Scotch recommendations?

Chivas Regal Royal Salute. 21 yr old. YUMMY.

Yup. IIRC, I picked that one up at Trader Joe's last year.

Ha.. I had an old bottle of Royal Salute, I mean REALLY old, I found it stashed away in an old house I rented, so I kept it. The tax stamp on it was dated 1975. I saved it until about 2004 and then gave it to a friend of mine as a gift. So it was 50 year old scotch, sort of (the extra years outside the barrel don't really count). I gave it to him, and in return he surprised me by treating me to a few drinks of 30 year old Glenlivet.

My personal preference is Jameson Irish Whiskey. It's a cheap blend but I like it better than their 12 year old single-malt "1780" brand. But if you like Glenlivet you'd probably like 1780.

Talisker 10 yr. ~$35/750ml @ Bevmo.

Forget the Bourbon crap - get a real Scotch (you know, like, from scotland ;) ). Anything from Islay is fine with me. For more opinions, head over to Volker where we recently discussed the topic. Armin's blog, linked from there, is also a good ressource.
Slainte!

Oops, sorry - the URL didn't make it: http://vowe.net/archives/007062.html

Laphroaig is my personal favorite - very salty with a strong peat flavor. I was recently introduced to Lagavulin which is also pretty good.

Now if you're into tequila - well that's definitelly something we should chat about. Try 10 year old Gran Centenario Anejo in a congnac glass.

If you like strongly flavoured malts, I'd second Laphroig, and look at Ardbeg, Laguvulin and Talisker too. Trader Joe's has a smaller but well-chosen selection at good prices.

I can strongly recommend the "Balvenie 12 year old Double Wood"

It's been matured on two different woods, it is most excellent..

Read more about it here: http://www.thebalvenie.com/range/doublewood_12yo.html

i second mark. laphroaig is the smoothest scotch i've ever tasted.

http://www.laphroaig.com/

While not technically a Scotch, coming from Nova Scotia instead of Scotland, the new-ish Glen Breton Rare is really quite remarkable. Bought it to try it out thinking it would be a $40 CDN bottle of scotch marked up due to novelty only to discover, to my delight, that it's more like a $200 CDN scotch marked down due to lack of a long history. Hard to find but, if you can, you'll be grateful for a very long time indeed.

http://www.glenoradistillery.com/glenbreton.htm

Only problem with it, it seems the whiskey has a slight, um, evaporation problem. It's best to invite some friends over and plan to finish the bottle in one sitting. ;)

Also good, Lagavulin, Talisker, MacAdams and nearly any scotch who's name you can't pronounce.

The 10 year Glen Livet and Glenfiddich are to scotch as Heinekin or Becks are to beer, they are the safe middle ground. The Beige of fine spirits. Absolutely nothing wrong with them but, with so many other wonderful options, why bother. Just stay away from anything blended and you'll be fine.

I'd go with any of the Islay malts - Laphroaig, Lagavulin etc.

Don't forget to drink it with a little water and not ice (I once had to educate my American boss on this)

Cardhu.

I would recommend Springbank. The Macallan is also often quoted a favourite.
If you want a more distinctive flavour, the Lagavulin is my personal Islay choice.

My personal preference is Jameson Irish Whiskey.

IMHO Oban is the best. Rich, smooth, slightly smokey... Super yummy!

I am not an Islay fan. For special occasions I like heading toward the cask strength of Fettercairn or Knockdhu, they have a lot of flavor. For normal occasions I like Oban and Macallan.

Not a Scotch man. Now if you ask about Tequila or Vodka I can point you in good directions.

The Macallan.

I have had a little experience in this area and I have to say that my personal favorite is the Glenmorangie Port Wood Finish (https://www.glenmorangie.com/). Their straight 10 year old is good too. I have a bottle of the 10 year now, but the Port Wood Finnish has a fuller and deeper flavor to it. It's awesome.

You can also try some Johnnie Walker. I recommend anything but the Red Label, which is best for mixers. I really like the Green Label as it had some tobacco tones to it and would probably go well with a nice cigar. The Gold Label is also pretty good but should be consumed cold according to the Johnnie Walker people. If you really want to drop a hunk of cash try the Blue Label. It's like the Glenmorangie Port Wood finish amplified about 10 times. I usually like my scotch on the rocks, but I would recommend the Blue Label neat. (A couple of months back I went to a Johnne Walker tasting event and got to try all of these. I recommend attending one if you get a chance.)

