Islay-like Scotch flavor

[Yack144]

RFE: Scotch
Greetings from a first-time-poster,
With an Islay taste and a Grant’s budget I have decided to try the essence route. I have built the 1.5 meter filter and charged it with the stone activated charcoal and I am ready to give it a try. Any recommendations on the vodka to start with? Any thoughts on which flavoring to use for a strong smoky (peat) taste?
Thanks for any advice you send my way,
Yack

[mo-go-gear]

I too am one of ( the few it seems) Scotch distillers here. Why are you going with the flavored route? Convenience? the type of still you already have?
I'm just curious- I have a pot still and even my first batch of heavy peated Islay style Scotch came out great- and I most assureedly am no pro.




mo

[mogogear]

Just realized I wasn't logged in- This new version of this site still throws me for a loop every now and then- Or was it the Scotch??????????

[Yack144]

As I am still-less, I must start with something like vodka. I mixed up some Skyy (and also Absolute) and Prestige Smoked Whisky Essence - it was pretty thin on “smoke” and had a bit of a bite as well. I am really looking for the peat flavor. I am also hopeful that the filter will allow use of less expensive vodka. I have seen some homemade flavoring formulations that look interesting and wonder if anyone has had experience comments, or suggestions on what results in a more Islay-like taste. So mo-go-gear, how did you get your - heavily peated batch to start with???? (just in case I ever move to New Zealand? )

[KatoFong]

Personally, I'm too much of a Scotch snob to try making my own. For now, I leave such delicacies to the professionals.

That said, Grey Goose is a very mellow vodka that I don't think will impose much of itself on you if you decide to make scotch from it.

[Kiint]

I am a Laphroaig Lover from way back, I have found the closest I can get to it with essences is by following the "Still Spirits Whiskey Profile Kit" method.

Ingredients as follows.

Laphroaig© Style
To make 1.125L/40oz
Whisky Profile “B” - 8.6ml
Oak Cask - 3.8ml
Peat Smoke - 19ml
Astringent Notes - 0.5ml
Distillers Caramel - 1.0ml
Glycerine - 18.0ml

The Whiskey Profile Kit is an excellent method of making scotches from neutral spirits. It has many recipes, from southern whiskeys, to Islay single malts. It costs a fair bit initially, but the kit is excellent to keep stock of if you want a taste closer to the original. The absolute KEY part is make sure your neutral spirit is completely neutral, no metho elements or vodka elements (yes, Vodka does have flavour, and it ruins the kit) it must be completely clean.

Depending on which you prefer, there is Glenfiddich, Laphroiag, Tullamore Dew, Teachers, Jamesons, etc.

[stil_chillin]

I dont understand why you wouldnt try to make your own. peated malt is readily available at most home brew shops and it may be a little harder to make an all grain wash than a sugar wash but isnt that part of the hobby. even if your not happy with the final results you can always run it through the old reflux still and make some fake scotch. I find a little more pride in drinking and serving some of my own..

[drunk2much]

dido Stil-chilling if your not tring something new you get complasent which leads to bordem. i have tried the essence and was dissapointed with the results if you whant to do something right start from scratch and youll be more pleased with your product whatever it taste like. I have about 15lbs of peated malt and 7lbs of golden promise just waiting on me to finish me 15gal beer keg kettle

[Rocky_Creek]

I'd say empty an old ash tray, add some sea salt from the fish store, and a small bottle of iodine. Rub mixture including alcohol on an old oak table, soak up with spounge and deposit in bottle.

[Highlander]

Hello, I'm the newby to the forum. I've been brewing mead for awhile, but am getting into other forms and am interested in the Whiskey Profile Kit. Can you tell me where that comes from?

Appreciate the help.

Highlander

[lawnman]

As I am still-less, I must start with something like vodka. I mixed up some Skyy (and also Absolute) and Prestige Smoked Whisky Essence - it was pretty thin on “smoke” and had a bit of a bite as well. I am really looking for the peat flavor. I am also hopeful that the filter will allow use of less expensive vodka. I have seen some homemade flavoring formulations that look interesting and wonder if anyone has had experience comments, or suggestions on what results in a more Islay-like taste. So mo-go-gear, how did you get your - heavily peated batch to start with???? (just in case I ever move to New Zealand? )

try the Top Shelf Classic Finest Reserve Whiskey-Still Spirits
nice peat and smokey flavour,nice on the rocks or with coke,or dry.

also you could try the Top Shelf Classic Whiskey-still spirits.
both very simular in flavour but prob the flavour your chasing.

[Hackers]

Hello, I'm the newby to the forum. I've been brewing mead for awhile, but am getting into other forms and am interested in the Whiskey Profile Kit. Can you tell me where that comes from?

Appreciate the help.

Highlander

Hi you get it from StillSpirits in New Zealand http://www.stillspirits.com onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow