It's 5:30 PM on the West Coast, and I am to head downstairs to fetch an adult beverage... Per an earlier post, a few of us agreed that an open discussion of Single Malt Scotch would be appropriate for this forum. (Yes, I was surprised too.) Anyway, I thought I'd take the plunge at significant risk of geting blackballed from LUSENET. Here goes my "A" list...

First off, I must clarify that to me drinking Scotch is a lot like shooting with Leica lenses (on topic!) -- I've never found one I didn't like, just some that were better than others!

Spring and Summer: Glenlivet or Glenfiddich (12 or 18) on the rocks with a splash of soda (Pellegrino is by far the best) and a small zest of lemon peel wiped over the rim of the glass.

Fall and Winter: Glenlivet 18 or Glenfiddich 18 neat, with a touch of branch (Branch is bourbon-ese for spring water).

On the very rare occasion when it is available and I can afford it: MacLallan 50.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), July 13, 2001

Answers

Jack,

I'm not much of a scotch or whiskey drinker but I'd settle for a 90 Latour Grand Crux or an 83 Chateau D'Yquem Sauternes (for the summery months that is...)

Call me pretentious but I do enjoy the synergy of complex structures in French wines. Kind of like the Bokeh of my best lenses... always about the right compromises to approach perfection.

Perfection is the paragon of compromise.

Cheers,

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), July 13, 2001.

If it's a single malt scotch I'll serve Oban.

Me, I'm a Wild Turkey man.

I will drink your single malt however.

The only thing worthwhile to mix with either of the above is ice!

-- David S Smith (dssmith3@rmci.net), July 13, 2001.

Islay or no way, I say :-) At this very moment I'm savouring a glass of 1979 Lagavullin Distiller's Edition. I love Laphroaig and Caol Ila as well, along with Talisker. For those days when I don't feel like being challenged quite so much, it's Highland Park.

After a few glasses, the whole world is bokeh...

-- Paul Chefurka (pchefurka@home.com), July 13, 2001.

I rather enjoyed a recent bottle of McClelland's Lowland (not sure of its age), but I normally like the Glenlivet 12.

By the way, I learned a neat trick. When drinking S.M. straight (of course, the only honorable way to do so), dribble just a couple of drops of cool water into your vessel. It knocks the edge of that nasty, hot bite you sometimes get at first.

Not a single malt, but another VERY nice nip is the Elijah Craig 18 year old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It's absolutely luscious!

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@mail.com), July 13, 2001.

Make mine a bottle of '45 Mouton, please. Of course if I spill it over my M6/35Lux I will be crying for the loss of the wine! (at $5000 per bottle)....

Seriously though, you can't beat a decent claret! California (taxi?) "cabs" or whatever they call them are for those who don't know but pretend to know! Like those dot.com IPO lucky bozos...

-- Mike Foster (mike567@acgecorp.com), July 13, 2001.

Well, La de da.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), July 14, 2001.

Hi,

Well, I am wine affectionado and most likely pop open four or five bottles weekly. I actually had the privilege of going to wine school in Bordeaux four years ago and had a real life experience of what it is like to be an alcoholic for ten days. Truly, it is the nectar of the Gods.

Although I collect wine with some exhaustive research and lab (drinking), my best wine is the next bottle that I intend to open. Hopefully, the same holds true with my next Leica photos. As John said in one of the earlier posts, the complexity of wine is really its bokeh. By the way, the 2000 Bordeaux is overall rated superior to the great 1982 vintage the chief guru, Robert Parker. Great question, Jack. Cheers!

-- Edward Steinberg (es323@msn.com), July 14, 2001.

After reading the question I right away went and poured myself some Glenlivet 12. I will try his recommendation about the Pelligrino and lemon peel, sounds delicious. I would go for Macallan 12 or 18 too. They are wonderful. I haven't tried their 25 yet.

I think a Leica also pairs very well with a nice aged tawny or colheita port. Play with a black paint M4, sip some Niepoort and smoke a Cuban Upmann. Mmm. I don't own a black paint M4 but that's what I'd do to celebrate if I got one--and take photos with it ofcourse.

-- Bill Lee (Bill_Lee@telus.net), July 14, 2001.

Also depends on the scenario,

If I was street shooting in a crowded Marakkesh market (a frequent fantasy of mine) then I might opt for a delightful Hungarian Tokaji... I think a 4 puttonyos is about as much sweetness as I can handle. But I also agree that a subtle tawny port is not entirely out of the question. Just not a cigar wine!

On the other hand, if I was crashing a gala event with my M in-cognito (as I sometimes do at gallery openings) there would be no question that a premier bordeaux such as a Chateau Latour '82. Ahhh, I can just taste that velvety-voluptuousness right now! Lyke the bokeh of my 35 Cron at F5.6... or the tapestry of blurred background from my 75 at F2.

