Currently drinking Ballantines. Not as good as Dewars but the best price I can get right now

[unit]

working on macallan select and dalwhinnie 15 atm

[jonwon]

1. glen
2. oban
3. jd

honey jd tastes like chinese medicine LOL most people wont like it

[bcrdukes]

Any experience with Suntory? I haven't seen it locally.

[SkinnyPupp]

Any experience with Suntory? I haven't seen it locally.
Their single malts are good, blends are nasty.

[Obsideon]

Picked up a bottle of Balvenie 15 year at the Duty Free a couple days ago, I wonder if it's any good

[TekDragon]

Picked up a bottle of Balvenie 15 year at the Duty Free a couple days ago, I wonder if it's any good

I polished off a bottle of the 12 year old. Fucking fantastic. Almost as good as Macallans 15 year old.

[MindBomber]

I'm looking to purchase a bottle of single malt distilled in 1988, possibly something bottled at 25 years. BCLS has only three 25 year old bottles, and it looks like none were distilled in 1988. Does anyone know of private liquor stores with an exceptional selection of scotch? or has anyone purchased scotch online?

[SB7]

Tried a bottle of Spicebox whiskey. Really good for a 25$ bottle. Very vanilla-ey
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[Infiniti]

Old Pappy Van Winkle..yum!

[Drow]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rj9P0kbBiA/T7_LIBR8dQI/AAAAAAAACVA/YaP4lH2v_3E/s1600/Sm+Ice.jpg

:gayfight:

[Ch28]

I'm actually trying to get into whiskey/bourbon/scotches lately

My collection so far:

Johnny Red
Johnny Black
Johnny Double Black
Glenfiddich 18
Seagram's Seven
Bulleit Bourbon
Woodford Reserve

Bulleit is used for bourbon sours because I find the taste is too harsh. Same thing applies with Seagram as I mix it in 7&7 lol

A cube of ice with the Woodford Reserve is pretty good!

[kb]

Anyone know how I can get a bottle of Suntory Yamazaki 10/12year in Canada?

[CCA-Dave]

Current stock at my house includes:

Gentlemans Jack
Bulleit Bourbon
Woodford Reserve
Knob Creek
Jack Daniels
Spicebox regular and pumpkin (friend likes it)
Edradour 10yr
Canadian Club
Glenfiddich 12yr
Glenlivet 12yr

...Hmmm, I'm starting to look like I might have problem here. All are enjoyed, not kept for safe-keeping. Personally, neat. But I'll allow whiskey stones, water and ice in my friends glasses.

-Dave

[Culture_Vulture]

http://www.liquorlockerla.com/wp-content/uploads/Woodford-Reserve-Bourbon.jpg

this and only this

[rageguy]

Anyone know how I can get a bottle of Suntory Yamazaki 10/12year in Canada?

+1 I've been looking for Yamazaki and Hibiki for a while

[Jer3]

Anyone know how I can get a bottle of Suntory Yamazaki 10/12year in Canada?

legacy liquor store in olympic village.

Legacy Liquor Store (http://www.legacyliquorstore.com/)

only yamazaki i believe.

[sonick]

kinda OT but this is the best place to put it... I just had the smoothest vodka I've ever had, moreso than grey goose, ketel 1, chopin.

Tried it lukewarm and there was just a slight tinge of burn. Have it ice cold and it goes down like water.

Best of all it was only $23 for 750ml on sale at Liquor Depot.

It is Mark One Vodka.
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[kb]

I've got a friend coming back from Paris so i sent her a list of single malts to check out for me at the duty free :fullofwin:

Macallan Select Oak (travel retail only)
Glenlivet Master Distiller's Reserve (travel retail only)
Macallan Fine Oak 10 year
Yamazaki 10 year
Old Pulteney 12 year

Any comments or suggestions on the list I gave? Note than i am still quite a beginner (probably won't enjoy the peaty scotches yet).

My friend is gonna get back to me with the prices at the duty free so I won't decide on which one until then.

[Obsideon]

^ I think we're in the same stage right now haha... I can't handle the smokey/peaty flavours yet either... not sure if I ever will lol ...

Friend's recommended Glenmorangie to me last week ...
Original 10 Year
Quinta Ruban 12 Year
:sweetjesus:

[ae101]

Glenmorangie 10yr, my dad use to work with them so we had a few bottles left (good stuff)

mccallan 12yr

Lagavulin, a bunch of clients/friends bought this for me from liquor shop in Malaysia, its super rare to find it i heard

[SkinnyPupp]

I've got a friend coming back from Paris so i sent her a list of single malts to check out for me at the duty free :fullofwin:

Macallan Select Oak (travel retail only)
Glenlivet Master Distiller's Reserve (travel retail only)
Macallan Fine Oak 10 year
Yamazaki 10 year
Old Pulteney 12 year

Any comments or suggestions on the list I gave? Note than i am still quite a beginner (probably won't enjoy the peaty scotches yet).

My friend is gonna get back to me with the prices at the duty free so I won't decide on which one until then.
IMO Macallan's "fine" oak and "select" oak are just extras they added when they ran out of sherry casks, which is what they are all about. Don't get too excited about those.

[kb]

So i ended up getting the Macallan select oak, $75 for 1L was too hard to pass on.

[hamsup]

^ that is an awesome one !!!! i saw it at the duty free...

[kb]

So i finally got around to drinking the macallan select oak i purchased so i'll give my opinion on it.

The nose has a very sweet scent, most enjoyable compared to the few scotches i have experienced with so far. The taste of the scotch itself is sweet and very smooth in your mouth, but has a slightly stronger burning sensation compared to Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 (might be because i haven't had scotch in a while).

Overall i'm loving this scotch, and i'm glad it's 1L compared to the typical 750ml because it's disappearing quickly :drunk:

[kb]

Since winter is kicking around the corner, I thought I'd revive this thread.

Recently purchased a bottle of Glenmorangie the Original and i'm enjoying it quite a bit. Although I think i prefer the macallan select oak a little more than this one.

Anyone have some recent whiskey/scotch purchases??

[hamsup]

kb... great choices... both the maccallan select oak and glenmorangie are a few of my favorites.

[CCA-Dave]

My original list

Gentlemans Jack
Bulleit Bourbon
Woodford Reserve
Knob Creek
Jack Daniels
Spicebox regular and pumpkin (friend likes it)
Edradour 10yr
Canadian Club
Glenfiddich 12yr
Glenlivet 12yr


Has grown to include:

Jack Daniels Single Barrel - Fantastic bourbon, can't say much more then that. The bottle is disappearing quite quickly, which is a bit of a problem!

Tap 357 Maple Rye whisky - As a flannel-wearing Canadian originally from Ontario, Maple suger runs in my blood. I worked a buddies private woods one fall, and can't get enough of maple syrup. Flavoured products usually disgust me, as the flavour is never geniune, but I was happy to find that isn't the case here. It's a little on the sweet side at the finish, but I've found it makes a great intro for friends. Starts with that whiskey bite, but then the maple hits you and it's like "wait, what?!" A perfect flask-whiskey for those times you want to surprise people with an old-timey nip, or for drinking around a fall campfire.

Forty Creek Barrel Select Recommended by a friend, as he used to live where it was made. Foul, foul stuff. This is probably not the fault of the Whiskey, but more my taste preferences. I prefer medium-sweet or bold-sweet whiskeys, but this one is on the spicey (vs. sweet) side. Used for mixes around here, and I'll be happy to replace the bottle with something I like down the road.

-Dave

[Vansterdam]

anyone hitting up the Hopscotch festival this weekend?

HOPSCOTCH - Canada's Premium Scotch, Whisky and Beer Festival (http://www.hopscotchfestival.com/)

[pharmed]

Looking for both Hibiki 12 or 17 year, and Yamazaki 12 or 18 year.

Is it possible to find some locally?

