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Another question about the aging. My parents don't really drink liquor at home much and told me they have a bottle of scotch that is like 20-30 years old someone gave them. Does aging in the bottle make it better or only when its in the barrel?

Only in the barrel. It's not like wine.

How should one go about developing one's palate?

How should one go about developing one's palate?

An interesting question actually. I think the best way is to just indulge yourself in learning about the drink, (this applies to almost all alcohols: wine, whisk(e)y, tequila, rum, vodka, whatever) is talk with someone who knows what they are talking about (such as a bartender or someone at your local liquor store). Do tastings and try a wide variety including some good stuff. Trying Cuervo gold vs a really good tequila, the difference become painfully obvious. Get a book on scotch and see what some of the flavors that connoisseurs are able to distinguish in the front (palate) and the back (finish) of the scotch.

Also, I find that learning about the methods, the distilleries, and figuring out what they do that makes them different really helps just because it's kinda fun to do.

I was able to take a trip to Scotland when I was 19 and honestly the cooperage was just as interesting as the distilleries themselves. I barely even liked scotch then, but now I understand better that the types of casks used are a large part of where the flavor comes from. Therefore when I read that that Balvenie Doublewood is stored in two types of casks first an oak, then a sherry cask (one that was previously used to store sherry), I can try to see what aspects of that end up in the final product.

Only in the barrel. It's not like wine.

So is it still going to be any good?

So is it still going to be any good?

It should be good, but if it has been opened the taste will probably change.

So is it still going to be any good?

It should be fine as long as the seal is still intact. Recently some people found a few crates of Ernest Shackleton's whiskey that he stashed in Antarctica 100 years ago on an aborted expedition to the South Pole. I would really love to try some!

http://www.techeye.net/science/shackletons-whisky-uncovered-in-antarctica

Old topic, but good to add to. Last night I got to try a little Basil Hayden's Bourbon. That is really tasty stuff.

Also, for fans of Macallan, especially those with a large bankroll, check out the 1.5 million Macallan Experience: http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/07/the-1-5-million-macallan-ultimate-single-malt-experience/

Also, for fans of Macallan, especially those with a large bankroll, check out the 1.5 million Macallan Experience: http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/07/the-1-5-million-macallan-ultimate-single-malt-experience/

I've already signed up for this obv...

I've already signed up for this obv...

maybe we can get a group rate?

Funny, I started this thread about brandy and it immediately went to all whiskey/scotch discussion. I figured this must mean I'm missing out on something. The gas station today just happened to be by a liquor store(how lucky am I?) so I picked up a bottle of Glenlivet 12 to try out later tonight. I do remember trying scotch in the past when I was younger with my uncle, but have never actually bought a bottle. Thanks for giving me something new to try guys.

It does not appear that the bottle will survive the night.

I'll say it again, our members.

I will kill my bottle of dewar's in your honor.

Sthief09 and I killed a bottle of McCallan 10 the other night. It cheaper than the 12 and very bright. I really enjoyed it, definitely worth checking out if you're a Mc12 fan.

I'll say it again, our members.

I will kill my bottle of dewar's in your honor.

Sthief09 and I killed a bottle of McCallan 10 the other night. It cheaper than the 12 and very bright. I really enjoyed it, definitely worth checking out if you're a Mc12 fan.

Nice... We def need to have another DC NYC meetup and get more people to come this time...Last time it was just me, you, krantz, yeathatsme, and my friend Joe... Josh said he would have come but he didn't know about it... I'm sure we could get a sick turnout, Burritos and Scotch all around... We still need to settle once and for all who makes the best burrito Qdoba or Chipotle.

Aberlour? Sipping some right now, its not my favorite but its definitely a solid budget single malt imo