I admit it: I'm a total geek. I love electronics, programming, 3D printing, 3D art, vintage Apple hardware, and whisky. I'm always juggling half a dozen projects. I also enjoy documenting it all: my successes, my failures, my experiences... and everything geeky along the way.
Whisky | Kevin Rye.net - Whisky

Kevin Rye

Geek Extraordinaire. Yeh, I said it.

Glenrothes 12-Year

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Not bad for $42.99, but surprisingly underwhelming for a Glenrothes. Every bottling I've had from them has been fantastic, and this one left me just thinking, "meh". Read More...

Highland Park Valknut

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I've said it before and I'll say it again: I just can't pass up a new Highland Park. Soooo good. Read More...

Johnnie Walker White Walker Limited Edition

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Ever since I saw this one announced, I've had my eye out for it. My wife even asked the guy at our local liquor store to get some in. It took about two weeks, but he pulled through with a few cases. Read More...

Glenfiddich Fire and Cane

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My wife saw this in the store and thought it looked really nice. She knows Glenfiddich is one of my favorites, so she picked it up for me. Really good stuff. Read More...

Highland Park - The Light - 17-Year


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There was me thinking I'd have to wait until Christmas to see another $400 bottle of Highland Park. Read More...

Highland Black Special Reserve - 8 Year

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A whisky for $20 bucks? Can it be any good? No, it is not. This is exactly what you'd expect from a store brand. It was pretty rough. Read More...

The Macallan - Double Cask 12-Year

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I got a mini of this in my stocking last Christmas. It was fantastic. I've been meaning to pick up a bottle ever since, but just never got around to it. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Black - Domino

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It's the same price as a regular black, but it come with some cool Johnnie Walker dominos. Who can say no? Read More...

Highland Park - Nor'Easter 15-Year

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Wow, it hasn't even been two weeks since my wife picked up The Dark and here she is again with another amazing limited edition Highland Park. Read More...

Highland Park - The Dark - 17-Year

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My wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Read More...

Johnnie Walker - Black Label Jane Walker Edition

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Johnnie Walker released this for International Women's Day. Read More...

The Macallan Edition No 2


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I know it's only been a week, but I'm on a Macallan kick. I liked that last one so much I figured I'd pick up another special edition. It wasn't as good as the Classic Cut, but I liked it. Read More...

The Macallan Classic Cut 2017

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I've only ever had one Macallan before. It was 12-year. I don't know why I haven't purchased more of their line. Read More...

Glenfiddich Experimental Series #2 - XX

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This is the second release in the Experimental series. I'd love to get all three in the set, but the third is a $200 21-year. Yikes. Read More...

Johnnie Walker 18-Year


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Johnny Walker has re-branded Platinum. It's not a new Gold. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Blender's Batch #6 - Wine Cask


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I just can't pass up a new Johnnie Walker. This is #6 from the Blender's Batch series. Read More...

Highland Park Full Volume


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I was so excited to get my hands on a bottle of Highland Park Full Volume. When I saw it announced, I just had to cross my fingers that someone around here would stock it. Total Wine to the rescue. They always get the coolest stuff. Read More...

Highland Park Magnus


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I prefer the 12 year, but at $40 a bottle, this could definitely become my go-to everyday whisky. Read More...

Highland Park Valkyrie

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I just can't pass up a new Highland Park. There hasn't been one yet that I haven't liked. Read More...

New Highland Park 12-Year

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The new Highland park 12-year packaging has finally come to town. Read More...

Glenmorangie Sampler

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My parents picked me up this cool Glenmorangie sampler for my birthday. I've had them all, but not at the same time. It was a nice treat to be able to try them all side by side. Read More...

Cardhu 12-Year

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My wife picked me up something new today. Cardhu. It's one of those whiskies that Johnnie Walker uses in their blends, so it should taste familiar. Read More...

The Singleton 12-Year

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My parents were in town visiting. Dad brought a bottle of something new that he found. It's a cheapie one, but it looked like a cool bottle, so he picked one up for me. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Blender's Batch #3 - 10-Year

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It's not that often you come a cross a new Johnnie Walker, even if it is a cheapie one. For the price I paid, I'd imagine this is on par with Red. Read More...

Highland Park 12 Gift Pack

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I've had my share of Highland Park 12-year, but grabbing one in a collectable tin with a free mini Dark Origins, I just couldn't resist. Read More...

Glenfiddich 21-Year

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Wow, I have the best wife in the world! Look what I got for Valentine's Day! Read More...

Glenfiddich Experimental Series #1 - India Pale Ale

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My parents are visiting from out of town since my twins are celebrating a birthday. With Valentine's Day around the corner, I hit up the liquor store to pick up a few bottles of wine, and maybe a little something for the wife. I wasn't in there to get myself anything, but I couldn't help myself from taking a walk down the whisky aisle. Read More...

