ohai.social is one of the many independent Mastodon servers you can use to participate in the fediverse.
A cozy, fast and secure Mastodon server where everyone is welcome. Run by the folks at ohai.is.

Administered by:

Server stats:

1.8K
active users

#scotch

4 posts4 participants0 posts today

A wee Knockdhu nightcap.

Infrequent Flyers Knockdhu 8, NC, NCF, 58.9% abv (bottled 2021)

Gentle on the nose with subtle waves of sweet vanilla, heather honey and floral aromas. Leave it for a few minutes and along comes some melon, apple and citrusy lemon. The first sip comes in roaring hot, spicy and peppery. A few drops of water and it calms to an oily creamy mouthfeel with more sweet white fruit: apples, banana, melon and a hint of toffee. A long, spicy, slightly citrusy finish.

Continued thread

But wait, there's more!

I managed to pick up WhistlePig The Encyclopedia of Rye - Volume 2 for a fantastic price.

Volume 2? What about Volume 1? I had that too, for a similarly fantastic price, until I got sniped. That's how I learned the hard way that Whisky Auctioneer ends their auctions at midnight, even if bids are still being made.

They have sniping protection that is supposed to extend the auction a few minutes every time a new bid comes in, but there is an undocumented hard stop. I got outbid less than a minute to midnight and was in the process of upping my bid when the auction ended. I suspect the winner knew about this loophole, which I've since confirmed.

So now I'm still hunting for vol.1. I've seen it on sale in the US, but for stupid high prices.

Anyway... Then there were some random bottles. Starting off with a couple of different bottlings of the Mortlach 16 Flora & Fauna. Due to a misunderstanding, I picked up a few of these. I now have three, so I'll probably send a couple on to auction myself.

I also picked up several grain whiskies. I love those and they're often overlooked. The North British 1980 Cask Strength was originally only available to employees of the distillery. I'm not sure the age on this one.

Another North British, this one 30 years, a Caidenhead Single Cask 43 year Invergordon and a Forgotten Gems 30 year Invergordon.

Continued thread

There was still more that arrived.

More Glenmorangie - Speakeasy bottle Cask 6813, three The Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottlings: 125.4, 125.15, & 125.37, and then three sample bottles - Finealta, Signet, and the 18 year Extremely Rare.

There were also two from Ardbeg - 19 year Traigh Bahn #1 & #3.

I already had #4 - #2 is still in the UK with another auction house and #5 is with a friend in CT as it couldn't be shipped to MA. #6 I'm still on the hunt for. I've been picking these up at auction for well below MSRP.

I recently received many months worth of auction winnings that I'd been building up in storage. I'm glad I shipped them when I did, as now most of the auction houses have paused all shipments to the US while they figure out the tariff situation. I have other bottles still in the UK & EU and who knows when I'll be able to ship those - and if it'll cost me more now.

There was a bit of Compass Box - a Mariage Single Marrying Cask, an Eleuthera, The Peat Monster (second bottling I believe), The Peat Monster Reserve Edition magnum, the inaugural 2006 Flaming Heart release (the last one I was missing), Transistor, and The Promise Blend.

And then a bunch of Glenmorangie - three vintage releases from 1974, 1975, and 1979, The Culloden Bottle, 1990 Single Cask #5979 First-Fill Bourbon, 18 year White Rum finish, and Distillery Exclusive Cask 1784.

A nice surprise from Compass Box Whisky arrived today, going out to members of The Blending Room.

A welcome box with a pin, tasting journal, pencil, and four lovely glass coasters.

And, since I'm posting CB swag, I was also recently gifted a set of four glass coasters with the Hedonism 2025 label art. Very nice and greatly appreciated. I won't thank the person by name as I don't want them hounded.

Do you know which are the best whiskey brands for Bourbon, Rye, Irish Whiskey, Canadian Whiskey, Single Malt, Scotch, and more?

Don't worry—Bottle Barn has covered them all in the latest blog! Have you tried any of these, or will you be adding them to your wishlist?

