Theres also geography. Last Mountain Distillery 4 Grain Whisky, 4. Contact at [emailprotected] or learn more about us here. I nearly said SoCo, but apparently it isn't even whiskey. Also, anything flavored with maple gets a pass from me. They dont tell me I have to use a mash bill. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best I am part of a "club" where once a week guys get together and we take turns sponsoring the food and scotch for the week. Itsnot good. It's the 119th anniversary of the Bottled in Bond Act. Hamilton's Canadian is some of the blandest stuff I've had, but throw some bitters and sugar in there and stir it with ice, it's a fine enough base. Yup. This affordable bottle is as approachable as Islay whisky gets, thanks to the balance that the former sherry barrels bring to the salty smoke. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. It smells like it was cut with brake fluid or industrial alcohol and has a strangely artificial or chemical aroma. You might think a lot of things, but unless you are a long time reader, youd probably be wrong. From the Highlands to the isle of Islay, here are the best scotch whiskies to get you started. He even holds the rare Ph.D in brewing and distilling. You're high, Dare Maple Cookies are bomb. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. I do not have a sophisticated palate and could not dream of doing such detailed reviews as I see on this sub (and love by the way). WebWorst Whiskey Watch #1: Canadian Mist, Old Thompson, Hellboy Hell Water 1,423 views Oct 17, 2018 A triple threat match between three bottom-of-the-bottom-shelf whiskeys. Taking responsibility for your own actions. 1. Why We Dont Like It: Santis Malt Single Cask is not a bad whiskey at some point. It was a true taste of history. As a rule whiskey experts avoid, to quote H.P. For cocktails, says Tardie, you shouldnt complicate things. Before blending, we sniff. 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Many celebrities have been getting into the tequila game recently, but tequila With the popularity hike for Margaritas and boosted by celebrity owners and Bourbons with double maturation, especially finished in port wine barrels, are huge 12 Worst Cheap Whiskey BrandsTo Watch Out For, 2. That Knob Creek Smoked Maple isn't much better. The problem with some Canadian whiskies is their horrible flavor profile. Eventually I did find a use for it. And terrible. To do that, some of the links that appear on this website are affiliate links where we receive a commission on purchases that you may make. Canadian Mist can stand up to 11Wells Rye: This is a small craft distiller here in the Twin Cities. 2 Comments. If youre curious, buy at your own risk. An airline bottle of Clan McGregor was the prize for anyone that got the trivia questions right. This is my worst. ", Region: Highlands | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Cherry cola, Bittersweet, Tannic, Bright. Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Year: Best whisky to drink neat. 18. Never miss another article! You don't enjoy the taste of sweet, sweet diabetes? Predicted: "oh nice, this will taste like Christmas", Actual: "COUGH MEDICINE. It's the college girl whiskey. As described on the bottle, Dark Horse rye is definitely made for whiskey connoisseurs who prefer a bolder, richer tasting Canadian Whiskey. 2. 03 3. The most intriguing scotch drinking shes ever done was at a vertical tasting of Macallans from the 1940s. Its honey-blossom nose leads to vanilla and roasted nuts, a delightful herbaceousness, and a hint of orange. Oddly, my mom who normally despises any whiskey liked this. He asks to open it and share a drink. It is solely supported by the sale of the hand-made products I sell at the BourbonGuy Gifts Etsy store. But that doesnt mean you cant go for excellence and flavor. WebIf the Double Malt is the worst thing that Woodford ever put their name on, this is the second worst. Next is corn, simply marked DDdouble-distilledwhich Livermore cites as an essential building block in his whiskies. Web1. It lost in the first round to Old Crow Reserve. We all cheer to a fine whiskey. Dry mouthfeel. It is sold in more than 150 countries, and is produced out of the Hiram Walker distillery in Windsor, Ontario and originally crafted under Hiram Walker himself. WebTop 10 Whiskies to Mix with Coke We have analysed over 40.000 whisky tasting notes and 150.000 whisky ratings, only to present you the world's 10 worst whiskies. Major rotgut. Sadly, the taste wasnt as good as the aroma. This smells very young providing a sharp aroma like it didnt age in the barrels for enough time. The spice would hit you at first, then the cloying sweetness follows, and finally, it ends with an unpleasant spice in the finish. WebUndiluted for extra potency at Laphroaig, an Islay distillery, this decade-old scotch whisky has proof of around 112. One of the reader comments on our own review described it as vagrants ballsack dipped in paint thinner, Its a challenge for your palatethe peaty notes come across