As we are setting up the Final Four of March Madness (NCAA College Basketball) we present to you the finals of our Scotch Blend Whisky Tournament.
I can guarantee you one thing. The judges here at “Best Of Whisky” had a great time working (err. drinking) through this tournament and although we had a few eager beavers that wanted to keep playing (err drinking) through the weekend, we had the fortitude to stretch it out a bit in between rounds.
So without further delay… Here are the results of the 2009/2010 Scotch Blend Whisky Tournament
Here is an interesting read from the Suntory website about Ballantines 17 Year Old
Popularity: 41% [?]
Team Turismo - Round 1
We just finished off playing Round 1 of ‘Team Turismo’ bracket, and though the favorites will advance, it was much closer than anticipated.I’d have to say that the overall satisfaction of each whisky was very well received. Ballantine’s 17 year was very full. A true top shelf whisky. J&B rare surprised some with it’s smooth consistent taste. Pound for pound, this well priced bottle holds its own with other house blends.Famous Grouse 12 yr edged out Cutty Sark, ok, maybe edged out is a bit of a stretch. Although both were enjoyed, it wasn’t that close on the scoreboard. We are looking forward to the next round with Ballantine’s 17 takes on the Famous Grouse 12
Mahogony - Round 1
It was a wonderful night of tasting as we started play in the Mahogany Region First Monkey Shoulder took on one of its relatives from the Grant and Sons distillery by edging out Grants Ale Cask. This was much closer than expected (or than price dictates) New as it is (2005), Monkey Shoulder is authentic to its core and uses only malt Scotch whisky from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Rooted in malt whisky lore, it is named in honor of the maltmen who once suffered from this injury through turning the barley by hand.As for Grant’s Ale Cask, it is the only Scotch whisky finished in Ale Casks.   This is after the whisky is first matured in oak casks. The second match had the #7 seed Ballentine’s Finest going against the #2 seed Smokehead. This also proved to be closer than expected. Ballentine’s is very smooth and includes the whisky from over 50 single malts. It is regarded as the taste to satisfy a modern style. The first thing you notice from Smokehead  is its clever marketing of tin and bottle. The second noticeable trait is the ‘nose’ WOW. A full bouquet of everything that is an Islay malt.
China Grove - Round 1
We started play in the ”China Grove” Region. Many of you most likely remember the Doobie Brothers from the Larry Bird/Magic Johnson College days.  In a one sided affair Dewar’s White Label just didn’t have what it takes to test Johnnie Walker Gold. It was quite a privilege to start this tournament with such a fine whisky. The other match was considered a minor upset as Johnnie Red edged Chivas 12yr in a ‘drink off’ where we needed to go to the score cards to decide a tie vote. In this great first week match, Johnnie ensures at least one of the 4 brothers in this tournament is guaranteed a Final Four
(you can also follow this tournament via pages category)
Popularity: 100% [?]
It was a wonderful night of tasting as we started play in the Mahogany Region
 First Monkey Shoulder took on one of its relatives from the Grant and Sons distillery by edging out Grants Ale Cask. This was much closer than expected (or than price dictates) New as it is (2005), Monkey Shoulder is authentic to its core and uses only malt Scotch whisky from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Rooted in malt whisky lore, it is named in honor of the maltmen who once suffered from this injury through turning the barley by hand.
As for Grant’s Ale Cask, it is the only Scotch whisky finished in Ale Casks.   This is after the whisky is first matured in oak casks.
 The second match had the #7 seed Ballentine’s Finest going against the #2 seed Smokehead. This also proved to be closer than expected. Ballentine’s is very smooth and includes the whisky from over 50 single malts. It is regarded as the taste to satisfy a modern style. The first thing you notice from Smokehead  is its clever marketing of tin and bottle. The second noticeable trait is the ‘nose’ WOW. A full bouquet of everything that is an Islay malt.
Popularity: 43% [?]
 Following events in Vancouver and Montreal, Chivas 25 launched in Toronto with a tasting guided by Chivas blender and creator Colin Scott. ReadonÂ
 Nearly a year after its launch at the New York Public Library, Chivas Regal 25 made its debut in Toronto Thursday night, following events in Vancouver and Montreal earlier in the week. Master blender and creator of Chivas Regal 25, Colin Scott, led close to 100 guests in an invite-only tasting at Vision|Co’s Luxury Lounge at Lobby.
Read On
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Check out the new website from Compass Box
Dont’ forget to read about their 2007 Limited Release whiskies
new compassbox website
Popularity: 30% [?]
Summer brings out the most refreshing drinks of their type. For beer, you could say Corona and Lime, or recently Rickards White. How about a nice Light Riesling accompanying a summer barbeque. Better yet, a traditional margarita outside at night.
My favorite happens late in the evening windows open to a cool breeze. Half fill a tumbler with cubes. Add 3 oz whisky blend (i suggest Grants Ale Cask) Add equal part pure water. That my friend, hits the spot.
Cheers,
Angus
Popularity: 36% [?]
Today, we offer up one of the best bangs for the buck in a blended Whisky.
Admit it, you absolutely love the hobby of Single Malts, but now and again when you want a more economical taste of malted and peaty flavors, where do you turn ?
If you want to venture into a whisky that is matured in an unusual wood, I strongly recommend Grants Ale Cask Version and Grants Sherry Cask Reserve. No they are not single malts, but at about half the price of Grants very tasty Balvenie (my personal house brand) I dare you to find a tastier dram for the price. If you are at all interested in the process and finish of either of these, drop me a note. If you have tried them, please let us know what you think.
Cheers !
Angus
Popularity: 23% [?]