Read Here - bottlebarn.com/blogs/news/best

Bottle BarnBest Whiskey Brands: Top Picks Across All Types of WhiskiesFor both whisky enthusiasts and curious newcomers, navigating the intricacies of this favored spirit can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are so many styles—Scotch, bourbon, rye, Irish, and Japanese among them. Thus, understanding the best brands across all categories will help you make informed choices, finding the best whiskies in the world.b Whether you’re searching for a reliable everyday dram, a standout bottle for a special event, or an investment-worthy collectible, Bottle Barn’s curated collection of whiskey helps provide clarity. Learning about highly regarded brands also enhances appreciation for whisky’s craftsmanship, history, and regional nuances. This will allow you to explore new flavors with confidence when you buy the right whiskey for you. Beyond personal enjoyment, knowing the best whisky brands can be invaluable for gifting, cocktail crafting, or even food pairing. A thoughtfully chosen bottle can elevate a home bar, impress guests, or serve as the perfect present for a whisky lover. For those intrigued by the spirit’s cultural significance, top brands often carry rich histories and unique production techniques that add to their appeal. Whether sipping neat, mixing in a cocktail, or seeking out rare expressions, a deeper understanding of whisky’s best producers ensures a more rewarding and satisfying experience. So, here is Bottle Barn’s top whiskey brands list, chosen in consultation with our spirits buyer. Top American Whiskey Brands: Bourbon and Rye American whiskey includes bourbon (sweet, smooth) and rye (bold, spicy), both aged in charred oak barrels. Bourbon is widely enjoyed, while rye is a favorite in cocktails. Best Bourbon Brands Bourbon is a distinctly American whiskey, primarily made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. It is renowned for its rich, caramelized sweetness, notes of vanilla, and hints of spice. Bourbon is mostly produced in Kentucky, though it can be made anywhere in the U.S. Legal regulations say it must be distilled to no more than 160 proof, enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof, and be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, bourbon offers a smooth yet complex drinking experience. Top Bourbon Whiskey Brands Counting as the top bourbon whiskey brands are - Buffalo Trace Russell's Elijah Craig Willett Old Forester Best Rye Whiskey Brands Rye whiskey is known for its bold, spicy character, with notes of pepper, baking spices, and dried fruit. In the U.S., it must be made from at least 51% rye grain and, like bourbon, aged in new, charred oak barrels. Yet rye whiskey has a drier, more robust flavor profile than bourbon. Canadian whisky, often labeled as rye, historically contained a higher proportion of the grain but is not legally required to do so. Rye whiskey is a favorite for classic cocktails like the Manhattan and the Sazerac, offering a distinctive, complex drinking experience. Top Rye Whiskey Brands According to Bottle Barn experts, top rye whiskey brands are - Bulleit Rye Sazerac Rare Breed Dickel Michter's Also Read: Difference Between Whiskey and Whisky Best Irish Whiskey Brands Irish whiskey’s fame comes from its smooth, approachable character, often featuring notes of honey, vanilla, and light fruit. Typically triple-distilled and aged for at least three years in wooden casks, it ranges from single pot still and single malt to blended styles, making it a versatile choice for sipping neat or in cocktails. Top Irish Whiskey Brands Popular whiskey brands from Ireland include - Redbreast Jameson Tullamore Dew Bushmills Midleton Best Japanese Whiskey Brands Japanese whisky is crafted with precision and balance. This East Asian style of whisky showcases delicate, nuanced flavors of honey, floral notes, and subtle smoke. Influenced by Scotch whisky traditions. Japanese whisky is typically made using a variety of distillation techniques and aging methods, resulting in refined, complex expressions prized by connoisseurs. This is good whisky, worth trying if you have never done so. Top Japanese Whisky Brands The top Japanese whisky brands are - The Nikka Hibiki Iwai Matsui Yamazaki. Best Scotch Whisky Brands Scotch whisky is made from malted barley or grain and aged for at least three years in oak casks. Known for its diverse styles, from the peaty intensity of Islay to the smooth, honeyed notes of Speyside, Scotch offers a rich and complex drinking experience. Top Scotch Whisky Brands Bootle Barn’s best Scotch brands include - Johnnie Walker Dewar's Chivas Regal Monkey Shoulder Famous Grouse Also Read: Best Budget Scotches Best Single Malt Whisky Brands Single malt whisky, primarily associated with Scotland but also produced in other regions, is crafted from malted barley at a single distillery. Some count as rare whisky, like the USA brand below, but you can still order them for rapid whisky delivery from Bottle Barn (inside of California). Top Single Malt Whisky Brands Our choices of the top single malt whisky brands are - Macallan Lagavulin Balvenie Glenlivet Glenmorangie Best Tennessee Whiskey Brands Tennessee whiskey is a distinct style of American whiskey, similar to bourbon but with an extra step known as the Lincoln County Process, where the spirit is filtered through charcoal before aging. This results in a smoother, mellower profile. Top Tennessee Whiskey Brands Our top picks for Tennessee whiskies are - Jack Daniel’s George Dickel Nelson’s Green Brier Uncle Nearest Ole Smoky Best Canadian Whisky Brands Canadian whisky is known for its smooth, lighter style, often made from a blend of grains and aged in oak barrels for at least three years. It is sometimes referred to as