[Hondaracer]

Bulleit on the rocks, my go to

[Obsideon]

Looking for both Hibiki 12 or 17 year, and Yamazaki 12 or 18 year.
Is it possible to find some locally?

I have tried for a long time and failed. Only bet would be to get someone from Japan to pick it up at Duty-Free.

Also try Hakushu 18 year and Nikka 21 year if you get a chance, both are :thumbs:

[jonwon]

what makes japanese whiskey different from the regular whiskey? does it have a lighter taste?

[Obsideon]

It's definitely not as smokey as say a Macallan. The ones I've had were very smooth and sophisticated.

[nabs]

Fucken love bourbon.

[jonwon]

It's definitely not as smokey as say a Macallan. The ones I've had were very smooth and sophisticated.

That's good to know. All my friends enjoy Macallan, but like you mentioned its too smokey/oakey for my taste. I always preferred glenfiddich over Macallan

[punkwax]

Blantons is a good bourbon.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d5/Blanton%27s.JPG

[Obsideon]

If you like Glenfiddich, try Balvenie Doublewood, you won't regret it!

Personally I can't handle the ones that are too smokey either and I don't know how to appreciate Bourbon.

[jonwon]

Pretty pricey for a 12 year compared to the others, will def try next time I drop by the liquor store.

How do you guys enjoy your whiskey? neat or with ice? I personally prefer neat, it just goes down smoother for me. And for those that enjoy it with ice, this looks pretty damn fancy lol. Macallan ice ball press, costs a couple g's

http://www.thecoolist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/macallan-ice-ball-machine_1.jpg

[Armind]

I like mine neat.


How much are yamazaki? Looking to give japanese whisky a try.

[Obsideon]

I usually drink mine neat too, unless they are too peaty then I'll need a couple cubes to smooth it out.

For Japanese Whiskey it's depending on what year you get but generally a tad cheaper than Scotches. I always get mine at Duty-Free.

[racerman88]

tempted to start after reading some of the flavour descriptions on this site:

https://www.caskers.com//

[Obsideon]

It's an expensive hobby lol

[MindBomber]

I bought a bottle of Dalmore King Alexander III recently and it is exceptional. Well worth the price ($240). I recommend it.

[pharmed]

It's an expensive hobby lol

It's cheaper than cars? That's my justification.

[winson604]

Looking for both Hibiki 12 or 17 year, and Yamazaki 12 or 18 year.

Is it possible to find some locally?

Seattle is the closest place I know right now. Buddy just came back with 3 bottles from Black Friday.

Lagavulin, Dalwhinnie, and Highland Park are 3 of my usual economic gotos all in the $100 range

[Eff-1]

BevMo in Bellingham carries Hibiki 12. That's the closest to Vancouver. It is near impossible to find any Suntory whiskey in Vancouver or even Canada. Trust me I have tried. Occasionally you might come across a Yamazaki at Legacy or Firefly if their agent brings in a case, but it is impossible to know when. I haven't seen one there in the past 12 months. Sometimes you might see a bottle at a higher end Japanese restaurant. Bistro Sakana had a bottle of Hibiki 17 (at $21/oz) but the owner wouldn't tell me where he got it. lol. "Fell off the back of the truck" I suspect. Or one of his staff brought it back from Japan.

On Friday I had my first Taiwanese whiskey. Kavalan single malt. I was skeptical but really enjoyed it.

[Obsideon]

My chef just came back from Japan, got me one of these for Christmas!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10423978_10154951767915473_4817843554105617736_n.j pg?oh=92a5ac7fab1256b618b465f1c92da92b&oe=55476FAD&__gda__=1425954491_0b03a2fe1c1a4b9e5a19cd53d85452c 0
:fuckyea:

I did not like Kavalan, too smokey for me. I have heard good things about their higher end Soloist version though.

[Obsideon]

It's cheaper than cars? That's my justification.

I dunno about that lol ... I've been eyeing the Balvenie 30 year old ... $850 :(

[TOS'd]

Any suggestions on old fashion glasses for whiskey/bourbon?

[pharmed]

Any suggestions on old fashion glasses for whiskey/bourbon?

I like my Glencairn (http://www.amazon.ca/Glencairn-Whisky-Glass-set/dp/B008QOF8NQ/ref=sr_1_2/188-8109653-9569730?ie=UTF8&qid=1418382109&sr=8-2&keywords=the+glencairn+glass) glasses.

[asahai69]

Enjoyed this with a nice Partagas cigar over the weekend.
http://www.spirituosen-superbillig.com/pic/Dalmore-15-years.2491a.jpg

As far as neat or ice. i usually only ice it if its a lower end scotch. The ice closes down the nose and the flavors too much to have with a good scotch. Just a touch of water to open up the scotch is sufficient.

[roastpuff]

I like mine neat.


How much are yamazaki? Looking to give japanese whisky a try.

I usually drink mine neat too, unless they are too peaty then I'll need a couple cubes to smooth it out.

For Japanese Whiskey it's depending on what year you get but generally a tad cheaper than Scotches. I always get mine at Duty-Free.

Seattle is the closest place I know right now. Buddy just came back with 3 bottles from Black Friday.

Lagavulin, Dalwhinnie, and Highland Park are 3 of my usual economic gotos all in the $100 range
BevMo in Bellingham carries Hibiki 12. That's the closest to Vancouver. It is near impossible to find any Suntory whiskey in Vancouver or even Canada. Trust me I have tried. Occasionally you might come across a Yamazaki at Legacy or Firefly if their agent brings in a case, but it is impossible to know when. I haven't seen one there in the past 12 months. Sometimes you might see a bottle at a higher end Japanese restaurant. Bistro Sakana had a bottle of Hibiki 17 (at $21/oz) but the owner wouldn't tell me where he got it. lol. "Fell off the back of the truck" I suspect. Or one of his staff brought it back from Japan.

On Friday I had my first Taiwanese whiskey. Kavalan single malt. I was skeptical but really enjoyed it.

Can't find any in Canada, it's very hard! I brought back 2 bottles of Yamazaki 12 from Austin TX for $50/bottle. Well worth the price. I also found Yamazaki 18 but at $240/bottle that was a little rich for me... maybe next time. I also found Talisker 18 (hooray!) and an interesting Sauternes bottling of the Glenmorangie 12... came back from my trip with 4 bottles lol.

Still on the search for the Yamazaki Sherry Cask. :concentrate:

[winson604]

Sorry this may have been mentioned but has anyone tried special ordering a case of Santory through BC Liquor store?

[bcrdukes]

^

Yes. Tried and failed many times.

[Obsideon]

Even through my restaurant license I've tried ordering it, no dice :(

Canadian liquor board so damn archaic and uptight. I've been trying to order in Japanese Yebisu beer, submitted my forms 6 years ago and when I call them they are like "it's processing" ... riiiight ... :derp:

[Armind]

Any luck for Japanese whisky yet?

[Expresso]

Man I just came back from Japan and Suntory Whisky is literally extinct. Its sold out everywhere from grocery stores to Duty Free. In fact, duty free has discontinued the sale of them.

Word is the Chinese got a taste of it and have been clearing out inventory.
http://i.imgur.com/LV6DKBB.jpg

[Obsideon]

I had the Hakushu 25 year a few months ago and man oh man it blows everything else out of the water!

[Armind]

:flamemad:

[Z3guy]

Japanese whiskies are in super high demand gloablly and are extremely allocated. You won't see any aged Yamazaki or Hibiki in the near future. However, we will be launching a new Hibiki product in the BC marketplace by Q4....stay tuned Japaense whisky lovers!

[Eff-1]

Are you referring to the Hibiki NAS? When you say "we" does that mean you work for Beam Suntory?

[Z3guy]

^ nope, something totally new from Hibiki. Yes.

[Eff-1]

Interesting.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that because this is to feed international demand, it probably won't be made in Japan, but instead likely somewhere else and branded as Hibiki. Am I on the right track?

