Rye Tasting - Edinburgh

[dbk]

Sounds like a great selection. Any thoughts to share with the class?

[Trilo]

So what did you think about these Ryes? Reason why I'd like to know is my friend who went to USA lately and got me some Jim Beam Rye aka yellow label as they call it. He hasn't returned yet but I'd like to know if it's any good.

[MacDeffe]

I had a wee chat with approx 3 of the guys going to this and they all had the Jim Beam among their favourite if not THE favourite

I quite like it myself, but my favourite on the list is High West. I also like Saz 18 but that wasn't served

Steffen

[Trilo]

I had a wee chat with approx 3 of the guys going to this and they all had the Jim Beam among their favourite if not THE favourite

I quite like it myself, but my favourite on the list is High West. I also like Saz 18 but that wasn't served

Steffen

Sounds very promising

I'd like to try out lots good bourbons and ryes but in here Finland it's mainly about SSMW. Bourbon is poorly presented by regular Jack Daniels/Jim Beam bottlings and Ryes are not even to be found in Finnish liquor stores. Well at least it's getting better and better year by year.

Can't wait my friend to get back now

[Jolly Toper]

The High West was very good, Jim Beam wins if price is brought into it. The Dutch stuff was disappointing and the Whistlepig was impressive too - more than just the grain speaking.

Great fun, they were all different while having a strong character in common.

Whats next?

[dbk]

I'm surprised by how well the Beam rye performed in this tasting! Reviews of it vary from good to downright awful among American whiskey fans. I'm amazed that it could have outperformed the WhistlePig, High West Rendezvous, and especially the Thomas H Handy; I haven't tried Beam rye myself, though, so I can't judge.

[Iain M]

I'm surprised by how well the Beam rye performed in this tasting! Reviews of it vary from good to downright awful among American whiskey fans. I'm amazed that it could have outperformed the WhistlePig, High West Rendezvous, and especially the Thomas H Handy; I haven't tried Beam rye myself, though, so I can't judge.

As the tasting was quite 'off the cuff' in terms of how they were presented, this may have benefited some of the whiskies more than others.

The High Wests are loved by some, hated by others with quite a distinctive 'gerkinny', sandy and dry character which is not my favourite. I'm a big whistlepig and Old Portrero fan so I'd rate them highly and yes the Yellow Label was up there, quite a soft style compared to some of these other ryes.

[rwilcox]

I really like the High West Rendezvous it has a clean fresh taste to it, Whistlepig is very good as well.

[Willie JJ]

I'm surprised by how well the Beam rye performed in this tasting! Reviews of it vary from good to downright awful among American whiskey fans. I'm amazed that it could have outperformed the WhistlePig, High West Rendezvous, and especially the Thomas H Handy; I haven't tried Beam rye myself, though, so I can't judge.

As the tasting was quite 'off the cuff' in terms of how they were presented, this may have benefited some of the whiskies more than others.

The High Wests are loved by some, hated by others with quite a distinctive 'gerkinny', sandy and dry character which is not my favourite. I'm a big whistlepig and Old Portrero fan so I'd rate them highly and yes the Yellow Label was up there, quite a soft style compared to some of these other ryes.

The Jolly Toper said that the JB won it if price was brought into the equation and I agree with that. The Whistlepig and others were better, but much more expensive.

[Iain M]

There is just no arguing with a £10 bottle of Rye though is there?

[Mr Tattie Heid]

No, but there could be talking to lampposts when the bottle's empty.

[Willie JJ]

In my experience you should not argue with lampposts. It can be painful.

[Mr Tattie Heid]

I generally prefer a nice intimate conversation with the sidewalk.

[ColSanders]

Just don't try to get a snack from the curb... might break a few teeth.

[Bud Light]

I generally prefer a nice intimate conversation with the sidewalk.

Oh yes, I'm familiar with that practice. Unlike you, however, I did not make out with the sidewalk in Edinburgh, but did become quite cozy with several of them. It's the only damn place where I literally got lost (which considering my profession is pretty pathetic) in search of my room after the bars closed.