Question for all you liquor aficionados

[Yasashii_Kaze]

So I used to be a Captain Morgan's and Diet Coke girl. Not that it matters as much when you're drinking 1 oz of rum to 10 oz of Coke, but that was my thing. However, I went on a medication that prevents me from finding carbonated beverages palatable, and I discovered I really don't care for Captain's either neat or with ice. The flavor is just too subtle in my opinion to hold its own.

Now I'm looking for a liquor that will. This drink should be full-flavored but smooth, without the strong nose-burn that some alcohol can have. It should be distilled, since I am watching my weight and need to stay away from liqueurs or beers or anything heavy in sugars and carbs. It should stand on its own, either neat or iced or both but not be a mixing type of alcohol. It would probably be best to start with a drink that works better iced since I'm new at this. I've liked every decent rum I've tried, I've only tried a couple of bourbons but find them to be too sweet for the most part, and I've never had any whiskeys but am anxious to try them. I love strong spices like cloves and cinnamon, and when I do drink beer, I enjoy Guinness.

Price is not an issue so much as availability, so try to think of items that might be top-label but still available in most bars. However, feel free to suggest away. If I hear of something in a family of products I already enjoy, I can always order higher-label online in the future.

Thanks!

 

[the captians wench]

After returning from Ireland, my brother and I enjoyed a bottle of Jameson.

I've never looked back.

Now I usually like sweet drinks, but I can drink Jameson, neat, all day long.

On St. Patrick's day I was introduced to "Paddy's" whiskey. Also made by Jameson and Sons, but much smoother and I'm told stronger but I was already 5 down when I tried it so can't comment on that. I'm in love...unfortunately after giving me a taste of this sweet nectur I was informed that they don't export it. So I'll have to bring back a couple of bottles next time I'm there.

 

[TypicalDeviant]

For top-shelf rums, I'm a fan of Matusalem or Zacapa. I've been drinking a lot of Buffalo Trace Bourbon recently, and it's quite tasty neat. I've also heard VERY good things about Maker's Mark 46 (MM's first non-MM product... ever). Having had Jack Daniel's single barrel, it's quite good neat, but I'd see if you like #7 or Gentleman Jack before spending that kind of money.

As for drinks without carbonation, whiskey sours come to mind, though I'd recommend you make your own sour mix rather than buying the goddawful mix at the store.

Good luck!

 

[seela]

I like Islay whiskeys, Laphroaig and Ardbeg probably being my favorites in the very affordable range.

Served neat, with the tiniest splash of water added to enhance the taste. Oh yum. I really do have the most unfeminine taste in drinks.

 

[Yasashii_Kaze]

After returning from Ireland, my brother and I enjoyed a bottle of Jameson.

I've never looked back.

Now I usually like sweet drinks, but I can drink Jameson, neat, all day long.

On St. Patrick's day I was introduced to "Paddy's" whiskey. Also made by Jameson and Sons, but much smoother and I'm told stronger but I was already 5 down when I tried it so can't comment on that. I'm in love...unfortunately after giving me a taste of this sweet nectur I was informed that they don't export it. So I'll have to bring back a couple of bottles next time I'm there.

I did see that Jameson was recommended in several places online as a good place to start, as well as Irish whiskey being a good place to start in general. I'll put that on my list. And feel free to send a bottle of Paddy's my way.

For top-shelf rums, I'm a fan of Matusalem or Zacapa. I've been drinking a lot of Buffalo Trace Bourbon recently, and it's quite tasty neat. I've also heard VERY good things about Maker's Mark 46 (MM's first non-MM product... ever). Having had Jack Daniel's single barrel, it's quite good neat, but I'd see if you like #7 or Gentleman Jack before spending that kind of money.

As for drinks without carbonation, whiskey sours come to mind, though I'd recommend you make your own sour mix rather than buying the goddawful mix at the store.

Good luck!

Good advice on the JD as well as the others. I've never had any of the Jack family, so I'll give them a try for sure. I'm pretty sure I haven't had either of the rums, either. I'm a huge fan of making things myself so that I remain aware of the ingredients and nutritional impact.