I'll second foo's recommendation of Talisker, one of my personal favorites. I'm also partial to Laphroaig though it's by no means everyone's cup of tea, er, scotch.

Also in my cabinet at the moment, Lagavulin 16yr and Ardbeg 10yr, both of which I'd recommend. I bought a bottle of Scapa 12yr a while back, but it's not as flavorful as I'd have liked. But it might be just the ticket if you find things like Laphroaig a bit too intense.

My fav is Cardhu (http://www.diageobrands.com/brand_pages/cardhu.htm).

Laphroig is o.k, but if want something that takes like shoe polish you can go to a shoe store.

"Laphroig is o.k, but if want something that takes like shoe polish you can go to a shoe store."

Never a truer word was spoken... I think that's why I'm not a Scotch man. My fist introduction was to Laphroig.

I recommend Glenmorangie 15 years. Smooth and nice. However, if you want a more spicy Scotch, try a Bowmore.

Laphroaig is not for the meek. My advice, go to the Empire Tap Room on a cool summer evening. Get a seat on the patio, and order a Laphroaig. Sip it slow. Feel the hair grow on your chest.

On the bourbon front, Knob Creek is my standard. Smooth, warm and rich.

My favorite is Dalmore 21. It's a bit pricey, but well worth it.

My current favorite single malt is a nice 18 year Macallan. My absolute favorite is Johnnie Walker Blue. Both are very yummy.

Go Laphroaig if and only if you like peat (it gives the 'smoky' taste). (Disclaimer: I'm a 'Friend of Laphroaig'.)

I'll also second the Oban recommendation - very interesting (pleasant) flavor, neither meek nor overpowering.

If you like it a li'l sweet, go for the Black Bush (not a Scotch, but hey whiskey's whiskey).

For the money you really can't beat Macallan 10. But honestly, I'm a much bigger fan of Kentucky Bourbon. Nothing beats a tasty glass of Woodford Reserve.

Benriach 20

If you find yourself in NYC go to the Brandy Library

http://www.brandylibrary.com/

They probably have the best collection of single malt scotches in North America. The also have a hugely knowledgable staff.

You guys are leaving out Coors Light!!!

I can second people's recommendations for Balvenie and Macallan. I would also highly recommend Bruichladdich, which I found at BevMo on Camden Ave. Its a bit more expensive but really nice. If you are willing to try a nice bourbon as well, I would recommend Bookers.

In the $35-$40 range, I think Highland Park can't be beat. Boring name, good Scotch.

This half-Scot, half-Irishman living in Cork says to try Singleton for whisky.

If you're game to try something Irish, I recommend 12-year-old Bushmills for whiskEy.

There's a growing belief, and it seems to be borne out on the comments here, that Islay single malts, like Lagavulin and Laphroaig, because of their distinct tastes, could be classified as separate drinks and not lumped in with the rest of the whisky world. Personally, Laphroaig would be my recommendation, Laphroaig Quarter cask especially. Re-classifying it might mean the shock some people have on tasting it's distinct flavour may be offset. Whatever you get, enjoy it!

If you enjoyed the Glenlivet, perhaps you could try to find something slightly different and see if you like it as well. Perhaps a bottle from the same distillery aged longer or shorter or perhaps in a different kind of barrel. Failing that, something from the same region of Scotland (Speyside) might be to your liking. (In Spyesides, I've always enjoyed Balvenie's 15yo "single barrel" bottlings.)

My current personal favorites are the Blackadder bottled '91 Springbank (which tastes like chocolate), The Murry & McDavid bottled 1979 Bunnahabhain, and Laphroaig's 10yo for everyday drinking. You may or may not be able to find the first two at BevMo.

Also amusing is St. George's single malt whiskey. (http://www.stgeorgespirits.com/, and it's not technically Scotch) It's native to California and very interesting.

One word: Lagavulin.

It is sui generis: one of a kind. In a class by itself. Earthy, smoky, dark and raw, rather like my image of Scotland itself.

It is as unlike other whiskies as Gewurztraminer is unlike other wines.

BevMo has good prices and availability on the Compass Box Scotch whiskies - extremely drinkable, very innovative.

I suggest the Asyla - one of the first blended Scotches that made me go "A Ha! Now I get this!" And has a very broad appeal.

A nice next step from The Glenlivet would be the Macallan 17yo Fine Oak. Perhaps the longest finish of any whisky I've had - every taste is like two for the price of one. It's on sale at Beltramo's in Menlo Park for an extraordinarily low price (I think BevMo stocks only the younger ages of this line.)

