I used to live in Kumamoto for many years and loved it! This is really excited to see more unique stuff come from Kumamoto, as it is so full of unique local specialties and history. This is awesome, thank you Charlie Hague! After all the years I've lived there I didn't know they had such a thing, but if I ever go back I'm definitely going to pick (among other things) a bottle of this
A thought occurred to me while watching this video. Daniel, you talked about how Oak has the right structure to allow a wiskey to breathe while aging. In a place like Texas if you wanted to slow down the aging because of the extreme temperatures could you use a harder wood instead?
so I was in Washington state yesterday and apparently the whole state is on fire... I happened to pickup some Johnny walker Red ...and noticed the smoke taste on the finish which I will now have to define as burnt Washington.
Gents, thank you for yet another great video. I'm sitting here in south Florida watching the projected track of hurricane Irma pass through my living room. One of the few things that keeps me positive right now is knowing that while I'm without power for the next several weeks or months, I'll at least be drinking well, as I've begun amassing quite the collection since I began binge-watching your channel a couple months ago. I tho k I have time for one more trip to the liquor store before I hunker down this weekend, so my question is, as a professional sommelier, what whiskey do you find pairs best with catastrophe and heavy flooding? Cheers.
Holy hell, man. Stay safe! Harvey just missed us, but we're pretty far inland. As far as pairings, You can either go with something to compliment the sea water running into your kitchen, or maybe something butterscotch to contrast with the mold.... Too soon?
Have also heard tell that oak is heavily biased toward due to its ability to create a water proof (whisky proof) barrel. Barrels made from many other woods will be prone to leaking. Or so I am told . . . .
Chardonnays are usually really dry whites. The fruitier whites are pinot, reisling and moscato. Some widely available whiskeys: Dewars blended, Glenmorangie 10 and Maker's Mark.
Daniel and Rex, loving the rum mention. I grew up in the Caribbean so I was privy to have some of the best rums in the world. Ron Zacapa is definitely one of the best rums you can drink. If you're open to trying something else really great, try some rums from Trinidad and Tobago, the Angostura line... 1919, 1824, 1787 and No.1 . They are fantastic! I'm a whiskey lover myself but these rums definitely hold up to the standards of the best whiskeys!
I'm def going to the live stream! But since they were talking about Rum in this video, I would love to hear their opinion on The Balvenie 14 which is matured in Rum Casks
You actually talked about a topic in my wheelhouse, "wood". I do carpentry and woodworking and I had to shake my head when you talked about why Oak is used and that it isn't a hard wood, Oak is actually very hard and dense compared to almost anything in America. Worldwide it is about average in hardness compared to exotic woods, but is definitely hard. It does however have "straw" like grain which would be good for allowing liquids to be absorbed even though the end grain isn't even exposed to the whiskey the way a barrel is constructed. Anyhow, loving the videos keep it up!
YES! Grateful to have a woodworker around. I regularly use the wrong terms for correct application, but I am all on board on this one. Feel free to keep us on track with correct wood knowledge!
I enjoy your channel (learned about you guys from the modern rogue). I just wanted to make a couple of comments on shochu since you were abit inaccurate. Shochu is a pretty generic term , basically it means "distilled liquor". it can be made with many ingredients including rice or barley (hey abit whiskeyish there), though things like sweet potatoes or sugar can be used. It is not necessarily aged but can be. It doesn't get to be as high alcohol content as whiskey usually somewhere in the 25%-45%. You see it here in California a fair amount where shochu cocktails show up in asian restaurants (I even saw some at a Korean fried chicken chain restaurant).
I meant to ask at some point what rum you guys may like. I had a similar experience with rum as I grew up in Bundaberg, which major exports are sugar and rum. I grew up on Bundaberg rum and just grew to slowly dislike it. I'm thinking now I should give it another chance...
Won't be able to make the live stream, but I like the big brand idea (as well as the Beginner Top 10 list). Accessibility is a big issue, particularly here in Michigan where the liquor laws are very tight. My Top 5 (in no order): Macallan 12 Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask (to go with the rum discussion from today, or the 12 Doublewood if the Caribbean Cask is less accessible than I'm thinking) Highland Park 12 Woodford Reserve Lagavulin 16 (thank you Ron Swanson)
Hey guys. Part of your Brazilian audience here! Looking forward to toasting alongside everyone on the live stream. Since distribution is kind of hit-and-miss down here I'd suggest big global brands. 1. Dalmore 12 2. Glenfiddich 18 (curiously cheap in Brazil when compared to other brands) 3. Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve 4. Talisker 10 5. Jura Origin
Hey guys! I'm in Peru and there's not a lot of selection down here. But here are the top 5 scotch whiskey brands available (along with my preferred age of whiskey): 1. Glenfiddich (15) 2. Glenlivet (18) 3. Macallan (12yr Fine Oak...the only other Macallans available here are the Amber, Sienna and Ruby) 4. Chardu (12 is the only one here) 5. Johnny Walker (Platinum [yes, i prefer Platinum over Green. Burn me. ]) We also get Wild Turkey, Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, but i'm not a huge Bourbon fan.
These are my personal top 5, and they are accessible/affordable. (except for Lagavulin, but that is still pretty accessible) 1. Ardbeg 10 year 2. Bruichladdich - Classic Laddie 3. Lagavulin 16 year 4. Russell's reserve single barrel 5. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Toki is a blended whisky that comes from blending the three Suntory distilleries (Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita). Chita produces the grain whisky, while Yamazaki and Hakushu are known for their malted whiskies.
I think Caol Ila, Ardbeg, Balvenie, Talisker, and Old Pulteney are some big names everyone should try. It would be nice if you'd schedule the live event on youtube so we can set reminders/get a countdown that auto-converts the time differential.
