Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Drambuie is of course unique, however for something along similar lines, I would recommend you try the Glayva. I have a bottle, its quite interesting. I like it if I'm in the mood for something sweeter (although I'm still a classic single malt fan at heart).

""Hugely popular Scottish whisky liqueur based on honey, spices and herbs. The name is supposed to have come from Gaelic "Glembath" meaning 'very good' ""
http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-5237.aspx
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Glayva_Whisky__Review_5614385

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

What is a good IRISH wiskey?

I've had and have a wide variety of scotch wiskey.. but I've never had Irish. I've heard some good things about the "authentic" stuff that they mostly drink over there.... but I dont know WHAT that is..... anyone have some suggestions for good irish wiskeys?

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

These are the single malts:

Bushmills. I've had the 10 yr and enjoyed it

Connemara is a peated single malt. I've had and enjoyed it more because I like peat.

There's also Locke's and Tryconnell. I only just heard of these so haven't tried them.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Try the bushmills 21. Even though it is an Irish Whisky and not a scotch, it is unbelievable.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Redbreast Irish Whiskey 12yo is wonderful. Also, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jameson 12yo and Jameson 18yo. I have never tried the 18yo, however, the standard Jameson is a great whiskey and the 12yo is amazing!

21 eh? do I even want to ask what that sucker is going to cost me?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

After coming across this thread I decided to swing by the Wine and Spirits shop for a bottle of Scotch on the way home from work. I jotted down a few brands and headed out wanting to try something new. Some of the available recommendations were a little pricey so I decided to give the McClelland's Islay a try.

Up until now I have really enjoyed Macallan 12, Glenfiddich, and Glenlivet. While in Vegas for IPCPR I had a sample of Laphroag and didn't care for it at all. I'm not sure what variety I had but it was way over the top with a peaty flavor.

I tried this McClelland's Islay tonight and it has that same peaty flavor, although much more subdued. Is this Peaty flavor profile typical of an Islay? After trying it I decided to read the bottle and saw mentions of peaty flavor due to the water used, which is why I ask.

While I dont enjoy it nearly as much as the others mentioned, it certainly won't go to waste. Sure beats my first experience with Scotch in the form of Johnny Walker Red Label (that made me gag after sipping it).

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I hope this helps!

This is a brief description of the flavor profiles most prominent by Region:

Lowlands:
The best have strong suggestions of lemon grass and maltiness.

Highlands:
The Northern Areas offer a spicy character.
The remaining areas of the Highlands offer distinctly fruity flavor profiles.

Speyside:
These are noted in general for their elegance, and flowery, heather-honey nuances, and they sometimes offer a very restrained, fragrant, peatiness.

Islay:
The best have strong notes of peat, hints of saltiness and strong medicinal nuances.

Campbeltown:
The best have a briny, salty flavor profile with restrained peaty & medicinal notes.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

The peaty taste common to the Islay malt, does come in part from the water. However, it would most like come most from the drying process for the malted barley. After the soaking and germination (to get more sugars), the barley has to be dried. Islay has a great deal of peat available on it, so it was common burn peat for the drying.

Some distilleries still malt some of their own barley, but I don't think any malt all of it. Malted barley can be ordered to the exact peating level required (measured in phenolic parts per million). 50 ppms would be at the higher end of the peat spectrum, although there are some distilleries putting out special bottlings with 80 + ppm.

If memory serves me correct, the McClellands Islay is a young Bowmore. Try the older stuff if you can (12 +).

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Don't forget Islands, though diverse there are some really nice single malts with unique characteristics.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Thanks, that's a great little resource to have on hand. I'll be printing that out for future reference.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Can you recommend some nice salty Scotches? I really enjoyed the Glenfiddich 12 yr.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Most of the younger Spring Bank offerings offer salty, pine nut flavors, that are mostly tasted on the finish. The Spring Bank 10yo is my personal favorite and it offers distinct salty hints in it's flavor profile.

Longrow 10yo, is another that has distinct hints of ocean saltiness mixed into it's flavor profile. A great Scotch!

Note: They are both Campbletown offerings!

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

That's a great question. I don't really know what I've had that would qualify as Salty. It's not a taste I can readily identify.

Are you looking for malts similar to Glenfiddich?

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Try a scotch from Old Pulteney, I think I know the taste profile you're referring to...if not, then so be it, but I find it more with the Islays generally, though it can be easily overwhelmed by peat.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I've had a couple of bottles of Springbank, how does Longrow compare?

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I have heard a great deal about this scotch lately. It's rather inexpensive as well. It's already on the list, and it just moved up a few places.


Hey thanks, I'll try and get some of both.


