Whisk(e)y Lovers thread(II)

That's definitely on the list for the next purchase spree along with a Kavalan Solist. Sherry (R1900 at Checkers Hillcrest) or Vinho Barrique (R2500) I'm sure yet which.

Anyone have XP with these?

SECRET SPEYSIDE 2004 BERRY BROS. & RUDD WB

CRAIGELLACHIE 15 YEAR OLD SIGNATORY WB

EDRADOUR 10 YEAR OLD SIGNATORY WB


Will be my first real dip into these distilleries.

I've had the Craigellachie and Edradour on a bottle split and they are brilliant!!! Just bought a full bottle of the Craigellachie .
 
So after spending a lot of money on whiskey this year, my friend and myself decided to set a new challenge. To find the best value for money bottle around the R500 mark.

It's been quite enjoyable, we take turns buying a bottle and then trying to convince the other that it's a good value buy - a cheaper bottle scores more "points" if perceived to be good.

We did a few bourbons - makers, wild turkey, buffalo trace, then he did a Tullamore XO and I countered with a Tumnavulin (which at R390 currently impressed a bit). I think he is getting a Shackleton for his round. Outside of the mainstream suspects, what can I get next? Was thinking maybe a benriach curiositas or a 12 yo.

I need to win this, there is a Coal Ila on the table for the winner.
 
So after spending a lot of money on whiskey this year, my friend and myself decided to set a new challenge. To find the best value for money bottle around the R500 mark.

It's been quite enjoyable, we take turns buying a bottle and then trying to convince the other that it's a good value buy - a cheaper bottle scores more "points" if perceived to be good.

We did a few bourbons - makers, wild turkey, buffalo trace, then he did a Tullamore XO and I countered with a Tumnavulin (which at R390 currently impressed a bit). I think he is getting a Shackleton for his round. Outside of the mainstream suspects, what can I get next? Was thinking maybe a benriach curiositas or a 12 yo.

I need to win this, there is a Coal Ila on the table for the winner.
Do a black bottle, its a cheap easy drinking irish whiskey.
 
So after spending a lot of money on whiskey this year, my friend and myself decided to set a new challenge. To find the best value for money bottle around the R500 mark.

It's been quite enjoyable, we take turns buying a bottle and then trying to convince the other that it's a good value buy - a cheaper bottle scores more "points" if perceived to be good.

We did a few bourbons - makers, wild turkey, buffalo trace, then he did a Tullamore XO and I countered with a Tumnavulin (which at R390 currently impressed a bit). I think he is getting a Shackleton for his round. Outside of the mainstream suspects, what can I get next? Was thinking maybe a benriach curiositas or a 12 yo.

I need to win this, there is a Coal Ila on the table for the winner.
Shackleton is a really boring dram. I've had it since I first really got into whisky (because of the price) but you can see how far I got. Pretty much anything would beat that out.

What's the upper limit of 'around R500'?

Glen Scotia 15 if you can find a bottle left at Checkers is your answer.
 

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Not something you expect to see at your local Tops.



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The only time ever I saw a Smokehead release in a bottlestore was the normal 43% version at our local Checkers.

I must say, the overwhelming nuttyness of the high voltage (which is bottled at 58%) is something I keep on coming back to. I really enjoy the high voltage, but I feel it is a bit overpriced, only have a bottle because I got it on a sale on Takealot for just under R600.
 
The only time ever I saw a Smokehead release in a bottlestore was the normal 43% version at our local Checkers.

I must say, the overwhelming nuttyness of the high voltage (which is bottled at 58%) is something I keep on coming back to. I really enjoy the high voltage, but I feel it is a bit overpriced, only have a bottle because I got it on a sale on Takealot for just under R600.
Got my "normal" Smokehead at my local PnP.

Yes I remember that Takealot deal you lucky bastard :)

Bar Keeper Cape Town had the High Voltage on the shelf.
 
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Black Bottle is actually Scottish, lol.

A bottle store near me actually still have the old style bottle in stock. I'm not sure if the blend is the same as the new style bottle, (never tried any of them) as they apparently changed the blend and used less Islay whisky in the new blend
Oops. It tastes like an irish haha!! Yeah think its a bit diffrent since the update. The old bottles were quite good I was told
 
So after spending a lot of money on whiskey this year, my friend and myself decided to set a new challenge. To find the best value for money bottle around the R500 mark.

