Scotch Q&A

[RBOrrell]

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

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

Originally Posted by RBOrrell

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

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.

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

[JohnnyFlake]

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!!!

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

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!!!

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.

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by SMW

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.

My Bad - thanks for the heads-up!

[Studebaker]

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.

[RBOrrell]

Originally Posted by SMW

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.

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.

Originally Posted by RBOrrell

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

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.

[yourchoice]

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.

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 ) 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

[yourchoice]

Originally Posted by kayaker

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

(I just cut this from here)

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.

[gpugliese]

Originally Posted by yourchoice

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.

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.

[Scottw]

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.

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by yourchoice

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.

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.

[yourchoice]

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!

Originally Posted by RBOrrell

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.

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.