strongly in the nose, but once you sip it, youre taken aback by the fruitiness. Hopefully after some time it will get better but Ill need to be convinced of that when it happens. Using someone else's notes / reviews to claim points. On the palate, scotch is a journey that replicates the making of the spirit, from the grain to the malt to the wash to the whisky, and GlenDronach Revival 15-year-old (view on Reserve Bar) exemplifies that layered, complex experience. Ive had people tell me Im crazy, but I found this to be terrible. Synthetic versions of the fruity aromas reappear as a jumble of astringent and sickly sweet flavors that will test your tongue in unpleasant ways. Want to get in on the ground floor with a new distillery? Knob Creek maple(but really anything "maple"), If I was a religious man I'd probably be forced to drink it in hell. 2nd that. This whisky seems to be competing against Pendleton, but you can use it in cocktail recipes to replace Crown Royal. The Whiskey: This iconic Canadian whisky is a powerhouse. The background would have that astringent and overripe citrus mixed with some root beer hints. Its like drinking grapefruit juice with a herbal touch and a splash of bitter and sour taste. Its also the most-awarded rye in the world, according to the company. I keep thinking that it must just be me. This process is the Canadian way of making whiskies, where the flavor profile depends on the blender instead of the distiller[2]. OMG sounds hilarious. Yellow Rose Bourbon: I had this at a tasting event that was held at a local chain a couple years ago. You can take advantage of their low price and create cocktails, but only choose recipes that require more mixture than the whisky. An everyday pour, this whisky offers cherry cola aromas with a mouth-coating, mid-palate sweetness that finishes in bittersweet, woody tannins. It would surely turn off whiskey enthusiasts after one sip. This whisky contains malted barley, rye, corn, and wheat grain spirits that have been matured and distilled separately. Best Grain Scotch: Compass Box Hedonism at Drizly. Youre also incredibly lucky if thats the worst single malt youve had. Your email address will not be published. As a Canadian I hate anything maple flavoured. Santis WebBelow I present you the top 9 Best Value Ryes, which can be picked up at your local government liquor store for under $30 a bottle (except maybe one).*. This websites is intended to serve general information purposes only. As more and more cask-strength whiskies enter the market, everyday tipples are muscling up. Canadian Hunter Whisky; 4. Kentucky Gentleman is so scary even my UK frat brothers steered clear of it. We have previously tested a few Canadian bottles available at our store, and heres the result. For instance, a Rye Star is a column-distilled rye whisky, and Rye Star Special is a column-distilled then pot-stilled rye whisky, etc. Region: Scotland | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Coconut, Caramel, Toffee, Vanilla. But the unfortunate truth is The thing about single malt scotch whisky is that there's scarce such a thing as a bad one. Maple Leaf 08-year-old Canadian Blended Whisky, Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon Bottle Price Guide (2023), 10 Best Rye Whiskeys Under $100 in 2023 (Expert Picks), Why Does Tequila Taste So Bad? In short, the quality is just low. WebWith that little PSA out of the way, here is a list of the 15 best Canadian whiskies. At less than $10 per year of aging, Shanahan points out, you cant beat the price., Region: Islay | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Smoke, Brine, Umami, Dried fruit, Made in Islay, Lagavulin's Distillers Edition scotch whisky has a distinctive, terroir-driven character: beautiful, tarry rope and iodine and seaweed and peat, describes Shanahan. Tried some pretty poor Tomatins before as well. Its a very pretty bottle, but whats inside I find repugnant. The 15 Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2023, The Essential Scotch Whisky Bottles for Your Home Bar, A Guide to the Five Scotch Whisky Regions, Plus the Islands, Speaking Scotch: A Guide to Scotch Whisky Terms, These Peaty Scotches Taste Like Campfire in a Glass, The 12 Best Japanese Whiskies to Drink in 2023, The Best Scotch Under $100, According to Industry Experts, The 9 Best Cheap Scotches to Drink in 2022, The 9 Best Scotch Whiskies for Beginners in 2022, The 11 Best Blended Scotches to Drink in 2022, Macallan 15 Year Triple Cask Scotch Review, GlenDronach Revival 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review, GlenDronach Original 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review, The 12 Best Irish Whiskeys to Drink in 2023. I had 1 dram. Yellow Rose . Its not the type of whiskey you would want more after some sips. Average Price: around $28 per 750 ml (Totalwine). WebIt's terrible, but all Canadian whiskey is terrible. However, Whiskybase B.V. cannot give any warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information on this website. The Singleton Of Dufftown 54 Year Old: Most expensive whisky. Two, they have gray hair.. These conditions apply to the use of this website of Whiskybase.com. And for the price I'd rather have something elsebut still Edit: on a similar note the worst whiskey I've ever had is probably Evan Williams Honey. These were also very bad whiskies, but for one reason or another I decided to drop them out of the main category. Undiluted for extra potency at Laphroaig, an Islay distillery, this decade-old scotch whisky has a proof of around 112 (may vary with each bottle). 