Highland Park - Fire & Ice Edition

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Well, it's been confirmed: I have the best wife in the world! Read More...

The Glenrothes 2001


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This is my 5th bottling from The Glenrothes, and I have to tell you…I’ve never had a bad bottle yet. Every one has been absolutely fantastic. I really love these guys.

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Johnnie Walker Red Bottle Collection


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My parents are in town for a week, and my Dad came bearing gifts.

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The Glenlivet 12-Year

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With my Dad and I on The Glenrothes, it didn’t last long at all. We made another run to the local liquor store since Mom & Dad also needed some wine. I really was in the mood for something new. I settled for a bottle of the 12-year just for kicks. Read More...

The Glenrothes - Sherry Cask Reserve

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It’s been months since I picked up a new whisky. It’s been repeats for a while: Glenfiddich, Johnnie Walker, Highland Park, Glenmorangie. The usual suspects. Since my parents were in town for the week, my Dad and I took a trip to Total Wine. Ahhhh! There was so much to choose from! Read More...

Craigellachie 13-Year

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You know, sometimes it’s better to just pay the extra $5 bucks and get a Glenfiddich 12 year. When it comes to whisky, there’s no sense in trying to save a buck. Read More...

Johnnie Walker King George V

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Wow, was Santa good to me this year! I never thought I’d see the day where I’d be able to claim bragging rights to a $500 bottle of whisky! Read More...

Glenmorangie - The Quinta Ruban 12-Year

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I haven’t had a Glenmorangie that I haven’t liked. Is this another hit? Read More...

The Glenrothes - Vintage Reserve

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Another fantastic whisky from The Glenrothes. This is the second NOS whisky I’ve tried from them. Although it’s pretty darn good, I have to admit it’s not as good as the Select Reserve. Read More...

Deanston Virgin Oak

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$28 bucks. Bottled at 46% ABV, un-chill filtered. Could be a hidden gem. Could be rubbing alcohol. Read More...

Glenfiddich 14-Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve

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I just picked up the newly released US-exclusive Glenfiddich 14 year Bourbon Barrel Reserve. The Glenfiddich just looks delicious in blue. It’s the first Glenfiddich to be aged in two different types of American Oak barrels. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Select Casks - Rye Cask Finish

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I just picked up the newly released Johnnie Walker Select Casks - Rye Cask Finish. This is unlike any other Johnnie Walker I’ve had before. If you don’t like Bourbon, you will not like this, because that’s what it tastes like. Read More...

Glenfiddich - The Original

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My wife treated me to an amazing bottle of whisky. She was in the liquor store just picking herself up a few bottles of wine and saw this special edition 1963 re-release and figured I'd just have to have it; Glenfiddich being one of my favorite whiskies. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Gold

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It's been a long time since I enjoyed a bottle of Gold. Actually, it's been about a year. It's so much better than Black. For an extra $15 bucks, it's so worth it. Read More...

Glenmorangie - Nectar D'Or 12-Year

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I picked up Glenmorangie's Nectar D'Or. For such a nice presentation box, I expected it to be more expensive. The box feels like suede and smells like leather it's really nice. This is the third Glenmorangie I've had and all three have been fantastic. Read More...

The Dimple Pinch - 1.75L

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It's no Johnnie Walker Black, but it'll do in a pinch. (See what I did there?) I picked up a Pinch a year ago. It wasn't bad. I like to keep a blend in the house just for when I want to knock back a whisky and not take myself too seriously. JW Black is my go-to whisky, but if it's good enough for Walter White, it's good enough for me. Read More...

The Glenrothes 1998

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It's a pretty good whisky, but I think it's missing some complexity. I like it, just not as much as the Select Reserve. I really feel like it's missing something. For almost $70, I really thought it was going to blow the non-age statement Select Reserve out of the water. I guess it just goes to show, don't turn your nose up as NAS whiskies. It's not all about the year on the label. Read More...

Highland Park Dark Origins - Revisited

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So how is it? It was strong before, and it's strong still. Bottled at 46.8%, there's no wonder. It's not as strong as the Odin mind you. That stuff packs a punch. The Dark Origins definitely has a boldness unto its own. It is really good, you just have to be ready for it. It's not a whisky for the noobies. Read More...

Aberfeldy 12-Year

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Another fantastic whisky compliments of my parents. It's a pretty good bottle. Not bad at all for the under-$40 price point. Read More...

Grangestone Bourbon Cask Single Malt

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I've seen the Grangestone prominently displayed on the end caps of Total Wine on many a visit. Seems they can't sell enough of it. (As I've heard from one of the sales associates.) At $25.99, seems like an easy buy for the casual, non-discriminating buyer. Read More...

