Thread: Single Malt Scotch Fans

I'm not much of a connoisseur but:
Laphroaig 10y when smoking a cigar.
Highland Park 18y I find irresistible, with or without cigar.

Many years ago I tasted Johnny Walker Red label, and thought I did not like whisky for many years, till, a few years back, someone who didn't knew me well, donated me a bottle of Glenmorangie 10y. I was converted with one sip . What a waste of time, all those years.
Nowadays, my taste is a bit moving away from the Glemmorangie. A bit caramellish for my developing taste. I also like Cragganmore 12y very much.

Bruno, we really should think about that "Lowlands Get Together", man.

Cheers,

Bart.

Talisker distiller's edition, though the 18 is quite nice as well. Though I've been known to sip quite a bit of Glenfidditch 18 year.

I like nice Whiskey. Two kids and RAD, HAD and SAD mean it's cheap scotch now though
Now how does this Tony Miller web site work??

I'm more for the Irish and Islay whisk(e)y's

With Tyrconnell and Greenore being my fav Irish and Ardberg my fav Islay.

Also a big bourbon lover, esp Elija Graig

Lagavulin actually ranks real high on some of the least favorites I've tried. I think pine needles is what comes to mind. But as most of the tour guides said when I was touring in Scotland. "I can find a Scotch for anyone. They are all so different." Which I completely agree.

My favorite so far has been Auchentoshan Three Wood it's roughly a 12 year old. They don't place a year on it because it varies depending on how fast it takes on the flavor of the three different barrels. Interesting side notes on Auchentoshan, they are the only triple distiller, and they made the Scotch for the Queen Elizabeth 2 (luxury cruise liner that was recently sold off to become a hotel in Dubai). Which, you can actually buy that Scotch from their distillery.

I just got a few bottles that I ordered about a week ago and tried them I got Talisker Dilstillers Ed. 12 yo and Lagavulin 16 yo single malt.

I like the flavor in both of them but I'm not a regular drinker so the alcohol is a little strong for me to drink it straight. Eventually I'll get used to it though.

I haven't tried diluting it yet any ratio suggestions for a newcomer to the fine world of Scotch?

I did what you've done, about 2 years ago. Proved emphatically that you're either an Islay fan, or NOT.

I worked through Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Talisker, both the main variety and some alternate expressions, to be fair..

if you don't drool and beg for Islay, fuggedaboudit.

ya either is, or ya ain't.

and fwiw, the Laphroaig cask strength is near ultimate for them as want to suck on betadyne soaked half- burned seaweed. Cheap compared to some stuff, and perfect for ice fishing, or enduring a blue norther..

Laphroaig Cask Strength ought to come with a yellow rain slicker and directions on treating hypothermia..

If you want flavor.. Balvenie Sherry Casked, Aberlour 16, Macallan 18.... .those are the 'findables' of that genre in my location. Sherry Casked and old enough to be ripe, is about all it takes for me....

Honorable mention to JW Gold, a flavorful 80 proof blended scotch that drinks like water. Not top shelf but VERY drinkable. 'Moreish'...

If quality is all that matters, Macallan.
If bang-buck comes first, Balvenie..
If the best substitute for Mac 18 is your goal, Aberlour 16.

if none of those suit you, you don't like sherried whisky, drink Islay.

Originally Posted by Bruno

True the Balvenie is a good one. They have a very good 15 year old single cask single malt.

(Yes I know I am showing off... )

The Balvenies are my favorites. The 21 yo Port Wood is among the best to be had (IMO), unfortunately, it's recently gone up to over $100, so I can't afford it as often as I used to. The 15 yo Single Barrel is in 2nd place for me.

Lagavulan (from Islay) is a malt to be reckoned with; absolutely the best Islay there is (at least the best of the Islays I've tasted)

For an everyday affordable malt, try the Dalmore 12yo. I think it's the best you can get for the price, about $35 in the states.

Im only 32 but I have been a Scotch fan forever, partly because thats what my father always drank for a nightcap. I have a few good scotches in my cabinet right now:

Glenlivet 18yr
Oban 14yr
Dalwhinnie 15yr
Lagavulin 16yr
Scotts Selection - North of Scotland 1964

I just picked up the Lagavulin yesterday and tried it last night. Just wonderful This may just be my new favorite.

Springbank is a great whisky, especially the 21 yo, extreme complex and harmonic.
Personally, I do prefer the Islay whiskies, as pointed out, they are a little "heavier" than the rest....

But, still, I haven't come by a whisky that is not enjoyable in some way!!!!


Clas