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SilntThnkr

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Nov 12, 2000, 10:22:58 PM11/12/00
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I friend of mine took me to an Irish pub last Wednesday named "The James Joyce
Inn". It is in a western suburb of Chicago (Berwyn I think). We went there to
have a few drinks and wait untill 10:00pm so we could go to a different bar
which featured Karoke singing (for my friend, not me). It was a warm, friendly
place where the owner shook my hand and sat me down for a pint at the bar. my
friend (who was italian) told the owner (who he knew) that I was a scotsman who
liked his whisky (despite the fact that I am not a big drinker LOL). The owner
got a grin on his face and pointed to the top shelf of his bar. On it,
arranged like the alter in the high temple of an ancient sun god were the
following bottles Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Oban, Lagavulin, and
Talisker. As I have said before I am not a great drinker and since I had never
tried ANY of the above named elixers I decided to try a measure of the Talisker
first then the others on subsequent visits. I ordered a glass and was given a
double in a wonderful tulip glass (however only charged for a single).

I was plesently suprised at the subtle flavors of the liquer. The color was a
rich golden amber, that seemed to cling to the sides of the glass as though it
was holding to its mothers bosum. The aroma was wonderful. Full of
possiblities. Like a spriing rose just before the first bloom. At first I
allowed just the smalles of drops to slide around on my tongue, meeting all of
the taste buds and getting to know them on a first name bases. I allowed the
nector to linger in my mouth for just a moment longer then swallowed allow it
to begin the slow but well anticipated journey from my stomache to my brain. I
then exhaled a small breath of air and contemplated the slightlyt peety
aftertaste that reminded me how lucky I was to have a whole glass of Talisker
still in my hand. By the time I finished the entire drink (maybe 20 mins later)
I was fully aware that I would never taste another whisky again without
comparing it to the Talisker.

-David of the Clan Gunn

brea...@gcnet.com

unread,
Nov 12, 2000, 11:52:28 PM11/12/00
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David,

I've twice attended a 'whisky tasting'. I'd recommend it to anyone that has
the opportunity. I'm not an expert by any means. It was a learning
experience, plus a chance to experience several single malts and blends at a
modest cost. We were shown some of the differences of the single malts, and
then (with guidance) were able to detect certain single malts within some
blends. It was amazing, a great experience.

--
Larry Stevenson

Threeboars

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Nov 13, 2000, 2:35:14 AM11/13/00
to

Hee, hee, hee! Another member added.....

--
Regards,

3B

"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." - - Will Rogers

"He, who will not reason, is a bigot; he, who cannot, is a fool; and he, who
dares not, is a slave." - - William Drummond, Laird of Hawthornden


Ian McKiver

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
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David,
the Lochalsh Hotel in Kyle used to have a dour barman (called Iain if I
recall correctly) who described the taste of Talisker to me as 'a cross between TCP
and seaweed'. I think he was unfair, as you can also taste 'soggy peat'. Don't
get me wrong; Talisker is my favourite malt. They used to make a 120 proof
version. It burned in the mouth, burned on the way down and then sat in the
stomach and burned some more :-)
Cheers,
Ian.

SilntThnkr wrote:

--
Ian J McKiver

"Beyond words lies experience;
Beyond experience lies Truth.
Make this Truth your own"

"Memorial" - Star Trek Voyager

ejaycee@mahoose

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to

"SilntThnkr" <silnt...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20001112222258...@ng-fj1.aol.com...
<snip>

On it, arranged like the alter in the high temple of an ancient sun god were the
> following bottles Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Oban, Lagavulin, and
> Talisker. As I have said before I am not a great drinker and since I had never
> tried ANY of the above named elixers I decided to try a measure of the Talisker
> first then the others on subsequent visits. I ordered a glass and was given a
> double in a wonderful tulip glass (however only charged for a single).
>
> I was plesently suprised at the subtle flavors of the liquer. The color was a
> rich golden amber, that seemed to cling to the sides of the glass as though it
> was holding to its mothers bosum. The aroma was wonderful. Full of
> possiblities. Like a spriing rose just before the first bloom. At first I
> allowed just the smalles of drops to slide around on my tongue, meeting all of
> the taste buds and getting to know them on a first name bases. I allowed the
> nector to linger in my mouth for just a moment longer then swallowed allow it
> to begin the slow but well anticipated journey from my stomache to my brain. I
> then exhaled a small breath of air and contemplated the slightlyt peety
> aftertaste that reminded me how lucky I was to have a whole glass of Talisker
> still in my hand. By the time I finished the entire drink (maybe 20 mins later)
> I was fully aware that I would never taste another whisky again without
> comparing it to the Talisker.
>
> -David of the Clan Gunn

By golly I bet there were several of us headed straight for the bottle and a
wee dram after reading that description...........
Mind you try the Lagavulin next GBG


--
from Ejaycee
in the heart of Tasmania


iainfindlay

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to
David
A night with Talisker or Lagavulin is a very pleasant way to spend an
evening.
A night with Glenmorangie is an experience not to be missed (especially if
accompanied with rollmop herring).
A night with Bowmore is positively orgasmic. Try it and let me know.
Greyfox


"SilntThnkr" <silnt...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20001112222258...@ng-fj1.aol.com...

