Topic: Know of a good 20 yr old Scotch or Bourbon?

[Gordon]

My best friend and I met 20 years ago this Spring.  We're hanging out this weekend and I'm planning on picking up a couple of really nice cigars and a 20 year old bottle of something.  We both enjoy a good whiskey, but I'm not all that knowledgeable on them.  More of a beer drinker, typically. 

Any suggestions for something that isn't too difficult to find and preferably under $100 a bottle?

[azuredesign]

20 year old scotch is very expensive. I've enjoyed this for while now, maybe you can convince your friend that it's only 16 years that you've known each other?
http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=620021&cid=TPV-Googlebase

Here are some recommendations for 1990 vintage:
http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=620021&cid=TPV-Googlebase

[paulages]

Black Maple Hill. Best bourbon you'll ever have. A.H. Hirsch is good too, and considered by many to be a once in a lifetime kind of whiskey. Whatever's out there is it, so when it's gone it's gone. BMH is much better IMO though.

[my78k]

Gordon, I had no idea you were such a romantic!  

If you're looking for a present for him, why not bring him a 20 year old blonde?!?! (oh wait beer doesn't keep that long!   )

Dennis

[Duke McDukiedook]

Scotch- you looking for a blended or single malt?

[Damfino]

I was going to suggest this but it's only 15 years...

[Duke McDukiedook]

Woodford Reserve is a good bourbon whisky at a reasonable price- just remember, if it ain't made in kentucky, then it ain't bourbon. 

[Gordon]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I was thinking about the Hirsch, but hadn't heard of Black Maple Hill.  I'll keep an eye out for it when I'm out shopping. 

[paulages]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I was thinking about the Hirsch, but hadn't heard of Black Maple Hill.  I'll keep an eye out for it when I'm out shopping. 

I bought the 14 year BMH once. So smooth and tasty.. I can't imagine what their eldest tastes like. Not as big a fan of their rye, though I think it's a 16 year. Stick to the bourbon and you won't be disappointed.

For scotch, I love Laphroiag. I've had much "better" in the islay style, but it's still my fave.

[Spanner 1]

Scotch = 'oil thread'....!!!!
What about Irish?..... Bushmills Black Label ( must be B/L tho' ).... Bushmills, Established 1606, I believe.....

[Duke McDukiedook]

Scotch = 'oil thread'....!!!!
What about Irish?..... Bushmills Black Label ( must be B/L tho' ).... Bushmills, Established 1606, I believe.....

That's Protestant whiskey.  

You would want to drink a proper whiskey like Jamesons if you go Irish.

[wardenerd]

I have some mason jar from my grandad that Junior Johnson supposedly sold him.  That would make it over 50 years old.  You can color it as you like but don't spill any on ya.

[Spanner 1]

Dukie... shoosh... prods make good whisky... just keep it ti' yourself... shoosh.

[andy750]

For scotch, I love Laphroiag. I've had much "better" in the islay style, but it's still my fave.

+1. Very good whisky and agree about the Islay style as well. Strong stuff. You dont want that Irish sh%t, get the real stuff   

[BobbyR]

To me all Scots Whiskey and the clones taste like medicine. Woodford Reserve is very good high end Bourbon. Makers Mark is almost as good but cheaper. With Woodford you can go on their website a they will send you a fancy custom sticker for label with his name or anything else you want it to say. It is a nice touch I have used for some friends.   

[wannabridin]

i've been to the woodford reserve distillery, bought one of the "custom" bottles.  if you get a bottle, try a little sip of it at room temperature, then get a small glass and put a single ice cube in there and pour some over it.  unreal the difference in taste.  but agreed, one of the better burbon's out there!  also, if you can get your hands on a bottle of wild turkey rare breed, that's some good strong stuff, but great taste!!

i have a bottle of johnnie walker red that's about 25 years old, and a bottle of 30 yr old chivas, MAN those are taste!!  can't go wrong with some single barrel Jack either.  but one of my "stand by's" is Johnnie walker blue.  i've never been disappointed with that

[paulages]

I don't care much for Jack or George Dickel, though i grew up in the town where they're made. For middle of the road Maker's level bourbon (Maker's is what every bar out here has for second shelf bourbon), I prefer Bulleit which is actually a littler cheaper. Buffalo trace is good, as is Corner Creek. The step up from there to top shelf for Bourbon is big... there aren't many up there, and there's a huge price jump from say, Blanton's (also very good) to BMH or Hirsch. Also huge quality jump though.