[Z3guy]

nope, it wouldn't be a japanese whisky if it wasn't produced in Japan!

[Obsideon]

Keep us posted man I would love to get my hands on it!

[winson604]

Woot sister got me a bottle of Japanese whiskey from HK duty free. They had 3 diff kinds but one was sold out (not sure what it was). Grabbed a bottle of Hakushu Distillers Reserve and the last bottle of some other one I'm still waiting to find out.

Looking online I guess the Hakushu Distillers Reserve is their cheap one? Ah wells

[SkinnyPupp]

Japanese whisky isn't automatically good. There are some labels that are down right nasty. The standard Suntory whisky with the yellow label is crap compared to most scotch or bourbon at the same price. Also don't dare ever try Kirin whisky.

As with a lot of things in Japan though, you usually get what you pay for when you buy more expensive things.

[Z3guy]

Keep us posted man I would love to get my hands on it!

For sure man, should be in before Christmas. Will be super limited though, every country has more demand than possible supply. The Japanese whisky makers are true craftsman and focus on quality like I have never seen in whisky makers. More attention to detail than single malt producers!!!

[Z3guy]

Japanese whisky isn't automatically good. There are some labels that are down right nasty. The standard Suntory whisky with the yellow label is crap compared to most scotch or bourbon at the same price. Also don't dare ever try Kirin whisky.

As with a lot of things in Japan though, you usually get what you pay for when you buy more expensive things.

Suntory didn't win the distillery of the year by producing any bad tasting whiskey. The one you tried probably didn't agree with your flavour pallet. Just like some people don't like the spicy big bold flavour of knob creek bourbon and some swear by it.

[SkinnyPupp]

Suntory didn't win the distillery of the year by producing any bad tasting whiskey. The one you tried probably didn't agree with your flavour pallet. Just like some people don't like the spicy big bold flavour of knob creek bourbon and some swear by it.
Suntory makes really good whisky deserving of awards, but they also make cheap whisky that doesn't taste good.

http://image.rakuten.co.jp/fujimi-cc/cabinet/sake/56001019s.jpg?_ex=128x128

That stuff is just no good.

[Expresso]

^^^That and Torys. All theyre good for are highballs.

[Eff-1]

Woot sister got me a bottle of Japanese whiskey from HK duty free. They had 3 diff kinds but one was sold out (not sure what it was). Grabbed a bottle of Hakushu Distillers Reserve and the last bottle of some other one I'm still waiting to find out.

Looking online I guess the Hakushu Distillers Reserve is their cheap one? Ah wells

Really? I've been through HK duty free many times and never seen any Suntory product there. I am curious... I'll ask my friend who is flying out of HK this week.

[Eff-1]

Suntory makes really good whisky deserving of awards, but they also make cheap whisky that doesn't taste good.

http://image.rakuten.co.jp/fujimi-cc/cabinet/sake/56001019s.jpg?_ex=128x128

That stuff is just no good.

Comes in a 4L plastic bottle in Japan for about $55 CAD. That says it all!

[HonestTea]

What do you guys think is better, the Hibiki 12 year or Yamazaki 12 year?

And how much is it in Japan?

[SkinnyPupp]

What do you guys think is better, the Hibiki 12 year or Yamazaki 12 year?

And how much is it in Japan?
Hibiki is a grain/malt blend, and sweeter. Yamazaki is a single malt that has a slightly spice finish. Hakushu has a light peat/smoky flavour.

It's all really down to personal preference. These are all good IMO

[Obsideon]

Personally, my favourite is Hakushu then Hibiki.
For a better comparison of my whiskey palate, I like the Balvenie and Glenmorangie line over Macallan.

[winson604]

Really? I've been through HK duty free many times and never seen any Suntory product there. I am curious... I'll ask my friend who is flying out of HK this week.

I didn't think so either, it was a shot in the dark when I asked my sister but she stated they had 3.

Hakushu Distillery's Reserve
Yamazaki Distillery's Reserve
Unknown Japanese Whiskey, it was sold out so my sister didn't catch what it was only that it was Japanese.

[tool001]

Just started collecting this stuff.. Hopefully will be adding Japanese whisky to the collection soon.
So damn hard not to get wasted..

[Obsideon]

I see the Balvenie peeking out on the left.

http://media.giphy.com/media/5xtDarIo1jGXsIxbvwc/giphy.gif

[HonestTea]

$200 for Hibiki 17year old at Fukuoka Airport

Hmm..

[punkwax]

Started making Old Fashioned's at home... so good!
http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server900/b0811/products/838/images/2884/eaglerare10__28527.1411552632.1280.1280.JPG?c=2

Best thing is, wife is buzzin after one :ifyouknow:

[Brianrietta]

Just started collecting this stuff.. Hopefully will be adding Japanese whisky to the collection soon.
So damn hard not to get wasted..

Good looking start! I find the opposite is true for me though regarding getting wasted. I can pound back and do occasionally drink Crown until I pass out but I struggle to even get a buzz when I'm drinking the good stuff. That's made dramatically easier when you have Glencairn glasses because it means that you A) pour smaller amounts to begin with and B) somewhat forces you to take the time to appreciate the nose as well as the fact that shape is much more conducive to sipping rather than chugging. The amount I drink and the speed with which I do it is at a snail's pace but my enjoyment level is way up despite that.

My collection has been pared down significantly lately but this is most of my current stash of Scotches at least:

Glenlivet 12/18/21
Highland Park 12/18
JW Black/Blue
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
Edradour STFC Burgundy/Chateauneuf du Pape Finishes
Bruichladdich 10
SMWS 66.36
Glenfarclas 15
Arran Amarone Finish
Glenfiddich 12

I have the problem that most of my favorite whiskeys are one-off runs that I will never be able to taste again after I'm done with the bottle (out of my current bottles the Edradour burgundy finish and the Society's 10yr Ardmore will make me particularly sad when they're gone). At least it forces me into discovering new distilleries and styles all the time. I had an ex whose father drank nothing but Glenfiddich 12 for like 20 years before he started to experiment and I know he regretted not trying other stuff sooner.

[punkwax]

No offense to him, but I would regret drinking nothing but Glenfiddich 12 for 2 decades as well. To each their own, but for me personally, there are far better scotches out there depth of flavour wise at a relatively comparable price.

And in regard to my post above, if anyone hasn't tried an Old Fashioned, I recommend you grab one next time you're at Cactus Club. They make them a little sweet for my taste, but at least they're fairly consistent and you might discover a new drink to order. I've bought one for a few friends and they're all over them now :lol

[rageguy]

My current collection, disappearing quickly.
http://i.imgur.com/XQeKO83l.jpg

As for Old Fashioned, I think Pourhouse in Gastown makes one of the best (subjective) in Vancouver. I've been getting only this drink when I dine out for the past 5 years at various restaurants.

[bcrdukes]

As for Old Fashioned, I think Pourhouse in Gastown makes one of the best (subjective) in Vancouver. I've been getting only this drink when I dine out for the past 5 years at various restaurants.

I don't want to detract from the original topic, but I've come to experience for myself that the Old Fashioned at the Pourhouse sets a good standard for anyone who isn't into mixology or the craft of classic cocktails. Beyond that, however, it is boring and unimaginative for those looking to venture beyond a simple standard, often masking the creativity and imagination of a bartender.

If you want to look beyond just a standard Old Fashioned, I would suggest trying the ones made at The Keefer Bar, The Fairmont Pacific Rim, West, Uva, L’Abattoir, and Bambudda.

While different, each bartender will create their own rendition of the Old Fashioned, be it technique, ice cubes, sugars, and spirit. My favourites so far are by the mysterious "H" @ Notturno (try his classics - they are great.) David Wolowidnyk at West and Tarquin Melnyk at Bambudda share a similar recipe and both their Old Fashioned cocktails can be easily replicated by one another. I always suggest sitting at the bar to have a chat with the bartenders simply because it isn't about the cocktail itself, but also the hospitality and knowledge they're willing to share. :)

I am looking forward to try Shaun Layton's rendition of the Old Fashioned at L’Abattoir this month. :toot:

[punkwax]

Old Fashioned at the Keg are pretty bad. Avoid.

