maverickdrinker Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 I am a newbie to the world of scotches. Trying as many different scotches that I can in order to develop my palate and identify which types of scotch that I like. Luckily, my local liquor store has a tasting tower where you can try different scotches before committing to a bottle. So far, I like the Glenfiddich 'snow phoenix' limited release. So, what are your top 5 scotches and why?
brazoseagle Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Old Pulteney 21!!!!!!!!! Balvanie 14 Caribbean Cask Balvanie 15 yr. Single Barrel- good oak flavor, great value Oban 14yr - probably the smoothest, and great value Glenfedich 15 ****Balcones Single Malt****
Lotusguy Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Just had typed up a long response and frigging Firefox crashed on me so just the short version now: Balvenie Single Barrel 15Y and Golden Cask 14Y (duty-free only, not to be confused with the inferior Carribean Cask 14) Macallan Fine Oak 15 Oban 14 Highland Park 1998 (duty-free only release) Why? Because I don't like very peaty scotch and I am too frugal to spend more than $75 for a bottle. Sure, a Balvenie Portwood 21 is nice, but not worth it (to me). The above represent excellent value for money to me. Honorable mention for best deal: Balvenie Doublewood 12
Rushman Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 this isnt an easy question for me. I am a bit of a scotch nerd, and generally buy from independent bottlers rather then from distilleries. My two fave bottlers are cadenhead and duncan taylor. I choose a bottle based on the region its from first, the bottler second and the distillery last. Having said all that, my go to scotch when i am at a bar that doesnt have bottler scotches is bruichladdich. Bruichladdich is also a fave beause its a squatty bottle that fits in cigar lockers in my fave B&M's. My three fave regions are islay,speyside and highland
Michel1968 Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 My cosy little whisky club published some interesting lists yesterday. According to those lists my fav distilleries would be: Ardbeg Brora Port Ellen Longmorn Glenury Royal but that's just stats, my true fav distilleries and for what it's worth: Banff Glenugie (late 1960's) Longmorn (late 1960's/early 1970's) Ardbeg (1972, 1973, 1974, 1975) Laphroaig (mid/late 1960's) Bowmore (1960's) (post 1999) Won't list favorite indivudual bottlings, some are as hard to get by as Cuban Davidoff or Dunhill This personal top 5/6 is based mainly on character, especially Banff can proof difficult as the best examples are heavy on mustard (which I like very much but can put off people quite easily)
edlye Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Here are my favorites: 1. Laphroaig Quarter Cask - I love the great herbal peaty taste, and I find that it has a good finish that lingers 2. Talisker 10 Year Old - I like that it is peaty but not overpowering, it has a great pepper/spice mouth feel 3. Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - I find that this is very balanced and flavorful sherried whisky that doesn't come with too heavy a price premium as compared to other 18 YOs (at least where I'm staying at). 4. Aberlour A'bunadh - This is a cask strength sherry bomb, my 'go to' whisky. I usually add a tiny splash of water but you should try it neat at least once. 5. Highland Park 18 Year Old - A very balanced whisky that gives you a bit of everything - heathery peat, nuance of sherry, tinge of sweetness....
Ryan Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 If I'm forced to drink sctoch, I go for Speysides. Cardhu 12 yo, Balvenie Doublewood etc. The reason's simple, they taste more like (proper) Irish whiskey than the other rubbish. I like the smell of turf, a lot. I just don't like eating it. I suppose there might be some bias in this post
Strada Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 I like the peaty smokey and also smooth sweet scotches Lagavulin 16 Laphroag Quater Cask Bowmore 15 Darkest Bowmore 18 Highland Park 18 Ancnoc
JohnnyC Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Macallan Fine Oak 17 Yr Old ( Vanilla, Marshmallow with a touch of Honey ) Yamasaki 18 Yr Old ( Complex... smoke with unsweetened Chocolate ) Arbeg Uigeadail ( Smoke, brine and peppery ) Highland Park 19 yr old ( Smooth, Toffee tasting with a touch of smoke ) Bruichladdick Peat ( earthy, smoke,briny with a light taste of Vanilla ) Drinking Scotch is like trying to pick out the perfect cigar for what you are feeling at that particular moment. A lot of factors weigh in on your choice. Was it a good day? What type of mood are you in etc. So many choices and none are wrong.
riazp Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 So many scotches, so many options, such a daunting task for a newb like myself! keep the lists coming guys, i'm taking notes
Chaki Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Another vote for the Yamazaki 18 yr I would also add the Glenfarclas 105 and the Redbreast Pure Pot Still, all round, complex, and not peaty in style. You might want to check Jim Murray's "Whisky Bible". This little book is full of tasting notes. Very helpful and not expensive.
brazoseagle Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Just had typed up a long response and frigging Firefox crashed on me so just the short version now: Balvenie Single Barrel 15Y and Golden Cask 14Y (duty-free only, not to be confused with the inferior Carribean Cask 14) Macallan Fine Oak 15 Oban 14 Highland Park 1998 (duty-free only release) Why? Because I don't like very peaty scotch and I am too frugal to spend more than $75 for a bottle. Sure, a Balvenie Portwood 21 is nice, but not worth it (to me). The above represent excellent value for money to me. Honorable mention for best deal: Balvenie Doublewood 12 Don't hate on the portwood.
Lotusguy Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Don't hate on the portwood. Not at all! Love it but simply too expensive for a cheapskate like me
Strada Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Balvenie doublenwood 12 is always a good cheapie
riazp Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Balvenie doublenwood 12 is always a good cheapie Ya Shlomo was telling me about that, and CKs suggest Té Behag as a cheapie, its 33$ a bottle!
Orion21 Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 I find the Double wood a little harsh for my taste, but you can't beat the price for a 12yr Scotch. My favorite scotch right now is the Glenfarclas 17. Not a value, but an excellent sipper. Cheers!
CaptainQuintero Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Glengoyne 10yr- THE smoothest drink you will ever put in your mouth, it's like silk. You can find yourself just making bottle after bottle vanish.
maverickdrinker Posted October 12, 2011 Author Posted October 12, 2011 Thanks for all of your input everyone. Looks like Lagavulin 16, Laphroag Quater Cask, Highland Park 18 seem to get the most votes between the 2 boards that I have asked the question. Will have to add these to the 'try before you buy list'. I had a Laphoaig 18 last night. WOW!! Beautiful stuff.
Strada Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Maverick, if you come down for the January herf in Mtl and you got a little time, there is a great place called L'ile Noire (black island) where they have a huge selection of scotches and lots of rare one. great place for try before you buy!
riazp Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Maverick, if you come down for the January herf in Mtl and you got a little time, there is a great place called L'ile Noire (black island) where they have a huge selection of scotches and lots of rare one. great place for try before you buy! Strada, you holding out on me? lol
Puros Y Vino Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 Strada, you holding out on me? lol This needs to be added to the MTL Herf Itinerary!!
kiwiman911 Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 X 2 on going to L'Il Noire it's a great place to go and try things. In the summer you used to be able to smoke in the back...don't know if you still can and there is also the ''burgendy Lion on Notre Dame close to Atwater that have a very good selection and you can smoke...but just outside
riazp Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 This needs to be added to the MTL Herf Itinerary!! Not a bad idea Frank...sunday afternoon scotch tasting...its noted!
maverickdrinker Posted October 12, 2011 Author Posted October 12, 2011 I was thinking Friday evening or Saturday afternoon after brunch. Anyone up for a pre herf on Friday night?
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