Well not so much similar to glenfiddich but similar to that salty aftertaste.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Had an opportunity to list my Scotch collection over the holidays. I enjoy each of them but I gravitate to the Islays as my go to malt.

o Highland
Dalwhinnie 15 yo
The Macallan “Cask Strength”
Compass Box Special Canadian Edition
Glenmorangie Original 10 yo

o Isle of Islay
Laphroaig 10 yo
Bowmore Mariner 15 yo
Ardbeg 10 yo
Caol Ila 12 yo

o Speyside
The Glenrothes 12 yo
The Glenlivet 12 yo

o Isle of Jura
Superstition 15 yo

o Lowlands
Auchentoshan 10 yo

o Isle of Skye
Talisker 10 yo

o Orkney Islands
Highland Park 12 yo

o Blends
Whyte & Mackay “The Thirteen” 13 yo

o Canadian Single Malt
Glen Breton 10 yo

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Nice list. I'll post mine up later. I had a few nice additions over Christmas. :D

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Impressive to say the least. Question though, how is the Superstition 15? I've heard some mixed things. I have never had it, but I hear is tastes pretty sweet (literally) throughout.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Here's what I have right now. There's a couple of blends and ryes mixed in.


Ardbeg Uigaedail
Ardbeg 1990 12
Auchroisk 14
Balvenie 10
Benromach Traditional
Bowmore 17
Bowmore Cask Strength
Bruichladdie 3D3
Bruichladdie Celtic Nations
Caol Ila 12
Chivas Regal
Compass Box Peat Monster
Dalmore Cigar
Dalwhinnie 15
Famous Grouse 12
Glen Grant 25
Glenfiddich 12
Highland Park 16
Isle of Jura Superstition
Johnny Walker Green Label 15
Lagavulin 2006 12
Lagavulin 16
Macallan Fine Oak 10
Old Pultney 8
Port Ellen 24
Te Bheagh
Arlberta Premium 25
Forty Creek Barrel Select

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Kayaker & SMW both have some awesome stuff on hand! I use to have about 25 bottles in reserve, but over the last few years, it's dwindled down considerably. I gave a few bottles away to relatives, and what you see is what I have left, that I enjoy with my cigars and pipes, when I smoke them. I plan on adding 4 to 6 bottles in the next few months. I am trying to put together a selection that will give me a nice variety of flavor profiles! These are what I am working on at present!!!

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Great picture...the visuals add quite a bit. But (unfortunately) I can't take the credit for the post above. That was RBOrrell's collection. Thanks for the props though.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

My Bad - thanks for the heads-up!

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

This may just be my ignorance, but regarding the salty/Glenfiddich discussion a few posts back....

The island region gets its salty influence from the sea air and seaweed, which adds the salty flavor to the peat used by the distilleries. That's what brings out the iodine/medicinal flavor in the island brands too. I haven't acquired that taste so I can't speak to specific brands.

Glenfiddich, on the other hand, is produced in the Highlands and I thought it had more of a malty sweetness. At least the 12-year-old I've been sipping does.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I read your post last night and I could not answer it.... so I went and poured myself a glass of it.

It does have a slight sweetness to it, especially on the finish. I could only describe it as slightly caramel.

I bought this bottle and a couple of others at the Whiskey Live show in Toronto a year or so ago. With the admission fee, you got some tickets for samples. I had one taste of Supersitition and I had to buy a bottle. I got a free sample of the Whyte & MacKay at the same show. For a blend (some called it vatted) I was blown away and the cost is reasonable.

Last Friday night I was at the CN Tower in Toronto for dinner. I had a Glenmorangie Sherry cask. It was amazing. It's next on my list to buy.

Kayaker, I see you have the Compass Box Peat Monster on your list. How do you like it? I have considered it too.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

It's not bad, but I think I would buy a nice peaty single malt instead next time. It's peaty but doesn't have a lot of character, missing some of the nuance of a single distillery.

Worth trying out though to see for yourself.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Great thread guys, and a lot of good information.

I enjoy Scotch. I enjoy Scotch very much. But when I peruse the isle at the liquor store, I become overwhelmed. I guess that's a good thing -- I have a nice variety from which to choose. The gentleman at the store that specializes in their Scotches seems knowledgeable, but I haven't been "wowed" by any of his recommendations.

I find that I most enjoy the peat associated with Islays. What would be your recommendations (more than one is fine) for a reasonably priced (say less than $50 or $60) SMSW with these characteristics?

If I may, another recommendationesqe (not a word, I know :)) question. I believe in the mantra that variety is the spice of life, and I don't want to focus on one profile/region. I'd like to start (over the course of the next few months) a Scotch collection. What Scotches from the different regions would you recommend that best touch on the attributes associated with each region? This would be more of my learning curve exercise so I wouldn't want things to get too pricy.