[Obsideon]

Just had the Old Fashioned at Pourhouse yesterday. It was solid but not really "Wow" and definitely not worth it for $13 a pop. Plus tax and tip it was almost $70 for 2 drinks each for me and my friend.

It is really a very simple cocktail to make at home. No blending, shaking, or special ingredients needed.

[punkwax]

True. Bitters can be bought at Safeway (or similar I'm sure) and I've subbed simple syrup for organic Agave syrup found at Winners a while ago lol... delish!

[punkwax]

Got a little sample bottle of this yesterday.. surprised me how tasty it was (mixed with coke)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1JBxIrCYAAXmh7.jpg

[mk1freak]

Holy fuck all the whiskeys and bourbon in Edinburgh.... I am having an awesome time... Anything in particular I should look for?
They even have the Japanese ones in stock lol

[mk1freak]

http://i.imgur.com/y8uZOdF.jpg

Thought you guys would appreciate dreaming with me...

[roastpuff]

The insane line-up of whiskeys and meats at a recent dinner I went to. What an epic night.

http://i.imgur.com/MSV1zgCh.jpg

[Z3guy]

Holy fuck all the whiskeys and bourbon in Edinburgh.... I am having an awesome time... Anything in particular I should look for?
They even have the Japanese ones in stock lol


I luv Edinburgh. Try Famous Grouse & Ginger on tap! For those looking for great everyday value, Famous Grouse is a blend of Macallan and Highland Park.

[Z3guy]

The insane line-up of whiskeys and meats at a recent dinner I went to. What an epic night.

http://i.imgur.com/MSV1zgCh.jpg

that looks amazing! well done.

[Expresso]

The insane line-up of whiskeys and meats at a recent dinner I went to. What an epic night.

[i]

Judging from the thick cut bacon and stainless prep table I want to say Culverin's lol.

[roastpuff]

Judging from the thick cut bacon and stainless prep table I want to say Culverin's lol.

You got it!

[pherio]

Was browsing the gallery on my phone and dug these up. This was a Whiskey tasting event at The Cascade room on Robbie Burn's day sponsored by Glenlivet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/evolution-hc/Drinks/20150125_1554381_zpsdshlui0q.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/evolution-hc/media/Drinks/20150125_1554381_zpsdshlui0q.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/evolution-hc/Drinks/20150125_1553091_zpsrtrgnaww.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/evolution-hc/media/Drinks/20150125_1553091_zpsrtrgnaww.jpg.html)

After polishing off the last of the Aberlour A'bunadh I didn't remember much after waving to the band as we were leaving that night.

[CCA-Dave]

http://wyomingwhiskey.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/bottle31.jpg

While traveling I like to peruse the bourbon lists looking for things I haven't tried, or if the bartender seems to know what he's talking about I ask for some suggestions based on my usual preferences. Wyoming Whiskey was suggested to me by a bartender in Jackson WY, apparently the retired brewmaster from Makers Mark was called out of retirement to be the brewmaster for this small-batch Whiskey. Somewhat unique, in that all ingredients and materials are produced in-state. Ended up drinking only Wyoming Whiskey for the duration of my Wyoming visit, so a bottle obviously had to come home.

http://www.knobcreek.com/assets/img/our_products/knob_creek_single_barrel_reserve.png http://www.knobcreek.com/assets/img/our_products/knob_creek_smoked_maple.png
I'm a big fan of the Knob Creek 9 year bourbon, so I figured I had to add the single barrel to my cabinet as well. Turns out they also have a new Maple, and I really enjoy Tap357...so I opted to add a bottle of Knob Creek Maple to the cabinet as well. Haven't opened either yet...but will get to it soon.

-Dave

[Obsideon]

I've been making Old Fashions with Knob Creek all month, pretty solid.

[dat_steve]

Old Fashioned at the Keg are pretty bad. Avoid.

i remember ordering one a while ago and when it came out it resembled a slurpee more than anything. the twist was also replaced by actual orange pulp...:rukidding:

asked the server what was up and she said this was the 'keg style' old fashioned lol no thankssss

[Z3guy]

http://wyomingwhiskey.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/bottle31.jpg

While traveling I like to peruse the bourbon lists looking for things I haven't tried, or if the bartender seems to know what he's talking about I ask for some suggestions based on my usual preferences. Wyoming Whiskey was suggested to me by a bartender in Jackson WY, apparently the retired brewmaster from Makers Mark was called out of retirement to be the brewmaster for this small-batch Whiskey. Somewhat unique, in that all ingredients and materials are produced in-state. Ended up drinking only Wyoming Whiskey for the duration of my Wyoming visit, so a bottle obviously had to come home.

http://www.knobcreek.com/assets/img/our_products/knob_creek_single_barrel_reserve.png http://www.knobcreek.com/assets/img/our_products/knob_creek_smoked_maple.png
I'm a big fan of the Knob Creek 9 year bourbon, so I figured I had to add the single barrel to my cabinet as well. Turns out they also have a new Maple, and I really enjoy Tap357...so I opted to add a bottle of Knob Creek Maple to the cabinet as well. Haven't opened either yet...but will get to it soon.

-Dave

knob creek is awesome! if you lke Knob, try Booker's, Baker's, and Basil Hayden as well. Big smoky flavour.

[HonestTea]

Nonjatta: The ?Nikka Shock?: Nikka Radically Restructures their Whisky Line-up (http://www.nonjatta.com/2015/06/The-Nikka-Shock.html)

[dat_steve]

:accepted:

Yamazaki going into orbit

The goal, according to Suntory, is to learn how a zero-gravity, temperature-stable environment affects the "mellowness" of the drinks as they age. The taste of most alcoholic drinks is known to mellow with time, though the mechanisms by which that happens are still unknown. Research conducted in collaboration with Japanese scientists has shown that environments that suppress liquid convection may play a role in the mellowing process, Suntory said in its press release.

World's best whisky is being sent to age in space | The Verge (http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/31/9077815/suntory-japanese-whisky-sent-to-space-iss)

[jasonc]

Glengoyne 21. Tasted so good, half way through the bottle i went and bought 2 more.

http://images.craigslist.org/00000_eiDncj052i3_600x450.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/00J0J_g4CGqR0okV0_600x450.jpg

Also opened a extinct bottle of Green Label (taste like a wet rainforest. Yum), sold out martel, and great testing 1738 for a dinner.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11162208_10205022287849993_5327733728485963762_n.j pg?oh=81556901eeb137b67b20a44a81977aed&oe=56646A7A

[Jayboogz]

I've been on that dalmore 12 year. Delicious. I can't seem to keep any in the collection tho I always end up drinking it all LOL

[jasonc]

dalmore, yum. its what got my started drinking whisky. its kinda strange that the older bottles doesn't use any bourbon cask. 12 is very intense full body whisky. i always end up adding a few drops of water.

i think bcliquor dropped their price on the 12 year too. good time to stock up

[Obsideon]

Recently had the chance to try the entire line of Kavalan. The regular single barrel is horrible but the Soloist... :megusta:

[Expresso]

Didn't the soloist win #1 at the world whiskey awards.

[bcrdukes]

What made it so horrible?

[Obsideon]

Lack of depth, smokey but not very smooth.

I kind of feel they know what they are talking about by running with a music theme of whiskey labels, Soloist, Concertmaster, etc... Sounds cheesy but it was like a musical in my mouth lol.

[bcrdukes]

So, is it safe to assume you prefer scotch/whisky to be smooth simply as a personal preference? If so, I don't think it deserves to be labelled as horrible.

[knight604]

Boy , i didnt know this thread existed but .. macallan is fucking yums

[tool001]

Got this today......