Damn Jack, now you've got me all worked up on the philosophy of bordeaux and bokeh.

Our goals and pursuits in life, Of that we are omnibus, But the tapestry of life, Is that which mystifies us.

;-)

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), July 14, 2001.

Did anyone see National Geographic Traveler this month? It just so happens that there is an article about touring Scotland's Speyside distilleries which features some excellent photos by NGS' Jim Richardson. Although Richardson is a confirmed Nikon user, he does seem to share your love of Scotch :-).

The story isn't online, but you can see one of the photos here:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/0107/whisky.html

-- Buzz Andersen (buzz@scifihifi.com), July 14, 2001.

Sorry, I forgot to make that clickable:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/0107/whisky.html

-- Buzz Andersen (buzz@scifihifi.com), July 14, 2001.

Jack:

I prefer a handfull of fresh mountain water straight off of the glacier that it melted from about 5 minutes ago. This goes well with the Leica that I use to shoot this magnificent scene, M6 classic with a 28 Elmarit. The bottled imitations are imported from water recycling centers and ruin the taste of almost everything they touch (my taste buds). The expensive part of this beverage that I enjoy is the time and energy to get there, the handfull of water is FREE.

Mark J.

-- Mark A. Johnson (logic@gci.net), July 14, 2001.

2000 may be a fine Bordeaux, but look at the prices already! The "futures" are going for MORE than 1995 or 1996, both great years. Hell you can buy some good 2nd Growths of 1982 for slightly more than what the same 2000 wines are going for! And you won't have to wait 10- 20 years to enjoy them!

2000 Bordeaux market has gone crazy .... stay away! Pick up some 1997's, the real bargains right now...

-- Mike Foster (mike567@acgecorp.com), July 14, 2001.

Glenfiddich 18 on ice, any time, any place, any season, Beethoven or Motzart, M3, Noctilux, a roll of Delta 100, evening light and shadows.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), July 14, 2001.

Sorry - you guys are all wrong!! Jack Daniels - nectar of the Gods (or Goddesses if you're so inclined). Often I go into the darkroom with a neg, a 25 sheet pack of Agfa Multicontrast, a Leica neg and a fifth of Jack. Hours later I come out with a perfect print (IMO), an empty pack of paper, and no Jack. Only downside is that I have to wait until the next morning to be sure the print is as good as I though it was the prior evening. But it's worked for 20 years!

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), July 14, 2001.

If your town is called Siete Aguas and does have a few springs, what do you go for? I'm willing to bet more than that Eos 50e beside me right now that it can compete with Mark's glacier water.

Right now I live in Bavaria, but nothing will make me drink beer. Leica - mate. Voigtländer - lapacho. (Zorki - Ruhrgebiet tap water.)

And for quiet evenings with friends, there's that Valpolicella...

-- Oliver Schrinner (piraya@hispavista.com), July 14, 2001.

Well, well, well… we are a diverse group after all! The good news is that we seem to be able to agreeably disagree on just about any topic! I am surprised however, that nobody weighed in with support of some of the fine Canadian whiskeys available... Maybe there are no Canadian's on this forum ;-)

John, interestingly, I agree with you on the sauternes – especially the Chateau D'Yquem’s. But here in California we do make some outstanding late harvest Rieslings that are almost as good :-) And Mike, were you referring to the M. Cadet or M. Rothchilds? In either, I think the ‘55’s had better fruit, and a nicer finish. (And yes John, almost any of the Chateaux Latour’s are awesome!) Also, we really do have some very nice Cabs here in California, but you need to pay for the good ones or the reserves and lay them down for a few years to really enjoy them – But I agree, that there are far to many non-descript cabs in the $15 - $25 range out here, and for the money a simple claret is a much better quaff :-)) Bill, ditto’s on the ports and the Cuban, but make mine a ‘70’s vintage Graham’s and a Monte Cristo #2! Mark, you should try mixing your glacial melt 1:1 with any good single malt – you’ll be converted in about three seconds :-))) Tony and Bob, yes there are some phenomenal bourbons as well. Black Jack is tough to beat on a regular basis, but the single barrels from Blantons, Elija Craig, and even JD are wonderful too. John and Paul (and Ringo and George)... Bokeh and Bordeaux??? What are we going to do with you guys :-))) Oliver – What the heck is Valpolicella???

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), July 14, 2001.

Thanks Jack, you've made me feel like a traitor!! :-) I am Canadian and yet have never really aquired a taste for Canadian (rye) whiskey. Scotch, J.D. and some brandies, but rye always seems best with pop (soda, Coke, Ginger Ale, whatever). Seems a shame to mix a good liquor. I too am amazed at what a diverse group we have here, and it is why I enjoy it so much. To bad the 'net is worldwide, otherwise there would be a chance of us all getting together. I'm sure we could arrange a great weekend. Maybe we should. I used to be a member of the Alfa Romeo Owners group and they arranged a regular (every two or three year) get together. Pretty much open to all North Americans (there could be a European version for our Leica friends there). Any interest?

