Rediscovering scotch whisky

[Fabricsoftner]

Glenfiddich was the first single malt I ever tried. I remember being shocked at how profound the flavors were. I haven't tried many single malts, but Bowmore 12 is my favorite so far. Doesnt taste anything like glenfiddich,it's very smoky, but its something you should definitely try if you can find it.

[Whisky Guy]

The Glenlivet is the first that comes to mind. McClellands Speyside, Aberlour 10yo, Aberlour 12yo Double Cask and Auchentoshan 12yo are others that taste about the same that are about the same price. I'm sure I could think of many more if you didn't give a fuck about how much it costs.

[Resident Asshole]

I second the Glenlivet. Similar in price and taste. Talisker is another, and if you can handle some smoke, Lagavulin is my fav.

[willerror]

I need a good beginner's Scotch. I'm a bourbon guy through-and-through so sometimes the smoky-peat quality gets a bit much for me, but I'm willing to train my taste buds some.

[TheBigCasino]

I need a good beginner's Scotch. I'm a bourbon guy through-and-through so sometimes the smoky-peat quality gets a bit much for me, but I'm willing to train my taste buds some.

Glenlivet or Macallan, if you aren't into the smoke/peat, stay away from any Islay. And if you come across a bottle called the "Peat Monster", run...



Run for your life.

[Whisky Guy]

I need a good beginner's Scotch. I'm a bourbon guy through-and-through so sometimes the smoky-peat quality gets a bit much for me, but I'm willing to train my taste buds some.

Glenlivet or Macallan, if you aren't into the smoke/peat, stay away from any Islay. And if you come across a bottle called the "Peat Monster", run...



Run for your life.

Add to this Smokehead and anything by Ardbeg.

Run to the hiiiiiills, ruuuun for your liiiiife!

[TheBigCasino]

I love the Islays, and out of all of the single malts ( Compass Box's Peat Monster being a Vatted Malt ), I'd say Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Caol Ila are the smokiest. With all that said, there's a time and place for every kind of Scotch, and I've been craving Talisker like a sonofabitch.

[TheBigCasino]

Anyone try that double/big peat by Douglas Laing? That's supposed to be a heavy one toO

[Whisky Guy]

No, that one would likely make me cry. I tip my hat to you good sir for being stout enough to drink those. I love Bowmore, some Bruichladdichs but that's about it for Islay.
However you are right, there is a time and a place for all scotches. I wouldn't go to Islay and order an Auchentoshan. I'm sure they'd string me up for being a heritic or somethin...

[Leftboston]

Ive been loving scotch for 20 years but lately my love has exceeded my wallet so Ballentines has been the the drink. Still a glass bottle and it has a nice smooth flavor for a blended scotch. Scotch has gotten expensive down here in AZ.

[peetie44]

Ive been loving scotch for 20 years but lately my love has exceeded my wallet so Ballentines has been the the drink. Still a glass bottle and it has a nice smooth flavor for a blended scotch. Scotch has gotten expensive down here in AZ.

The trick with affording and keeping good scotch around is 1) find a reasonably-priced blend that suits your tastes and wallet (I like Famous Grouse) for a daily drinker, 2) narrow down your preferences in the more pricey single malts, buy a bottle every so often when $$ permits and 3) keep the better whiskies more for special occasions.

Admittedly, I need to work on #3.

[TheBigCasino]

Finally got my Talisker fix, pic from my last trip to the liq store. Oddly enough, never opened it, stuck with Evan, finally found Macallan Cask Strength too, a very pleasant surprise.

[Willy]

I love Macallan Cask Strength but rarely have $55 for one bottle. However, it is a much better deal than the 12 yr old Macallan at $45.

I am usually confined to Clan Macgreggor when I drink scotch these days, unfortunately.

[peetie44]

I love Macallan Cask Strength but rarely have $55 for one bottle. However, it is a much better deal than the 12 yr old Macallan at $45.

I am usually confined to Clan Macgreggor when I drink scotch these days, unfortunately.

Though I am by personal taste an Islay man, I've been fortunate enough to sample The Macallan line (10, 12,15, etc) up through their 30yo (but mind you, I've never paid for anything beyond the 15yo myself), I've found the Mac 18yo to be my favorite. At the risk of offending any true Speyside connoisseurs, the older Mac expressions just seem somehow too mellow for my tastes. However, I've yet to sample the Mac cask-strength.

Lagavulin 25yo, on the other hand...

[Willy]

Yeah, the Macallan 18 year was the shit back when my Buddy owned a bar. It was $90+/- retail but I got her for $40. Now it's $135+???? Outta my league man!