[tool001]

Anybody know better rates selection at Canada side duty free or usa ( truck crossing) guessing due to exchange rate Canada?

[rageguy]

Mad jelly. Cannot find any Yamazaki in the States lately.

[Obsideon]

So, is it safe to assume you prefer scotch/whisky to be smooth simply as a personal preference? If so, I don't think it deserves to be labelled as horrible.

umm... I guess so? Although I don't know many people who "prefer" downing a rough any type of drink over a smooth one.

[punkwax]

How much does a bottle of Yamazaki go for?

[winson604]

^^
I believe a bottle of 12 year if you can find it is around $90US, a bottle of the Distillery Reserve is around $100 CDN from HK Duty free, not sure about states.

Already tried a bunch of places in US, hard to find right now.

[Z3guy]

Mad jelly. Cannot find any Yamazaki in the States lately.

If you can aged statement Yamazaki anywhere, buy it. Suntory allocates Yamazaki very tightly to key markets. The Yamazaki distillery has won so many international awards that has driven demand up buyt they will not increase production of more aged statement product. It is all about quality to Yamazaki.

[Z3guy]

umm... I guess so? Although I don't know many people who "prefer" downing a rough any type of drink over a smooth one.

sometimes people confuse "rough" with "spicy". Japanese & Cdn whiskies are smooth which many consumers prefer. However, the trend is moving over to more spicier whiskies as you can see the shift to 100% rye based products and bolder full flavoured bourbons, like Knob Creek, Bookers, and Bakers.

[roastpuff]

How much does a bottle of Yamazaki go for?

^^
I believe a bottle of 12 year if you can find it is around $90US, a bottle of the Distillery Reserve is around $100 CDN from HK Duty free, not sure about states.

Already tried a bunch of places in US, hard to find right now.
Wow, prices have gone up significantly. Last November I paid 50USD/bottle for Yamazaki 12, that was in Austin, TX. Can't believe it's gone up so much.
If you can aged statement Yamazaki anywhere, buy it. Suntory allocates Yamazaki very tightly to key markets. The Yamazaki distillery has won so many international awards that has driven demand up buyt they will not increase production of more aged statement product. It is all about quality to Yamazaki.

Makes me sad I didn't end up buying the Yamazaki 18 I found, but it was $240USD. :okay:

I recently bought Nikka Coffey Malt from BCLiquor, I thought it was quite decently priced at $84 CAD.

[Z3guy]

^ anytime you see Yamazaki or Hibiki (both owned by BeamSuntory) aged statement product, just buy it regardless of price....you can either enjoy it or save it and watch it appreciate in value....similar to aged statement Macallan single malts....

[winson604]

^^
Just bought a bottle of Hakushu 12 years by Santory and also a bottle of Hibiki 12 years, $65 and $75 US respectively. Was actually looking for Yamazaki 12 and 18, found a place in Malden Boston that had it in their catalog but they were sold out and not expecting any shipments anytime soon but since they had the Hakushu and Hibiki I said why not.

[winson604]

What's the best place locally to get Glencairn Whisky Glasses?

[zilley]

^^
I believe a bottle of 12 year if you can find it is around $90US, a bottle of the Distillery Reserve is around $100 CDN from HK Duty free, not sure about states.

Already tried a bunch of places in US, hard to find right now.

same bottle?

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Whiskey (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/clt/5225662621.html)

[HonestTea]

same bottle?

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Whiskey (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/clt/5225662621.html)

Holy shit...I wonder if he got any emails at that price..

[rageguy]

I got the Nikka Coffey Malt too. Quite like it!

[tool001]

anybody tried this stuff? been reading quite good reviews..
https://img.thewhiskyexchange.com/900/india_amr9.jpg

[bcrdukes]

Despite the rage over Japanese whiskey, non-traditional countries have been pumping out some high quality scotch and whiskey over the past few years (re: Kavalan from Taiwan etc.)

I would never hesitate to try something new, especially if it's from a the more well known distillers. I'd give it a go. :)

[Eff-1]

What's the best place locally to get Glencairn Whisky Glasses?

Crate and Barrel.

[Eff-1]

The only indian whisky I can recall trying recently was Kuch-Nai and it was awful. We only drank it because they were pouring very generously at Hopscotch lol.

I would have a hard time trusting India to make a good whisky. They tend to drink it as a highball mixed with the local water....

[tool001]

^ Lol that name translates into "nothing"..

I was reading reviews for amrut online.. Pretty highly rated

[winson604]

same bottle?

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Whiskey (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/clt/5225662621.html)

Same one, damn $600 lol

[Expresso]

Same one, damn $600 lol

Lol paid 80 a year ago. If you find it one in the US or Japan its probably around 80-100.

I rather spend $100 more for 18 year lol
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/for/5123702248.html

[tool001]

$600 !!! maybe i should sell one of my bottles,,, (it was purchased in japan) :P maybe i can get $900 :lol

https://youtu.be/OsqqhcGERA4?t=141


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7OyJdxKgfs

https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/amrut-fusion-whisky/?affiliate=whiskymarketplace
amrut reviews

[Expresso]

Yours isn't aged statement doe. :D

[tool001]

So I have been having some good luck getting Japanese whisky lately :p

Too bad I gave up drinking for a few months

[Expresso]

:ahwow:

[Armind]

Let me honor that bottle by drinking it since you gave up on drinking :D

So I have been having some good luck getting Japanese whisky lately :p

Too bad I gave up drinking for a few months

[tool001]

Haha..tryin to tone up for my wedding next month :).. Will head to okinawa for honeymoon... What should I get from thr.....?

[Jayboogz]

went to fets whisky kitchen tried a few different flavour profiles of whisky. learned alot of shit lol how to drink the whisky. pretty dope experience. they got over 700 different whisky's. the owner was very knowledgeable could ask her everything! finally know what peated means and its fuckin delicious lol. also taking a sip of water and followed up wit a sip of your whisky really fuckin opens up the flavours holy shit lol. recommended for sure if u wanna learn more about whisky.

[6793026]

i have never like Jack Daniels.... but this was surprisingly good.

http://www.jackdaniels.com/sites/default/files/tennessee-honey.png

[Eff-1]

Johnnie green is back in the BCL. I believe for a limited time only, but I could be wrong. At $61 it's a fantastic deal for a 15 year bottle.

[Ch28]

i have never like Jack Daniels.... but this was surprisingly good.

http://www.jackdaniels.com/sites/default/files/tennessee-honey.png

BCL has this on special for $27.49 until Halloween

[Z3guy]

Johnnie green is back in the BCL. I believe for a limited time only, but I could be wrong. At $61 it's a fantastic deal for a 15 year bottle.

even though it might be a 15yr old whiskey, it is a blend and you don't know where the juice is coming from.....much easier to blend when you are buying juice from everyone.....

[Z3guy]

If you want good value, buy Famous Grouse or Black Grouse. Whatever doesn't cut the mustard for Macallan or Highland Park, they use it to make FG or BG. $30 to $45 price range....great everyday whiskey.....

[Eff-1]

even though it might be a 15yr old whiskey, it is a blend and you don't know where the juice is coming from.....much easier to blend when you are buying juice from everyone.....

Actually I do know where the juice is coming from: Talisker, Cragganmore, Linkwood and Caol Ila.

A good blend isn't easy as easy to pull off as you think.

[Eff-1]

Japanese whiskies are in super high demand gloablly and are extremely allocated. You won't see any aged Yamazaki or Hibiki in the near future. However, we will be launching a new Hibiki product in the BC marketplace by Q4....stay tuned Japaense whisky lovers!

I know that BCL is bringing some Hibiki NAS for next month's limited release, but already you said that wasn't it. Soooo.... what's the new product?

[Z3guy]

Actually I do know where the juice is coming from: Talisker, Cragganmore, Linkwood and Caol Ila.