I like Islay whiskeys, Laphroaig and Ardbeg probably being my favorites in the very affordable range.

Served neat, with the tiniest splash of water added to enhance the taste. Oh yum. I really do have the most unfeminine taste in drinks.

Ah, but to be a girl who knows a fine whiskey, that is my ambition in life. You're not unfeminine, just rare. Who sets all those rules anyway? I'll be sure to check those out.

Thanks, everyone for the input. One thing I did read as I researched further (because I have to study everything to death any time there's a decision to be made) was that some whiskeys have more "peat" in them than others, with some "peatless" (Is that even a word?). From what I've read about tastes, I think the lighter the peat the better, at least to start out with. That might help in terms of what I'm looking for.

Wouldn't you know I'd have to move to a dry county?

 

[midwestyankee]

I did see that Jameson was recommended in several places online as a good place to start, as well as Irish whiskey being a good place to start in general. I'll put that on my list. And feel free to send a bottle of Paddy's my way.



Good advice on the JD as well as the others. I've never had any of the Jack family, so I'll give them a try for sure. I'm pretty sure I haven't had either of the rums, either. I'm a huge fan of making things myself so that I remain aware of the ingredients and nutritional impact.



Ah, but to be a girl who knows a fine whiskey, that is my ambition in life. You're not unfeminine, just rare. Who sets all those rules anyway? I'll be sure to check those out.

Thanks, everyone for the input. One thing I did read as I researched further (because I have to study everything to death any time there's a decision to be made) was that some whiskeys have more "peat" in them than others, with some "peatless" (Is that even a word?). From what I've read about tastes, I think the lighter the peat the better, at least to start out with. That might help in terms of what I'm looking for.

Wouldn't you know I'd have to move to a dry county?

If you think that you might like to give single malt scotches a try (and that's what Seela was talking about), I suggest you start with a glass or two of The Macallan. Add three or four drops of water to a neat glass of The Macallan and you'll have a light sweetness that is achingly sensuous. The Macallan is lighter and a bit less peaty than some of the earthier scotches, such as the Islays that Seela listed. Your palate may not be quite ready for them but The Macallan has been the perfect introduction to single malt scotch for everyone to whom I've offered it.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

.... I've only tried a couple of bourbons but find them to be too sweet for the most part ....

Good. That means you'll stay out of my Maker's Mark. Except for the occasional cooking use.

 

[seela]

Chivas Regal is another scotch I like. It's a blend and probably easier to start with than the ones I mentioned earlier. I adore the 18 year old one, but the 12 y.o. is very good as well and at least in Europe it's available pretty much everywhere.

In comparison to Laphroaig, for example, the taste is more straightforward and softer. I still remember the day I tried Laphroaig for the first time. It felt like someone was doing somersaults on my tongue and it was just delightful.

 

[NomadLady]

I prefer Gentleman Jack and Single Barrel Jack as well, I keep them in the freezer. I've toured that distillery many times, it's only about 3.5 hours from me.
In 2009 I toured the Woodford Reserce distillery and have enjoyed that on many occasions since then. Heck, if the Kentucky Derby uses them as their "signature bourbon", that's a wondeful endorsement in my book.

 

[rekane]

Shots are probably not what you are looking for, but this is surprisingly good.

Reposado tequila followed by a slice of orange dusted with cinnamon.

It is really smooth.
I am a lightweight but I had 4 of these with no hangover the next day.

 

[cromsgirl]

Cruzan Blackstrap Rum

I generally don't like hard liquors straight, but I can drink this all night long. It is kind of sweet, but it has a really nice rich flavor.

 

[Yasashii_Kaze]

Thanks, everyone for the suggestions. I'm learning so much from you guys. I knew asking here was a good idea!

Good. That means you'll stay out of my Maker's Mark. Except for the occasional cooking use.

Happy to oblige. And you loved the salmon.

 

[MasterandSir]

Personal favorites

I like Disaronno or a nice flavored vodka (Three Olives is my brand for flavored ones) to sip on

 

[BiBunny]

Good. That means you'll stay out of my Maker's Mark. Except for the occasional cooking use.

