Advice please....

[banjolucknicker]

I've been fortunate enough to win a prize at work, and I have a choice of any one of the following. I'm not sure which one to choose, so could anyone point me in the right direction...

Cognac:
1. Remy Martin Club
2. Frapin VSOP
3. Prunier XO, Réserve de famille

· Champagne:
1. Moët & Chandon 1er Cru
2. Laurent Perrier Rosé
3. Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial coffret

· Whisky:
1. Johnnie Walker Gold Label
2. Jack Daniels Single Barrel
3. Bowmore Dusk, Islay malt in Bordeaux casks

Please post what your choice would be and why.

Cheers

[Plotloss]

Bowmore Dusk

Because both the brandy and the champers is midrange.

Thats good scotch...

and Bowmore is my favourite distillery.

[DJFish]

Just pick the one with the prettiest label, it all tastes the same once its in the trifle..........

[Incorrigible]

If you haven't tried the Lauren Perrier rose, it's fantastic

But really depends on your poison really, bottle of champers, gone in half an hour, a decent whisky could last all year

Senor Plotloss has good taste

[Racylady]

Yep, agree with Plotloss. Got to be the Bowmore Dusk. Johnnie Walker okay - but needs to be blue label really.

But, please, please, please, don't add water to it! [potentially opening of floor to debate on whether water should be added to whisky]

[Plotloss]

Gold is blue in a posh bottle I reckon.

As for water, a drop is essential to break the meniscus and release the aroma.

But just a drop or two mind you, not a glass full!

[einion yrth]

Racylady said:

Yep, agree with Plotloss. Got to be the Bowmore Dusk. Johnnie Walker okay - but needs to be blue label really. But, please, please, please, don't add water to it! [potentially opening of floor to debate on whether water should be added to whisky]

Depends on the whisky, if it was bottled at cask strength then a little water (still, at room temperature) will bring out a whole host of aromas and flavours that you might otherwise miss.

[alfaman]

Undoubtedly the Islay malt.... but I would personally add a few drops of water to the glass to bring out the flavour.

[Racylady]

Sorry, guys - Don't agree about adding water!

Each to their own I guess!

Had some JW Blue at Pembrey a couple of weeks ago - eight quid a shot! After I'd got off the floor from the price, it was actually VERY nice (though don't think I'd haemorrage £170 for a bottle).

My personal fave is Edrador.

[Jinx]

Racylady said:

Sorry, guys - Don't agree about adding water! Each to their own I guess! Had some JW Blue at Pembrey a couple of weeks ago - eight quid a shot! After I'd got off the floor from the price, it was actually VERY nice (though don't think I'd haemorrage £170 for a bottle). My personal fave is Edrador.

I have half a bottle of blue label sitting at home right now - very nice indeed.

[robdickinson]

banjolucknicker said:

3. Bowmore Dusk, Islay malt in Bordeaux casks Please post what your choice would be and why. Cheers

Because the Chapagne is tasteles tat and over in 4 glasses. I dont like brandy, it'd be wasted on me.

And only 1 of the whiskeys has any class, and thats a good looking Bottle.

[banjolucknicker]

Thanks to everyone.

I was leaning towards the Whiskey given the fact the bottle will;

a. Last longer
b. Make a good Xmas present

I've no preferences when it comes to Whiskeys, in fact I know very little (but I'm prepared to learn) What's the difference (if any) between a scotch and a whiskey?
And this adding water thing. I assume we are not talking about tap water, more your mineral variety...

[phatgixer]

Prunier XO, Réserve de famille or Louis XIII in atumbler with ice and filled to the top with red bull.

Most tasty.

[ErnestM]

banjolucknicker said:

Thanks to everyone. I was leaning towards the Whiskey given the fact the bottle will; a. Last longer b. Make a good Xmas present I've no preferences when it comes to Whiskeys, in fact I know very little (but I'm prepared to learn) What's the difference (if any) between a scotch and a whiskey? And this adding water thing. I assume we are not talking about tap water, more your mineral variety...

Bowmore Dusk is a single malt (and quite tasty but not as good as say, Macallan IMHO)

Johnnie Walker Gold is a blend which means it is a combination of different types blended together. Quite good, but there are some better blends.

Johnnie Walker Blue is an excellent blend with Royal Lochnagar as it's base (along with about 15 or so others). Very good, but I prefer Chivas' Royal Salute more - just personal tastes.

I NEVER add water to single malts. I WILL add soda and ice to blends if I am out and need to remain in control of my faculties OR if the brand is crap (SEE DEWARS OR CUTTY SARK IMHO). If the brand is REALLY CRAP and you insist on drinking it try soda with a small lime twist as it will cut it a bit.

Hope this helps

ErnestM

>> Edited by ErnestM on Monday 6th December 15:11

[Racylady]

ErnestM said:

I NEVER add water to single malts. I WILL add soda and ice to blends if I am out and need to remain in control of my faculties OR if the brand is crap (SEE DEWARS OR CUTTY SARK IMHO). If the brand is REALLY CRAP and you insist on drinking it try soda with a small lime twist as it will cut it a bit.

Glad I'm not the only one!

[trackdemon]

Another unequivocal vote for the Single malt.....

[pdV6]

banjolucknicker said:

What's the difference (if any) between a scotch and a whiskey?

The Scots make "whisky", the Irish "whiskey".

[V12Bob]

For those of you who do not take water with their whisky.

Take a measure of your fave single malt in a tulip glass, swirl and sniff, examin the colour and the length of the legs, sniff again and note down the aromas, taste and note your description of the flavours.

Now add just two drops of water, watch the chemical reaction, repeat the swirl and sniff routine then compare your tasting notes.

A revelation to most

[dds1]

phatgixer said:

Prunier XO, Réserve de famille or Louis XIII in atumbler with ice and filled to the top with red bull. Most tasty.

[Racylady]

V12Bob said:

For those of you who do not take water with their whisky. Take a measure of your fave single malt in a tulip glass, swirl and sniff, examin the colour and the length of the legs, sniff again and note down the aromas, taste and note your description of the flavours. Now add just two drops of water, watch the chemical reaction, repeat the swirl and sniff routine then compare your tasting notes. A revelation to most

Have done! Still prefer it neat!


>> Edited by Racylady on Monday 6th December 16:01