Glenfiddich 12, I think that's available for most people, no matter nationality, and I have one bottle in my house, don't know how the bottle got here but it's unopened and I've been thinking to open it since I discovered this channel like 2 weeks ago.
Here is my list of 5: 1) Dalmore 12. 2) Macallan 12. 3) Glenrothes Sherry cask. 4) Bushmills single malt 10. 5) Gentleman Jack. I really would like to add a bourbon in this list but only bourbon I like was Weller and can't find those sob these days.
Ron Zacapa is a good starting point! El Dorado12, 15, 21, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusivia, Mount Gay Xo, and Appleton Estate 12 are other good reference points to start ones journey on good rums. Plus hearing Rex try to pronounce these names would be fun;)! Keep on enjoying good quality Rum!
Shochu is distilled and it can be from many different things ( rice, sweet potato, Brown sugar) depending what part of Japan it is from. Sake is brewed and made from rice
It is also interesting that they call it whisky and not soju. Many shochu bottles in the US are labeled as soju. Soju is a Korean distilled product that is similar to shochu or even vodka but it tends to be a bit harsher when tasting it.
Just bought a bottle each of Jameson Caskmates, Bulleit Rye, Bulleit Bourbon, and Ardbeg 10. Soo... I recommend using any or all of those for the video. ;)
I was a big fan of port at one point (Australian Tawny port specifically) but thanks to your channel I'm getting in to Bourbon. They both have sweetness the dried fruit characteristics, Caramel, can have a walnut note. Can you recommend a whisky that is like Penfolds Club tawny. (Smooth, sweet, Prune/plum, cherry, Caramel, vanilla, nut characteristics) And for the people who ask if you like port why stop. (That stuff has so much actual sugar in it you could put it on pancakes) so yes from my prospective Whisky is healthier. Thanks
Maybe not the most easiest whiskey to get, but I would love to see you guys try a danish Stauning Whiskey, which got a lot of recognition from a lot of people, one of them Jim Murray. I know this is not good for the lifestream, but I would love to see a review on it from you guys
... i just started drinking anything, so i know nothing about alcohol. your guys vids are very interesting to me and i cant wait to try some whiskeys on my own. i think it would be cool if you explore rums too... even though this is the whiskey vault... (i mean this was a vid about shochu... so...)
Only 5? That's so hard! Here it goes, in no particular order: - Dalmore - Compass Box - Macallan - Laphroaig - Four Roses You guys should post your lists too. I'm sure we're all curious what you two would pick.
differences between shochu and sake, including: Shochu is distilled; sake is fermented. Sake is made from rice; shochu can be made from sweet potato (imo), barley (mugi), rice (kome) and other ingredients. Shochu is typically stronger (on average, 25-30% alcohol vs. 15-18% alcohol)
I believe the difference between shochu and sake (sah-kay if Rex is still wondering on pronunciation), is that shochu is distilled, whereas sake is fermented. Also, it looks like shochu can be made with more than just rice. In looking around, they apparently use sweet potato, barley, rice, and other assorted things.
The sweet potato (imo) shochu is actually quite nice over ice. I think a whiskey lover might enjoy it. I live in Japan, so the good stuff is easy to come by. It's strange because the flavors are very different, but there is something about a good shochu that gives me the same vibe as a nice whiskey
Ron Zacapa 23 is one of the best premium rums. But also Bundaberg Master Distillers Collection from Australia if you can get your hands on them in the US.....
I had my fair share of Shochu during my stay in Japan, it's a very popular distilled spirit similar to Korean Soju (but not exactly the same). The flavors you described for the Kikori rice "whiskey" are very similar to the ones I tasted in some Shochus.
Is that your non-whisky eye patch? x_o Sochu is like moonshine and Sake is made like beer & wine. I saw Akashi in your inventory list, have you reviewed it?
I'll be at the live stream, but I saw a question a couple times in the comments and I don't know whether it got answered, so I feel like it'll be a great livestream topic: whats the deal with char levels? What do they mean, how does it influence the wood and whiskey, why is it necessary in the first place, etc etc. Cheers guys.
im still pretty new to the world of whiskey so i cant think of 5 off the top of my head but 2 brands i would reccomend are definitely bruichladdich and ardbeg
First i will be drinking Glen Ord 21 year old and Dalmorr Cigar Malt 13 yer old those will be my 2 selections , i will try to watch however Sat. in Cali is usually Surfs UP
Just want to put this out there. What are your thoughts on Cognac? Any chance you'd have a tasting of some Cognac and make a comparison to the whisky for us? :)
Toki was one of my first purchases I ever made and I still have it. I'm not a big pear person and it is just right there in the forefront for me. Also the only request I have for a whisky on the live stream is one of the Glenmorangie, I still have yet to even open the sampler box I bought to replace the one I sent yall.
Chard tends to be more butter and vanilla unless it is unoaked where it tends to be more crisp with hints of apple, pear and pineapple. Pinot Grigio is more fruit and flower.
Shochu can be distilled from many different ingredients including barley, rice, sweet potato, brown sugar, soba, wasabi, corn, and even milk. There is even a milk shochu that is made in Nagano. Shochu is great stuff. The ABV ranges from 20% to 45%. Shochu is distilled. Sake (Nihonshu) is fermented.
Glenmorangie, rosebank, talisker, springbank, bowmore, kininvie. I'm over by one but why not go one from each region? Also if you'd like a few recommendations on rum or rhum I would recommend el dorado, barbancourt, appletons, smith and cross
You've mentioned that oils in a whiskey can cause clinginess of flavors. Also, high oil content seems to be what causes a whiskey to become more aggressive when you add water. Is there a correlation between clinginess and aggression when adding water?
so i turn 21 in a few months and have pretty limited alcohol experience and with all thats out there i kinda feel like it would be cool if yall made a vid about the main alcohols you like and explain some things about each
Hey guys. Love your videos. I do have a question for you all...I got a bottle of Glenfiddich 21 (Reserva Rum Cask Finish) for my 21st birthday, and I am curious if you all have had it. If so, what are your opinions on it? (Would also love to see an episode on it if you have it in the Vault.) Cheers!