It's been quite enjoyable, we take turns buying a bottle and then trying to convince the other that it's a good value buy - a cheaper bottle scores more "points" if perceived to be good.

We did a few bourbons - makers, wild turkey, buffalo trace, then he did a Tullamore XO and I countered with a Tumnavulin (which at R390 currently impressed a bit). I think he is getting a Shackleton for his round. Outside of the mainstream suspects, what can I get next? Was thinking maybe a benriach curiositas or a 12 yo.

I need to win this, there is a Coal Ila on the table for the winner.

Get a bottle of Naked Grouse. Best value for under R500 imo. Combo of Macallan, Highland Park and Glenturret.

I have seen it around for R300 per bottle on some PnP specials. Currently R335 (and in stock) at WAW.

 
I highly recommend grabbing this. Same price as launch price 6 years ago. A fantastic dram at a give away price TBH...

Wow that's a great find.
I see they still have the Springbank 23 too! Someone decided to do a stock take and found some hidden bottles...
 
G
Wow that's a great find.
I see they still have the Springbank 23 too! Someone decided to do a stock take and found some hidden bottles...
The Glendronach 18 isn't a terrible price either. One of my favourites but a bit tricky to find these days.
 
G

The Glendronach 18 isn't a terrible price either. One of my favourites but a bit tricky to find these days.
20 years old (unless there are two?)

I'd be interested in picking that up. Not available at any Checkers in KZN, it seems. Contemplated driving 60km for the Mortlach 14 and Glenlossie 15 (in Scottburgh). Benriness is out in Vryheid. I'm mad but I'm not 3 hour drive for whisky I've never tasted mad.

Will wait it out and see if The Glendronach pops up. Fingers crossed.
 
Get a bottle of Naked Grouse. Best value for under R500 imo. Combo of Macallan, Highland Park and Glenturret.

I have seen it around for R300 per bottle on some PnP specials. Currently R335 (and in stock) at WAW.


You have to like a sherry bomb though as it is heavily sherried as it was matured in virgin sherry casks.

But I agree, this is a really tasty and affordable budget blended malt, I always have one on hand
 
Thanks for the responses!

I think I am going to go with the Naked Grouse, walked passed it several times in favour of something else, but I think now is the time to try. I am not a big sherry fan, but my friend is, so might score me a few bonus points!
 
So after spending a lot of money on whiskey this year, my friend and myself decided to set a new challenge. To find the best value for money bottle around the R500 mark.

It's been quite enjoyable, we take turns buying a bottle and then trying to convince the other that it's a good value buy - a cheaper bottle scores more "points" if perceived to be good.

We did a few bourbons - makers, wild turkey, buffalo trace, then he did a Tullamore XO and I countered with a Tumnavulin (which at R390 currently impressed a bit). I think he is getting a Shackleton for his round. Outside of the mainstream suspects, what can I get next? Was thinking maybe a benriach curiositas or a 12 yo.

I need to win this, there is a Coal Ila on the table for the winner.

Benriach 12 (Rachel Barrie release) is an absolute winner and you will find it for less than R500. Don't know if you have tried the Glenmorangie 10 (round the low R400 mark) or even Bains Symphony at R370 but a limited release. For me the winner would be Ardbeg Wee Beastie which is now sub R500, but do you guys like peat?

On the bourbon from, Woodford Reserve is fantastic and <R500, as is Bulleit but you cannot beat JD Rye at round R300 (don't even think that it tastes anything like normal JD, which I can't stand).
 
Wow that's a great find.
I see they still have the Springbank 23 too! Someone decided to do a stock take and found some hidden bottles...
I'm not a fan of the Ben Nevis but you can grab a sample when you fetch the Ardbeg split from me.
 
20 years old (unless there are two?)

I'd be interested in picking that up. Not available at any Checkers in KZN, it seems. Contemplated driving 60km for the Mortlach 14 and Glenlossie 15 (in Scottburgh). Benriness is out in Vryheid. I'm mad but I'm not 3 hour drive for whisky I've never tasted mad.

Will wait it out and see if The Glendronach pops up. Fingers crossed.
Nope, 18 Allardice is there as well.
 
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