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Glen More... Lip smackin good to the last drop. |
Had a bottle of 25yr Talisker recently. Unbelievable!!! Very tough to find as only 3000 bottles released. A friend tasted it at Talisker before release. Felt lucky to find a bottle. I'm usually an Islay guy, the older the better. But this Talisker is definitely worth seeking out. |
Well, it's been two trips to London (and Cadenhead's) since I last posted and it seems I'm running out fo scotch again.
I must agree with the recomendation for the 1986 double matured lagavulin! I don't like the regular one of their's...to smokey for me, but the double matured! I also like the 1967 Glenlivett cellar collection. That was really nice! I won't list the single casks...to many and too few known.
As for blends...I don't agree with some on the Johnie Walker Blue. For me it's to bland, I prefer the gold if I go that route.
After all this time and all this scotch, for me it still Macallan 18 or 25 or single casks when i've got them! I need to start a record of the ones i've had so I'll remember the next time I'm in London!
Cheers! |
Prefer Speyside scotch, The Macallan 18 (which I prefer to the 25), Glen Elgin, Dalwhinnie 15, and the Balvenie Founder's Reserve. Enjoy Irish malts just as much, especially - when I can get it - Jameson Gold. Also enjoy Midleton, Redbreast (pure pot still), Knappogue Castle and Bushmill's 16 yr old single malt. |
Went to a fellow audiophile's house to listen to his all-Gryphon electronics & Dynaudio Confidence 5 speakers system. He was very generous & opened a bottle of Dalmore Single Malt 12 yr old Scotch. Tasted pretty good to me. I don't know if this Scotch is well-known or known at all! I wasn't aware of it BTW. |
I didn't get a response earlier so I'll ask again ... are your local liquor stores stocking Lagavulin? No luck in Indianapolis, no luck in the Chicago suburbs either. I've been reduced to begging my friends and relatives flying in to pick up a bottle or two Duty-Free. |
The best I've had is the Macallan 25 yr old - great for celebrating special occasions. As an everyday single malt, I like the 12 yr old Macallan and the 16 yr old Lagavulin. |
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9 out of 10 stores I've been to in the last 6 months are out of Lagavulin. I've heard Lagavulin's bottled everything it had.
Anyone know? |
For the money, the 16-year Lagavulin is pretty good.
But, of the Islay Scotches, my favorite, so far, is a 30 year old Laphroaig. I like that strong burnt peat and Iodine taste (okay, some say it has the hint of the ocean, I say it tastes a bit like iodine). |
for the buck...dalmore 12. thanks fellas........ |
Talisker, lava of the God's |
Recently opened a bottle of Bowmore - Mariner 15 yr old - and was very pleased. Has the peat/smoky character of Islay malts, although a little tamer than others, and is very nicely balanced.
Balvenie 12 and 15, as well as Lagavulin, are favourites. Aberlour Cask Strength is a little too hot for me, but the Aberlour Antique is very nice. Tried a Springbank bottling at a restaurant a few years ago and was very impressed.
So much Scotch, so little time (and money). |
Gliderguider - you'd be guessing correctly! My squadron has a very impressive collection of malts in our pub....usually 2 dozen or so. And Guiness on tap as well! |
I recently tried Aberlour 10 on Albertporter's recommendation, and it was an outstanding value. Excellent and affordable. |
Rsuminsby, I've never been to Islay. The closest I got was Oban, and that was 35 years ago before I'd developed a taste for the water of life. It's on my list of places to go, especially so now that my new girlfriend has an appreciation as well. Probably within the next couple of years.
I'd be guessing that as a fighter pilot you were no stranger to a dram or two??? |
With regard to blended Scotches, I think the best I've had is the Johnny Walker Blue, but one can purchase much better Single Malts for half the price. I do enjoy the Haig and Haig Pinch and even Johnny Walker Black. |
Gliderguider is dead spot on with my impressions (to the extent that I have had experience with the brands he mentions). Lagavulin is my #1 fave, but I do stray for variety's sake, every now and then (including single-barrel bourbons and cognac). With regard to blends, the Chivas Regal 18 year old Reserve is quite nice, as is Johnny Walker Blue.
Tom. |
And let's not forget the cask strength whiskies!
There are quite a number of distilleries that have "cask strength" bottlings, with an alcohol content ranging from 55% to 65%. They can be a remarkably potent experience, from the alcoholic start, through an usually complex middle to a finish that goes on for days :-)
I opened a bottle of Aberlour Abunad'h last night (60%, sherry-cask matured) and I was reminded again whey I like this style so much. It's robust, involving deeply satisfying. Kind of like a really good SET amp. |
I will "third" Gliderguider's list. I rarely bother with Laphroig these days, and if I wander away from the Lagavulin and Talisker, then it is to sample a less powerful, more gentle drop such as the Balvenie or even the Glenmorangie that they mature in port kegs. |
Blended? Pinch, probably. It's been so long... :-)
I had a shot of Johnny Walker Blue in a bar once, courtesy of my boss (it was during the tech bubble, 'nuf said). I was seriously underwhelmed. |
Gliderguider - you have a true appreciation for fine malts! Have you ever been to Islay? A very remote spot - I've never set foot there, but have flown over it many times during a tour of duty flying fighters in England. |
This is a great thread. If I may inject a small bump into the road of this thread......what are your favorite blended Scotches? I know.....so pedestrian........well here it goes:
2. Dewar's is my regular choice.
1. Dewars 12 is even better, but just barely worth the $10 more a bottle than regular Dewar's. I don't get it often.
3. Famouse Grouse is good too but I prefer either of the Dewars. |
I agree with Gliderguider.... if Laphroig does it for you, Lagavulin will do it even more! And Talisker is great introduction, too, to top flight single malts. |
Tireguy, based on your love of Laphroaig here are my suggestions.
