Need a good single malt scotch . . .

[MrMoJoe]

I finished up a bottle of Glenlivet 12, my first foray into the world of single malts. It went great with many cigars, and I'd be happy to buy another bottle, but I'm looking to branch out and try something different.

Any recommendations for this relative newb would be appreciated, preferably something that won't break the bank.

[scottw]

What is your price range?

McClellands is made in Highland, Lowland and Islay for about $20-$22

Speyburn is a nice dram at about $20 per botte.

Tomatin is another in the $20's

If you into the $30-50 range, you can grab some Glenmorangie or Balvenie.

[Tarks]

If you don't mind paying a tad more try the MacAllan 12 yr.

[danmcmartin]

Try Chivas Regal 12 for about $20 bucks. Smooth and even a little fruity.

Famous Grouse is about the same price and the best selling scotch in Scotland. I haven't tried it but how can 5,168,500 Scots be wrong?

Or do what I do. If you have a good liquor store that will let you taste samples go find what you like. Then add them to your gift list for Christmas, birthday or whatever. I did that for my birthday and got all three I wanted, Ardmore Traditional Cask ($55), Glenlivit Nadurra 16 ($55) and Dalwhinnie 15 ($65). Pricey, but damn worth every penny!

[Stench]

The Dalmore is a pretty good deal in a single malt for about $24 a bottle

Grant's is not a single, but very good and about $20 for a liter!

[pitbulljimmy]

Try the Cragganmore 12yr old. One of the nicest drinking scotches I've ever tasted!

[scottw]

Originally Posted by Stench

The Dalmore is a pretty good deal in a single malt for about $24 a bottle

Grant's is not a single, but very good and about $20 for a liter!

Their "cigar malt" is pretty darn good.

[danmcmartin]

Oh just re-read. You wanted a single malt. Chivas and Grouse are blends. Still good.

[SkinsFanLarry]

Balvenie Doublewood is a very good single malt to try, in my opinion.

[Bigtotoro]

Welcome to a slope as slippery and as expensive as the cigar run. There has been quite a bit of recommendation for the Glens, so I'll add one more. Spend a little more and move up to the Glenlivet 15. There is a pretty significant difference in smoothness. I'd also like to throw in a vote for The Glenrothes. They are generally used in Cutty Sark, but occasionally one will come along and be bottled as Glenrothes. Price can vary from $40+. Dalwhinnie makes a nice 15. Also, I enjoy 15 year old Laphroaig, myself. My wife's theory is that you want to look for as unfussy a label as possible. Name, where it's from, how old. Glenrothes label actually has notes from the master distiller describing the flavors in the vintage.

[Stench]

Originally Posted by scottw

Their "cigar malt" is pretty darn good.

Really want to try that, but haven't been able to find it yet!

[spyder]

Try Highland Park 12yr. It's midway between the sweeter, lighter style of GlenLivet and the heavier, smokey / peaty style of Laphroaig.

[MrMoJoe]

I went with the Balvenie Doublewood. It's a winner!!!!!

Sharp vanilla spice up front, then a hint of smokiness, and a rich finish from the sherry cask aging.

It was fantastic with a Padron 3000, an AF Don Carlos Robusto, and a Cabaiguan.

Thanks to all for your suggestions!

[calhounhusker]

Ive been just diving into single malts as well. Ive tried a few now, Glenfiddich 12 and 18 year, Ardbeg 10 year, Laphroaig 10 year, MaCallan 12 year, and Tomatin 12 year.

I definantly like the Glenfiddich 18 year the most. Very smooth and has an outstanding flavor. The Glenfiddich 12 year and MaCallan 12 year follow that. Ardbeg,Tomatin and Laphroiag finish up the list.
Ardbeg is good, but I think there are better scotches for the money, Laphroiag has a very distinct and flavorful profile but I just don't like the smokiness of it. Tomatin is fairly light and probably the least flavorful of the bunch that I have had.

[mosesbotbol]

Any Ardbeg is worth a go.