Clan MacLeod Society - Sally Smith

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to
In article <20001112222258...@ng-fj1.aol.com>,
SilntThnkr <silnt...@aol.com> wrote:

>still in my hand. By the time I finished the entire drink (maybe 20 mins later)
>I was fully aware that I would never taste another whisky again without
>comparing it to the Talisker.

Welcome to the fold, David!!! :-)

(lovely description as well -- you ought to send this post to the folks
at the distillery)

Sally
--
Sally Smith, webmaster for the Clan MacLeod Societies, mac...@best.com
http://www.clan-macleod.com
Disclaimer: unless stated, the above posting is entirely my own opinion

Clan MacNeil in Canada Webmaster

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to
So, here's the deal. . .

Tomorrow I am buying a 750ml bottle of The Macallan that was 35 (count
them *35*!) years in cask. . . Sure wish that I could share it with the
rest of you *S*

--
Charles R. Kaiser HOKC - Clan MacNeil in Canada Web Services

"Vincere Vel Mori" "Buaidh No Bas" Any way you say it, it's "Conquer or
Die"! Visit us on the web at: http://www.clanmacneil.ca

SilntThnkr

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to
>> I was fully aware that I would never taste another whisky again without
>> comparing it to the Talisker.
>>
>> -David of the Clan Gunn
>
>Hee, hee, hee! Another member added.....
>
>--
>Regards,
>
> 3B
>
>"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." - - Will Rogers

I KNEW is was a conspiracy!!

SilntThnkr

unread,
Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to
>
>By golly I bet there were several of us headed straight for the bottle and a
>wee dram after reading that description...........
>Mind you try the Lagavulin next GBG
>
>
>--
>from Ejaycee
>in the heart of Tasmania

At the recomendation of the estemable lady I shall do that.

SilntThnkr

unread,
Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to
>
>Tomorrow I am buying a 750ml bottle of The Macallan that was 35 (count
>them *35*!) years in cask. . . Sure wish that I could share it with the
>rest of you *S*
>
>--
>Charles R. Kaiser HOKC - Clan MacNeil in Canada Web Services

I am sorry Charles, for some reason it has escaped me, where in Canada did you
say you lived again? VBG

SilntThnkr

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to
>
>Welcome to the fold, David!!! :-)
>
>(lovely description as well -- you ought to send this post to the folks
>at the distillery)
>
>Sally
>--
>Sally Smith, webmaster for the Clan MacLeod Societies, mac...@best.com
>http://www.clan-macleod.com

LOL thank you Sally. I was inspired. Most of my poetry is about silly things
like being in love or having your heart broken. It is nice to write about
something REALLY important. LOL

dou...@ix.netcom.com

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
to
On 13 Nov 2000 03:22:58 GMT, silnt...@aol.com (SilntThnkr) wrote:

>I was fully aware that I would never taste another whisky again without
>comparing it to the Talisker.
>
>-David of the Clan Gunn

I hope you thanked your friend for introducing to such a noble malt.
The enticing aspect of it all as there are so many wonderful and
distinct single malts to try and so little time.

The sacrifice of ones liver is but a small price to pay for such an
odysey.

Doug MacPherson


Steve Morrill

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Nov 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/13/00
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Larry,

When you did your tasting, did you happen to taste 10 year old Laphroaig?
I'm just starting out on my single malt venture... Laphroaig was the first
one I've picked up. Not having much to compare to, I was just curious where
it might have stacked up in your tasting...

I do pretty well with wine, but single malts are a whole new area for me!

Cheers!

Steve

Ann Getty

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Nov 13, 2000, 8:36:38 PM11/13/00
to
In article <SQMP5.193663$g6.87...@news2.rdc2.tx.home.com>,
"Threeboars" <3...@home.com> wrote:

>DOTCG lovingly wrote:

<wee bit of snippage>

Dang, I gotta try some of that stuff. Apparently it turns the average
whisky drinker into a poet.



