For anyone interested, there's a website based in the UK called Master of Malt. They sell samples of many of the products on their site. I'll occasionally buy 20 or 30 at a time. Great way to try some expensive whiskies without taking the risk of buying an expensive bottle and having it be crap. Got to try some sensational whiskies and other spirits from all around the world, with age statements up to 50+ years. Yeah there were more than a few very poor examples, but they were cheap enough that it didn't bother me too much.
Drink what you like. The best bourbon I was able to actually find and buy this year was Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (Batch B520). Absolutely amazing stuff but it's so marked up around me, MSRP is $60 and I can't buy it for less than $100 out the door. I also enjoyed Stagg Jr. (batch 14) but that is ~ $80 around me, not as bad as ECBP but still marked up. Meanwhile Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof is awesome, beat Stagg Jr. in a blind, and is always easy to find and only costs $65. It's a steal. Check some reviews on Youtube, everyone pretty much loves it.
Would love to see Rip follow in the footsteps of my favourite fictional grumpy libertarian Ron Swanson and make the trip to the Hebrides.
Ron Swanson Visits Lagavulin Distillery - Parks and Recreation - YouTube
There he goes
I've been to the Hebrides. 2007. And Skye, and the Highlands, several times.
Won't ever happen again. I don't go anywhere I can't take my pocketknife.
I'll buy you a new pocket knife for when you arrive. They are not illegal here but you might have a challenge in an airport.
look, perfectly available and legal Fishing Knives & Tools | Fixed, Folded, Gut Hooks & Plain Blade | ArdMoor