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Single Malt Scotch

post #1 of 57
11/30/07 at 9:22am
Thread Starter 
Any fans out there? I'm sure there is. What do you like?

I currently have a cold and plan on getting rid of it by attacking it with excessive amount of Cragganmore 12 tonight. My fav though is Lagavulin 16, or pretty much anything from Islay. The new Macallan 12 is nice too.

What single malts do you enjoy?
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post #2 of 57
11/30/07 at 9:35am
I'm a big fan of Ardbeg. Ardbeg Ten is great value for price. My fave.
About a year ago I even registered to a Single Malt forum, but the hobby got out of control.
I wanted to test everything and everything asap and therefor drank way too much. I recall drinking half a bottle one saturday night while talking to strangers on skype for hours .....

With only fine eating and fine drinking you can spend a fortune ....
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post #3 of 57
11/30/07 at 10:01am
Thread Starter 
Doc,

Yeah, Ardbeg 10 is a great one, definitely puts hair on your chest!

I know what you mean about testing. At one point I had 5-6 bottles that I would "test".

Glad I switched to fragrances, though, the cost is still the same!
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post #4 of 57
11/30/07 at 10:35am
The Port Charlotte from Bruichladdich is getting a lot of respect from the malt fiends ,if you like islay malts this might be worth a pop it retails for about £55 in the UK not cheap but not too ridiculous either.http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/pro...178&src=NOV07& go to this web link for a review off people who know their whisky.
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post #5 of 57
11/30/07 at 10:50am
Thread Starter 
Fenton,

Thanks, I'll check it out. Great country you live in by the way. I've been to the south of it; Mumbles, Pennard and the area. Loved Worm's Head (Rhossili??).
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post #6 of 57
11/30/07 at 11:50am
  • Rob
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I like Lagavulin 16 as well, huge smoke from it... Glenmorangie 18, Laphroaig are favorites as well...

I'm no connaisseur though. I like Glenfiddich 30, and even Connemara... which technically doesnt count, but their cask strength can compete with the Islays.
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post #7 of 57
11/30/07 at 12:42pm
There's nothing better on a rainy day than a glass of single malt.

I like Bowmore Islay 12 year old. Also Oban is nice.

This reminds me, I'm running low-- I need to go out and get myself some more Bowmore.
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post #8 of 57
11/30/07 at 1:11pm
wow, this should come as no surprise to me that fellow basenoters are also fans of the Islay waters. Maybe it has something to do with the more heady flavors and aromas from this island's malts that appeal to fragrance fans. I try to sample across the country, but highland scotch just seems like so much whiskey to me.

I keep a bottle of Lagavullin 16 year old on hand at all times for medicinal purposes. For the price there is nothing better. Extreme, yet refined, sort of like a wildman in a tuxedo.

About four or so years ago Ardbeg's 10 y.o.'s seemed to get a little less smoky to me. I still like it a great deal, but at one time it was the loose cannon among the three or four most readily available Islays here in the US. Anyone else find that to be the case?

Lastly, I realize that it might be sacrilege to suggest a spirit from across the sea, but at Thanksgiving this year someone brought a bottle of Middleton Irish whiskey and it was actually pretty damn good. Very smooth, one of the best of its kind, although I would infinitely rather spend the ducats on an oldie from Islay.
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post #9 of 57
11/30/07 at 3:57pm
I'm more of a vodka girl, but I recently read an entertaining essay by Peter Mayle on single malt scotch and found it engaging. It is included in his book called "Acquired Tastes" he writes vignettes about distinct pleasures and luxuries. I was disappointed that perfumes were not included.
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post #10 of 57
11/30/07 at 5:26pm
The main problem I've found with single malt scotches like my Glenfiddich and Blairmhor is that, unlike the blends, they taste really average when mixed with Coke.
Renato
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post #11 of 57
11/30/07 at 10:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renato View Post

The main problem I've found with single malt scotches like my Glenfiddich and Blairmhor is that, unlike the blends, they taste really average when mixed with Coke.
Renato

Single malt and coke? NO!!!!! Can't imagine doing that.

I used to think the very notion of any kind of Scotch with coke was disgusting.

Nowadays I'm a big fan of J&B and coke. Probably because there's enough grain whiskys in there to balance out the malts.
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post #12 of 57
12/1/07 at 3:11am
Great thread, the lousy November weather had made me think to talk about Single Malt as well. My favorite is Lagavulin, though I also have a very delicious 1992 Caol Ila from Signatory. Talisker is a great one, too. I used to like Macallan, but I think they've lost it in the last ten years or so. Laphroaig has also been toned down, unfortunately (same as with perfume, reformulations are almost always concessions to mass taste), but their new quarter cask is pretty good and incredibly cheap. Still enjoy Oban, as well as Glenfarclas (21 years), Highland Park, and among lesser known ones Mortlach, Ben Nevis, and certain years of Rosebank (a fine, light apéretif whisky). Springbank, the last great Campbeltown, is another great favorite, love that salt note. Among the newer releases I've found the Glenlivet French Oak Reserve to be a stroke of genius. Perfectly balanced, not too much wood, rich and yet elegant. I have yet to taste a Bourbon or Irish that comes even close in complexity to a good Single Malt. Have a bottle of Knob Creek, it's not bad at all, excessive vanilla from the oak, superrich, but little subtlety or complexity. Sort of like a young jammy Cali CabSauv compared with a mature Burgundy. Oops, off topic
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post #13 of 57
12/1/07 at 6:08am
i keep meaning to buy something else each time i finish a bottle of my laphroaig 15 yo, but why bother? it's liquid art.

that said, i'm much more likely to be found drinking a nice gin straight up. i'm a bit classless that way.
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post #14 of 57
12/1/07 at 8:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Indie_Guy View Post

Single malt and coke? NO!!!!! Can't imagine doing that.