4. Looking at the other bottles on the shelf longingly I pour us each a glass, over ice (of course). Some whisky enthusiasts hate this kind of sweet whisky, believing it is unsophisticated[1]. You might think that Ive been bought off or that Im hoping to get free whiskey. Crown Royal Apple made me shiver, and not in a good way. Best Islay: Ardbeg An Oa at Drizly. I need to expand my French whiskey experience. When I bought it, it was less than $12 for a 1.75 L bottle and it was over priced. Irish Diamonds 2005 AC Small Batch No. 5. Ethanol and antifreeze on the nose and palate, and it's got this cough syrup consistency. But thats just a starting pointtheres plenty of diversity to the nations signature spirit, including single malts, which are made with malted barley, and blended scotches, whose mash bills include other grains. https://whiskycast.com/the-worst-whisky-ive-ever-tasted/. But if a close friend is making a gesture it does taste a little better than it would otherwise. Its aged primarily in bourbon barrels, but its final three years are spent in oloroso casks, where the scotch takes on its sherrylike layers. A community driven website built by and for whisky enthusiasts. WebThis 100 percent Canadian rye whisky is sourced and bottled by Cooper Spirits Company in the U.S. Best Under $50: Aberfeldy 12 Year Old at Drizly. secondary aging in Amoroso sherry butts, this bottle is, at first, big, peaty, and smoky, says Shanahan, but then, you start to see this wonderful new balance created. It was like having a corn whisky that did not go through the aging process. Drink to be: Scotch, No McClellands". These are still considered base whiskies, but then the wood gets funky: theres a DD aged in new oak beside the same spirit aged in a re-charred barrel. Average Price: around $63 (66) per 700ml (Whisky Base). Its like a borderline rancid bourbon was mixed with a bunch of artificial flavors, put in BPA riddled plastic jugs and left All scotch is whiskey (or, as they spell it in Scotland, whisky), but not all whiskeys are scotch. I tasted this at a local retailer along with a group of friends after an event. How can you make the worst cheap whiskey taste better? All we have to do is be native grain, fermented, aged, and distilled in Canada, aged in a wooden barrel less than 700 liters for a minimum of three years, and then bottled at 40% alcohol; thats it. Then, a warm, rough, peppery, and slightly smoky finish follows. They have different making processes and create different flavor profiles for their drinks. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. However, the 1858 bottle we have here is not that satisfying. A Although drinking this whisky would not hurt (like having that kind of really nasty flavor lingering in your mouth), you would still want it with ice or mixers. You see, there is a very simple explanation for why I dont review a lot of bourbons I dislike. Whiskybase B.V. cannot give any warranty as to the timely receipt or processing of emails or other electronic messages sent to Whiskybase B.V. and is under no circumstances liable for damages of whatever nature, in anyway resulting from the non timely receipt or processing of emails or other electronic messages sent to Whiskybase B.V.. All intellectual property rights, including but not limited to, copyrights, trademark rights and database rights related to the information, text, images, logos, photographs and illustrations on this website and regarding the lay-out and design thereof are the property of Whiskybase B.V. and/or have been licensed to Whiskybase B.V. by the owner(s) of those rights. Balvenie 12 Year Doublewood: Best whisky for an Old Fashioned. We talk about bourbon, rye, or any American whiskey here (yes, even Jack). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Among them are rye whiskies that he likens to jalapenos on a Subway sandwich: Rye Star, Rye Special, Rye Star Special French Oak, etc. Lastly, we hit the stretch of samples that Livermore, in a sudden switch of food metaphors, refers to as toppings for a hypothetical sandwich. All content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Gute Saat - Reiche Ernte, William Lawson's Finest Blended Scotch Whisky, Tesco Everyday Value Blended Scotch Whisky, Safari Whisky A Distinctive Special Drink, Canadian Guard House - Old Special Whisky, Waldviertler Whisky J.H. 03, 6. Why We Dont Like It: In just a single sip, youll start to wonder why this spirit won medals from world spirits competitions and ultimate spirits challenges. With its