Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)
-   -   Single Malt Scotch in Paris (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/single-malt-scotch-in-paris-800034/)

decee Aug 8th, 2009 06:57 PM

Single Malt Scotch in Paris
 
My DH loves a wee dram of single malt scotch with dinner when we go out for the evening. He is not into wine as it can somtimes trigger a migraine nor does he like mixed drinks. He loves to try out scotches that we don't have here at home.
Will he be able to indulge while we are in Paris at the local bistros and cafes or is this something that is usually only found at the higher end restaurants?

Michael Aug 9th, 2009 12:27 AM

He might want to consider switching to Cognac, Armagnac or Calvados while in France.

Alec Aug 9th, 2009 12:50 AM

Or try British/Irish pubs/bars.

PatrickLondon Aug 9th, 2009 01:50 AM

If he wants to have it with his meal, I suspect the kind of places that might have it at all would charge quite a price for it. Why not buy a bottle duty-free and have one in your room before or after the meal? Or even put some in an anonymous flask to take with you, and if the waiter should look a bit askance, tell him it's your husband's medicine?

sheila Aug 9th, 2009 02:06 AM

France is the largest market in the world for malt whisky. You will have no difficulty in finding it pretty much everywhere (and cheaper than in the UK), but the choices may be limited to the best known brand if you are in a place which does not specialise.

I'm a huge whisky fan, but even I switch to armagnac and calva when in France

ira Aug 9th, 2009 03:40 AM

Hi Decee,

>My DH loves a wee dram of single malt scotch with dinner......<
Sacre Bleu!!! Quelle horreur!!!! t will ruin his taste buds. He won't be able to taste the beautiful meal that has been so carefully and lovingly prepared.

>He is not into wine as it can sometimes trigger a migraine....<
I sympathize. We have friends who have that problem in the US, but not in France. I think it has to do with the level of sulfites.

I suggest holding off on the alcohol until dessert and then having one Cognac, Armignac, Salignac. Calvados or other French concoction before he goes back to Scotch.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

janisj Aug 9th, 2009 03:52 AM

I'm w/ ira. <i>"Sacre Bleu!!! Quelle horreur!!!!</i>" Goodness gracious, mercy me!!!!! :)

You won't have any trouble finding scotch in Paris, but to have one during dinner would be unusual. The suggestion to buy a bottle and have some before going out to dinner is a good one. Or perhaps have it after dinner and just drink still or fizzy water during the meal.

decee Aug 9th, 2009 07:02 AM

Thanks Patrick, your suggestion of buying a bottle to have in the room is a good one--we do have a flask which I think I will put in the luggage. We are hoping to picnic a few times and it wouldn't be fair for me to sit and have a glass of wine while DH drinks Pepsi (yuk!). He will enjoy scoping out the liqour stores.

Sheila, when we were in Scotland last year and visiting the Distilleries we were amazed at the high cost of Scotch compared to what we pay here in Canada (Alberta). We didn't have to worry about bringing any home because we could buy it cheaper here. On a trip to Singapore a few years back, a glass (1 ounce) of Scotch in a bar one night cost $40 SGD but over there the high cost is because Singapore frowns on drinking and so liquor is very expensive.

The alternative is to get him to try the wine--the whites aren't as bad as the reds for him.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:56 PM.