[skyler]

Nothing is better consumed neat than a good bourbon. But, I have found I much prefer Rye in cocktails (Manhattan, Sazerac) and mixed with Coke (Rye and Coke is great).

I don't think my booze palate is refined enough to enjoy Scotch, nor is my wallet wide enough to experiment with good ones. I don't understand Irish whiskeys. Personally, I consider them the pilsners of the whiskey world - they are the benchmark and the most widely consumed, but I just don't really appreciate them.

[dimik]

Well my pockets aren't wide enough to BUY good booze too. However, working in a wedding hall and private parties... Lets just say I would definitely never buy an imported scotch for 450 Pounds Sterling, but that doesn't mean I've never had one So I know what I prefer based on those experiences.

[thirsty]

I usually prefer bottom shelf bourbon (it's actually as good or better than the fancy stuff). I used to drink a lot of single-malt scotch too, but the cost keeps going up, so now I rely on xmas and birthday presents for that. Laphroaig is my all-time favorite. Corn liquor is also a mighty tasty beverage, if you can find it.

[joelambic]

I prefer Scotch but have been known to enjoy Irish whiskey and bourbon at times.  My current favorites are from Ardbeg and Lagavulin but Glenlivet is quite affordable and is approachable for newbies.

I haven't sampled rye whiskey yet.

[redbeerman]

I prefer Irish whiskey, but can handle a good bourbon or Scotch.  I use the cheap stuff for cleaning.

[joelambic]

I use the cheap stuff for cleaning.

I use the cheap vodkas in plastic bottles whose names end in "ov" for this.  Also works well in airlocks.

[majorvices]

I don't think my booze palate is refined enough to enjoy Scotch...

Naaah, that's not it. Scotch sucks. Bourbon is where its at.  I like Rye sometimes too.

[bluesman]

From what I know "All bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbon". A whisky qualifies as a Bourbon - by international agreement - in the US if it is produces from at least 51% and not more than 79% Indian corn and aged for at least 2 years. Most bourbon is aged for four years or more. The barrels for aging can be made of any kind of new oak, charred on the inside. I like good ole #7 as a mainstay. Great for cleaning too. 

[capozzoli]

I heard the bourbon barrels from the US are shipped over to Scotland after they are emptied. They then use them to age scotch. They also by up the brandy barrels from France.


I like them all in moderation and only top shelf stuff, there is a difference. 

[joelambic]

Yep, while bourbon requires new charred oak barrels, scotch does not so many types (bourbon, sherry, brandy, etc.) of spirits barrels end up being used.  Until the popularity of barrel-aged beers took off a few years ago, this or home improvement stores (sawn in half for use as planters) were the fate of old bourbon barrels.