Glen Ness 12-Year

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Wow. Who would have thought that a whisky that costs $22.99 was even drinkable? Such is the case with Glen Ness 12… and not just "drinkable", but "enjoyable"! Read More...

The Glenrothes - Select Reserve

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For my 40th birthday, my parents treated me to four bottles of assorted whisky. I'll do a writeup for each one as I open them. First up is The Glenrothes Select Reserve. It's fantastic! Read More...

Highland Park Odin - 16-Year

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Happy Birthday to me! Today is my 40th Birthday. My wife proved once again that she is the best wife in the whole world! She bought me a bottle of Highland Park's Odin. The crown jewel of the Valhalla Collection. Read More...

Cragganmoore 12-Year

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Having enjoyed Johnnie Walker Green so much, I didn't hesitate for a moment in picking up a bottle of Cragganmore when I saw it. After all, it's one of the 4 single malts that makes up Johnnie Walker's world-famous Green Label. At $53 a bottle, I'm sure it's no swill either. Read More...

Springbank 15-Year

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It's been almost a year since I first tried Springbank. I was new to whisky, so rather than spend $99 on the 15-year, I opted to try the 10 year first. It was $55 bucks, and being a whisky noob, it was a bit of a gamble for me at the time. It's been a year, and I've had more than my share of whisky. I figured it was time to revisit Springbank and see if the 15 year is any good. Read More...

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year

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This is the second Balvenie I've had and I can tell you that this is definitely a Speyside whisky. The taste? Delicious! Looks like The Balvenie is one of my new favorites.
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The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year

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I was running low on whisky, so I swung by the store and treated myself to a bottle. I was really itching to try something new, but not much of a selection this time. Not in my budget for the day, anyway! I wasn't looking to drop $80 bucks on a bottle, so I scoped the shelves for something in the $50 range. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Green

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I never thought I'd live to see the day! Ever since I took up Johnnie Walker, I've been wanting to experience the entire line. I was so disappointed to find out that the Green Label was discontinued only a few short years ago after reading so many amazing reviews about it. As it turns out, Diageo has re-released the Green label for a limited time to celebrate the 10th anniversary. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Platinum

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I got a nice promotion at work, so my wife treated me to a bottle. It was a very nice surprise. I told her that Platinum is the new Black. She just laughed and said, "Not at $90 a bottle it isn't!" Read More...

Glenfiddich 18-Year

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Happy Valentine's Day! Again, my wife pulls through with another amazing whisky purchase. Read More...

Ardbeg 10-Year

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Master of Malt says "Islay whiskies are among Scotland’s most powerful, thunderous drams. Often with plenty of peat and smoke, brine and medicinal flavours." They nailed it. And it's one of the few whiskey reviews that I completely agree with. Read More...

Benromach 10-Year

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Ralfy.com named this one as the "Whisky of the Year" for 2014. I just had to try it. However, I was really let down. It really is an acquired taste. It's very medicinal. My wife took a sip and said, "It tastes like a sterile field." Being in the medical profession, she knows what she's talking about. It tastes like antiseptic and Band-Aids. Read More...

Dalwhinnie 15-Year

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I didn't see this one coming at all. Not only did my wife give me a Highland Park 15 and 18 for our anniversary, but she through in a Dalwhinnie 15 just for fun! Read More...

Highland Park 15 & 18-Year

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I love everything about Highland Park. The whisky; the packaging. I just love the packaging. The font work, the colors. They are, and still remain, my favorite whisky. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Blue

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Oh. My. Goodness!

Can you believe it? A full bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue! Ever since my wife picked me up the 4-bottle sampler back in June, I have longed to once more savor the perfection of Johnnie Walker Blue. With a lot of things, people say, "Don't believe the hype." But with Johnnie Walker Blue, it really is THAT GOOD! Read More...

The Glenlivet Tasting Kit

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I mentioned in my last post that my wife surprised me with a few bottles of whisky this Christmas. She was pretty sure that I had never tried The Glenlivet before. Not being sure if I'd prefer the 12 year or the 15 year, she erred on the side of caution and picked me up the 3-bottle sampler than includes a 200ml bottle of the 12 year, 15 year, and 18 year! Read More...

Happy Holidays!

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Happy Holidays everyone! What an amazing year it's been! What better way to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of a new than with bottles and bottles of Scotland's finest! Read More...

Old Pulteney 12-Year

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I swung by the liquor store to pick up two bottles of wine for the weekend. My wife put in the request. I asked her, “Well, what am I drinking?” She said, “Pick yourself up something too, but don’t go nuts.” I figured I’d cap myself at $40 bucks. A single malt for under $40 bucks? I give you Old Pulteney 12 year: $39.99. Read More...

Glenfiddich 15-Year

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I loved the 12-year Glenfiddich so much that I was dying to get my hands on a 15-year. My wife got home from work today and handed me a bag. How awesome is that? A $70 dollar bottle of whisky for no particular reason. Read More...