First the island whiskies:
Lagavulin (of course - my #1 pick)
Talisker (Isle of Skye - my #2 - Laphroaig is my #3)
All the other Islays - Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg (the 17 year old is fabulous), Port Ellen (if you can find it). The "3 B's" listed first are the lightest of the Islays, and may disappoint if you're looking for the "in your face" smoke 'n peat experience, but they're still a league and a half ahead of Genlivet.
Then move to the mainland:
Highland Park, from way up north. Rich, with a hint of the island character.
Glenfarclas, Glenturret - especially older ones like the 15's - classic Speyside character.
The old standby, Macallan. The 12 is so-so, but the 18 is very nice. Too pricey for what you get IMO. Marketing has done its work here.
And if you can find it, Edradour. The smallest distillery in Scotland, it's a lighter but supremely elegant dram.
I don't personally care for the Lowlands malts as much. They're too light for my taste. You should try Springbank if you have a chance, though. It's a very traditional whisky, and the best of the Lowlands IMO. |
Scotch fans, any suggestions for me, I really enjoy Laphroaig 10 and 15. I do not care for Glenlivet(12 and 18 are the only ones I've had) that much and have tried a few Glenmorangie's and while they are MUCH better then Glenlivet's to me- they still don't do it for me like Laphroaig does. What other scotch's would you suggest starting to look into it seems a lot of folks like Lagavulin, maybe I should go out and get a bottle! Well I appreciate any insight you folks may have. |
Just as a follow-up. The Balvenie I was referring to in my post above was the 21 year old. The 15 is good but not as good as the 21 year old.
As for Irish Whiskey, I like Tullamore Dew. |
Mzn50, I had a taste of a 30 year old GlenRothes when I was in Toronto over New Years. It was outstanding. My first love is Islays, but this one had something very special going for it.
On a side note, I bought a bottle of 18-yo Jameson Irish, a blend of three casks. Maybe my palate has been ruined by peat and smoke, but I was sorely disappointed. |
GlennRothes--- comes with a Metal base plate that is removeable, I convert that to an ashtray for my cigars while I enjoy this very very fine scotch ! |
Gliderguider... yer makin' me thirsty, lad! A liquor store here (Chicago area) is offering Macallan verticals (1930'ish to to the present) for sale for about $40,000. |
I introduced a friend to high-end single malts last night. He had a taste from three of the bottles I laid in for Christmas - two Distillers' Edition whiskies: the 1986 Lagavulin Double Matured and the 1986 Talisker Double Matured, and a Macallan 18 for contrast. He liked the Talisker best. My favourite whisky in the world is that '86 Lagavulin. It's a bit more civilized than the regular 16 year old, but with a bigger body and a better peat/smoke balance.
My other favourites are Laphroaig, Port Ellen (when I can find it) and Ardbeg 17 (it's like sucking on a burnt stick). |
The Macallan 18yr old out of rosewood casts. |
I like many. Great thread. Here's a recommendation for Balvenie. I think I have the spelling right. I prefer one of the older ones that are aged in Port wine casks. |
Another vote for Lagavulin. Rich flavor, smooth delivery. Gets me every time. I've tried many others, and enjoyed them, but I keep coming back. Now, I just need to get over to the UK and try the 25 and 30 years!
Tom. |
The macallan 25 year old.. |
Lagavulin here too. I went to a scotch tasting recently and some were priced above 200 a bottle but the old standby was still my favorite. |
My favorite malt liquer is probaly either St Ides or King Cobra.. then again, the 40oz Colt 45 aint bad either.
some for my dead homies.
oh.,,, wait...
malt SCOTCH... im sorry, i diddnt see the "Scotch" part. |
Yes, still has life, Frogman! Seems to go in fits and starts.... just like real life |
Glad to see this thread still has life. Cpdunn99 is right on the money; it is amazing what a single drop of water (preferably spring water) can do to open up the flavor of a quality malt. More than a drop if you are drinking a cask-strength malt such as Mortlach.
Enjoy! |
Wow just stumbled on this rich spiritual thread...my personal fav is Strathisla(owned by Chivas)with a few chunks of ice and a dash of...you drink to enjoy and not to conform.Bliss with Cohen and occasionally Beethoven's 9th.
Njoy |
provided it doesn't go in the glass. |
one drop of water only, is what I've heard |
For a warm, rich, taste (perhaps too rich for some) Highland Park is a great choice. Worth a try, IMO. Works great with jazz for me. Cardhu is on the opposite side of the spectrum, very light and "easygoing" yet not dry (perhaps too easygoing, careful, hehe
). All in all an excellent all-around companion. Most of the others lay in between, except for those with an exceptionally strong character, like Laphroaig or Talisker, which are definitely worth a try, but may be something of an acquired taste for the non-aficionado.
[slight hijack] I usually prefer my whisky straight, but I was wondering if there is a golden rule (other than trial and error) about adding water to your drink? [/slight hijack] |
I enojoy the glenrothes, single speyside 1989! |
I'll hafta keep a lookout fer that Port Ellen! |
Any Islay malt is worth a go if you like peat and smoke, but I echo the earlier recommendations for Laphroaig Lagavulin. Consider also the outstanding Ardbeg and Port Ellen malts (the latter no longer being in production and thus a bit harder to find). As previous posters have indicated, Talisker on Skye is also an excellent dram (and worth a visit if you're in the area). |
Glenmorangie, madeira wood finish |
For me, Lagavulin, Taliser, Aberlour. Got a bottle of Macallan 18 yr as a gift. It's very smooth, sherried, but I like more heft to my single malts! |
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