Hey guys,

I am wondering what is a good scotch to go with some smokes. I know next to nothing about scotch so some help could definitely be appreciated. I had a little Chivas Regal (scotch whiskey) tonight with an Astral TVS and it didnt do anything for me. Is Chivas Regal any good or is that why I wasnt psyched at all?? Im more of a beer kinda guy but I dont want to miss out on anything without trying it out first. Anyone know of a decent, sweeter and less harsh scotch?? I know some of you guys love scotch so I figured Im asking the right people.

daveyg2

Chivas is good, but it's blended scothch, and personally, I prefer a single malt. My go to scotch is Balvenie DoubleWood. If you're new to single malts, start with something from the "Highlands" like MacAllan. It's not as peaty/smokey as an "Islay" scotch. Scotland has distinct areas that produce scotch, and they all have varying characteristics. A good wine shop that carries liquor can help you quite a bit. It's worth it because a good scotch an a good cigar is one helluva excellent combination. Makers Mark bourbon is a good choice too.

Dave, it's been through many trials that ANYTHING that has the name "Glen" in it will be a stand-up scotch. You have to be a fan, and know that this ain't your wife's drink! I shuffle between rums(flavored and white),liquers(Drambuie...),scotch, and cognac(especially Remy!). They compliment the cigars, and leave me in a more relaxed mood!

Dave, DMV has just about hit it. Stay away from blends (i.e. Chivas, Johnny Walker, etc.). Some blends are good in their own right, but single malts are the smoothest (except for Johnny Blue....$$$$$). My favorite is Dalwhinnie 15 yr. Has hints of honey and is very heathery, but it does cost between $40-$50 a bottle. So, don't just go get tanked on it (New Years is ok), rather save it for you best sticks. For the money, Glenfiddich is really good, but, again, as DMV has stated, if "Glen" is in the name, you're probably getting a decent scotch.

If you don't care for Scotch than you may want to try a good Irish whiskey instead. They are not smoky like Scotch and may be more to your liking. Try John Power's Gold Label . This stuff is unbelievably smooth with an almost Cognac like aroma. And for under $20/bottle it is a screaming bargain. It's not #1 overthere for nothing.
If you want something a little sweeter try something from this continent. Either an American Whiskey like George Dickel No.12 or a Canadian such as Seagram's V.O. Gold.

But If you want the Ultimate accompaniment to a fine cigar, IMHO, than have your favorite barkeep prepare you a nice Bourbon Manhattan on the rocks.

It starts my mouth waterin' just thinking about one.

YA' DON'T THINK 9:30 a.m. IS TOO EARLY , DO YA'?

Glen Morangie 21 year old single malt, or Balvanie 21 Port wood. Here's a hint, DO NOT pour these over ice! Instead, spash about 1/4 the amount of water to scotch in the glass and swill it around. It helps to release the boo-kay 🙂

If you try some scotch and it still does not suit your fancy, try some of the small batch bourbons that are out there. Knob Creek from Jim beam is my personal favorite for special occasions. Regular Jim Beam is my old stand by.

Just my .02


Mike

Daveyg2-

I too like my beer, and there are some great beers that will stand up to a cigar. One of my fav's is Samuel Smith's stout. But I have to second some of the comments about bourbons being a great match with cigars. Makers Mark, Bookers, Knob Creek... what did I forget?
Either way, personal taste should always dictate what you drink with your smokes. Try some different things but always follow your tastes.

I love bourbon and scotch!

Bourbon - Makers Mark, Knob Creek, Woodford Reserve, bakers7...

Scotch - MaCallan, Dalmore, Chivas Royal Salute, JW Gold or Blue

Thanks guys. I am going to try some scotch, bourbon and irish whiskey. All of the above sound good. I hope I dont get too sloppy to take care of the 18in of snow outside. Praise be to whoever invented snowblowers.

Im going to give some of those a shot, Id hate to be missing out on anything good. Even though Im a beer lover, Id like to get some other source of liquor in to the veins every now and then. (Sammy Smith is nice....). Depending on the cigar I like different beers though. Thats another thread...Shall we????

daveyg2

I agree w/ Robby, the Belvanie 21 is a great smoking companion.

I think there's a good consesus here that the Small Batch collections are great. Love the Knob Creek and Basil Hayden.

Robby did post an important point: splash of water. Do not drink it neat....scotch's boo-kay, as he stated, is not released to it's full extent without water. That doesn't mean on the rocks either.....unless you're slammin' it or you are a fast drinker, the cubes will melt and water it down. Drinks that go with cigars vary by the individual......I even read one ol' boy loves Green Apple Pucker with Pimp Sticks!!! WOO! HOO! But, he's not wrong, rather his tastes are just different. Give a good port (Fladgate Tawny 20yr.) a try too.....now that I think about it, by that time, you'll be a flamin' alcoholic!

Call me a barbarian but Scotch is deadly poison. Drink Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey like God intended.

I second the motion for Knob Creek and Basil Hayden.

In the single malt category, I really enjoy Dalmore, Tomatin, and Glenlivit.

Also, a new-found favorite--good old fashioned rye. It lies somewhere in between bourbon and scotch. Very yummy with a cigar.

Laphroag, I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned sooner. You can smell the peat fire.
Tyrconnell for the Irish, or Tullamore Dew, or Red Breast if you can find it.

How about some cognac?

I like Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge with a fine smoke after a good meal. $31 a bottle and worth every penny. Think I'll have a little glass now.

Glenfiddich????? Any good? Someone said "Anything with a Glen in the front is probably good"

daveyg2

Fiddich is a good solid performing single malt. Guys, what about Booker's? Damn good single barrel....Jack Daniels barrel proof is outstanding also!

daveyg2:
When I started drinking scotch,I started with Chivas 12. I then moved to Glenfiddich. I currently am stocking Oban and Glenrothes at home. When on the road its easier to find Fiddich, Livet, or Chivas at most bars and restaurants. Scotch is an acquired taste. It will take a few drinks and a few brands to find what you like. I know when I go drinking at the lake-my scotch is always safe from my brother and friends-they can only drink beer and corn whiskey. I wish my cigars were as safe!

Rick-Omaha