A good blend isn't easy as easy to pull off as you think.

actually it is quite easy to pull off a good blend if you have the right juice to begin with. I guess you also knew Diageo buys juice as well for JW. It is not solely made from the single malts you mentioned above.....

[Z3guy]

I know that BCL is bringing some Hibiki NAS for next month's limited release, but already you said that wasn't it. Soooo.... what's the new product?

Hibiki Harmony will be available in November for the whiskey release.

[Eff-1]

actually it is quite easy to pull off a good blend if you have the right juice to begin with. I guess you also knew Diageo buys juice as well for JW. It is not solely made from the single malts you mentioned above.....

Sure it isn't, but it doesn't take away the fact that it's a great buy for $61, especially for something that wasn't available for the longest time until now, and something at that age.

I bet that's the cheapest you'll find it in in North America at the moment--hence my recommendation.

JW is one of those brands--people either don't mind it, or don't want to touch it with a 10 foot pole.

[Eff-1]

Hibiki Harmony will be available in November for the whiskey release.

It was exciting to finally see some Suntory product available locally... but then really disappointing to see that priced @ $110 (approx $130 with taxes). Plus dealing with the mad crowds.

(For comparison, Ontario = $100 taxes included), no lineups or anything.

If you can look past the hype, $80 plus taxes seems about right for this one.

[Z3guy]

Eff-1 I don't think you fully understand the tax rates in Ont and BC, they are completely different mark up structures....beer, wine, spirits are in general less expensive in Ont. BC has the highest tax rate for spirits at 163% mark up. Plus the COGS to get it to BC is more expensive. So you are not comparing apples to apples.

Hibiki is a globally allocated product. To get it for Canada, we have to submit our best business case to ensure some allocation for Canada. There are 50 countries that are lined up to get the allocated Hibiki product that is allocated for Canada.

[rageguy]

I'm just going to waltz into the store in the afternoon and let fate decide if any Hibiki Harmony is left on the shelves on launch day. :/

[Eff-1]

Eff-1 I don't think you fully understand the tax rates in Ont and BC, they are completely different mark up structures....beer, wine, spirits are in general less expensive in Ont. BC has the highest tax rate for spirits at 163% mark up. Plus the COGS to get it to BC is more expensive. So you are not comparing apples to apples.

Hibiki is a globally allocated product. To get it for Canada, we have to submit our best business case to ensure some allocation for Canada. There are 50 countries that are lined up to get the allocated Hibiki product that is allocated for Canada.

I don't know all the ins and outs, and I understand every province has its own tax structures and pricing. Sometimes ON comes out cheaper, sometimes BC comes out cheaper.

But looking at this single product, when compared to pricing I've seen around the world, $80 - $100 with taxes for a Hibiki NAS "feels" about right. I believe $130 is too high. But really doesn't matter, it will sell out regardless of what I think :)

For many reasons (blame the BC Liquor Stores who set the shelf price, blame the government for the markup, and blame the distributor too), all i'm saying is I believe $130 is overpriced, and feel free to prove me wrong but I bet that's the highest retail price set for this product anywhere in North America (and maybe even globally).

[Expresso]

Hibiki is a globally allocated product. To get it for Canada, we have to submit our best business case to ensure some allocation for Canada. There are 50 countries that are lined up to get the allocated Hibiki product that is allocated for Canada.

Are there other Costco's besides California that receive Hibiki? Would you see any Costco's in Canada carrying them?

[mk1freak]

on the topic of hibiki, my brother in law was just in japan and got me:
http://imgur.com/kbN0kdR.jpg
http://imgur.com/dX9fzrP.jpg

dam my thumb looks beat up :okay:

[Ch28]

That's a beautiful bottle

[Tim Budong]

How is the Kavalan Soloist Sherry Cask?

the so called award winning one

[Z3guy]

Are there other Costco's besides California that receive Hibiki? Would you see any Costco's in Canada carrying them?

In Canada, only Costco's in AB sell alcohol. The short answer is no. Costco is more focused on large volume brands.

[mk1freak]

or you can go to legacy and get raped on cost. unfortunately while some of their products have competitive pricing (mainstream high volume products) the harder to get ones are priced high.... still i like the people there.

[Ch28]

There's a guy from Portland that has been in the lineup at Cambie Signature since Tuesday for the PvW release

[winson604]

So curious what these guys who are lining up for days are aiming to get.

[Obsideon]

Serious booze lovers line up all week outside Liquor Store (http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/11/line-up-bc-liquor-store-premium-spirits-release/)

Lining up for just one night for a new Apple product or a clothing release is one thing, then there are a few die-hard hard liquor enthusiasts who’ve been lined up for several days now in anticipation of Saturday’s annual Premium Spirit Release at BC Liquor Stores.

This yearly happening is considered the ultimate must-do for lovers of top shelf spirits, and the 2015 release “features a large collection of whiskies from around the world as well as an exquisite cognac from Camus,” according to BC Liquor Stores.

There are some rare spirits on the list, including “one bottle of the most coveted and exclusive single malt Scotch whiskies ever created in the Glenfiddich distillery,” per William Grant & Sons, distillers of Glenfiddich.

A bottle like that–one of just 450 in the world–doesn’t come cheap. “The limited edition bottle is among the most rare and precious ever made, with its value unmistakably reflected by its price, listed at CDN $36,000,” adds William Grant & Sons.

Yep. A $36,000 bottle of scotch will be on sale in Vancouver come Saturday, November 7.

Additionally, says BC Liquor Stores, the roster for the 2015 release includes the Glenglassaugh 51 year old – 1963 vintage, and Port Ellen 35 year old, as well as “extremely limited and sought-after bourbons from Kentucky, as well as whiskies from Ireland, Wales and Canada.”

Rest assured, it’s not only booze with massive price tags that are part of the 2015 release. Spirits lovers will also find stuff in the $50 to $100 range as well, so you may want to do some shopping if you need a holiday gift to score points with a boss, spouse, or relative.

Shoppers will find the biggest selection available at the Cambie and 39th store, and BC Liquor Stores are cautioning that since the some bottle restrictions will apply, and are urging prospective buyers to get there early to avoid disappointment. After all, who likes to miss out on the chance to buy rare scotch?

We’ve heard from a few people in line at the BC Liquor Store on Cambie and 39th. Among them are the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Owners, Tony Hii and Bruce Langereis, who are hoping to land some fine whiskies to add to the menu at the hotel’s Prohibition bar. (If you’re just looking for a taste, Prohibition may be a great place to hit up come Saturday night!)

Not everyone is enduring the cold and rain for business; Johnson Chan has been in line since Wednesday (he’s number 29) in order to get a special bottle as a gift for his son’s upcoming 30th birthday. On his son’s wish list: Pappy Van Winkle’s 15, 20 and 23 year Old Family Reserve–though it’s looking like 15 is the best he’ll be able to land.

Chan’s wife, Virginia, told Vancity Buzz via telephone that the BC Liquor Store team has been taking great care of the people waiting in line, and that they’re going to set up tents Friday morning because of the coming rainstorm. Spirits are high (though no spirits are flowing in the line) and a great camaraderie born of mutual interest in rare whiskies has been struck up. According to Chan, the first person in line came from Tacoma, Washington, and arrived on Monday.

[Eff-1]

Did anyone here fight the crowds with success last weekend?

If anyone picked up a bottle of Van Winkle and wants to have a tasting party, please advise :)

[6793026]

the 36000 bottle was purchased by the dude that's managing Prohibition for the bar.

[Ch28]

Didn't bother going. Friend works at the BCL office and said that unless I lined up early then there was no chance I'd get my hands on a bottle of PvW

[Eff-1]

If anyone is interested in sphere ice molds, the Safeway at Oakridge has a bunch on clearance. If you walk into the store, in the very very back corner where the produce section is, there is a clearance shelf with random discounted items. One of those items currently are ice molds. A set of 4 molds for $10 (50% off).