price point, you can still find more whiskies in the same range but with a more promising palate, nose, and finish. Why would anyone spend $10 for a liter of this ichor when a fifth of Evan Williams or Jim Beam is just a couple of bucks more? Do not buy this. I was in a scotch club for about eight years. Want to support BourbonGuy.com? She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. I had them at a friends house in Louisville. Glasers doing a wonderful service for blended scotch., Region: Highlands | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Coffee, Espresso, Raisins, Cinnamon, [Glenmorangie] did something innovative, says Tardie. Why We Dont Like It: This is not a versatile spirit only best served neat [1]. Wine-barrel finishes are also represented; we spot a sherry finish, an oloroso finish, and a madeira finish among others. The first addition to Ardbegs foundational range of scotches in a decade, this 2017 introduction is named after the Mull of Oa, a rocky peninsula on the Kilodalton coast where the distillery is located. At the time, I said I didnt know what I would do with the bottle because I wasnt going to drink it. Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where youll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. For whiskey to be scotch, it must be made in Scotland. All of King's County tastes like that to me. What is the problem with Canadian whisky? Im experienced enough at buying American Whiskey that I kind of know what I like and what I dont. It has a strong ethanol smell and some dust and wheat hints. Just nasty crap. Let me know in the comments. Best Under $100: Bowmore Darkest 15 Year Old at Drizly. Tables have been pushed together in the center of the room to form a cross-shape, and on their surface, whisky bottles and their attendant sample glasses sit in a sweeping X formation. The DD is your pizza dough, he says. This whiskey is distilled from a mash bill that is 95 percent rye and 5 percent malted barley. The brand was only created in 2003 and has become Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA)s official spirit. So in the name of helping you to avoid the stinkers, and because I do get asked this on occasion, tonight Im presenting you with my list of the 5 worst American Whiskies Ive had. On TV, a sleep-deprived Livermore was hit with a question he hadnt prepared for: what makes Canadian whisky better than scotch or Irish whiskey? Yes, the chocolate and caramel flavors on the palate are pleasant but are quickly overpowered by an unpleasant sulfuric aftertaste. Perhaps it's too easy to bash on the bottom shelf blends though? The palate is somewhat thin, given its ABV. WebIts true that Canadian whiskies can include other, non-whisky spirits in the blendbut not neutral grain sprits, as Livermore emphatically points out. This affordable bottle is as approachable as Islay whisky gets, thanks to the balance that the former sherry barrels bring to the salty smoke. The flavors fight each other instead of complimenting the notes. You dont have to avoid these bottles completely because many consumers also enjoy some of the brands we have listed above. Or, just save some more bucks and buy real quality ones. Ballantines Finest: Best budget whisky. Thanks! A place where we discuss, review, and read articles about whiskey. Burns the lips off ya. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Thats how Master Blender Don Livermore begins a blending exercise held at the Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario. Only letters and optionally some numbers and/or underscores. ), Hayes Parker Reserve: Terre Pure bourbon aged at least six months. Any disputes arising out of the entrance or use of this website and/or the use of information derived from this website shall exclusively be submitted to and finally be resolved by the competent court in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Region: Highlands | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Cedar, Chocolate-covered cherries, Pecans, Honey. Why We Dont Like It: The nose has vegetal notes combined with alcohol and sulfur, creating a strong aroma. Average Price: around $44 per 750ml (Totalwine). Average Price: around $28.99 per 750ml (Totalwine). Their 25-year-old scotch whisky is a citrusy, chocolatey libation, made with spring water that runs down the Speyside heather-covered hillsgiving Glenfarclas its name, which means the valley of green grass., The distillate is aged in oloroso casks for a nutty, sherry finish that is perfect for sipping after dinner. WebPassport "Scotch" was vile and gave me a headache instantly after drinking it. This whisky is good enough for its price if you use it on cocktails. Auchentoshan American oak is the worst single malt I've tried. Made in Islay, Lagavulin's Distillers Edition scotch whisky has a distinctive, terroir-driven character. Perhaps the length of the Orange Finish was excessive. I believe Canadian whisky is the most innovative, creative, and adaptable style of whisky there is. An everyday pour, this whisky offers