I'll sneak in back and steal some, though.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

I'll sneak in back and steal some, though.

Yeah, well, you were there for the Great Taste Test, when MM won hands down.

 

[Nameless_Rose]

Try Pinnacle's "Whipped" vodka with a splash of pineapple juice. Not exactly top shelf, but surprisingly delicious. I tried it this past St. Patty's day and was at first a bit dubious, but it was actually really good. The vodka is supposed to taste like whipped cream, and it really does, so when mixed with just a splash of fruit juice and a whole bunch of ice, its really smooth drinking. Not overpoweringly sweet either, which is a plus. Also, I've started seeing it around at most bars, so it should be pretty easy to find. I think they have a chocolate version too, but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[Nameless_Rose]

Oops. Hit the post button twice by accident

 

[Chiara_searches]

I like vanilla vodka and orange juice. It tastes like a dreamsicle and I pretend the orange juice is boosting my Vitamin-C intake, making the drink totally healthy. It's also kind of nice to have something "vanilla" to enjoy.

 

[seela]

Oh, and because you mentioned you like cinnamon and spicy tastes... Żubrówka! It's cinnamon-ey and spicy, mixed with apple cider it makes a perfect Christmas drink, it makes you warm all over, it's good. Might be hard to come by, though.

ETA: Oh, it's banned in the States. Well, according to wiki you can get a special distilled edition of it.

 

[Lizzie_Borden]

Canadian Club and vanilla coke.

 

[SamScribble]

If you're a fan of dark rum, try it as a 'muddy' - one part dark rum (Lamb's Navy Rum is a good starting point) and two parts good orange juice, over as much ice as takes your fancy. I like to think it's good for you.

 

[naxalite0906]

I'm not a huge expert on scotch, but I do like my spirits and cocktails so I can try and suggest some things that may be of use to you.

If you have seen mad men, then you will know all about an old fashioned. Basically it is bourbon mixed with a little sugar, some cocktail bitters (thing the smells of christmas) and a little orange and stirred gently over ice. It is a fabulous drink and any decent bartender should know how to make one!

As for neat drinks - I tend to prefer rum and tequila to scotch. A nice aged rum, like the appleton 12yr or better would always go down well. I also love a nice, aged tequila, especially the anjejo or reprosado ones. I couldn't recommend anything specific for tequila, but finding a good sipping one could be the way forward.

If you want a cocktail, then tommys magarita is one I tend to order alot too. It is tequila, lime juice and a little agave syrup to sweeten it. Very tasty and very refreshing

 

[Yasashii_Kaze]

Again, I'm not looking for cocktails or mixers, but thanks for the suggestions. You guys are great!

Oh, and because you mentioned you like cinnamon and spicy tastes... Żubrówka! It's cinnamon-ey and spicy, mixed with apple cider it makes a perfect Christmas drink, it makes you warm all over, it's good. Might be hard to come by, though.

ETA: Oh, it's banned in the States. Well, according to wiki you can get a special distilled edition of it.

Oh, now you have me intrigued. I loved spiced beverages.

 

[Ellafun]

Sounds like you're going to have lots of fun tasting and experimenting, at the very least! I like a lot of the ideas that folks have suggested. One surprising discovery we made last year is called American Honey. It's Wild Turkey with a touch of honey in it, and although it was never anything I would have normally selected, it is smooth with just a touch of sweetness. We keep the bottle in the freezer, and drink it neat. My husband is also a huge fan of Red Stag (Jim Beam with a touch of black cherry flavoring); best served with a splash of water in it.

I also used to drink a lot of Capt. Morgan's with ginger ale, but prefer Bermuda's Black Seal, or the aforementioned Ron Zacapa rum, although I usually drink it with a mix of oj and pineapple juice (which we have named a Hummer ). And of course, Rita's Water Ice is open in our area now, which means Mango water ice with Mango flavored rum in it....yummy!!!

Have fun with your search for your new drink-of-choice!

 

[lexkyriverrat]

Blanton's or Elijah Craig 18 yr old