>Hee, hee, hee! Another member added.....

And it looks like you get to join a club, too...

Ann

ejaycee@mahoose

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Nov 14, 2000, 1:05:57 AM11/14/00
to

<dou...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:hc411tkrm9o71l61m...@4ax.com...

> On 13 Nov 2000 03:22:58 GMT, silnt...@aol.com (SilntThnkr) wrote:
>
> >I was fully aware that I would never taste another whisky again without
> >comparing it to the Talisker.
> >
> >-David of the Clan Gunn
>
> I hope you thanked your friend for introducing to such a noble malt.
> The enticing aspect of it all as there are so many wonderful and
> distinct single malts to try and so little time.
>
> The sacrifice of ones liver is but a small price to pay for such an
> odysey.
>
> Doug MacPherson

There used to be a wonderful pub in Adelaide called the Rob Roy
which specialised in Malt whisky. They reckoned they had approx
200 in stock. When you went for the first time you were given a card to record
the brand you were drinking and your comments. Obviously next time you
went you extended your choice and tried another one or two or three........
Great way to sample.
Unfortunately last time we were in Adelaide it had closed and become one of those'
'modern' establishments with musak, Keno and one arm bandits.

Lesley Robertson

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Nov 14, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/14/00
to

"SilntThnkr" <silnt...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20001113175712...@ng-cp1.aol.com...

> >
> >By golly I bet there were several of us headed straight for the bottle
and a
> >wee dram after reading that description...........
> >Mind you try the Lagavulin next GBG
> >
> At the recomendation of the estemable lady I shall do that.
>
> -David of the Clan Gunn

The Highland Park and Craggenmore! (Not together)
When you've built up a taste for Islay malts, try Laphroig....
Lesley Robertson


Anne Jackson

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Nov 14, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/14/00
to
The message <8ur1lu$mus$1...@news.tudelft.nl>
from "Lesley Robertson" <l.a.ro...@stm.tudelft.nl> contains
these words:

> The Highland Park and Craggenmore! (Not together)
> When you've built up a taste for Islay malts, try Laphroig....

Don't throw him in at the deep end, Lesley! (Laphroaig is a little
*too* peaty for my taste buds!) Bowmore and Bunnahabhain are both
excellent Islay malts, and not quite as peaty. There is another
one...Bruichladdich perchance?

Anne

Lachie Macquarie

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Nov 14, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/14/00
to
In article <20001112222258...@ng-fj1.aol.com>, SilntThnkr
<silnt...@aol.com> writes

>I friend of mine took me to an Irish pub last Wednesday named "The James Joyce
>Inn". It is in a western suburb of Chicago (Berwyn I think). We went there to
>have a few drinks and wait untill 10:00pm so we could go to a different bar
>which featured Karoke singing (for my friend, not me). It was a warm, friendly
>place where the owner shook my hand and sat me down for a pint at the bar. my
>friend (who was italian) told the owner (who he knew) that I was a scotsman who
>liked his whisky (despite the fact that I am not a big drinker LOL). The owner
>got a grin on his face and pointed to the top shelf of his bar. On it,
>arranged like the alter in the high temple of an ancient sun god were the
>following bottles Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Oban, Lagavulin, and
>Talisker. As I have said before I am not a great drinker and since I had never
>tried ANY of the above named elixers I decided to try a measure of the Talisker
>first then the others on subsequent visits. I ordered a glass and was given a
>double in a wonderful tulip glass (however only charged for a single).

http://www.thewhiskystore.de/industrie/udv/classic1.htm

Classic Malts and Classic Malts Distillers Edition
Cragganmore
Dalwhinnie
Glenkinchie
Lagavulin
Oban
Talisker

A wee bit of a marketing exercise from UD but IMHO Dalwhinnie, Talisker
and Lagavulin, especially the latter two, are the ultimate water of
life, bar water of course. Amongst the cognoscenti Ardbeg is allegedly
way up there, I have never tried it.

Luckily an Australian gave me a litre of Lagavulin on Sunday.


>I was plesently suprised at the subtle flavors of the liquer. The color was a
>rich golden amber, that seemed to cling to the sides of the glass as though it
>was holding to its mothers bosum. The aroma was wonderful. Full of
>possiblities. Like a spriing rose just before the first bloom. At first I
>allowed just the smalles of drops to slide around on my tongue, meeting all of
>the taste buds and getting to know them on a first name bases. I allowed the
>nector to linger in my mouth for just a moment longer then swallowed allow it
>to begin the slow but well anticipated journey from my stomache to my brain. I
>then exhaled a small breath of air and contemplated the slightlyt peety
>aftertaste that reminded me how lucky I was to have a whole glass of Talisker
>still in my hand. By the time I finished the entire drink (maybe 20 mins later)
>I was fully aware that I would never taste another whisky again without
>comparing it to the Talisker.