cherry cola aromas with a mouth-coating, mid-palate sweetness that finishes in bittersweet, woody tannins. Betsy Andrews is a freelance journalist specializing in wine, spirits, food, travel, and the environment. The distillate that comes off the still is then aged in barrels, often for many years, to produce the deep, intense spirit we call scotch. Special Rye Malt - Nougat, Kentucky Highway American Blended Whiskey, Access to over 2.4 million ratings and reviews, More than 200.000 bottles available from retailers around the world, The most trusted source of factual bottle information available. I was just thinking of buying a bottle. When these were released, I made a comment about buying them and these are so bad that I had someone in another country volunteer to send me a sample of each so that I didnt waste my money on them. The domino-line begins with unaged whiskies, the first of which is Corn Star, described by Livermore as the closest thing we make to moonshine, with a smell not unlike cauliflower. Besides, the taste of (like) rubber ball, crab apple, oak, body lotion, sawdust, etc., mixes together which is too complicated and unpleasant. 1. Sometimes, you are already drinking something more like a cleaning agent. Saint Liberty Berties Bear Gulch Bourbon, What Does An Old-Fashioned Taste Like? Maple Leaf 08-year-old Canadian Blended Whisky; 3. His chief weaknesses include Green Chartreuse and just about anything in a Nick and Nora glass. Region: Islay| ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Toffee, Smoke, Brine, Dried fruits. Like Bells, its hard to imagine how this rotgut sells at any price. Not that a mismatch is necessarily bad, but there seemed to be more on the nose than the palate. He responds by admitting one of his failures. The whisky contains some intense honey and butterscotch flavors. These references and hyperlinks are included for information purposes only and are selected by Whiskybase B.V. in good faith. Used sherry casks impart different flavors than bourbon barrels, and the number of years a scotch spends in the barrel distinguishes it too. it tastes like cinnamon and regret. The finish is dry and short. What about Bruichladdichs Fishky and Loch Dhu Black? Up next is Rye Star Special, which is essentially Lot 40 before its been aged. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Mastersons Straight Wheat and Straight Barley Whiskey: These are technically a set of Canadian whiskies, but since they are sold by a US company Im going to include them here. Click here to browse our full list of reviews! Required fields are marked *. The third glass encountered is also a DD, but this time its rye, with an oily, more characterful nose. To qualify, I had to have had it and I have to have wished I hadnt. Changing your grain or changing your distillation method can change your flavor. Passport Scotch and Johnnie Red. Its honey-blossom nose leads to vanilla and roasted nuts, a delightful herbaceousness, and a hint of orange. It's not really food, we started with the following constitution "Food to be: Chip, dip maybe the occasional pickle. our process. The heavy peat character is tempered by a brisk sweetness from the pure island spring water used to make it and the Kentucky bourbon barrels used to age it. The sprouted grain, or malt, is then dried in wood- or a peat-fired kiln. It tastes like rancid bourbon mixed with artificial flavors. This whiskey needs more aging to achieve the whiskey standard in terms of taste. This is definitely a love or hate whiskey. Yes, youve found the right place if thats what you were hoping for. I also tasted it again at Whiskey on Ice, a local whiskey festival. Seagrams VO is not rotgut. I tried my samples in nosing glasses in a nice hotel room while feeling very relaxed. The information on this website is composed and maintained with continuous care and attention by Whiskybase B.V.. I then took a shot of tequila to get rid of the remainder. We Canadians don't have to worry about drinking this slop as virtually 100% of it's production is Region: Islay | ABV: 45.8% | Tasting Notes: Iodine, Earth, Smoke, Dried fruit, A classic Islay scotch subjected to a Highland treatment, i.e. The use of hyperlinks to (any page of) the website of Whiskybase B.V. is only allowed with prior written consent of Whiskybase B.V.. Whiskybase B.V. will not allow any hyperlink to (any page of) her website if the content, image or reputation of the host website is irreconcilable with the name, reputation, services or products of Whiskybase B.V. or the content of this website, in the opinion of Whiskybase B.V. Whiskybase B.V. respects the privacy of all users of this website and ensures that personal information provided to Whiskybase B.V. by email and/or by contact form, will be treated confidentially and in conformity with the Dutch Privacy Law (Wet Bescherming Persoonsgegevens). Like all whiskey, scotch is distilled from grain. In no event Whiskybase B.V. gives any guarantee or accepts any liability in relation to the content, use and availability of such websites.