Highland Park - Dark Origins

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I was so pleased with my last whisky purchase, that when the time came, I picked up another bottle of Highland Park 12-year. My wife took a liking to it too, so the 2nd bottle didn’t last very long. When I hit up the liquor store for another whisky purchase, a bottle of Highland Park seemed like a no-brainer. However, I had my eye out for the 15-year. They didn’t have it, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they did have the new Dark Origins. I was hesitant at first in dropping $90 bucks on a single bottle, but hey, you only live once! Read More...

Highland Park 12-Year

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At this point, it’s become a house rule that there can never be an empty bottle of Johnnie Walker in the house. With that said, I took a ride to the liquor store to grab a bottle. With a few extra bucks in my pocket, I perused the whisky aisle for something of interest. I spotted this 12-year Highland Park. I love the look of the packaging, and remembered that it got good reviews online. In the basket it went. Read More...

Glenmorangie - The Original 10-Year

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I had the Glenmorangie Lasanta 12-Year and it was really good. A little strong, but good. I figured The Original, being 10 years old, would be a little softer and less adventurous. Since it’s the best selling single malt in Scotland, I’ll try it. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Limited Edition

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I’ve had my eye on this Limited Edition bottle of Johnny Walker Gold Reserve for quite some time. By “quite some time”, I mean 4 months. That’s around the time I settled on Johnnie Walker Black as my everyday goto whisky. I’ve seen that gleaming gold bottle on a few liquor store shelves in the past, but felt that $70 was just a bit out of my reach. Read More...

Springbank 10-Year Single Malt

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Man, I had such high hopes for this Springbank 10 year. It came so highly recommended. I mean, Ralfy’s always going on about Springbank! Unfortunately, it’s bottled at 46% and I think it’s just a wee bit too strong for my liking. Read More...

Haig - The Dimple Pinch

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The Dimple Pinch makes for a great everyday whisky. It's easy to drink, and you wouldn't feel bad about mixing it with some ginger ale. The uniqueness of the bottle as well as the attractive box make for a great presentation. The Dimple Pinch would make for a great gift; for any holiday or occasion. It's as if this whisky was made to be given away!
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Glenmorangie Lasanta 12-Year Single Malt

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I’ve seen Glenmorangie Lasanta online for $70 bucks. I was happy to get it for $43.99 at my local liquor store. Overall, pretty good stuff. Not your everyday whisky, but pretty good.
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Speyburn 10-Year Single Malt

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For $30 bucks, I expected this single malt to taste like something someone made in their basement, but it is rather pleasant and easy to drink. Read More...

The Macallan 12-Year Single Malt

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Another day, another bottle of Scotland’s finest. This time around, I went with a bottle of The Macallan 12 year.
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Johnnie Walker Swing

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I can’t believe it was only 3 days ago that I said that Johnnie Walker Swing was the only Johnnie Walker I hadn’t tried, and there it was! Sitting pretty at $57.99 a bottle. I just had to try it. Read More...

Glenfiddich 12-Year Single Malt

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I just got back from a week in Florida where I spent a lot of time hanging out with family. My aunt and uncle from Scotland were also with us. One night after the kids had all gone to bed, and the chips, dip, and alcohol came out, we got to talking about how I’ve started drinking whisky. My aunt works for DIAGEO, so she had more than a few pointers for me, as well as list of whiskies to seek out. Everyone says that single malts are better than the blends, so I really wanted to start trying them. I’m not disappointed. Read More...

Happy Father's Day!

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My wife asked me what I wanted for Father’s day. I told her she could just buy me booze. Not only did she pick me up a bottle of Black, but she picked me up a huge 1.75 liter bottle!
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4-Bottle Johnnie Walker Whisky Sampler

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My wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Half joking, I asked her for a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue. A 750ml bottle in these parts costs a good $180 bucks. Not only did my wife give me a bottle of Blue, but she gave me a bottle of Black, Gold, and Platinum!

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Johnnie Walker Double Black

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After drinking a bottle of Black, going back to a bottle of Red really showed me the difference. After killing another bottle of Red, I figured I'd treat myself to a bottle of Double Black. Read More...

Johnnie Walker Black

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I killed that last bottle of Johnnie Walker Red and was itching to try a full bottle of Black. I had two 200ml bottles between two Reds, but honesty, I hadn’t had enough Red in order to appreciate such a small taste of Black. Read More...

Drinkin' the Whisky


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Being born in Scotland, there’s just something that tells me that I should be drinking whisky. Isn’t this stuff supposed to run in or veins? Someone from Scotland who doesn’t drink whisky is like someone from Scotland who doesn’t own a kilt. (And yes, I own a kilt.) I decided it was time to acquire a taste for it. Read More...