Lagavulin is almost its equal.


Or as our German chums put it.


Colour: Dark amber
Aroma: Smoky and malty
Taste: Strong, explosive, spicy
Finish: Powerful, a real "afterburner"

It's a malt with a definite maritime character and a spicy note of
seaweed. It is powerful in the taste and fiery, peaty but well-balanced
at the palate. A classic "after dinner malt" for all, who respect a real
treat.


--
Lachie Macquarie, Bod an Deamhain I wish.

SilntThnkr

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Nov 14, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/14/00
to
Last month I had my best friend growing up (who I had not seen in 15 years)
come back into town. He had moved away and we had lost touch but I was able to
track him down through his brother finally and found out he was coming here for
a visit with his wife. I know my friend to be quite the miser with his pennies.
He has been like that since he was a teen. He told me he drinks whiskey
(something along the line of Jim Beam Bourbon) and on special occasion he loves
Crown Royal. Now, I decided to try and convert him to something that was not
better suited to claning engine parts so to give him a treat and I went to the
local liquer store and purchased thier best Single Malt (15 year old Balvenie).
It cost about $70 dollars american (a little overpriced but it was what I
expected from a store that sells mostly beer). The tin it came in was covered
in dust becuase it had sat in the store for so long. When I showed up at his
in-laws house I presented him with the bottle and we proceded to have a glass.
I have always been one who prefers quality over quantity. So I sipped my glass
and enjoyed the flavor of the effort put into its creation. My friend, his
father-in-law and two uncles drank the bottle like it was koolaid. I have of
course heard the expression "pearls before swine" and while I would never think
of my friend as a swine, He certainly did not appreciate the taste of a good
single malt. I guess know now why he likes his Jim Beam and Crown Royal, he
can drink them by the gallon.

ejaycee@mahoose

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Nov 14, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/14/00
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"Lesley Robertson" <l.a.ro...@stm.tudelft.nl> wrote in message
news:8ur1lu$mus$1...@news.tudelft.nl...

>
> "SilntThnkr" <silnt...@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:20001113175712...@ng-cp1.aol.com...
> > >
> > >By golly I bet there were several of us headed straight for the bottle
> and a
> > >wee dram after reading that description...........
> > >Mind you try the Lagavulin next GBG
> > >
> > At the recomendation of the estemable lady I shall do that.
> >
> > -David of the Clan Gunn
>
> The Highland Park and Craggenmore! (Not together)
> When you've built up a taste for Islay malts, try Laphroig....
> Lesley Robertson
>
Can never decide between Laphroaig and Lagavulin

iainfindlay

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Nov 14, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/14/00
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"ejaycee@mahoose" <ejan...@bigpond.com> wrote in message
news:4XhQ5.51017$e5.6...@newsfeeds.bigpond.com...
> >Lagavulin without dout.
Much more subtle taste
Greyfox
>

Lesley Robertson

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Nov 14, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/14/00
to

ejaycee@mahoose <ejan...@bigpond.com> wrote in message
news:4XhQ5.51017$e5.6...@newsfeeds.bigpond.com...
>
> Can never decide between Laphroaig and Lagavulin
> --

depends on the mood of the moment. Tonight, I'm raising a glass of the
Macallan to your success - haste ye back!
Lesley Robertson


Loudon Briggs

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Nov 15, 2000, 3:00:00 AM11/15/00
to
"ejaycee@mahoose" <ejan...@bigpond.com> wrote:
(CLIP)

>Can never decide between Laphroaig and Lagavulin
>--

>from Ejaycee
>in the heart of Tasmania

Me either... I try one, and then the other two or three times, and
then the remarkable thing is, I suddenly can't tell the difference
anymore... and don't really care. :}
--
Loudon Briggs lar...@bbz.net Phoenix, Arizona, USA)

brea...@gcnet.com

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Nov 17, 2000, 12:01:06 AM11/17/00
to

Hello Steve,

We had, in the Laphroaig section, 1 year (gag), 5year, 10year and ... 18??
year old samples. Huge differences, the two oldest were great, but the two
newest weren't. They were included for comparisons, I'm sure. I'm not
usually a scotch (whisky) drinker, I generally just drink old rot-gut like
Black Velvet and 7-up. The tasting was sponsored by Laphroaig, but did have
a couple other labels there also. Very enlightening and fun.

--
Larry Stevenson

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