Again, thanks for this thread, it is a great resource.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Hey yourchoice,

What have you had so far? That might help narrow down the suggestions.

For an Islay malt, try the Bowmore 12 (~$40). You can also go for the 15 yr, but I'm not sure of the price. I find this one nicely balanced. It's peaty, but not uberly so, (I can make up words too :D) and other nice characteristics in the profile.

Ardbeg 10 is definitely peatier and still within your price range.

Bruichladdich is generally less peaty, but I'm not sure right off whats in their line at $50-60.

With regards to the other regions, or other great Scotches, Highland Part 12 is great, Glenmorangie too.

If you want a good variety, try the Classic 6:

(I just cut this from here)
OBAN (Sweet) A 14 year old combining the sophistication of the Highlands with a touch of the peaty style of the Islands. It is rich and full-bodied with a mellow fruity finish.

GLENKINCHIE (Ladies whisky) Glenkinchie is a soft, sweetly aromatic malt from the 'Garden of Scotland'. Is has a fresh, grassy sweetness balanced with a warming, dryish finish.

CRAGGANMORE (Medium) A 12 year old elegant, sophisticated Speyside with the most complex aroma of any malt. Astonishingly fragrant with sweetish notes and a smoky maltiness on the finish.

TALISKER A bit smoked. A 10 year old and the only malt produced on Skye. Its seaweedy, smoky nose and sweet maltiness is perfectly complimented by its spicy, long finish.

DALWHINNIE A 15 year old gentle, delicate malt from the wild and windswept Highlands. It is subtle, smooth delicately smody malt with a heathery honey finish.

LAGAVULIN (This is Smoked.) A 16 year old distinctive and powerful Islay malt. It is deeply smoky and peaty with a velvety, complex finish.

They may generally be at the upper end of your limit or a bit above, but worth considering.

I'm sure others will have more suggestions.

Hope this helps,

kayaker

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Thanks for the answer...I hope you weren't saving it for a special occasion. But as they say, just opening a bottle of fine scotch makes it a special occasion. But that sounds like a pretty good drink, "slightly caramel" sounds very interesting indeed. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the Whyte & MacKay. Its always nice to stumble upon a blend that surprises. At any rate, thanks for the response.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I'm in a similar situation as you. I never was much of a scotch guy until recently, when I had the chance to do a vertical taste test on Highland Park 18, 25 and 30 years. The 18 year is reasonable, but the 25 & 30 are quite expensive. Definitely an eye opening experience!

I then was introduced to Lagavulin 16, and I really enjoyed the smokey flavor from the peat. A friend of mine recommended Laphroaig 10 or 15 year, as the Lagavulin 16 runs $70+. I've seen Laphroaig 10 at $35 online, but only for $40-50 locally. I did see a bottle of the 15 year on sale for $55, so I grabbed it.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

The laphroaig is a tasty dram. If you want super Peaty, try Peat Monster by Compass Box whiskey. The owner of the distiller had a tasting that I attended and this thing is full od peaty, smokey goodness. Problem is I don't know how much it costs. It shouldn't be too much higher than your price range through.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Here are a few suggestions to consider, in your quest for variety! These should all be well within your budget!

Ardberg 10yo - Islay / Michael Jackson’s review – Tar-Like, Medicinal, Seaweedy-Salty, with a light Maltiness and a Lemon Skin Fruitiness!

Arberlour 10yo – Speyside / Michael Jackson’s review – Nutty Maltiness, Unusually Textured, Nougat-Like with a hint of Cherries. It’s beautifully balanced!

Highland Park 12yo – Island (non-Islay) / Michael Jackson’s review – Exceptionally smooth, Succulent, with a Smoky Dryness, a Heathery-Honey Sweetness and a light Maltiness! Exceptional!

Glenmorangie 12yo – Highlands / Michael Jackson’s review – Up front Butterscotch, with lot’s of Vanilla and Honey!

Springbank 10yo – Campbeltown / Michael Jackson’s review – Soft, Marshmallowy, Sweet Red Apples, Pears and Hedgerow Fruits!

I am not very familiar with any, from the Lowland Region, so I cannot make a recommendation at this time.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Wow, thanks for all the fantastic input everyone. Sometime tonight (when I'm not supposed to be working :)) I'll post what I have had up until this point...of course after reviewing all of the selections I'm thinking about swinging by the liquor store to pick one out!