Lagavulin 16yr single malt. There is no comparison, however it is a bit pricey. A more modest favorite would be a blend by Glennlivet. Scotch is like cigars. The how dark they are will determine how bold the flavor. Hope this helped. BennyHoh

Can't go wrong with Macallan for a highland and Lagavulin for an Islay. My personal favorite is Cragganmore (Aberlour on the low end). If you can get some, a cask-strengh Springbank can't be beat.

If you're on an expense account or at an open bar go for the Macallan 18.

Definitely Laphroig, especially if you haven't had it before. I'm working on a bottle of the 15 year .... mmmmmmmmm!

First disclosure is that I'm a huge fan of the Islay scothces and you'll see that reflected in my suggestions. My all time favorite is Glenmorangie 1971 which was bottled in 1996 and is a 25 year scotch. It is almost impossible to find now and is not an Islay scotch. After that, Bowmore 30 is a close second and Bowmore 25 is a close third. Laphroing 10 and Lagavulin 16 are also great scotches.

My apologies to all of these distilleries as I've almost certainly mispelled many of them.

I have to go with the Macallan 18 from 1986. It has a wonderful taste (the 1978 was awful though, too much heather for my tastebuds, so, be careful buying other years). If you just want some drinking scotch that is easy on the tongue give Oban a try. I also like Lagavulin and Talisker depending upon what mood I'm in. I've got three or four others in the cabinet that you are welcomed to try.

It's been said several times. But Try the islay malts. Lagavulin and Laphroaig especially.

I am a big fan of Talisker. The regular 10yo is good, but the older stuff is even better (if you can find it).

Please, for the love of peat, just don't call single-malts "Scotch" they're whisky.

Thanks

Well do not drink after the work is bad. 2-3 glasses in the evening and the world is again correct. Clenlivet 12-30 years old is my favourite Scotch.

I'm a Scotch newb, but in the year or so that I've been drinking it, I'v really taken a liking to the Islay varieties. I love the smokey flavors they exhibit. The best Islay I've had so far is Bowmore 12-year. I got a bottle of it from my boss as a Christmas present. I tried to make that bottle last, but man, I was hard-pressed to not have several tumblers full at each sitting.

I'd second the recommendation for Glenmorangie Port Wood Finish. If you like the Islay malts, then Finlaggan (http://www.vintagemaltwhisky.com/product-finlaggan.html) is the best there is in my book.

Sláinte mhath!

"*selectin* of single malts"? Think you need another glass.

Now I like scotch - to the point that there really isn't that many that I do not like. Laphroaig happens to be one of those that is just too smoky & peaty for my tastes. It is sort of like drinking the water used to put out a burning peat bog. Others like it. One other I'll not buy again is BruichLaddich 10. It is an Islay Distillary that failed, was bought out, and revived. In the deal they new owners got some of the original old full casks. I'd like to hear what those who've had the originals think of it (and where they got it). Lastly, I'm looking for a bottle of GlenCoe. I had it when I was in Scotland back in the 1970's and have never seen it here in the states.

My current collection can be seen here.
static.flickr.com/47/127674912_0ec7bea25f_b.jpg

I'm drink'n Balvenie 10 year right now and it's pretty good. Not priced unreasonably either (34 bucks for a fifth).

Oban. Oban. Oban.

If we have it, it's always the first bottle we empty... it's the kind of scotch you can sip neat all night long.

http://flickr.com/photos/johnengler/119343534/

Glenmorangie Madeira. http://www.glenmorangieplc.com/portfolio/glen_madeira_wood.asp

Sorry, here's the photo proper:

The Macallan is a Highland single-malt aged in old sherry casks. Very smooth. Go for at least a 12 year old, not the Trader Joe's shortcut version.

Well lookee here: http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=ytff1-ffsc&p=scotch%20recommendations&ei=UTF-8

Changing the world of scotch recommendations one post at a time!

The great essayist John McPhee wrote a piece about visiting small distilleries in Scotland. It's in his book _Pieces of the Frame_:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374514984/qid=1144906224/sr=1-20/ref=sr_1_20/002-5291414-4680800?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

I think Peter Mayle has a chapter on the malt in his _Acquired Tastes_:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553371835/qid=1144906662/sr=1-9/ref=sr_1_9/002-5291414-4680800?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

I'll third the recommendation for Glenmorangie Port Wood Finish. However, don't get it at BevMo, where it is near $40/bottle. Instead, go to CostCo or Trader Joe's where you grab it for $33. Excellent value for the money.

