Thread: Scotch help !!

There was a huge whisky blind test at the end of year 2010, where 125 different brands were tested against each other. (They named it a Whisky World Championship, I believe).

They split the brands into 3 different classes:
1) Smoky
2) Malty
3) Sherry cask matured

The last class really was a collection class, as the ones that did not fit under 1 or 2 were automatically placed in class 3.

The winners were:

Smoky:
1. Bowmore Darkest Isly Single Malt 15 Years Old
2. Ardbeg 10 Years Old
3. Lagavulin Single Malt 16 Years Old

Malty:
1. Glen Garioch 12 Years Old
2. Yoichi 10 Years Old
3. Longmorn 16 Years Old

Sherry cask matured:
1. Glenfarclas 15 Years Old
2. Mortlach 16 Years Old
3. Springbank 15 Years Old Single Malt

My personal favourite is the Glenfarclas, whenever our daughter comes visiting from the US she brings me a bottle and it is very nice stuff. I am not sure how much it runs in the US, but it probably is a little more expensive than the 50 mark. On the other hand, it is very smooth indeed

Reference (from a norwegian newspaper):
Article in norwegian

Translated article via Google Translate Please excuse google translate, it is barely understandable, but there you have it

Here's what I've found with Scotch:

Once you get into the $50 range, none of it is bad. They are just all different. Without knowing ahead of time what kind of a Scotch you'll most enjoy, it's impossible to recommend something. At this point, I pretty much grab a random bottle based on what I feel like spending on that given trip. The worst case scenario is that on the first sip, it's not exactly what I wanted, but by the time the first glass is done I'm acclimated and can enjoy the whole bottle for what it is. (A lot like vintage razors... actually)

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Here's what I've found with Scotch:

Once you get into the $50 range, none of it is bad. They are just all different. Without knowing ahead of time what kind of a Scotch you'll most enjoy, it's impossible to recommend something. At this point, I pretty much grab a random bottle based on what I feel like spending on that given trip. The worst case scenario is that on the first sip, it's not exactly what I wanted, but by the time the first glass is done I'm acclimated and can enjoy the whole bottle for what it is. (A lot like vintage razors... actually)

+1

I ordered Compass Box' Flaming Heart 10th Anniversary recently. When I first tried it, I was worried. It tasted medicinal, strong, crazy. I didn't exactly enjoy it. After that acclimation period ended, it is now one of my favorite drinks.

If you don't exactly know what you want, get yourself a couple of small 50 ml(~1.7 oz) bottles of the kinds you like and try them out. If you find one you like.. get the big bottle. You'll won't be disappointed if you buy a big bottle and it's "Just fine, but not what I expected".

If the Islays turn out not to be your thing, I also would endorse Highland Park or Glenfarclas.

Thanks for all the input!! If i can find some nips at the liquor store,that sounds like the way to go,forgot about those!! Dont know if they have nips of all the diff scotches,but i will find out tomorrow. thanks again

Some great recommendations above. I second the Islay (Laphroaig/Lagavulan) and the Highland Park votes. I am also extremely fond of Cragganmore. I think it often moves beneath the heavy hitter radar, but in my opinion, it is an extremely well crafted scotch at a reasonable price (~$40). Also, if you're feeling frisky, check out a delicious single malt from Ireland called Knappague Castle or one from Japan such as Yamazaki. They are two of my favorites and they aren't even from Scotland. Single malt whiskey is a wonderful beverage and it seems one could spend a lifetime exploring the nuances of each distillery.

I highly recommend the Balvenies. The Double Wood is right in you range, I think. In less expensive malts, I really like the Dalmor (I think it's 12yo), not the cigar malt, which is good, but not, IMO, not as good as the regular. It runs around 50 in PA.

Originally Posted by D.Sweet

If you really want to treat yourself, pick up a bottle of Laphroaig Cask Strength. Though you might want to dilute it with just a bit of spring water.

Labels i have tried and enjoyed.

Laphroaig
Lagavulin
Ardbeg
Arberlour
Balvenie
Talisker
Glenkinchie
Oban

Gotta agree with that list! I keep a 12Year old Doublewood and a 21 year old Portwood handy at all times...now if only I could get my hands on some of this... http://www.thebalvenie.com/en-us/ourRange_archive.php

Definately recommend the doublewood
However the Signature is also worth a try
Most glenlivets are also quite light, enjoy