Thread: Single malt scotch under 100

I like the Islay's as well, but every man has his own taste.

You could try: Glenmorangie 18yo, Scapa 16yo, Highland Park 18yo, Balvenie, Glenrothes 14yo, Springbank, Longrow, Oban, Isle of Arran, Ledaig, Bruichladdich

I do't know the prices in the US, but a 100 dollar window gives a lot of choice.
Once you set out on that journey, it can take you the rest of your live.

Here's another vote for Lagavulin. Oban is a great choice if you don't want the smokiness.

Some great suggestions here. If you like the smoky/peaty greatness of an Islay malt, you can't go wrong with Lagavulin or Laphroaig. If you want something sweeter and a bit fruitier, then you'll probably like anything from Aberlour (especially A'Bunadh). If you want it really smooth, Dalwhinnie will do the trick. And for overall balance, Highland Park.

Really, any of the ones mentioned here will be fantastic. As would some of the others that tend to get a bit less attention such as Jura, Caol Ila.

This is an excellent justification to spend some time at a whisky bar doing some sampling.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Some great suggestions here. If you like the smoky/peaty greatness of an Islay malt, you can't go wrong with Lagavulin or Laphroaig. If you want something sweeter and a bit fruitier, then you'll probably like anything from Aberlour (especially A'Bunadh). If you want it really smooth, Dalwhinnie will do the trick. And for overall balance, Highland Park.

Really, any of the ones mentioned here will be fantastic. As would some of the others that tend to get a bit less attention such as Jura, Caol Ila.

This is an excellent justification to spend some time at a whisky bar doing some sampling.

Don't forget about Ardbeg. They have 4 or so under $100. Much fuller flavor than Laphroig or Lagavulin.

Well these are some great recommendations. I really want to try a islay malt, but if I don't like it then I'm stuck with some expensive alcohol. Oh the choices.

Originally Posted by cosperryan

Well these are some great recommendations. I really want to try a islay malt, but if I don't like it then I'm stuck with some expensive alcohol. Oh the choices.

That's when a trip to the pub to sample a few is in order

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

That's when a trip to the pub to sample a few is in order

Sound advice. If your looking for some premier scotch and only have experience drinking glenlivet or glenfiddich I would do some tasting first.

Some of my favorites Balvenie Carribean cask, Glenlivet Nadurra both these whiskys would be an easy transition from what your used to.

Laphroaig 10 and quarter cask are heavens nectar Imo but are smokey/ peaty and may be an acquired taste for you. For me personally I would stick my head in a vat of the stuff

Originally Posted by cosperryan

Well these are some great recommendations. I really want to try a islay malt, but if I don't like it then I'm stuck with some expensive alcohol. Oh the choices.

Trader Joes actually sells one called Islay Storm. Tbh it tastes like a young Lagavulin. It's only $20, but it's worth it to see if you actually like Islay. And yes it's a single malt.

If you like smoked meats such as bacon, ham, fish and the smell of wood smoke then I can't imagine you wouldn't enjoy the peated whiskies mentioned. When people refer to a "medicinal note" in some peated whiskies, I don't know how old you are, but a good example of the medicinal note was the smell of band-aids back when they were packaged in the metal tins.

Even if you'd find the peat too heavy, letting the dram breathe for 30 minutes + in the glass will calm it down making it easier for you to identify and enjoy any other notes that may be initially suppressed by the smoke.

I like peated whisky (had a dram of Ardbeg 10 a few nights ago); Ham, bacon, smoked fish are...smoked foods. In a literal sense, peated whiskies are...smoked whiskies. If you like smoked foods then..... if a person doesn't like smoked foods then.......won't like smoked whiskies.

I've heard of people that ONLY drink peated whisky for whatever reason. That certainly would not be me. Way too many excellent unpeated whiskies out there. I would consider such a practice to be a limiting shame.

ChrisL

ChrisL

I was going to say that if you don't want smoky and are used to good bourbon, Dalwhinnie is a good "point of entry"

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Some great suggestions here. If you like the smoky/peaty greatness of an Islay malt, you can't go wrong with Lagavulin or Laphroaig. If you want something sweeter and a bit fruitier, then you'll probably like anything from Aberlour (especially A'Bunadh). If you want it really smooth, Dalwhinnie will do the trick. And for overall balance, Highland Park.

Really, any of the ones mentioned here will be fantastic. As would some of the others that tend to get a bit less attention such as Jura, Caol Ila.

This is an excellent justification to spend some time at a whisky bar doing some sampling.