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So my birthday is coming as well as Christmas and the closing of selling my house (actually happening on my birthday as well), so I would like to get a nice bottle of scotch to celebrate. Preferably under 75 but 100 would probably be excusable by swmbo. The only single malts I've had is the regular Glenlivet and glenfiddich. So that's my foray into scotch but I did really like those 2
Do you know if you like smoky scotch or not? That price range is perfect for Lagavulin 16, one of the definitive Islay malts.
Here's my vote. Aberlour 16.
Aberlour 16 Year Old | Binny's Beverage Depot
For the budget you could crank that up to the A'bunadh. That's probably my favorite.Quote:
Originally Posted by OCDshaver
I've always wanted to try lagavulin but no I've never had any smokies. I do like smoky flavors though in just about everything else though.Quote:
Originally Posted by ScienceGuy
Lagavulin is the best of the Scotch I have tasted. It does have quite a bit of the medicinal/smokiness, though.
The Macallan would be another worth considering.
Aberlour A'bunadh and Glenfarclas 105 or are on my to try list.
Though I put the plug in the jug in May or '09 I have fond memories of Lagavulin, The Macallan, Laphroaig among others. Here is a link to a google search which might be helpful. Cheers ,,,,,,,,,,, :beer1:
10 Best Scotch Whiskies Under $100 - Gear Patrol
Im a Laphroaig man. You'll either love it or hate it. If you have never tried an islay malt you might not get on with the smokiness and peaty taste so better stick with something from the Highlands or Speyside.
Drinking Laphroaig I can picture myself standing on a Scottish cliff top with the sea air howling around. I can taste smoke, peat, tar, sea and tcp medicine.
Cheers!
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. :)
Don't forget about Ardbeg. They have 4 or so under $100. Much fuller flavor than Laphroig or Lagavulin.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cangooner
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 :beer1:Quote:
Originally Posted by cosperryan
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by cosperryan
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
Sound advice. If your looking for some premier scotch and only have experience drinking glenlivet or glenfiddich I would do some tasting first.Quote:
Originally Posted by markbignosekelly
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:p
Oh and to the OP or anyone for that matter, If you have time to burn and want to learn about whiskey, flavors history and tasting all things distilled. Check out this guy https://www.youtube.com/user/ralfystuff
I find him quite entertaining and you may learn a bunch. Enjoy responsibly:beer1:
When I started I had the exact 2, glenfiddich first, the next I had after those was Balvenie Caribbean and is one of my all time favorites. The funny part is I don't care from Rum, go figure...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Razorfaust
One of my favorites is Balvenie 12yr. For the price its always a good choice for me. Usually runs about $50. There are so many great single malts in your price range though, I wish you luck with your endeavour. [emoji1]
I have tried a few but seem to like The Glenlevit the best .
A BIG +1 to the advice to check out Ralfy. He is very well informed, funny, independent (many reviewers and review sites are tied in some way to a particular distillery - Ralfy isn't) and really not pretentious. All good signs in my book.Quote:
Originally Posted by Razorfaust
Also, for anyone venturing into the wonderful world of whisky, Charlie Maclean has some great info too. I especially like some of his vids in this series because he doesn't tell people how to enjoy their whisky, but rather informs as to how the different approaches will affect the experience. Also, they are quick vids. Full disclosure: he's a friend of a friend, and by all accounts a terrific guy.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...CEFB7B0C73A51D
Though as of Feb. 6, 2013 I no longer truck with Old John Barleycorn, when I did, It was good single malt scotch whisky. Lots of it. All the time.
My tastes ran to Islays. When I had the extra cash, it was Lagavulin 16. Whisky critic Michael Jackson (no, not that Michael Jackson) rated Lag16 a 96 of 100 points. The only other whisky he had ever rated as highly was one vintage of Macallan 18.
When money was short, it was Laphroaig 10, which was for me a very, very close second to Lag16. I once described the favor of Lap10 to an inquirer as "like a Band-Aid caught fire and was extinguished with Listerine" (those of you initiated: Think about it, it makes perfect sense); this is actually a good flavor. In whisky anyway.
Get the Lagavulin 16. If you're shy of a little peat, Dalwhinnie or Balvenie Double Wood and Macallan 12 are all good, simple, smooth whiskys.
But get the Lagavulin 16.
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"Quote:
Originally Posted by Cangooner