[rageguy]

The liquor store on Cambie and 39 has at least 30 bottles of Hibiki left.

[Armind]

The liquor store on Cambie and 39 has at least 30 bottles of Hibiki left.

which ones?

[Expresso]

Harmony.

[Z3guy]

^ go on the BCLDB website...there is allot of Hibiki Harmony in various signature stores across the lower mainland....

[Ch28]

^ go on the BCLDB website...there is allot of Hibiki Harmony in various signature stores across the lower mainland....

Tried searching and nothing came up?

[rageguy]

It's a special/limited release so it's not on the site, but I was there yesterday just before closing, they have plenty left. If you want a bottle of the Hibiki Harmony, now is your chance. Act fast though, I saw a lot of older Chinese men buying 3-5 at a time.

[winson604]

From a pure whiskey standpoint not surprised that there's plenty of Harmony left. Taste wise it's meh at best. With that said, from a going with trend b/c it's Japanese whiskey standpoint I can see many getting it just because.

[Eff-1]

They imported quite a bit of Harmony to Ontario, so it's not totally surprising there are lots of stock in BC too.

I wouldn't say taste is "meh". I found it to be very similar to the aged Hibiki. If you poured me a glass of Harmony and said it was Hibiki 12 or 17, i'd have a hard time telling the difference unless I was trying all 3 back to back and really focused. That's just me though.

Personally I found the Nikka Tsuru NAS (not the 17 YO decanter) to be a lot tougher to find over the past weekend than the Hibiki Harmony. Has anyone seen stock left?

[punkwax]

Thanks RS! Scratched a couple people off my Christmas shopping list today.
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/nodnarb17/photo_zps6o2ratbj.jpg

[Bender Unit]

Thanks, RS ~
Just went and bought myself a bottle of Harmony.

There are still ALOT in stock.

[maxxxboost]

The liquor store on Cambie and 39 has at least 30 bottles of Hibiki left.

There are some (5) left at the Highgate location as well.

[rageguy]

Thanks RS! Scratched a couple people off my Christmas shopping list today.
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/nodnarb17/photo_zps6o2ratbj.jpg

Nice you snatched 3. Enjoy them! I'm considering getting the Nikka Pure Malt, it's only $90 or so and the store has a few left too.

[Bender Unit]

I'm considering getting the Nikka Pure Malt, it's only $90 or so and the store has a few left too.
Nikka Pure Malt only $67

http://i66.tinypic.com/2sahtgl.jpg

[Z3guy]

Tried searching and nothing came up?

thanks for the heads up, the BCLDB will update shortly. Regardless, we brought in over 300 cases to the province and at the release they only had 60 cases, which sold out in hours. Check your local signature store, they should have some.

[Ch28]

I have a question about the Hibiki 12. What's the price of that locally (when it's available)?

Friend is in Japan right now and he found some that end up being around $60-$70CAD depending on the store he's at.

[Z3guy]

^ Canada will not get any aged statement Hibiki, heck it was hard enough to get some Harmony. Get you friend to buy it for you. Unless you can find some at a duty free airport.....

[Eff-1]

I have a question about the Hibiki 12. What's the price of that locally (when it's available)?

Friend is in Japan right now and he found some that end up being around $60-$70CAD depending on the store he's at.

If your friend is seeing bottles of 12 for $60 to $70, i'd say buy it. Don't even think twice. They are challenging to find, even in Japan :)

[Expresso]

Yea that's the thing, it's pretty much impossible to find anyone selling it locally because it'll be gone instantly.

You see them more often in the states and they seem to run $70-80USD depending where you go.

[Coren]

I have a question about the Hibiki 12. What's the price of that locally (when it's available)?

Friend is in Japan right now and he found some that end up being around $60-$70CAD depending on the store he's at.

If your friend is going to purchase, don't get it at the Japan duty free. They only sell the limited edition which is the same thing packaged differently for 10000 yen (~110)



How much the Hibiki harmony going for at bcld?

[Bender Unit]

How much the Hibiki harmony going for at bcld?
$126.49

[winson604]

I have a question about the Hibiki 12. What's the price of that locally (when it's available)?

Friend is in Japan right now and he found some that end up being around $60-$70CAD depending on the store he's at.

Good price probably the cheapest you'll ever get it. Just got one from the states for about the same price but USD

[stuff99]

^ Canada will not get any aged statement Hibiki, heck it was hard enough to get some Harmony. Get you friend to buy it for you. Unless you can find some at a duty free airport.....


why doesn't canada carry aged ones?

[Z3guy]

^ stuff99, it is mainly due to supply Vs demand. For high global demand products like Japanese whiskies and single malts, you will see more and more suppliers going away from aged statements products to non aged statements products. Note, when a product has a 12 year aged statement, the liquid inside is probably 13-18yrs old. The rule is that when you have an age statement, no liquid can be younger than the age statement. 15 year ago, the vodka trend was on fire and no one could have forecasted the boom in whiskies today.....

[Obsideon]

Picked up a bottle of Harmony in Portland last week for $60 USD :fuckyea:
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12243113_10156303937780473_4116926347413747763_n.j pg?oh=fdfe1613d46a4ec45bfcf0826cf24337&oe=56EAF66F

I made the mistake of drinking it right after having some Balvenie 17 my friend brought over which made the Hibiki very flat. However I had it again the next day and it was much better.
I'm still salivating over the Hibiki 21 I had earlier this year though. Wish I could find another one...

[Obsideon]

Spent an evening sipping on these 21's this summer. It was fabulous!

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/10356130_10155070464690473_8685286511654403_n.jpg? oh=ed8d5c44151c695ea9f377ed7ec045ed&oe=56F3240B

[Z3guy]

fyi for those that want to get some Hibiki Harmony, the BCLDB website has been updated.

[Expresso]

Obsideon: Which one did 21 did you like better?

[rageguy]

fyi for those that want to get some Hibiki Harmony, the BCLDB website has been updated.

Once the current inventory is depleted, will there be any chance of restock?

[Z3guy]

^ 50/50 we are trying to get more to BC.....tbd....will let you know if you we do though!

[Eff-1]

Wow I find it fascinating that so many of the products that were advertised as part of this year's premium spirit release that were marketed as limited quantities actually have lots of stock available likely for quite a while yet. Lesson learned for next year for many of us! Just because it's listed as part of the release doesn't necessarily mean this is your only chance in life to buy one.

Product Catalogue | BC Liquor Stores (http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product-catalogue?special=new%20product%2Cexclusive&type=spirits&spirit=whisky&start=0)

[Ch28]

Heard from a friend that works at BCL that the price of Hibiki Harmony might go up to $129.99 next month.

[Obsideon]

Obsideon: Which one did 21 did you like better?

The Hibiki was definitely better, but much harder to find.

[winson604]

Wow! So we all know Yamazaki won the Whiskey of the year last year and the craze skyrocketed.

Ladies and Gents I present to you this years winner. I'm shocked but happy it's Canadian.

The Crown Royal Nothern Rye!

Buddies and i went to 10 different liquor stores but were too late. Shit got raped hard.

http://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/drinks/the-best-whisky-of-the-year-is-crowned-20151120

[HonestTea]

Wow! So we all know Yamazaki won the Whiskey of the year last year and the craze skyrocketed.

Ladies and Gents I present to you this years winner. I'm shocked but happy it's Canadian.

The Crown Royal Nothern Rye!

Buddies and i went to 10 different liquor stores but were too late. Shit got raped hard.

http://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/drinks/the-best-whisky-of-the-year-is-crowned-20151120

Are you sure? A lot of the stores in Burnaby/New West and Coquitlam all have stock lol

[winson604]

Are you sure? A lot of the stores in Burnaby/New West and Coquitlam all have stock lol

The stock showing online is from the start of the day. System isn't accurate to the minute or even the hour. Two of the stores we went to showed 21 and 10 in stock as we went in and in fact all the ones we went to showed stock only to actually be sold out. You should know by now stock showing online is always YMMV for any company.