I'd also recommend Oban. I prefer the smoother, non-peaty scotches (so Laphroig and Lagavulin are out for me).

An interesting one is the Bowmore Darkest. It isn't peaty, but *way* smoky. A buddy and I killed a bottle one night. The next day, I was a walking campfire.

In terms of scotch whiskey, I'd end with a recommendation to go to Trader Joe's and pick up their TJ-labeled Macallan. You can get it for about $24 ... great price, good scotch.

(oh, and I'd also note the Johnnie Blue *is* good, as noted by a previous poster, but it really isn't worth that high price; very poor price/performance)

Best scotch that I've ever had? Glenmorange Fino Sherry Finish. Wow, man. I don't think they make it any more tho. *cry*

And finally, I will give a huge vote for Woodford Reserve (a kentucky bourbon). I'm a huge fan.

All of these should be drank neat. Ice is for low-class scotch. A bit of water (maybe half-teaspon per couple ounces) can produce some interesting changes in the scotch, so experiment to taste.

I'll have to back up the earlier Talisker comment. My uber-fantastic colleagues just presented me with a bottle for my birthday, methinks they know me too well.

I'd third the port finish glenmorangie.

My recommendation - no ice, no water, just take the glass out of the freezer when you're ready to drink. Glemorangie Fino can still be bought, but only if you're in the right place. Generally, that's the Glemorangie distillery.

Lagavulin, Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Islay,......I'd say to get 6 decent bottles that give you the range, and find out what you like drinking!

If you want to base your buying decision on scientific criteria ;-), there is always the classic
http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/home/jhb/whisky/lapointe/text.html
and also http://www.whiskyclassified.com/classification.html

Here is my vote for Speyside: Glenfarclas 21 with no water; it's perfect neat.

If you can make it to San Francisco sometime you should check out Nihon Whiskey Lougne (http://www.yelp.com/biz/vOjAWfhzLaXHa1v5cGnuIQ). You can even store a bottle there for the right price =).

My fave is Glenmorangie 18, but it's in a bit of short supply lately. If you can't find it, spend a few extra dollars and get the even better Glenmorangie 1975. Try for the 2005 bottling (as opposed to 2003).

Their 10-yr scotch is just too sharp for me, but their 18 is one of the smoothest I've ever had.

Johnny Walker Blue Label.

Maybe I'm a philistine, but I'm just not a fan of the single malts. It's rather like always having to have pure cabernet or merlot, rather than a perfectly blended bordeaux claret. Anyway, the Blue's my favorite.

Cheers,

M2

Oban 18 or Macallan 18. Nice oak.

I'm partial to Macallan.

Jeremy - my deepest respect to the person who appreciates good whiskeys ;-)

Talking of whiskeys - ever tried Connemara?

I'll stick w/my Glendiffich -12yr is for normal days :)-

Mark above sez the best is JW-blue. He's correct !!

Get yourself a copy of http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1862057168:

Whisky Classfied by David Wishart
Choosing Single Malts By Flavor

Starting with 400 adjectives describing Whisky Flavor, the book groups them into 12, 6 or 4 distinctive groups, and then tries to sort the 84 scottish whisky distilleries into these flavor groups. This draws a map of Whisky taste that does not judge, just sorts, and allows you to systematically try and find the Whisky that suits you best.

For me, the Taliskers or the Aberlours does it just fine, as does about anything from Islay. But then, if you are into chololate Whisky, get yourself some Cote d'Or 70% and an Oban or Isle of Jura and try that. Or, if you are into Sherry, go for Glenmorangie: they have a pretty faceless 10Y, which they put into Sherry, Madeira, Rum and other casks for additional 2 or 5Y, and a tasting of different 15Y/12Y Glenmorangies with Sherry, Rum, Madeira and Port finishes against the standard unmodified 10Y can be extremely enlightening.

Hi Jeremy
If you want a Scotch Whisky, I'd heartily recomment that you try an Islay Malt.

My favourite is 10 year old Laphroaig. The British bottles come complete with the Prince of Wales Coat of Arms, proof that this whisky is supplied to his personal cellar. Charles isnt a complete idiot.

Regards
Andrew

I second the Balvenie DoubleWood, though I'm partial to the slightly-more-expensive Balvenie 15 year.