Haha, sorry for the curveball but glad you reviewed it. I was pretty sure you guys wouldn't find it all that interesting. I've found it's really refreshing by the pool on a really hot day and amazingly balanced when paired with sushi. But other than that, it hasn't done much for me either. I've read it makes great cocktails tho. How does this compare to the Vinn Rice Whiskey you reviewed? Would that be considered schochu too since it's also made from 100% rice? And yes, my actual last name is Harwood. Hague is my mom's maiden name. I just have a thing about putting my real name on the internet so I use that instead.
Live stream suggestions: Aberlour 12 (Sherry cask matured if you find it!) Oban 14 Woodford Reserve Bushmills 10 Years Single Malt Nikka Whiskey from the Barrel
Will you be sampling the masters of malt 2017 advent scotchs again this year and if so which tasting calendar will you be doing? I am planning on getting the Douglas Laing tastings.
Whiskey Vault i decided to customize the calendar, did 6 Douglas Laing blended malts, 6 of the flora and fauna series, 6 from islands and 6 wild cards, Japan, Sweden, Ireland, Wales, Taiwan and USA. Cost was $224 including shipping.
Here are my recommendations to travel the spectrum of whiskey on the live stream Larceny - Bourbon Jura 10 - Isla Dalmore 15 - Highlands Balcones Brimstone - Texas Whiskey Jameson Caskmates - Irish Whiskey
I know....2 years old, but I must make a correction and I'm surprised no one else picked it up. It is Islay, and Jura is an Island whisky much like Highland Park. No offense intended.
Shouchu is distilled and sake is just a ferment like wine or beer... basically.... Sake tho has do be made from a fungus (koji) that attacks rice while from what i know shouchu doesnt always have to be made from rice it just is restricted by a certain abv. both are delicious and feel free to correct me if im wrong, i love studying wine, rum, mixed drinks and whisk(e)y but havent expanded my knowlage too far to the east yet.
Beard sparkle 7:43. Also your choice of time for the live stream is going to make me kind of a pirate lol, seeing as it will be 11:00 a.m. if I chose to drink along lol.
Have you ever heard of or tried a maple water (the watery sap you get from sugar maples to make into maple syrup) whiskey? That being either the distilled fermented maple water aged in oak, or replacing the water in a single malt with maple water. Do you think it would be good? Also, if you ever try to make some at your distillery I will fly down from Canada to get a taste. Thanks! (Edit) I won't be here for the livestream so you can read that there if you would like.
Real fan of the dalmore 12 and cragganmore 12 as a european i have no idea how accessable those are across the pond.. But for something as big as "having their own tv commercial"- big: The Famous Grouse is my go to bottle.
If you wanna try a great barrel aged rum that won't break the bank, and isn't the standard "Captain Morgain" garbage try Kirk and Sweeney 12, 18 or 23 year offerings. You can get any for under 50 bucks. That on the rocks with a squeeze of lime is like key lime pie almost. Great straight up too.
Not exactly based on this video, but is it normal for sherry finished whiskeys to taste like brandy? Cause it feels like I'm drinking brandy when I have a sherry finished whiskey.
Shochu is distilled sake or it could also be made from barley usually only distilled once but in the case of the Kikori it goes through a second distillation
I enjoy Kikori very much. I don't care some people don't consider it as a whisky. For me it's just a very created, light, crisp, and very friendly whisky.
Could be wrong but I thought one of the differences between rice whiskey and shoku (sp?) beside the aging and proof was that they malted the rice to make the whiskey. Okay, so I got into rum before whiskey- I like whiskey much more, but if you want to go exploring, I recommend trying Fleur de Cana Centenario 12 YO. It is a delicious Nicaraguan rum and it isn’t too sweet like some others.
Can you guys try Jim Beam Devils Cut, I have been wanting to get a bottle but I'm not sure about weather or not it is worth the money it costs me $30 to $40 dollars. Thank you.
I've been a long time whiskey lover, but recently wanted to expand my collection. With such a large vault we see in the videos, do you worry about over oxidation/whiskeys "going bad"? What steps do you take to slow this? Is there a certain amount of hype to the "1 year of life" after you open a bottle I have read? Thanks, love the videos!
We do, absolutely. We keep curtains pulled, temperature down, and we regularly move to smaller bottles if possible. If bottles are at least half full, we're usually okay
I had the same experience with run. I had only had cocktails (that i do like), and things like Bacardi and captain Morgans. I hate them straight. But I tried a 5 year old Barbados run. It was phenomenal. I can drink it neat like I do with a good whiskey. For me I cant say I truly like a spirit if I cant drink it on its own. Vodka is great for what it is. But I will never just pour some in a glass and sip. I had put rum in the same category. But not any more. Now rum has a place of honor on my liquor shelf.
My question, as someone new to whiskey drinking and is a lover of rum and hard cider, but hates the flowery taste of hops, what whisk(e)y would you recommend?
To be more specific, if trying said brands would help guide suggestions, my rum of choice tends to be Kraken because it tastes good and has an interesting bottle shape. And my cider of choice is angry orchard because it is easy to find and is the bud or miller of the cider world (specifically I have rarely seen a bar with cider not have angry orchard and often it is the only brand of cider that they have).
Blanton's and/or Lagavulin. Question: Can you recommend a "destination distillery" to visit in the US (TN/KY or other region) and in Ireland & Scotland?
