Thinking ahead for Christmas

[Reevzy]

Alright?

Last Christmas Eve I hosted a BBQ with some of my closest mates and I put on a bottle of Martell XO Cognac which in Aussie dollars was $200 a bottle (or $180 US today)..... AND I decided to class it up with some Cuban cigars so I got some Monte 4's and that day was my (re)introduction to Cuban cigars and I've since then joined these forums and learned a hell of a lot about cigars

So my mates and I have all since turned 30 and we've decided to make it a yearly thing where we buy an expensive bottle of booze and I'd supply the cigars and we just enjoy the fine summer weather in a bit of style.

So cutting a long story short, this year the drink of choice is Whiskey!

We're aiming around the $300 mark ($274 US today) but seeing as we don't know a thing about it, I'd like some recommendations such as for starters, Scotch, Irish, American, blends, single malts, what to start with and then we'll work out some brand names.

I'm getting in early because it's a bit of money and there's a massive selection.

If it's worth it, maybe we could chip in for something more expensive or as inexperienced Whiskey drinkers, is it not worth it??

Mind you though, we did absolutely adore a $200+ bottle of Cognac.

[sharks]

The Macallan 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky. Bought this for the old man for his 70th recently its a bloody good drop. Less than 300

http://danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_28420/the-macallan-18-year-old-scotch-whisky

[cognacscotchcigars]

X2. Taste before you buy and you don't have to break the bank.

[Tan1801]

Whisky is not like many other spirit however as there are extreme variations between them. A Talisker 18 tastes absolutely nothing like a Glenlivet 18 for example... Imo, taste a few things here and there at a bar or at friend's places and decide what the group will most enjoy.

Agreed!

It really does depend on where your taste preference lies for whisky.

Go to a bar and taste a few. Whisky and Alement in Melb CBD do whisky tastings every now and then (although on their website I don't really see a multi region one at the moment). May be worth popping around to one.

[sharks]

Baranows in Hawthorn, plenty to sample and you can enjoy a cigar at the same time.

[Reevzy]

Well I guess there's just that curiosity aspect to it, I often wonder if there is a world of difference between a $200 bottle of Cognac and a $600 bottle of Cognac. Not being a straight whiskey drinker (well not since my silly teenage Jim Beam drinking years) I guess I'm just wondering what a $200 bottle would taste like, surely not like the disgusting chemical fire that Jim Beam was.

I was under the impression that the older the age, the smoother it is......... although I'm sure there's a lot more to it than that.

A long time till Christmas, the lads and I might head out and have a few here and there.

[Ken Gargett]

the greatest value pointy end spirit has to be zacapa xo. duty free about $150. bottleshops about $220 - put the rest to better cigars!

a truly great spirit and for me, it sits at the same level or higher than cognacs and malts 5 times the price. it is a really subtle and graceful rum and a great match for cigars.

[Isotonic]

Dan's has it at $180.00. Can vouch for how good Zacapa XO is. A mate's dad cracked this open when my mate finished law school and it is a real treat. I have not paired this with a cigar as I wasn't smoking then but it was born to be enjoyed with a fine cigar.

[Reevzy]

Admittedly, the only rum I've ever tried is Bundaberg OP mixed cans, a long time ago, it was horrible and I'd rather be jabbed in the eye with a burnt fish! Unfortunately, that is my only experience with rum, I've never drank it straight and from my past memory I am hesitant too, I know, I know, I'm sure it's apples and oranges but I guess I might have to dip my toe in at some stage with rum

[sengjc]

$300 is plenty, you can have your pick of premium drink.

I know Dan's carries a healthy range of Glenfarclas which is real good value for a sherried Speysider.

Glenmorangie Signet is another top drop and only for under $200, Nicks and Singlemalt carry them for the price.

I am told the Courvoisier Aged 21 is another top drop.

Ron Zacapa XO is a sure bet as far as rum is concerned.

I guess you will need to figure out what your preference for the big day will be.

[winelover]

If you and your friends have little experience in whisky (not whiskey -referring to scotch here) I don't think you'd be wise to spend $300 on a single bottle, it would be a waste. Also there are hundreds of distilleries to choose from and so many styles there is no easy choice either. There is a world of difference between a peaty Islay such as Laphroaig and an easy tasting Glenfiddich. Whereas with cognacs there is far less heterogeneity so harder to make an error in making a big purchase.

Also with cognacs the older is the better as a general rule as you are looking for smooth silky refinement e.g. Hine Antique XO or Hennessey Paradis Extra. But with whisky, experienced drinkers might consider a very smooth dram as deadly dull and boring and would prefer a more interesting and youthful dram. Also beware the marketing, e.g. JW Blue etc, yes expensive but not necessarily value worth it at all. Try watching Ralfy's youtube reviews as a good starting point.

So I would spend my $300 on four or five bottles or Scotch or just go with Ken's Zacapa XO recommendation.

[daggersarge]

If you have any BOTL in New Jersey that can ship it to you here is an absolutely awesome sale price on Zacapa XO at US$49.97

http://www.winechate...ENARIO-XO-750ML

[marty922]

Admittedly, the only rum I've ever tried is Bundaberg OP mixed cans, a long time ago, it was horrible and I'd rather be jabbed in the eye with a burnt fish! Unfortunately, that is my only experience with rum, I've never drank it straight and from my past memory I am hesitant too, I know, I know, I'm sure it's apples and oranges but I guess I might have to dip my toe in at some stage with rum

Queensland diesel has it's place, but comparing it to other rums is a huge disservice to rum around the world.

I started with Bundy back in my B&S days, but have discovered rum like Zacapa 23 (little brother of xo) and other midrange offerings (Appleton estate etc). Do yourself a favour and grab a Zacapa 23.

Mind you, I am partial to Bundy Red now and then.

[ajgagnon]

I agree. There are great scotches in mid ranges. Try a Buichladdich, Springbank, or one my wife got for me, a Bowmore 15 "Darkest".

There are tons of other great spirits too... there are some amazing South American rums from Peru, etc that are in the $50-100 range, and of course the Zacapa, Cuban Matusalem, etc.

[Reevzy]

I recently got a bottle of Glenlivet 15yo and if I'm honest....... bah, just tastes like whiskey

I'm thinking I might twist the boys' arms and go for another fancy bottle of Cognac.