Favorite Simple Dram?

Wonderful question! I tend to hit a blend like Grant's Family Reserve or Ballentine's on the rocks when I don't want to think. If it has been a particularly long day and I just want to be lulled into sweet relaxation I grab Laphroaig 10yo (or Ardbeg 10yo if I can think at all).

Laphroaig 10 is on my list too since its my favorite drop.

I hate to be the voice of dissent here (well, maybe I actually enjoy it a little), but I don't buy the idea of a simple, everyday or go-to dram.

It isn't healthy to drink every day. And I don't use alcohol to wind down. In fact studies show that alcohol late at night can cause sleep disturbances. Also, using ethanol to relax is a risk factor for addiction.

I find reading about Scotch is something I can do more often. That's why I consider myself "book smart" but challenged in the experiential department. I can read and then drive, work, look after the kids. I am in a position where I have to choose between the rest of my life or drinking a lot more than I do now and it's not a hard choice.

While it's frustrating because there is so much more I would like to try than I ever will, I have made my peace with that.

That said, when I do have time for a small (20cc) dram, that being once or maybe twice a week plus 3 or 4 Whisky club meetings in a year, I want something good. I don't want to waste the rare opportunities I have to enjoy a dram on something that will leave me unsatisfied. I want cask strength, or craft presented (usually 46%+), not waters down. If I'm going to have something "easy" it might as well be a tonic and lime. Diet, of course.

When I have time, I analyze the smell and the taste. It takes me hours to finish a small glass. I will read reviews while I sniff and taste. Maybe watch a Ralfy video if he's reviewed it. When I don't, or if I am doing something like reading, watching a movie, or talking with friends, I still enjoy the complexity as a whole, without too much attention.

As a guest would I turn down a branded Whisky? Depends. If it was a HP 12 I'd enjoy it. A 'fiddich, no way. If it's something I haven't tried, why not? If it's not something I will enjoy, I'll have something with no alcohol.

@Nozinan, I appreciate much of what you said. Many of us do have to be careful about treating stress with substance use. That being said though, personally I think it's possible to drink alcohol on a more or less daily basis and not have it be detrimental to one's health. I don't drink everyday. Sometimes I'll go a month without a drop. But as long as you're responsible and the quantity is controlled, there are worse things for you than a daily dram.

Also, many people, enjoy exploring other states of consciousness regardless of their stress levels. It doesn't have to be with alcohol. There are other substances which allow one to do this and they are much better for you.

As for an 'easy' dram, I'll go with JW Black or Grant's Family Reserve.

@CanadianNinja, @Nozinan I do appreciate the voicing of the dangers of alcoholism. This question wasn't stemed at "what's your chronic escape". Its more of "what's your favorite simple drop?" I don't support the use of any potentially harmful or harmful substances as a way to manage and escape from stress. I don't have a daily or weekly dram for that matter. Maybe my original question was making it sound worse than what I was getting to. But thank you for your opinions.

@CanadianNinja

i agree, as long as its not taken to excess, theres nothing wrong with having, say a shots worth or so, every day. (and no, im not trying to justify my alcoholism... im fine with it...;) ) in fact, studies have shown that it can be beneficial to have some alcohol every day. particularly red wine, but theyre not entirely sure whether its specific to wine or all alcohol. that said, i dont always have every single day, but usually at least multiple times a week.

for an 'unwinding' drink, i often go for a beer, something thatll take a while to finish, that i can nurse for a while while watching a video or something. for an 'everyday' drink, ill either go for something not too pricey, but still quite good such as hp 12; or ill hit up one of those bottles that i bought to try and wasnt as satisfied with, such as deanston virgin oak. its ok, but no hp 12. the better, more pricey stuff like glenlivet 18 or lagavulin 16 is for weekends, holidays and special occasions.

@Nozinan you are welcome to dissent and not buy the "every-day-dram" idea. Ideally everyone needs to find a healthy balance that works for them. It sounds like you have found yours. I personally try to take two or three nights a week off from alcohol. The other 4 or 5 nights I have a healthy dram or two. And usually only once a week (sometimes only once a month) will I have a rather large tasting session putting 4 or 5 single malts side by side taking serious notes.

But that is just what works for me. This is why I tend to avoid beer and wine. Not because I can't enjoy them, but because I would much rather enjoy an "every-day-whisky" or a "simple dram" then a beer. You have to have priorities ;) My family knows I almost exclusively drink water, whisky, and coffee . . . just not necessarily in that order.

I have quiet a few bottles open at the moment but the one bottle I seem to reach for with regular constancy is the Dalmore 12. On a regular weekday the 40% sherried malt is just what I need to sit back and relax

consistency*

@Nozinan you might be interested in this, which I came across a week or two ago. Very interesting if nothing else :) www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/Controversies/…

@Nozinan Sorry, that was the wrong link. This is the one I found:

www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/…

The bottle I'd reach for more often than not on a "normal" evening would be one of: Glendronach 15-year Glenglassaugh Evolution Aberlour 18-year Glenfiddich 18-year

@Simewiz

Thanks for the link. I prefer the medical literature to a non-scientific article that quotes, as it's first reference, the bible.

