Muli Ben-Yehuda's journal

My call for
alcoholic help has generated quite a stir among my online
and offline friends. Except for the excellent comments to the
entry itself, yrk had this
to write:

The subject of scotch whiskey has recently been discussed on
Muli Ben-Yehuda’s journal. I cannot resist writing about
whiskey, given the chance. Even though it would be in
divergence from this journal’s technological nature, talking
about whiskey keeps with this journal’s “geek” nature.

And Oleg Goldshmidt turned out to be a closet whiskey conneiseur!
Here’s what he wrote to me in private email:

However, what are you doing asking for beverages
recommendations on the web if you can go to a colleague at
work? 😉

Looks like you are into Scotch (the Kentucky stuff is good,
esp. from the Bourbon county, but very different). I guess I
don’t have to explain to you how single malts are different
from blended stuff. Forget the blended, go for the real
thing. There are two taste groups, actually: a smooth,
sweetish variety, and a more rugged, strong flavor.

If you want to explore the chances of Orna ever trying
anything with you go for the smoother kind. Most Highland
brands belong there. I am not sure if Glenmorangie is
Highland or if it is a brand name of a big chain of
distilleries that produce all kinds. Highland Park is good. I
have a 15 year old Longmorn that you are welcome to taste when
you are in the area. I think it’s very good.

Note that “sweet” and “smooth” is relative. It may start as
“sweet”, but may dry out and leave a rather strong tingy
aftertaste.

The other kind has a sharper, often nutty or oaky taste, with
sweetness disappearing much more quickly, or absent
altogether. Many islay malts are like this. Ardbeg is an
excellent example.

My absolute favourite is Laphroaig. It is definitely not
sweet, quite tingy, especially if you get a bottle of “Cask
Strength” (57.5%) one, at least 10 years old. I think I still
have a few drops in the cupboard, but I need to freshen my
stock.

Go for the real thing. Forget Chivas Regal – it’s blended. 😦