[Ch28]

Their online stock is VERY slow to update. As Winson has already said, they get updated at the start of the day and I'm assuming since it's the weekend, there might not be any stock updates online. I called around to a bunch of stores that have show stock online but they said they've been out for awhile. I even called a store that showed 7 in stock and he said they were out too :lol

[stuff99]

has anyone actually tried it yet?

[bcrdukes]

Nothing particularly special, but I picked up a bottle of Johnnie Walker Green Label today.

[Ch28]

Tried some Jack Daniel's Winter Jack and it's really good! You're suppose to serve it hot so it tastes like warm apple cider with a bit of a kick to it. It's only 15% which makes it a great party drink or if you just want something to sip on at home.

I also tried the Tennessee Honey at 35% which I enjoyed quite a bit as well. The honey flavour helps balance out a bit of the burn.

[Eff-1]

Was finally able to give my Crown Royal Harvest Rye a try tonight. It's 1000x better than regular Crown Royal. Very smooth. Lots of spice from the rye. Caramel sweetness. I enjoyed it!

[Ch28]

Just picked up a bottle of the Crown Royal Northern Harvest. A few locations received shipment today!

[Gallardo]

Was finally able to give my Crown Royal Harvest Rye a try tonight. It's 1000x better than regular Crown Royal. Very smooth. Lots of spice from the rye. Caramel sweetness. I enjoyed it!

LOL, the name of Crown Royal conjures up for me images of Surrey-jacks and gangsters in clubs drinking it with coca-cola.

I might pick up a bottle if I see it in stores. It's just the name of it that makes me very skeptical.

[Eff-1]

I never in a million years would have tried it if not for the publicity. Glad I did though.

[Expresso]

Just picked up a bottle of the Crown Royal Northern Harvest. A few locations received shipment today!

Which location and how many was left?

[tool001]

Was in Korea then okinawa.. at Went to liquor store to look for hibiki. Just found this. Counter didn't even had hibiki listed.so a picked up hakushu
Went to checkout, asked him can he get some. Says he has 4 bottles of hibiki 17. Picked up two bottles. Wasn't cheap. Would have bought all 4 but took small luggage and already had a 4th bottle of Jb..in wife's luggage picked up from duty free (mistake)

Checked out other stores..seems like hibiki is out everywhere..even in Japan.

[Eff-1]

Makes you wonder how much a bottle of Crown Royal Harvest Rye would sell for in Japan :lol

[tool001]

Went to don quiote (24 Walmart type store in Japan ).saw grants blended Scotch for about 9xx yen (about 10-11$). Cheaper than duty free. Same goes for other stuff, vodka, gin etc. And prices for good Scotch was very comparable to duty free.

[jinxcrusader]

Argh... wish I knew about the CR Harvest Rye earlier. Sold out of everywhere I've checked. CR was so cheap too. Hibiki Harmony is rather pricey, $110 a bottle.
People are selling the Harvest Rye on CL for $80. That's some good profit.

[punkwax]

People sell booze on CL? Yikes. :denied:

[Ch28]

Which location and how many was left?

Champlain Mall location but I ended up with the last bottle

[Obsideon]

Was finally able to give my Crown Royal Harvest Rye a try tonight. It's 1000x better than regular Crown Royal. Very smooth. Lots of spice from the rye. Caramel sweetness. I enjoyed it!

My friend managed to grab a bottle for me!
I tried it last night, on the nose it definitely has that distinct "Crown Royal" profile to it. (Brings back some rough memories lol) However this blend is great, as Eff mentioned, very smooth. Hints of spice but I caught a green apple'ish sweetness to it.

Is it the "best" whiskey? No.
Would I keep drinking it? Hell yeah. This 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.

Does anyone know what the rating is based with?
This Crown NH won the best whiskey of 2015 but is it compared to ALL whiskeys?
Is it based on taste to value ratio? Do they include single-barrel aged whiskeys in the judging too?

LOL, the name of Crown Royal conjures up for me images of Surrey-jacks and gangsters in clubs drinking it with coca-cola.
I might pick up a bottle if I see it in stores. It's just the name of it that makes me very skeptical.

GL with that though you probably won't see it in a store for a while at least until the fad slows down. They have been flying off the shelves like hot cakes. I called every BC store in the lower mainland, zero.

Yesterday I called Legacy at 2:29pm, they said they just received the shipment in the morning and had 107 bottles. They wouldn't let me put any on hold, first come first serve. Got there just before 4pm, completely sold out. They said their next shipment is in 2-3 weeks.

[Expresso]

Its actually 2016 and its from Jim Murrays Whiskey Bible.

[jackmeister]

bought a bottle of Hibiki 17 from a random liquor store in Harajuku. 11800 Yen w/ no tax.
They only kept 1 on the shelf, but the stores stocked a lot in the back according to the sales staff.

[Obsideon]

Its actually 2016 and its from Jim Murrays Whiskey Bible.

So this $30 CR:NH bottle... it's the best whiskey overall in the entire book? Even trumping 30 year aged whiskeys that cost $1000?

Is Jim saying this is hands down the best whiskey of the year in the world regardless of price and age?

[bcrdukes]

If you ever do actually read Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible, he scores and rates different whiskies based on a set range of criteria, regardless of price and age.

Just because a whiskey is expensive and old, does not necessarily mean it's amazing. Not everyone will agree to it, so your mileage may vary.

[Obsideon]

Yeah I understand that completely. Everyone has different preferences. I've had some older expensive whiskey's that I thought tasted horrible.

Just surprised that this $30 whiskey would beat out other whiskey's that are 50x more expensive.
I just thought Jim was rating this the "Best whiskey for it's price" which would make more sense.

I wonder if they are gonna raise the price knowing it's so hot right now.

[bcrdukes]

There are a lot of surprises and hidden gems out there. You just need to be open minded enough to truly discover them. ;)

[Eff-1]

Latest I've heard is no more shipments until december according to a colleague who talked to a few different store managers trying to find one. BCLDB is reallocating stock, blah blah blah.

I think it will be very very tough to get before Xmas, unless you happen to be at the store the moment they put a new shipment on the shelf. But after Xmas, supply will have caught up to demand and the hype will die down, so it should be easier to find and I expect they'll bump the price to be around $59.99. That's my prediction!

[bluejays]

The liquor store in Surrey central mall told me that they are expecting 10 cases oh NH to come in today

[Z3guy]

Jim Murray is also a huge AB Premium fan. 100% Rye is where it is at!

[Ch28]

Every store was giving me different shipment drop dates when I called around on Monday. A few had the same days (Monday), while others had no idea, and others said sometime in December.

Your best bet is to just call and ask

[Gucci Mane]

LOL, the name of Crown Royal conjures up for me images of Surrey-jacks and gangsters in clubs drinking it with coca-cola.

I might pick up a bottle if I see it in stores. It's just the name of it that makes me very skeptical.

im ei and happen to love crown.

got beef bruv??

lol. i really need to get my hands on this new harvest stuff. waited around for too damn long.

[winson604]

Had a bottle last night and it's fantastic stuff. I was really skeptical at first b/c it was from Crown but they really made this one right.

[HonestTea]

The liquor store in Surrey central mall told me that they are expecting 10 cases oh NH to come in today

Were you able to get any?

[bluejays]

They have a 2 bottle limit, so I got 2. They said they sold 9 cases in 3 hours and that I bought from the last case

[HonestTea]

They have a 2 bottle limit, so I got 2. They said they sold 9 cases in 3 hours and that I bought from the last case

Damn probably all gone by the time I get there :(

[bluejays]

First drink impressions:

Is it good? Yeah. Is it great? For $30 hell yeah.
However, I don't think it lives up to the hype, I've had quite a few better whiskeys. But for $30 it is easily the best in its price range.