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Okay, shoot me! I put together a list real quick :D

Current Selection at home:
Glenfiddich
Bruichladdich – The Rocks

Have had recently:
Bunnahabhain 12 yr
Tomintoul 10 yr
Speyburn

“It’s been a while” - so long that I can't really recall the characteristics of each:
Balvenie (I can’t recall which one)
Dalwhinnie
Glen Moray

As for blends, I’ve recently had JW Black and Chivas and have had many others not so recently.

Of all the ones noted I recall enjoying the Bunnahabhain the most. It seemed to have a very strong character so to speak. The two I have at home, while nice, just aren’t wowing me. The Bruichladdich has the salty character referenced in an earlier post. The Glenfiddich is….well…. Glenfiddich. Again, nice but just there. I have sampled many others but don’t feel it’s been recent enough for me to even mention them.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Well, I did in fact go to my local merchant tonight and they have the display shown in your link. Thought I'd mention it.

I ended up buying the Ardbeg 10yo as recommended by many. It ran me 52.99 which seems reasonable. I intended to try the Glenmorangie as well, but they were out of stock. If they don't have it next time, I think I may try the Highland Park 12 instead.

Thanks for the abundance of info.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Great choices to start with!

Let us know what your thoughts are, on each of your selections, as you try them!

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I'd take the HP over Glenmorangie. Ardbeg is a great choice.

Let us know how you like it.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Alright guys I will leave this in your hands....

I have only tried a few and am very new to scotch. I am a big Whiskey fan and would like to dabble in the single malt scotch scene a bit.

I would like to try something a bit on the smoother side with maybe a hint of floral or sweet notes. I am looking to spend around $50. What do you suggest? Also what is a descent $30 range bottle?

Thanks in advance

Gary

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I would do some Ardbeg 10 for th $50.00 bottle and for the $30.00, there's Tomatin 12 or Mclellands high/lowland and they make an Islay as well.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Scapa 14 is very smooth, and easy on the pocket book ($40ish). Dalwhinnie is also great but more expensive ($60ish).

Arran Island distillery has some nice, kinda fruity flavoured bottles, not sure on prices.

Glenkinchie is also smooth, but on a price point similar to the Dalwhinnie.

That's all I can come up with right now.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

This would be a perfect choice in the $40 range:

Highland Park 12yo – Island (non-Islay) / Michael Jackson’s review – Exceptionally smooth, Succulent, with a Smoky Dryness, a Heathery-Honey Sweetness and a light Maltiness! Exceptional!

Don't know of any SMS in the $30 range that are worthy of recommendation, however, with blends, Johnnie Walker Black is my go to scotch at around $28 a fifth. An amazingly complex scotch! Chivas Regal 12yo is also a worthy choice, in a blend, right at $30 a bottle.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Thanks alot for all of the suggestions guys. Much appreciated. I am going to Bevmo tomorrow to pick up a bottle. I will let you know what I get once I decide. Thanks again.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I've been drinking the hell out of aberlour 12 lately. I loved the 10, the 16 and abunahd but of all the aberlour range the 12 is my favorite.For 35 bucks a bottle is literally unbeatable.

Another great inexpensive single malt is mccallan fine oak 10. This stuff keeps my interest better than the mccallan fine oak 15 and the regular mccallan range.

As far as more expensive stuff goes I rarely find myself straying from lagavulin or talisker these days. They just offer so much that I want in a quality single malt. The mouthfeel is really what sets them apart for me.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Nice choices there PMP. I need to get more familiar with the Aberlour line.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Well guys, I must say I am very pleased with the Ardbeg 10 yo I purchased. The medicinal quality of it is evident and very pleasing. The peatiness of it hits the spot :tu

I'm excited to continue my sampling journey!

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Glad you enjoy it. I also really enjoy the Ardbeg Uigeadail. It's more expensive, but it is cask strength (usually requires water to drink) and very tasty.

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Excellent choice!

It's very cool that you are happy with the selection you made!

Re: Scotch Q&A
 

I ran out this weekend and picked up the Highland Park 12yo as suggested ($39.99). I couldn't imagine the difference between my two most recent purchases (Ardbeg and HP) being more different. The HP was very smooth, probably the smoothest scotch I've had. Where the Ardbeg was medicinal and peaty, the HP was sweet like honey. Pretty cool that two things so similar could be so entirely different.

In my limited experience the HP 12yo would be a great scotch for someone who is just getting into scotch.

Which did I like better? Most of the time I would see myself reaching for the Ardbeg as I really enjoy the intense flavors, but if I'm looking for something smooth I'd definitely grab the HP.

Now, what to buy next?!? :r





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Re: Scotch Q&A
 

Try the Bowmore 12 or 15. It has some of the characteristics of both the HP and Ardbeg, nicely balanced.

Glad you are enjoying.