Blanton's makes a good gift. Very tasty, and the bottle is pretty with hand written label for the batch number.

[modzsquad]

If you are looking for good bourbon... Bakers, Bookers, even Kentucky Tavern 10 yr bourbon is good or woodford are good upper middle bourbons... but if you got the money Pappy Van Winkles is soooo smooth! Only for really good friends though!

I don't care much for Jack or George Dickel, though i grew up in the town where they're made. For middle of the road Maker's level bourbon (Maker's is what every bar out here has for second shelf bourbon), I prefer Bulleit which is actually a littler cheaper. Buffalo trace is good, as is Corner Creek. The step up from there to top shelf for Bourbon is big... there aren't many up there, and there's a huge price jump from say, Blanton's (also very good) to BMH or Hirsch. Also huge quality jump though.

Blanton's makes a good gift. Very tasty, and the bottle is pretty with hand written label for the batch number.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Makers Mark is aged approximately 6 years. It's really good smooth bourbon especially for the price. I have a barrel at the distillery with my name on it that I'm visiting next month   I've had the good fortune to be presented a 375ml bottle straight from a barrel by Mr Bill Samuels to "test" for them. Best damn bourbon I've EVER had. Bill was a neighborhood/customer of mine at the time. Super nice guy.

It's much harder to find aged whiskey as opposed to scotch.

Gordon, if you're going the whiskey route my suggestion would be to forget the 20 year part (yeah, I understand why you're doing it) and go with Booker's bourbon. It's straight barrel whiskey. The strength varies due to this. My current bottle is 130.1 proof. Real good #$%* on ice! Sipping doesn't get any better than this! Come on down and try some.  

[BobbyR]

There are two kinds of Bourbon. Some brands are heavier on the Rye so they would appeal to some people's tastes. There are others that are heavier on the Wheat. They all have 51% Corn but there are other grains mixed in. I prefer the wheat myself, but again that is my personal taste. You have been given the best of breed recommendations here.

[kos]

I have some mason jar from my grandad that Junior Johnson supposedly sold him.  That would make it over 50 years old.  You can color it as you like but don't spill any on ya.

JR made Moonshine. That is clear and is not scotch, burbon, or whiskey.


 When he went to Goodwood Festival of Speed 4-5 years back, he brought over and gave Lord March (owner of Goodwood Estate) a jar with his name tag hanging off the side. Also, got to drive his 64 Chebby 409 up the hill climb course. He was a big hit!


KOS

[kos]

Johnny Walker Blue. $75.00 Per 200ML bottle.  Not for beginners. But as in life, good things come to those that wait.

KOS

[zzpete]

A friend of mine got divorced and bought a bottle of Macallan 18 year old he said it was $125 a bottle. I drank a quarter of it and he drank the rest. I'm no expert but this was the best I ever had. My friend Matt doesn't remember how it tasted so he says he wants to get another bottle and its my turn to buy. Well why not!

[bucky katt]

at around 200 a bottle Johnny Walker Blue is a killer whisky only one i really enjoy unless i can get a hold of some made last week south carolina moon

[BobbyR]

I have some mason jar from my grandad that Junior Johnson supposedly sold him.  That would make it over 50 years old.  You can color it as you like but don't spill any on ya.

JR made Moonshine. That is clear and is not scotch, burbon, or whiskey.


 When he went to Goodwood Festival of Speed 4-5 years back, he brought over and gave Lord March (owner of Goodwood Estate) a jar with his name tag hanging off the side. Also, got to drive his 64 Chebby 409 up the hill climb course. He was a big hit!


KOS

He still makes shine