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), July 14, 2001.

I had a sip of whisky when I was about 14 I think, and a swallow of beer in college, and then about 10 years ago I was at a wine-and- cheese party and downed an entire glass of something that tasted to me like vinegar (which made me dizzy and then sick). Same with smoking, one puff on a cigar at a friend's bachelor party in my 20's was enough for me. I'll stick with you water guys, but what comes out of my tap tastes fine to me.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), July 14, 2001.

Glenfiddich when abailable, but hard to find, Chivas Regal is another choice of mine, but usualy I drink Tequila, now there are a lot of new brands from small houses, like Don Julio or Don Porfirio, also Sauza has got better and of course Herradura, I far better apreciate Tequila than any other thing, you should come to Mexico and have a try. Great place and I´m celebrating it.

Let´s say cheers to Tony and this wanderful place he has made.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), July 14, 2001.

Booze on the Leica net? And not gentle beer or good-for-you wine, but Hard stuff: Whisky, and by the sound of it, unrefined and unblended whisky, from the far north! Gasp! What's this site coming to? :-)

Whisky: From the gaelic "uisge beatha", the "water of life".¹

I'll go for 15 year old Laphoraig, or 18 year old Glenlivet, if I'm feeling in a celabratory mood. Then there are Glenmorangie, aged in sherry casks, Oban, Lagavullan, Macallan 12, Glendronach 15, Strathisla 12 (the best of the twelves, IMHO), Cragganmore, Glengoyne 17... Ad tipsum. Despite attemts to find cheaper potables, I always find myself coming back to the single malts. Sort of like Leica. One of the few expensive things you can buy that are worth what you're paying, and their much cheaper competition just doesn't make the grade.

Avoid anything with the name Grant in it.² With the exception of Glen Grant 12 (no longer imported, though I'm told it's still made) the others all taste like vapid blends.

Purist that I am I drink the stuff neat, at room temperature.

My Leicas, on the other hand, are indifferent to their alcohol. Rubbing alcohol or 18 year old Glenlivet cleans their exteriors nicely, and they require only drops of the stuff.

1) From David Daiches:Scotch Whisky(1969). A wonderful old book, worth looking for, as it's filled with lots of whisky arcana.

2) It's nothing personal, all you Grants out there. FWIW, I qualify for membership in the Grant Clan many times over on my mother's side. It's just that the whisky is, well, dull.

-- Tom Bryant (boffin@gis.net), July 14, 2001.

In my continuing effort to break all of the obvious Leica stereotypes, (as stated in the "Daily Bread" thread, I'm neither a doctor or lawyer), I'll forgo the Scotch and continue with my Michelob. It is not economics... I just like, no make that Love Beer.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), July 14, 2001.

Now, I can agree with most of your choices. But let's not limit it to us. Take a cold winter printing day. I go to the dark room with number one cat and number one dog [yeah, they go with me; hair is hell]. The cat likes a saucer of Jack D and the dog prefers good brandy in a dish. I limit their intake, but it makes them happy.

Art

-- Art (AKarr90975@aol.com), July 14, 2001.

I presume that, out of appreciation for his efforts, some of you big talking boozers are gonna send Tony a gallon of your favorite single malt rot-gut hooch. For my part, I'll be pleased to send him a refreshing bottle of liquid Florida tap water, tasting only slightly of hydrogen sulfite and chrorine. I understand that in his part of the country, water comes in more-or-less solid chunks (which sort of reminds me of my film wash water, come to think of it.)

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), July 14, 2001.

Pure grain alcohol and rain water. Purity of essence. But in lieu of that here in bone dry So Cal, I'll break out the Lynx 1000 loaded with Kirkland 200, afterwards I'll bust out some Evan Williams and a Swisher Sweet.

-- Dave Doyle (ddoyleis@home.com), July 14, 2001.

Well, it is almost unanimous... We here on LUSENET need to set up an annual retreat somewhere where we can meet, swap Leica stories, enjoy good food, good wine, and good cheer together. Maybe I'll try and organize something -- San Francisco, Hawaii, Vancouver, or perhaps Miami are decently centered and offer some local color to photograph. Input?

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), July 15, 2001.

Mazatlan in Mexico is a nice place during winter, is beautifull and no so expensive at least for me.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), July 15, 2001.

Al:

My last darkroom purchase was a 5 cu ft fridge. One half for beer and the other half for film. Works out real nice. ;)

Art

-- Art (AKarr90975@aol.com), July 15, 2001.

Everyone is merrily getting drunk while here I am bone dry, because I'm allergic to alcohol!

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), July 15, 2001.

Hoyin, you're probably the only one getting anything done then.

