I bought a bottle of Glenmorangie on 29 January 1980, the day my daughter was born in St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, ready to open on her 21st birthday - which would of course be in 2001.
Some time prior to then a good friend called round unexpectedly, a proficient drinker it must be said - nothing wrong with that - and when he had finished off whatever spirits we had in the sideboard, my wife of the time said "Oh! look what I've found!", and it was of course the Glenmorangie. "You can't give him that", I hissed, "It's for a special occasion".
"Oh I can't, can't i?" she responded, and poured the whole bottle down the kitchen sink.
So glad I divorced her in, co-incidentally, 2001.
Like mikes48 (and many another), I saw top quality malt whisky wasted. I had gifted a bottle of Springbank cask strength malt (from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society) to a friend who I thought may appreciate this as a treat. I subsequently was informed that a 'party' at a neighbours was running short of alcohol and my friend's (then) partner popped home for a bottle she knew was in the cupboard. Yes, the Springbank was quaffed in quick time diluted with cola!
I had hoped to taste that particular malt myself, but it was not to be.
These days I cannot afford to buy any whisky, but i do have a bottle of 'Old Pulteney Navigator' in the house. Although I may not get to drink it myself, I would be interested if anyone can comment on this particular malt?
Old Pulteney is, I believe, the most northerly distillery on mainland Britain. I've had their 12 year old and their 21 year old and both are fantastic whiskies. Not dissimilar to my favourite (Highland Park). There's smokiness and a little peatiness in the 12 YO, with the 21 YO being one of the best whiskies I've ever tasted.
If you're saving it for a gift to give to someone in the future, make sure they like single malts as it should be appreciated by the recipient.
If you're keeping it for yourself to try, crack it open, pour a small measure, add a small amount of fresh, cold water (assuming your tap water is ok to taste) and try it. If you don't like it, offer it to guests and if you do, enjoy it across the coming months data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
I really want to get in to whiskey, I love the smell of it but the closest I've drank is JD's! Although I cannot do JD's neat I have to have it with coke, but I do like it fairly strong.
Is there a half decent bottle I can pick up in a supermarket for reasonable price that I can try? I guess you'd add a drop of water or maybe an ice cube,to get the best out of it?
I'm assuming you're looking for a Bourbon whiskey as apposed to a Scotch whisky since you mentioned JD, I'd suggest Maker's Mark (the one with the red waxed top) as a good place to start for a reasonably priced step up.
And now a question from me...
Can anyone recommend some good Japanese whisky to try, say under £50? Cheers.
If you're looking to get into Scotch Whisky, then I'd start perhaps with a decent blend or a light single malt. Try Johnnie Walker Black Label or a Lowland single malt like Glenkinchie.
If you're after an Irish Whiskey, then I'll bow to superior knowledge on here...
Ice or stones?
Never tried stones. I find a lot of whisky tastes better with a splash of water anyway, almost like letting a wine breath.
Plus ice won't ruin a nice lead crystal tumbler.