My pick for 5 that I think everyone should be able to find: Dalmore 12, Glenlivet Founders Reserve, Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14, Laphroaig 10 (prefer Quarter Cask, but not in every store) and Highland Park 12
I live in Japan. Rice is sometimes used for shochu, but it is not one of the most common ingredients used. The most common things used for Japanese shochu are barley, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane. Sake (or nihonshu) is fermented rice wine (not distilled). But I enjoyed your video anyway. I always do.
Question for live stream, cause probably not going to be able to watch live. When I drink Dalmore 12, I get raisin taste. Is that the sherry taste? And with Laphroig 10, I don't taste smoke, but do get that band aid smell. Is that the peat?
One more comment/question while I am at it, do you guys have any Old Particular or something similar to review in the vault? I find that they are an amazing bang for buck when it comes to unusual and hard to find whisky. I will probably regret this comment because prices will skyrocket. Recommended whisky for live stream Makers Mark 46
no mention of why the eye patch??? here are my suggested whiskeys for the stream: monkey shoulder auchentoshan jura superstition peat monster lagavulin and here are some questions in case i couldnt watch you live: - what do you think of Richard Patterson appointing the whisky maker from compass box as his understudy and successor? - you guys reviews sometime 4-5 whiskeys in the same day, and i noticed when i have multiple whiskys in the same sitting, i pick up new flavors that i didnt get before, so are you guys concerned that you picked up flavors in your reviews that people at home cant experience unless they have the same whiskys you guys had before your review - can you please try aberlour 16 double cask with a dash of hudson baby bourbon, and see if you pick up all that prominent coconut like i do? keep it up
Holy shit!!! I commented on this the other day and you are trying it... awesome.... so was i correct in assuming it's like jack Daniel's of Japanese whiskey?
You hit on what is great about Kikori without realizing it! It is indeed much like a sake (which is brewed but not distilled) and what I like is that it maintains some really nice things about sake, while at the same time, being 2-3x the ABV. The sweet, clean buttery/nutty aroma comes from rice and is characteristic of sake and some types of baijiu. It's subtle but once you know about it, you can't ignore it. And, just like you predicted, it is awesome with sushi, grilled fish, and other Japanese foods. It might better be categorized as a shochu, though it would be among the most robust of that category, and it wouldn't get nearly the attention.
I am so confused i though you guys shot multiple videos in one shot but Daniel all of a sudden has a eye patch on. what happened? did the mooch finely snap from a bad dad joke during the break?
If you are interested in giving some other rums a try, I recently had some Dictador 12 and 20. The Cellar Door rep, who was showcasing some Adelphi bottlings at my whisky store, had them as well. While I've enjoyed rum in mix drinks (bring me two pinã coladas...), I've never been one to just drink it straight. The Dictador is aged using the Solera method (very cool process). The younger bottle was quite sweet...would be a tasty dessert sipper. The 20 year was actually far more mellow. Not even remotely like anything whisky, but not a bad diversion :-)
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I used to live in Kumamoto for many years and loved it! This is really excited to see more unique stuff come from Kumamoto, as it is so full of unique local specialties and history.
This is awesome, thank you Charlie Hague! After all the years I've lived there I didn't know they had such a thing, but if I ever go back I'm definitely going to pick (among other things) a bottle of this
A thought occurred to me while watching this video. Daniel, you talked about how Oak has the right structure to allow a wiskey to breathe while aging. In a place like Texas if you wanted to slow down the aging because of the extreme temperatures could you use a harder wood instead?
so I was in Washington state yesterday and apparently the whole state is on fire... I happened to pickup some Johnny walker Red ...and noticed the smoke taste on the finish which I will now have to define as burnt Washington.
Gents, thank you for yet another great video. I'm sitting here in south Florida watching the projected track of hurricane Irma pass through my living room. One of the few things that keeps me positive right now is knowing that while I'm without power for the next several weeks or months, I'll at least be drinking well, as I've begun amassing quite the collection since I began binge-watching your channel a couple months ago. I tho k I have time for one more trip to the liquor store before I hunker down this weekend, so my question is, as a professional sommelier, what whiskey do you find pairs best with catastrophe and heavy flooding? Cheers.
Holy hell, man. Stay safe! Harvey just missed us, but we're pretty far inland.
As far as pairings, You can either go with something to compliment the sea water running into your kitchen, or maybe something butterscotch to contrast with the mold....
Too soon?
Have also heard tell that oak is heavily biased toward due to its ability to create a water proof (whisky proof) barrel. Barrels made from many other woods will be prone to leaking. Or so I am told . . . .
Absolutely. Because of it's cellulose structure it absorbs liquid enough to swell. Which makes it particularly good at sealing quickly.
I've heard the same. They're used simply bc they make the best barrels.
Yeah, I think the argument is traditionally they made the best barrels. Now people are allowed a little more freedom to explore etc. Cool in IMO
Chardonnays are usually really dry whites. The fruitier whites are pinot, reisling and moscato. Some widely available whiskeys: Dewars blended, Glenmorangie 10 and Maker's Mark.
Daniel and Rex, loving the rum mention. I grew up in the Caribbean so I was privy to have some of the best rums in the world. Ron Zacapa is definitely one of the best rums you can drink. If you're open to trying something else really great, try some rums from Trinidad and Tobago, the Angostura line... 1919, 1824, 1787 and No.1 . They are fantastic! I'm a whiskey lover myself but these rums definitely hold up to the standards of the best whiskeys!
The most shocking thing here in the US is how freaking cheap Ron Zacapa is. under $30 a bottle!
I thought you might have add water to the initial whiskey despite how thin it was. Just to see if it changed any.
I'm def going to the live stream! But since they were talking about Rum in this video, I would love to hear their opinion on The Balvenie 14 which is matured in Rum Casks
@7:43 beard sparkle
You actually talked about a topic in my wheelhouse, "wood". I do carpentry and woodworking and I had to shake my head when you talked about why Oak is used and that it isn't a hard wood, Oak is actually very hard and dense compared to almost anything in America. Worldwide it is about average in hardness compared to exotic woods, but is definitely hard. It does however have "straw" like grain which would be good for allowing liquids to be absorbed even though the end grain isn't even exposed to the whiskey the way a barrel is constructed. Anyhow, loving the videos keep it up!