-- Dave Doyle (ddoyleis@home.com), July 15, 2001.

Singleton (of Auchroisk).

Schnapps is a close and obvious second.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), July 15, 2001.

When I was 19 I participated in a cycling/camping trip around the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. I took pictures with my Leica of the time, a IIIa with the slip-on accessory bright line view finder. A Sixon (or Sixomat?) exposure meter, a Leitz orange filter and Adox KB17 film (developped in Neofin Blau). The trip resulted in a news paper article illustrated with some of my shots. And this spring, a leisure/travel magazine printed again two shots I took on this trip of 42 years ago.

So every time I drink Ouzo-which I first got to taste in 1959- I think of my IIIa (which was stolen a few years later) and the shots I took with it at school and during summer holidays.

Single Malt? I drink it with pleasure while thinking about which next Leica lens not to buy. My wife brings home different brands and I like them all- I am only picky when it comes to Leica gear.

-- Hans Berkhout (berkhout@cadvision.com), July 15, 2001.

Hmmm - when I partake of the grain I usually like a home-made Jack Daniel's Manhattan (Jack, dry Cinzano, Drambuie hand-shaken in stainless steel) - not something I would ever do with a single-malt. But then I shoot 'only' Canadian Leicas, so what do I know?....

I do have a little Abelour (?sp) in the cupboard...in 4 years I've used half the bottle - good think it doesn't have the shelf life of XTol!

Gene Smith used to use Bob's Jack Daniel's printing technique.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), July 16, 2001.

Oh yes. Glenmorangie/Lagvulin/Cragganmore are my favorites, actually I like most of single malt especially when my turntable is playing Miles Davis with my tube amplifier glowing. Each single malt whisky has different character, but just as good.- just like Leica, there's no failure product to me. Forgot to mention, just can't take Laphroaig of Islay, believe me Laphroraig lovers, I did try hard couple times. Fred O.

-- Fred Ouyang (yo54@columbia.edu), July 16, 2001.

After reviewing the above I must make this comment.

Everytime I have been to Hawaii or Mexico I run into Canadians. Lots of Canadians. Those Canadians can really drink!!!

Therefore it doesn't surprise me that Hans can drink Ouzo. (Terpentine) And that Canadians weigh in especially heavy in this thread.

I know that Canada, like the USA, has had waves of immigrants from foreign shores. But I'll bet once they get to Canada the lining of their stomach immediately changes to that of the local's...

If we ever have an international get-together (which I am heartily for) I suggest you be very careful around anyone with a passport from Canada. Normal people just can't keep up with what Canadian's consider social drinking, partying, and carrying on.

O' Canada!

-- David S Smith (dssmith3@rmci.net), July 16, 2001.

Since this is still going on, I'll add my take. Favorite single malt: Oban, with Isle of Jura a very close second. As for "Old No. 7" I prefer that with Coke on the rocks. I actually learned of that from an almost well-known Leica photographer. In summer, I actually prefer beer. Never have developed the proper taste for wine.

-- Eric Platt (ericplatt@aol.com), July 16, 2001.

As a native Tennessean, I prefer George Dickel to the other Tennessee whiskey. Roberto, I share your love for Herradura tequila (La Bandera, anyone?), always looking forward to my next trip south of the border. Single Malt? MacCallan 12 or 18. (I compared both to 25 this weekend - the 18 was a 1980 product, does that make it a 21?, and preferred the 12 or 18/21). Highland Park is also a favorite at the moment, but can be swayed by Lagavulin, Talisker, and Oban. Neat or Rocks, nothing else. M6 .85 TTL and 50 Summicron.

-- David Page (pagedt@attglobal.net), July 16, 2001.

Jack wrote:

Well, it is almost unanimous... We here on LUSENET need to set up an annual retreat somewhere where we can meet, swap Leica stories, enjoy good food, good wine, and good cheer together. Maybe I'll try and organize something -- San Francisco, Hawaii, Vancouver, or perhaps Miami are decently centered and offer some local color to photograph. Input?

---------------------------

Cape Norvegia, Antarctic Circle. There's a tuxedo event out there everyday of the year and if your there at the right time its daylight all-day... or night-time all-day. Hey, maybe we can split the trip up into two time-slots. 24 h daylight for the elmar/cron owners and 24 h nighttime for the noctilux owners.

Should be quite the gala!

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), July 16, 2001.

I think a chilled BUDWEISER would suffice with a chaser of 40 year old Bowmore. After purchasing that I would be happy enough with my polaroid! Feel free to pick up a bottle at the link below and don't forget to invite me when you get it.

http://www.whiskyshopusa.com/cgi- bin/whiskyshopusa.storefront/3be8b96d025591ce273f0a0a0a06063c/Catalog/ 1010

-- Ricky W (phxwester@yahoo.com), November 06, 2001.