BKordon

I really miss metal spikes. Growing up in the northwest, it was necessity. I tried to find some Champ Stingers a while back just to give them a try and impossible doesn't even scratch the surface. I don't know the right people.

I’m a little behind on this post, but I put hats in the top rack of the dishwasher. Express wash, no dishes. The temp is hotter than a clothes washer. They come out clean and not thrashed. Don’t let the wife catch you though. 

If you're interested in the Balvenie Portwood, grab it of you see it. It is no longer available in my world.

Just read it thanks!

Where you at?! I’ve got an open bottle of Caribbean cask I’d share with ya. Haha

I tell customers all the time that if they want to dive into single malts, start with the Highlands. They are less peat driven and the flavor profile is more fruit, honey, and bready. Some solid options to start with are Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12( tastes like fresh pears), and if you feel like you want to treat yourself, Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14. It's aged in rum barrels and is on the sweeter side. As referenced by Silver and Black, the island single malts typically have a smoky, peaty characteristic to them. An exception to this would be unpeated Bruichladdich Scottish Barley. You will, however, get some briny notes from being on the ocean. Another great dram is Oban. I think it is the best of both worlds in the sense that it is a coastal highland single malt, so they roast the malt with some peat, but you also get the seaside influence in a highland whisky. The best part about the journey, is the journey itself. 

Let me start off saying I am no Scotch Expert in any way. However, I can say that I mostly drink high proof bourbon/Rye (Bookers, ECBP, WTRB, KC12, Sagmore Cask rye, ect...) and have found a few scotches that I quite enjoy:
Dalmore (12 and Cigar Malt - Both Great)
The Balvenie Double Oak (I want to get a bottle of the Caribbean Cask to try soon and maybe down the line might splurge for the Portwood)
Highland Park 18yr (I just picked up the Highland Park Cask Strength Release 1, but have not tried it just yet)
 
 

I tell customers all the time that if they want to dive into single malts, start with the Highlands. They are less peat driven and the flavor profile is more fruit, honey, and bready. Some solid options to start with are Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12( tastes like fresh pears), and if you feel like you want to treat yourself, Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14. It's aged in rum barrels and is on the sweeter side. As referenced by Silver and Black, the island single malts typically have a smoky, peaty characteristic to them. An exception to this would be unpeated Bruichladdich Scottish Barley. You will, however, get some briny notes from being on the ocean. Another great dram is Oban. I think it is the best of both worlds in the sense that it is a coastal highland single malt, so they roast the malt with some peat, but you also get the seaside influence in a highland whisky. The best part about the journey, is the journey itself. 

I tell customers all the time that if they want to dive into single malts, start with the Highlands. They are less peat driven and the flavor profile is more fruit, honey, and bready. Some solid options to start with are Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12( tastes like fresh pears), and if you feel like you want to treat yourself, Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14. It's aged in rum barrels and is on the sweeter side. As referenced by Silver and Black, the island single malts typically have a smoky, peaty characteristic to them. An exception to this would be unpeated Bruichladdich Scottish Barley. You will, however, get some briny notes from being on the ocean. Another great dram is Oban. I think it is the best of both worlds in the sense that it is a coastal highland single malt, so they roast the malt with some peat, but you also get the seaside influence in a highland whisky. The best part about the journey, is the journey itself. 

I tell customers all the time that if they want to dive into single malts, start with the Highlands. They are less peat driven and the flavor profile is more fruit, honey, and bready. Some solid options to start with are Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12( tastes like fresh pears), and if you feel like you want to treat yourself, Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14. It's aged in rum barrels and is on the sweeter side. As referenced by Silver and Black, the island single malts typically have a smoky, peaty characteristic to them. An exception to this would be unpeated Bruichladdich Scottish Barley. You will, however, get some briny notes from being on the ocean. Another great dram is Oban. I think it is the best of both worlds in the sense that it is a coastal highland single malt, so they roast the malt with some peat, but you also get the seaside influence in a highland whisky. The best part about the journey, is the journey itself. 

Ok so I have been I fan of Scotland for as long as I can remember. All my favorite bands are from there and I used to work for an agency based in Edinburgh, even made it out to St. Andrews on one business trip! BUT I am a real NOOB when it comes to scotch. Any seasoned vets have a path they can send me down to reefyne me auld pawllaht and begin my journey to glory? Looking for introductory recommendations! Cheers!

It all depends on what you like. Scotch is the most diversified spirit that I know of. I'm a big fan of all things Islay. I love the the smoke and peat. Lagavulin.. Laphroaig.. Ardbeg.. Caolila.. Talisker.. (not Isay) same profile.
Do you like sweet, smoke, grain?
So much to be had with Scotch.

Thanks for the thoughts! At this point I would say I like the sweet/grain tastes more! I feel like they might be more "entry-level" flavors since Scotch is commonly held as a harsher spirit (though I understand it is versatile). I'd appreciate any recos in that profile!

We finally got to take a quick vacation for the first time in 20 months. We like going to Carlsbad, CA, and today we found ourselves at a local municipal golf course, which happens to be hosting a fairly important golf tournament in less than 2 weeks. It was very cool to be able to see the venue without a ton of people around. Photos attached. It gave me chills being on site.
 


 

We really like the San Diego area. I'd never live there, but it's great to spend a few days at a time. We can just relax and not have to be anywhere. The kids and I are going to play Goat Hill Tuesday and are going to look for another place before we head back. 
I hate to admit this but still haven't made my way to Montana. One of these days. I need to come up there and fish, but running a business and life seem to get in the way. I hear it's beautiful there. 

I’m sure the micro grooves are part of the reason the Edel tests showed increases in backspin of 10%. Mine went up about a 1000 vs my Vega wedges

The “micro grooves” look like they’ll provide a little traction…. 🍥
 
not sure what that emoji is but it has backspin.

Went to the range during lunch today. Here is a picture of my 50° wedge after eight consecutive shots. I would have to say that the fitting is pretty dang good!

Pleasantly refreshing in the heat
jack honey and ginger ale limeade
 

Tried some Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch last night…….very smooth.

And now a decision to make. Local guy made a mistake and sent me a ST-Z instead of a ST-X.  It is brand new with hotmelt. He doesn't have any ST-X heads in stock so do I take this one back to him and wait for the X or say screw it and play the Z to see how it works?  If it doesn't work I should be able to trade it for an X but without the hotmelt. I'm torn!

A couple of wines from my daughter’s birth year to celebrate her 21st birthday.
 
Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Merlot 2000
 

 
This was part of my pay for picking/cellar hand work during the 2003 vintage. Beautiful old wine that was still lively. It was an added bonus that Amelia is my daughter’s middle name.
 
Stanton and Killeen Vintage Port 2000
 

Silky smooth, rich and not overly sweet, very easy to keep drinking

I’m having a pint of champagne!  😂
I don’t even like this stuff, but I bought a 6-pack on a whim.  Not all that bad actually, but not all that good either...

Just please @Chip Strokes, don't try to fix your slice, while repairing your drywall ceiling and having some of your favorite bourbon all at once.  We don't want any more "Oops" posts in the Home Improvement thread! 😂

Multi Tasking👍