YES! Grateful to have a woodworker around. I regularly use the wrong terms for correct application, but I am all on board on this one. Feel free to keep us on track with correct wood knowledge!
Whiskey Vault I will certainly do my best! 👍🏼
I enjoy your channel (learned about you guys from the modern rogue). I just wanted to make a couple of comments on shochu since you were abit inaccurate. Shochu is a pretty generic term , basically it means "distilled liquor". it can be made with many ingredients including rice or barley (hey abit whiskeyish there), though things like sweet potatoes or sugar can be used. It is not necessarily aged but can be. It doesn't get to be as high alcohol content as whiskey usually somewhere in the 25%-45%. You see it here in California a fair amount where shochu cocktails show up in asian restaurants (I even saw some at a Korean fried chicken chain restaurant).
I meant to ask at some point what rum you guys may like. I had a similar experience with rum as I grew up in Bundaberg, which major exports are sugar and rum. I grew up on Bundaberg rum and just grew to slowly dislike it. I'm thinking now I should give it another chance...
we need to get daniel a parrot and a large hat
its a crime he is not wearing a hat and a stuffed parrot
Won't be able to make the live stream, but I like the big brand idea (as well as the Beginner Top 10 list). Accessibility is a big issue, particularly here in Michigan where the liquor laws are very tight.
My Top 5 (in no order):
Macallan 12
Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask (to go with the rum discussion from today, or the 12 Doublewood if the Caribbean Cask is less accessible than I'm thinking)
Highland Park 12
Woodford Reserve
Lagavulin 16 (thank you Ron Swanson)
Hey guys. Part of your Brazilian audience here! Looking forward to toasting alongside everyone on the live stream. Since distribution is kind of hit-and-miss down here I'd suggest big global brands.
1. Dalmore 12
2. Glenfiddich 18 (curiously cheap in Brazil when compared to other brands)
3. Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve
4. Talisker 10
5. Jura Origin
Hey guys! I'm in Peru and there's not a lot of selection down here. But here are the top 5 scotch whiskey brands available (along with my preferred age of whiskey):
1. Glenfiddich (15)
2. Glenlivet (18)
3. Macallan (12yr Fine Oak...the only other Macallans available here are the Amber, Sienna and Ruby)
4. Chardu (12 is the only one here)
5. Johnny Walker (Platinum [yes, i prefer Platinum over Green. Burn me. ])
We also get Wild Turkey, Jack Daniels and Jim Beam, but i'm not a huge Bourbon fan.
These are my personal top 5, and they are accessible/affordable. (except for Lagavulin, but that is still pretty accessible)
1. Ardbeg 10 year
2. Bruichladdich - Classic Laddie
3. Lagavulin 16 year
4. Russell's reserve single barrel
5. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Toki is a blended whisky that comes from blending the three Suntory distilleries (Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita). Chita produces the grain whisky, while Yamazaki and Hakushu are known for their malted whiskies.
I think Caol Ila, Ardbeg, Balvenie, Talisker, and Old Pulteney are some big names everyone should try.
It would be nice if you'd schedule the live event on youtube so we can set reminders/get a countdown that auto-converts the time differential.
Glenfiddich 12, I think that's available for most people, no matter nationality, and I have one bottle in my house, don't know how the bottle got here but it's unopened and I've been thinking to open it since I discovered this channel like 2 weeks ago.
Here is my list of 5: 1) Dalmore 12. 2) Macallan 12. 3) Glenrothes Sherry cask. 4) Bushmills single malt 10. 5) Gentleman Jack. I really would like to add a bourbon in this list but only bourbon I like was Weller and can't find those sob these days.
Ron Zacapa is a good starting point! El Dorado12, 15, 21, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusivia, Mount Gay Xo, and Appleton Estate 12 are other good reference points to start ones journey on good rums. Plus hearing Rex try to pronounce these names would be fun;)! Keep on enjoying good quality Rum!
Shochu is distilled and it can be from many different things ( rice, sweet potato, Brown sugar) depending what part of Japan it is from. Sake is brewed and made from rice
It is also interesting that they call it whisky and not soju. Many shochu bottles in the US are labeled as soju. Soju is a Korean distilled product that is similar to shochu or even vodka but it tends to be a bit harsher when tasting it.
you guys should do port charlotte heavily peated...just bought it as a fan of islay whisky. gotta say as my first experience from these guys its great
Just bought a bottle each of Jameson Caskmates, Bulleit Rye, Bulleit Bourbon, and Ardbeg 10.
Soo... I recommend using any or all of those for the video. ;)
I was a big fan of port at one point (Australian Tawny port specifically) but thanks to your channel I'm getting in to Bourbon. They both have sweetness the dried fruit characteristics, Caramel, can have a walnut note. Can you recommend a whisky that is like Penfolds Club tawny. (Smooth, sweet, Prune/plum, cherry, Caramel, vanilla, nut characteristics) And for the people who ask if you like port why stop. (That stuff has so much actual sugar in it you could put it on pancakes) so yes from my prospective Whisky is healthier. Thanks
Tawny Port is about the only port I enjoy specifically because of that walnut flavor I get. the Ruby is to jammy.
I'll keep an eye out!
Maybe not the most easiest whiskey to get, but I would love to see you guys try a danish Stauning Whiskey, which got a lot of recognition from a lot of people, one of them Jim Murray. I know this is not good for the lifestream, but I would love to see a review on it from you guys
... i just started drinking anything, so i know nothing about alcohol. your guys vids are very interesting to me and i cant wait to try some whiskeys on my own. i think it would be cool if you explore rums too... even though this is the whiskey vault... (i mean this was a vid about shochu... so...)
I can't watch it now because Im at work but I can believe Daniel actually wore the eye patch!
Update: just saw it and i like how they completely ignored the fact that Daniel had an eye patch.
On to the list:
Glennfiddich 12
Dalmore 12
Laphroaig 10
Woodford Reserve double oak
Macallan 12
They are very friendly whiskys (and a bourbon)
Only 5? That's so hard! Here it goes, in no particular order:
- Dalmore
- Compass Box
- Macallan
- Laphroaig
- Four Roses
You guys should post your lists too. I'm sure we're all curious what you two would pick.
differences between shochu and sake, including: Shochu is distilled; sake is fermented. Sake is made from rice; shochu can be made from sweet potato (imo), barley (mugi), rice (kome) and other ingredients. Shochu is typically stronger (on average, 25-30% alcohol vs. 15-18% alcohol)
Y'all are quick to the comments.
Dan & Rex congrats on 14K!
Keep it going!
thanks for being here, Yancey Foster 👍
You magnificent bastard!
I believe the difference between shochu and sake (sah-kay if Rex is still wondering on pronunciation), is that shochu is distilled, whereas sake is fermented. Also, it looks like shochu can be made with more than just rice. In looking around, they apparently use sweet potato, barley, rice, and other assorted things.
The sweet potato (imo) shochu is actually quite nice over ice. I think a whiskey lover might enjoy it. I live in Japan, so the good stuff is easy to come by. It's strange because the flavors are very different, but there is something about a good shochu that gives me the same vibe as a nice whiskey
You use "whereas" as if they're not both fermented...
Ron Zacapa 23 is one of the best premium rums. But also Bundaberg Master Distillers Collection from Australia if you can get your hands on them in the US.....
I had my fair share of Shochu during my stay in Japan, it's a very popular distilled spirit similar to Korean Soju (but not exactly the same). The flavors you described for the Kikori rice "whiskey" are very similar to the ones I tasted in some Shochus.
Is that your non-whisky eye patch? x_o Sochu is like moonshine and Sake is made like beer & wine. I saw Akashi in your inventory list, have you reviewed it?
I'll be at the live stream, but I saw a question a couple times in the comments and I don't know whether it got answered, so I feel like it'll be a great livestream topic: whats the deal with char levels? What do they mean, how does it influence the wood and whiskey, why is it necessary in the first place, etc etc. Cheers guys.
Make sure to ask this in the live stream!
im still pretty new to the world of whiskey so i cant think of 5 off the top of my head but 2 brands i would reccomend are definitely bruichladdich and ardbeg
Argh mates ! Plantation St lucia rum i can recomend.
For the livestream tho, Talisker Port Ruighe or Glen Moray 16 ?
First i will be drinking Glen Ord 21 year old and Dalmorr Cigar Malt 13 yer old those will be my 2 selections , i will try to watch however Sat. in Cali is usually Surfs UP
Just want to put this out there. What are your thoughts on Cognac? Any chance you'd have a tasting of some Cognac and make a comparison to the whisky for us? :)
mmm, i love Toki. Cheap and tasty, especially for someone like me who is not used to scotch or drinking alcohol straight.
Appleton 12 and El Dorado 12 are also amazing if you'd like to try more rums
Toki was one of my first purchases I ever made and I still have it. I'm not a big pear person and it is just right there in the forefront for me.
Also the only request I have for a whisky on the live stream is one of the Glenmorangie, I still have yet to even open the sampler box I bought to replace the one I sent yall.
Yes! good call
Chard tends to be more butter and vanilla unless it is unoaked where it tends to be more crisp with hints of apple, pear and pineapple. Pinot Grigio is more fruit and flower.
Shochu can be distilled from many different ingredients including barley, rice, sweet potato, brown sugar, soba, wasabi, corn, and even milk. There is even a milk shochu that is made in Nagano. Shochu is great stuff. The ABV ranges from 20% to 45%. Shochu is distilled. Sake (Nihonshu) is fermented.
Thanks for all this!
Glenmorangie, rosebank, talisker, springbank, bowmore, kininvie. I'm over by one but why not go one from each region? Also if you'd like a few recommendations on rum or rhum I would recommend el dorado, barbancourt, appletons, smith and cross
I am a fan of Ezra Brooks for cocktails. What is your opinion?
I dig it! I have a few in my office.
You've mentioned that oils in a whiskey can cause clinginess of flavors. Also, high oil content seems to be what causes a whiskey to become more aggressive when you add water. Is there a correlation between clinginess and aggression when adding water?
I need to research this more, but if it is true, it's likely relegated to scotch. I find bourbon to be a aggressive, but rarely clingy
your upload times are starting to get more lunchtime friendly for me!! w00t
so i turn 21 in a few months and have pretty limited alcohol experience and with all thats out there i kinda feel like it would be cool if yall made a vid about the main alcohols you like and explain some things about each
Hey guys. Love your videos. I do have a question for you all...I got a bottle of Glenfiddich 21 (Reserva Rum Cask Finish) for my 21st birthday, and I am curious if you all have had it. If so, what are your opinions on it? (Would also love to see an episode on it if you have it in the Vault.)
Cheers!
Haven't tried it yet!
My 5, based on it's on my shelf, Michters American Whiskey, Eagle Rare, Angels Envy, Jameson Caskmates, and Whistle Pig 10 year.
Ah now here is a good little bit of relief from a shitty day! Thanks lads ;)
Still It, happy to oblige. Here's hoping tomorrow isn't shitty👍
Haha, sorry for the curveball but glad you reviewed it. I was pretty sure you guys wouldn't find it all that interesting. I've found it's really refreshing by the pool on a really hot day and amazingly balanced when paired with sushi. But other than that, it hasn't done much for me either. I've read it makes great cocktails tho. How does this compare to the Vinn Rice Whiskey you reviewed? Would that be considered schochu too since it's also made from 100% rice?
