Picked up a bottle of Kilbeggan Blended Irish Whiskey last night. Not too bad for the price ,cost being my main consideration for the next little while. No age statement, but it's very apparent that this has been aged in Bourbon casks. Bourbon and oak comes through strong, with some sweetness and a bit of caramel and vanilla. A little overly grainy, but it's easily overlooked. All in all it's okay stuff, I'm not THAT much of an Irish Whiskey fan, but if I were in dire financial straights again, I'd definitely consider picking up another bottle.
McClellands Islay used to be my goto cheap dram, and some bottles I've had were absolutely fantastic, sometimes I really like immature Islays, but some bottles have been damn near undrinkable. I don't think they do much blending. I've heard it's just rebranded 5 yr old Bowmore, but not too sure about that. Now I kind of want a bottle of this, but next week when I get paid I'm going to be picking up a bottle of Hendrik's Gin to replace what I drank of my ladyfriends bottle. I don't usually like gin, but that's some damned good stuff. Made by a scotch company, so go figure.
I've also been heavily into Orval lately. The addition of wild yeast before bottling gives it a near-lambic, sour character. It's also dry-hopped, with an IBU way higher than any other Trappist ale. It's also the only dry Trappist ale. It's quickly becoming one of my most consumed beers, but maybe that's because the liquor store by my house stopped stocking Chimay for some reason.
