I just bought a bottle of Lagavulin 16 out of curiosity. Bombardier, you are correct on the full flavor. WOW! Would definetly overpower a cigar but I'm sure I can find an occasion to enjoy.

Thanks for mentioning it.. Trying to branch out on my single malts.

The store owner mentioned that it may be hard to find because of a shortage. There were two bottles left on the shelf. After that one goes he said it would be in the store for a while.

no prob...lag is a fav of most people and always highly rated. yes, they are having supply problems. about 16 years ago they were only operating a couple days/week and so today's explosion of single malt demand is straining supplys. in cities, some stores are charging $75-$80. i can usually find it for low $60s, which is a steal for a whisky that good.

as for with a cigar, i guess is you water down the hell out of it maybe it wouldn't smuther a smoke, but that would be a sin to aggressively dilute a whisky so great.

all the Islay whisky's are generally too much for smokes IMO...although i think Ardbeg pulls it off. Ardbeg's Uigeadail is a great whisky and can go with some smokes.

at the end of the day its a tough call for all single malts. i love cigars and i love single malts, but usually the two don't go well together, one offset or overpowers the other. try some of the lighter Speysiders. to date, the only single malt/cigar pairing i have ever found perfect has been Macallan 15 fine oak and ERDM Choix Supreme. to floral oak of the whisky goes awesome with the floral earthy cigar.

oh yeah and if you don't have a couple grand to spend on single malts just to try...pick up Michael Jackson's Guide to Single Malt Whisky....should be in every beginner and aficionado's bookcase. the reviews are so detailed you can litterally taste the wisky as you read it....it helps me pick up new bottle's i've never tried before.

I forgot Balvenie Doublewood. That is a great smooth sweet warming single malt.

I say if you want real good premium bourbon and dont want to break the bank... its all about the Maker's Mark. I went to Keeneland and the Maker's Mark Mile this past week and boy did I have a good time. All those red wax followers, the experience really changed me, I dont know if I could ever love another brand.

i know its sounds crazy, but i actually think Beam Black is phenominal for the price...even forgeting the price i think its a great whisky...other than that, i like Bakers.

I like my Grandpa's corn squeezings the best.

My first choice is always Booker's. There is nothing in the world like sitting on the back porch with a nice cigar and some Booker's - straight.

That's funny that Jameson is higher priced but "well worth it." I'm in Europe, and of course the prices are switched around here. Most people here prefer Jack (at least here in Spain) and are willing to pay more for it. My opinion- neither are anything special, nor terrible. I wouldn't every chose either, except for mixing.

quote:

Originally posted by drjens:
It depends on if you are mixing it or just having one on the rocks.
Mixed-Jim Beam Black label, Makers Mark
On the rocks- Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Jameson Irish Whiskey
Jameson and the single barrel are going to be a bit higher priced but well worth it.

Kentucky Bourbon - Makers Mark or Knob Creek, but Jim Beam will do!

Tennessee - Jack Daniels Single Barrel, or Jack Daniels Old No. 7

Rye - Old Overholt Rye Whiskey

Scotch - You can keep it, thanks. Used to drink it, but lost the taste for it.

Been sipping on Balvenie 15 year single cask.. Sooo smooth and goes down like honey. Gotta recommend it..

Pmpimpura... once I'm half way thru I'm going for the 12 yr Doublewood. I'm very impressed with Balvenie so far.

The balvenie 12 is great. It seems to fit just about any occasion and would probably have my bet for best all-around single malt. It is even sweet enought to be considered a dessert whisky.

I am right there with Pharmdudeoh Maker's Mark is the choice.

Scotch: another vote for Balvenie Doublewood
Highland Park 12
Bourbon: treat yourself to Pappy vanWinkle 15 yr
old family reserve
Knob Creek

For me, Jack Daniels Single Barrel or Jim Beam Black is a nice "Daily." It is smooth enough to sip neat or OTR. It holds its flavor well when mixed, but does not overtake the drink.

For pure sipping pleasure while sitting outside watching the sun go down (cigar in hand of course) I prefer Bookers. It is buttery smooth and fills your senses with it's oak, black cherry and citrus notes. I prefer not to mix Bookers though so as to enjoy the full offering it was designed for.

Anyone ever try Whitford Reserve?