Single Malt Scotch

[shelvingunit]

I just started getting into single malt scotch.

So far I have an Aberlour 10 yo, Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 yo and two Islay malts; Laphroaig 10 yo and a Bowmore 12 yo.

I like the fruity/spicy taste of the Aberlour and the pungent peat smoke taste of the Laphroiag (WARNING!!!! This scotch doesn't come with training wheels!)

The Bowmore is also an excellent Islay single malt, still very peaty, but less pungent. The Glenfiddich is good and has a very smooth finish however, I find it less complex than the other malts I have.

Just wondering if there were any other scotch fans here. If so, what are your favorites?

[kansashat]

Try a Balvenie & a McCallan. If you ever have the chance try a 33 year old Springbank. There's lots of good ones. It's almost as much fun as smoking cigars.

[El Rey del Mundo]

I prefer Jack Daniels... straight... not on the rocks...

The Scotsmen should focusing on feeding the Loch Ness monster, not making whiskey...

[shelvingunit]

Originally Posted by El Rey del Mundo

I prefer Jack Daniels... straight... not on the rocks...

The Scotsmen should focusing on feeding the Loch Ness monster, not making whiskey...

So I take it your not a scotch fan?!?!


My go-to drink lately when I'm smoking has been Jack and Ginger..... I'm a big fan of the "Old No 7"

[txmatt]

I am a huge fan of single malt scotch, but unfortunately this industry is experiencing a boom much like cigars did in the late 90's. As a result prices are doubling, tripling, and more and quality has gone down IMO.

As a result I have been exploring Bourbon this year. I keep Knob Creek on hand and am giving Van Winkle 15 year a go (have it on order). If it turns out to be as good as people say I will likely drop the $80 for the Van Winkle Pappy 20 yr.

I agree with KHat that Balvanie is an excellent Scotch.. You are right about Laphroiag aka LollyGooGoo.
Glenfiddich and Glenlivet are both lacking in complexity, as you mentioned but they are great starting places for Scotch drinkers. I knew a person who said, "In Scotch the Glen prefix means its for cooking with." I think Glenmorangie is decent, but stay away from their new multi wood finish versions.

If you are in a state that allows alcohol purchase via the internet by all means visit HiTimeWine.com, Internetwines.com, and samswines.com to check out their scotch offerings, you should be able to save some $$, especially on the higher end stuff.

And of course if you have an extra $34000 laying around, by all means you should pick up a bottle of Macallan 1926.


-Matt-

[GOAT LOCKER]

I think the Dalwhinnie 15 and GlenLivit 18 are great tasting scotch for the money. A good scotch or bourbon compliments a strong cigar very well!

GoatLocker

[CgarWyzrd]

My everyday drink is a 18 yo Macallan. I enjoy many others as well, but that is my go to Scotch.

[SeanGAR]

Originally Posted by txmatt

I am a huge fan of single malt scotch, but unfortunately this industry is experiencing a boom much like cigars did in the late 90's. As a result prices are doubling, tripling, and more and quality has gone down IMO.

As a result I have been exploring Bourbon this year. I keep Knob Creek on hand and am giving Van Winkle 15 year a go (have it on order). If it turns out to be as good as people say I will likely drop the $80 for the Van Winkle Pappy 20 yr.

Yeah, I've moved from Scotch to rum or bourbon because Scotch prices are getting ridiculous. I like Highland Park and Talisker for the most part although I've een known to go through the Scotch selections at good bars one-by-one until .... gee, I usually don't remember the last few too well......

[AF MAN]

My best bud is a Dalwhinnie drinker,and when I visit we accompany our smokes with "D" neat

[partagaspete]

18 y/o Glenlivit is my Favorite so far. Oban is an awesome summer scotch and if you like peaty try Lagavulin...It'l put a hem in ya' Kilt. These are mid range price yet good for starting out. However; I am finding that I prefer not to drink scotch while having a smoke. It seems to compete vs. complement.

"It's nota dres itsa Kiilt!"

T

[RICigar]

"Any Glen will do"

[slowhand]

My 'everyday' is a 12yo Bowmore. Nice and smoky with the classic coastal peaty taste. At $40, a pretty reasonable scotch.

[shelvingunit]

Originally Posted by slowhand

My 'everyday' is a 12yo Bowmore. Nice and smoky with the classic coastal peaty taste. At $40, a pretty reasonable scotch.

12 yo Bowmore is good stuff, and like you said a very reasonable price. I love drinking the more peaty Islay malts during the winter. Sitting down by the Christmas tree with some Laphroig 10 yo malt is pure bliss.

[Nely]

I was just about to post a thread about this, I wanted to try single malts because I keep hearing they go great with cigars, but I did not know where to start. I just remembered that my Johny Walker Green Label is a single malt. Guess I'll start from there and then take some suggestions from this thread. Thanks!

[PaulMac]

Originally Posted by Nely

I was just about to post a thread about this, I wanted to try single malts because I keep hearing they go great with cigars, but I did not know where to start. I just remembered that my Johny Walker Green Label is a single malt. Guess I'll start from there and then take some suggestions from this thread. Thanks!

Actually, Johnnie Green is a vatted malt, not a single.
A single malt is a scotch made from a single distillery.
A vatted malt is blended single malts.
and a blend is malt whisky blended with other grain spirit.

that said the green label is still a good dram

PaulMac