If you can find it.

http://www.scotchwhisky.net/malt/lagavulan.htm

Ardbeg is the one, the one and only most delicious peaty scotch ever. be sure to get the 25 year, not the 10 year. Ohhhhh! so good! Laphroaig does not hold a candle to it.

Gee! are scotch drinkers opinionated? I never would have guessed!
Islay scotches are profoundly different than other types, Older Scotches different than younger, Highland from Lowland or Speyside.
I don't have a sophisticated palate but the broad variety is the allure of the drink along with its history.
My recommendation? start with the "beiges" Glenlivet, Glenfiddich - or even the good blends - JW Black or Chivas. Then start venturing - The extremes (Islay - The Macallan) aren't for everyone but somewhere is one that you will have a strong opinion about. Enjoy - I have for about 40 Years now - and I keep on experimenting even though Laphroaig finds its way into my bar more than any other - cask strength.

My personal favourite is Highland Park (http://www.highlandpark.co.uk).

Glenmorangie is also good - the older the better.

It's been mentioned several times already, but once more won't hurt - Lagavulin. Of course if you don't like your whiskey peaty/smokey, you may find it has too strong a taste.

p.s. If you mis-spell Jeremy, it tells you to correct the error "below" but doesn't include a Jeremy field to correct.

Ok, what did you buy?

Another vote for Glenmorangie Port or Madeira finish.

Okay, I've got to add my voice to the few who have recommended Lagavulin 16-yr. My, oh my. This drink is bliss. I usually tell people that it's like drinking liquid peat (in this context, that's a good thing). So smoky and wonderful, the taste is soothing before the alcohol even takes effect. It is pricey (and gone up even, as I understand they've cut back production substantially - had to close one of their facilities or something) but well worth it on special occassions. This is without a doubt my favorite drink if I'm drinking spirits...followed closely by a smooth port or strong cabernet when I'm not. Enjoy!

My top ten Single Malt Scotch picks (in no particular order):
Dalmore Stillman's Dram 30, Oban 14, Laphroaig 10, Caol Isla 12, Balvenie 21, Higland Park 18, Glenfarclas 12, Glenmorangie Port wood, Macallan 18, Springbank Campbeltown 15

At the moment, I am working on a bottle of Bruichladdich XVII, a Talisker 10 yo and a Glenmorangie. I'm new to scotch and loving every minute of it. All quite different. Depends on what mood i'm in. The Laphroig I had when I was in the UK last year got me into the scene. Although i'm yet to get a bottle since i've been back in Oz. I think it'll be my next purchase although i'm tempted by the Laguvalin everyone keeps talking about.

In reference to Mr. Crumbine's comments concerning the Lagavulin 16 YO.

Yes. I share your bliss. I had strayed (shamefully) from SMS for a little while. After suffering from the boredom caused by the narrow-band smoothness of blends, I was awakened to try something daring, (after reading from this post).

The Lagavulin opened my eyes to what draming is all about: The tasteful journey. What a treat! I now serve my casual friends the 18 YO "blends" and covet sipping the premies, (such as Lagavulin) "neat" - either alone or with "special" guests.

I use my edinborough glassware to percipitate the peaty pleasures every chance I get. I soon realized that their are many other SMS whiskiess that need my sampling as well! I need to get busy!

Here is my entry into favorite scotch. I do this only on special occasions such as Mondays (or any other day in which I have braved the wilds of the workplace). Seriously, for example, I just got a raise at work, so I took and mixed Johnnie Walker Blue with some Balvenie 21 yr old and hold the rocks/water. To me, it is a perfect blend and reminds me of why I am pushing myself at work through the week... so I can imbibe in the finer things.

My personal favourite : Caol Ila (thats I - L - A at the end) its like a milder version of Laphroaig which I also like.

In terms of Islay Whisky I also like Bunnahabhain.

Other personal favourites include some of the Glenfiddich Special Reserves especially the Caoran Reserve 12 Year Old.
Glenfiddich also have one of the best Distillery Tours going, it's free and you get a dram at the end.

For a good book try Iain Banks -Raw Spirit: In Search of the Perfect Dram.

Sláinte mhath!

hi everyone,, well my mum came back from England and bought the Glenmorangie 1 ltr 12 y/o,, well this was nice in deed, and i live in Australia, cant find it here,,,, also the Glenlivet 12 y/o is dam fine,,,

Johnnie walker green and blue are nice but just dont cut it

Hennesey XO is a good blast and still a favourite,, 5*****

thanx,, and enjoy

talisker, balvenie, oban, macallan. in that order for me