And yes, my actual last name is Harwood. Hague is my mom's maiden name. I just have a thing about putting my real name on the internet so I use that instead.
Live stream suggestions:
Aberlour 12 (Sherry cask matured if you find it!)
Oban 14
Woodford Reserve
Bushmills 10 Years Single Malt
Nikka Whiskey from the Barrel
Will you be sampling the masters of malt 2017 advent scotchs again this year and if so which tasting calendar will you be doing? I am planning on getting the Douglas Laing tastings.
I will absolutely be doing it. I'll buy multiple variations, but only do videos on their most basic since it's more accessible for everyone
Whiskey Vault i decided to customize the calendar, did 6 Douglas Laing blended malts, 6 of the flora and fauna series, 6 from islands and 6 wild cards, Japan, Sweden, Ireland, Wales, Taiwan and USA. Cost was $224 including shipping.
Here are my recommendations to travel the spectrum of whiskey on the live stream
Larceny - Bourbon
Jura 10 - Isla
Dalmore 15 - Highlands
Balcones Brimstone - Texas Whiskey
Jameson Caskmates - Irish Whiskey
I know....2 years old, but I must make a correction and I'm surprised no one else picked it up. It is Islay, and Jura is an Island whisky much like Highland Park. No offense intended.
Shouchu is distilled and sake is just a ferment like wine or beer... basically.... Sake tho has do be made from a fungus (koji) that attacks rice while from what i know shouchu doesnt always have to be made from rice it just is restricted by a certain abv. both are delicious and feel free to correct me if im wrong, i love studying wine, rum, mixed drinks and whisk(e)y but havent expanded my knowlage too far to the east yet.
Is Portuguese whisky a thing?
Beard sparkle 7:43. Also your choice of time for the live stream is going to make me kind of a pirate lol, seeing as it will be 11:00 a.m. if I chose to drink along lol.
Have you ever heard of or tried a maple water (the watery sap you get from sugar maples to make into maple syrup) whiskey? That being either the distilled fermented maple water aged in oak, or replacing the water in a single malt with maple water. Do you think it would be good? Also, if you ever try to make some at your distillery I will fly down from Canada to get a taste. Thanks!
(Edit) I won't be here for the livestream so you can read that there if you would like.
Real fan of the dalmore 12 and cragganmore 12 as a european i have no idea how accessable those are across the pond.. But for something as big as "having their own tv commercial"- big: The Famous Grouse is my go to bottle.
If you wanna try a great barrel aged rum that won't break the bank, and isn't the standard "Captain Morgain" garbage try Kirk and Sweeney 12, 18 or 23 year offerings. You can get any for under 50 bucks.
That on the rocks with a squeeze of lime is like key lime pie almost. Great straight up too.
My recommendations for the live stream are Highland Park 15, Red Breast 15, Oban, Compass box Peat Monster, Monkey Shoulder, Bullit Burbon
Not exactly based on this video, but is it normal for sherry finished whiskeys to taste like brandy? Cause it feels like I'm drinking brandy when I have a sherry finished whiskey.
It reminds me of a similar thing. But go by Oloroso sherry or Pedro Ximenez. You'll immediately see the effects on the whiskey
Shochu is distilled sake or it could also be made from barley usually only distilled once but in the case of the Kikori it goes through a second distillation
I enjoy Kikori very much. I don't care some people don't consider it as a whisky. For me it's just a very created, light, crisp, and very friendly whisky.
My top 5 easy access whiskey Four Roses (your choice), Macallan (your choice), Angels Envy, Whistle Pig, Dalmore
Could be wrong but I thought one of the differences between rice whiskey and shoku (sp?) beside the aging and proof was that they malted the rice to make the whiskey.
Okay, so I got into rum before whiskey- I like whiskey much more, but if you want to go exploring, I recommend trying Fleur de Cana Centenario 12 YO. It is a delicious Nicaraguan rum and it isn’t too sweet like some others.
Can you guys try Jim Beam Devils Cut, I have been wanting to get a bottle but I'm not sure about weather or not it is worth the money it costs me $30 to $40 dollars. Thank you.
I'll track some down!
Whiskey Vault thank you
I've been a long time whiskey lover, but recently wanted to expand my collection. With such a large vault we see in the videos, do you worry about over oxidation/whiskeys "going bad"? What steps do you take to slow this? Is there a certain amount of hype to the "1 year of life" after you open a bottle I have read? Thanks, love the videos!
We do, absolutely. We keep curtains pulled, temperature down, and we regularly move to smaller bottles if possible. If bottles are at least half full, we're usually okay
I had the same experience with run. I had only had cocktails (that i do like), and things like Bacardi and captain Morgans. I hate them straight. But I tried a 5 year old Barbados run. It was phenomenal. I can drink it neat like I do with a good whiskey.
For me I cant say I truly like a spirit if I cant drink it on its own. Vodka is great for what it is. But I will never just pour some in a glass and sip. I had put rum in the same category. But not any more. Now rum has a place of honor on my liquor shelf.
My question, as someone new to whiskey drinking and is a lover of rum and hard cider, but hates the flowery taste of hops, what whisk(e)y would you recommend?
To be more specific, if trying said brands would help guide suggestions, my rum of choice tends to be Kraken because it tastes good and has an interesting bottle shape. And my cider of choice is angry orchard because it is easy to find and is the bud or miller of the cider world (specifically I have rarely seen a bar with cider not have angry orchard and often it is the only brand of cider that they have).
Luckily you'll never taste hops in whisky (with a few regrettable exceptions). Try starting with sherry cask finished single malts, or friendly blends
Nice review guys! If I survive Irma, I think I'll get a bottle of Toki.