The balance between moderate use and excessive use is very fine. In fact, my scientific opinion is that a healthy lifestyle which includes a lower alcohol consumption is probably better than a sedentary lifestyle which includes daily consumption. Don't forget that regular consumption of spirits is associated with oesophageal and throat cancers.

@Nozinan - not a voice of dissent, but as @GotOak91 suggests later, the question may have not have been phrased that well.

I agree with the not drinking on a daily basis, despite what the safe drinking limits may be, but I think the issue is more of a "when-you're-not-in-the-mood-for-something-complex", what do you have?

For me, it really depends on what is open at the moment...which right now is either a Canadian whisky, the Highwood Distiller's Centennial 10 year old, or Talisker 10...or I might make a Whisky Sour with the blended Scotch that I have left-over from our ongoing Battle of the Budget Blends or an Old Fashioned.

@Nozinan The link is a summary of the results of over 180 scientific articles, all of which have citations to the relevant papers and publications. You are of course perfectly entitled to your own opinions and views, but it could hardly be called "non-scientific." However, I only posted this as a matter of interest pertinent to the discussion.

@GotOak91 To the point (minus the social engineering): a few weeks ago I wanted exactly that "dram" to which your title question refers. I poured Old Pulteney 12. Still reading the latest issue of Whisky Advocate an hour later, and with a few sips of the Pulteney left in the glass, I said, "Dang, that's good."

A few others I'd put in that I-don't-have-to-think-about-it category include anCnoc 12 and Strathisla 12, but I understand too why you'd say, "Glenmorangie Original."

Cheers,

Bob

@Nozinan I don't usually answer a question on Connosr, but when I do, I defend alcoholism at the same time. Two birds, one stone kind of thing.

@GotOak91 A good, dependable dram is Buffalo Trace for me. Perfect end to the day. Good flavors, smooth and pleasing to my gullet.

@GotOak91: For me this is simple. Ardmore Trad. 46% abv. non-chill filtered, no coloring added. medium peat, delicious and very reasonably priced. I am yet to have a bottle that was anything short of excellent with the occasional bottle that is outstanding.

It takes kindly to a few drops of water and is a classic example of how beneficial 'time in large glass' can be to well made Whisky - We had 1/2 a small decanter at the back of the cabinet for best part of a year and it was magnificent!

@JJBriggs

Defend alcoholism? How does one defend an illness? It's like defending schizophrenia or cancer.

@Nozinan Maybe you should drink more, friend. My response was meant to be humorous. Loosen up, my brotha.

@A'bunadhman I've thought about trying that one since it does have a peated influence which so far I've been a sucker of lol. As for everyone contributing, Im contemplating rewriting this discussion thread. Im not sure if the rules for this forum allow complete revisions based on "wrong wording".

Hopefully no feathers have been thoroughly ruffled by my wording of this thread topic gentleman. How about this: (Revision) What is your favorite "simple" (as in looking for a non-complex drop) whisk(e)y? It can be blends, single malts, international whiskies, or bourbon.

@JJBriggs

I'd love to drink more, but I love to be with my kids even more. Mthat's why I read about scotch...to drink vicariously. Mi've gotten really good at imagining what some of this stuff tastes like. Also, I have poor tolerance (physical) for alcohol. While I don't condone going over the liver limit of 20-40 g of alcohol in a day, I do admit to being envious of those who can do it.

Wow great question indeed, my favorite for this category would be Isle of Skye 12yr old. Simple easy not thought provoking and just great for wind down dram. :)

@Nozinan Give it up man! You have managed to suck every bit of enjoyment out of this discussion. I think you owe myself and all the other alcoholics that do enjoy a daily dram an apology. This was a simple question asking about a favorite simple dram. Please hop down off the soapbox.

Man, did this discussion get a weird twist. No blame to @GotOak91 who wanted some suggestions for a 'simple dram' or @Nozinan who mentioned the danger if 'daily dramming'.

Let's not go defending our own drinking habits, because I believe this was not the intention of the topic starter. Please.

I think the question was obvious. A suggestion for a dram after a hard days work.

The suggestion of Ardmore and Buffalo Trace appeal to me. I recently bought a bottle of Clynelish 14 which is still unopened, but a bought it with the purpose of drinking it in these occasions. I also thing Aberlour 10y is perfect for this. And I have a bottle of Glenfiddich 15y Solera that fits the purpose.

Relax people and enjoy your Whisky the way you like it.

@GotOak91, why do you feel that there was something wrong with the wording of your question or that you should possibly revise the post!? This is the wonderful thing about Connosr, discussions can take all kinds of twists and turns and lead to broader topics.

I have to disagree with @Jonesz. I think @Nozinan has addressed an important issue, and personally I don't feel he was trying to attack anyone.

Also, another 'simple dram' in my opinion would be Nikka from the Barrel. A delicious whisky at a very low price : )

@Nozinan - I'll trade you straight up - one unopened bottle of A'bunadh for one unopened bottle of Forty Creek John's Private Cask.

@CanadianNinja This is true, I do like the turns. The sudden turn was quick and somewhat unexpected in direction tis all.

Knappogue Castle 12! Clean, dry, rather astringent. Tasty and simple (and cheap!).