Please do a review Sullivans Cove, Tasmanian Single Cask Malt Whisky?
Blanton's and/or Lagavulin.
Question: Can you recommend a "destination distillery" to visit in the US (TN/KY or other region) and in Ireland & Scotland?
This is such a hard question. I think, head more for an area. Like Kentucky, where you're surrounded by a ton of options. Or Speyside in Scotland.
Great idea to drink the same whisky with yoy guys!! I must say talisker 10, aberfeldy 12, makers mark, glenlivet founders and must be glenfiddich 12
Would really love to see you trying Frysk Hynder, one of the 2 dutch whiskys. (the other one being Millstone by Zuidam)
We have Millstone! I think we reviewed it at some point
Yes you did! was a nice vid
My pick for 5 that I think everyone should be able to find: Dalmore 12, Glenlivet Founders Reserve, Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14, Laphroaig 10 (prefer Quarter Cask, but not in every store) and Highland Park 12
I live in Japan. Rice is sometimes used for shochu, but it is not one of the most common ingredients used. The most common things used for Japanese shochu are barley, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane. Sake (or nihonshu) is fermented rice wine (not distilled).
But I enjoyed your video anyway. I always do.
Thanks for the details and heads up!
Daniel, you must MUST try the Plantation aged 20 yr rum if you like Ron Zacapa 23. It will blow your mind especially paired with nice cigar.
if you would like a Rum try Appleton Estate Signature Blend that is Finnish in whisky barrels and try The Kraken Black run on ice
Question for live stream, cause probably not going to be able to watch live. When I drink Dalmore 12, I get raisin taste. Is that the sherry taste? And with Laphroig 10, I don't taste smoke, but do get that band aid smell. Is that the peat?
It's added in!
Sometimes I like to drink whiskey from a rocks glass instead of a Glencarin...should I give all my whiskey away and start drinking white liquor?
Can ya try tasting supermarket own whisky's? I think it'd be quite interesting to see the differences :)
I would love to, but liquor laws in Texas prevent anyone but liquor stores from selling hard liquor.
One more comment/question while I am at it, do you guys have any Old Particular or something similar to review in the vault? I find that they are an amazing bang for buck when it comes to unusual and hard to find whisky. I will probably regret this comment because prices will skyrocket. Recommended whisky for live stream Makers Mark 46
I have a few, and I totally agree!
Have you ever tried Royal Salute whisky?
Not yet!
Great video fellas as ever! What software do you guys use for editing? :-)
thanks for watching! 👍 we usually edit with premiere pro. sometimes fcpx. why?
Rex Looking to upgrade soon. Need TV quality software for what we've started doing. 🥃
I would love to have a dram of Ledaig 10 with you during the live stream
no mention of why the eye patch???
here are my suggested whiskeys for the stream:
monkey shoulder
auchentoshan
jura superstition
peat monster
lagavulin
and here are some questions in case i couldnt watch you live:
- what do you think of Richard Patterson appointing the whisky maker from compass box as his understudy and successor?
- you guys reviews sometime 4-5 whiskeys in the same day, and i noticed when i have multiple whiskys in the same sitting, i pick up new flavors that i didnt get before, so are you guys concerned that you picked up flavors in your reviews that people at home cant experience unless they have the same whiskys you guys had before your review
- can you please try aberlour 16 double cask with a dash of hudson baby bourbon, and see if you pick up all that prominent coconut like i do?
keep it up
It's a secret. I borrowed it from a friend.
Whiskey Vault i know why... GOT fan...
but why?
GeneralKoekwous read through the comments from 3 vids back. The Wry whisky vid.
Whiskey Vault it's okay if you got pink eye, no big deal bro just wash your hands well after wiping
Holy shit!!! I commented on this the other day and you are trying it... awesome.... so was i correct in assuming it's like jack Daniel's of Japanese whiskey?
Sort of. It's so outside the category of whisky in my brain, I have a hard time connecting it.
cuban rum is amazing!! not long ago i went to Havana for two weeks. basically drank rum and smoked cigars the entire time
oh it was good
You hit on what is great about Kikori without realizing it! It is indeed much like a sake (which is brewed but not distilled) and what I like is that it maintains some really nice things about sake, while at the same time, being 2-3x the ABV. The sweet, clean buttery/nutty aroma comes from rice and is characteristic of sake and some types of baijiu. It's subtle but once you know about it, you can't ignore it. And, just like you predicted, it is awesome with sushi, grilled fish, and other Japanese foods. It might better be categorized as a shochu, though it would be among the most robust of that category, and it wouldn't get nearly the attention.
For the live stream - have you ever tried any Australia whiskeys? If so what are your thoughts?
Only a few, and they're great! But won't be easy for most to get
Balvenie Doublewood 12
Dalmore 12
The McAllan 12
Highland Park 12
Talisker 10
Honorable mention.... Angels Envy
My top 5 for the live stream are....
1) Jameson caskmates
2) Woodford Reserve Double Oak
3) Dalmore 12y
4) Yamazaki 12y
5) Bushmills 21y
I am so confused i though you guys shot multiple videos in one shot but Daniel all of a sudden has a eye patch on. what happened? did the mooch finely snap from a bad dad joke during the break?
Hunter Fielden, he denied me a whiskey. A price had to be paid.
If you are interested in giving some other rums a try, I recently had some Dictador 12 and 20. The Cellar Door rep, who was showcasing some Adelphi bottlings at my whisky store, had them as well.
While I've enjoyed rum in mix drinks (bring me two pinã coladas...), I've never been one to just drink it straight.
The Dictador is aged using the Solera method (very cool process). The younger bottle was quite sweet...would be a tasty dessert sipper. The 20 year was actually far more mellow.
Not even remotely like anything whisky, but not a bad diversion :-)