I used to think the very notion of any kind of Scotch with coke was disgusting.

Nowadays I'm a big fan of J&B and coke. Probably because there's enough grain whiskys in there to balance out the malts.

Whisky and Coke, Scotch and Coke, Bourbon and Coke have been popular drinks down here ever since I can remember. Less popular, but still drinkable is the single malt Irish Whisky and coke. I mistakenly thought that a better Scotch whisky would deliver a better whisky and coke drink.
Renato
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post #15 of 57
12/1/07 at 2:02pm
Cardhu,here
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post #16 of 57
12/3/07 at 5:44am
Glenmorangie. Long ago, before the single malts got popular and out of my price range, a very nice Scotsman told me that Glenmorangie was a "ladie's whiskey." But I used to order Glenlivet in bars, straight up with water on the side, when I couldn't get Glenmorangie.
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post #17 of 57
12/3/07 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renato View Post

Whisky and Coke, Scotch and Coke, Bourbon and Coke have been popular drinks down here ever since I can remember. Less popular, but still drinkable is the single malt Irish Whisky and coke. I mistakenly thought that a better Scotch whisky would deliver a better whisky and coke drink.
Renato

You're having a laugh surely ?putting single malts into coca cola is akin to putting body kits on Ferraris just not done spa.
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post #18 of 57
12/8/07 at 3:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fenton_t_fox View Post

...putting single malts into coca cola is akin to putting body kits on Ferraris...

....or layering Patou pour homme with AXE body spray
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post #19 of 57
12/8/07 at 5:40am
My three favourites are Lagavullin, Laphroig and Talisker.

Of the three Talisker is probably the least well-known and, when the mood is right, my favourite. It is the most (tries to think of the right adjective ...) extreme single malt. It has a real wildness about it - the peatiness is layered with whiffs of iodine and seaweed. The sea notes are not at all brackish but are sea-spray blowing in off a fresh breeze, full in the face. Bracing indeed.
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post #20 of 57
12/8/07 at 7:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by michaeld39 View Post

My three favourites are Lagavullin, Laphroig and Talisker.

Of the three Talisker is probably the least well-known and, when the mood is right, my favourite. It is the most (tries to think of the right adjective ...) extreme single malt. It has a real wildness about it - the peatiness is layered with whiffs of iodine and seaweed. The sea notes are not at all brackish but are sea-spray blowing in off a fresh breeze, full in the face. Bracing indeed.

In a previous life when I lived in Wyoming, the hotel at which I worked would close for off-season (Oct-mid Dec), and would liquidate its liquor/wine/beer stock by holding a free-for-all party for all employees. Being the cagey sort that I am, I immediately grabbed a 3/4-full bottle of Talisker, set myself down in a deck chair with my friends and drained the entire thing. I woke up in the way back of a friend's Suburban.

When I roll with a single malt, I reach for Glenmorangie these days--I'd vary my selection more, but when it comes down to it, Glenmorangie just does it for me.

Blended, I reach for Famous Grouse. Inexpensive, but classic.

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post #21 of 57
12/12/07 at 3:48pm
Oban is my favorite but there are times when nothing hits the spot like Lagavulin (a favorite of Johnny Depp's who also wears Zino Davidoff--I sure that there is a link there). No ice, just a little still water to cut the alcohol and allow you to properly taste it. A heavy cut crystal glass helps but NO COKE!

On a different note--and ONLY with blended Scotch--there is a great drink called Whiskey Mac made from Scotch and Ginger Wine--great for a flask on a cold day out of doors. The taste reminds me--and maybe this is just the ginger wine--a bit of Tabarome Millesime.
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post #22 of 57
12/14/07 at 7:40pm
I had only had single malt once before and thought that it was just plain nasty. I saw a documentary a couple of days ago on the making of it and after reading this thread I decided to give it another try. I was told that Glenlivet 12 was a good one to start with. It was wonderful to say the least. Thanks for the inspiration. I guess I will be trying some others now too.
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post #23 of 57
12/17/07 at 12:47pm
islays all the way! picked up lagavulin 16 a couple weeks ago. so good. pretty amusing that so many members have this bottle. laphroaig 10 c/s is a great buy. big, smokey and dirty-yum!

cheers,
ryan
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post #24 of 57
12/18/07 at 8:47am
Just picked up a bottle of Highland Park 12. Haven't tried it yet. It will be my first introduction to single malt Scotch.
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post #25 of 57
12/29/07 at 6:13pm
Well, I have tried several beginner friendly single malts and couldn't get the smoke and peat really. I just tried Caol Ila 12 and Lagavulin 16 and I do now. Wow! I am not sure if I like it yet or not. Interesting though to say the least. It is definitely better than smoked beer. That is just nasty IMHO.
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post #26 of 57
12/30/07 at 12:27pm
Wow I'm a chick and I even know you wouldn't mix single malt w/coke. Ughghg. I do belong to some group that is supposed to "educate" me though. I appreciate the stuff they send me and its nice to be familiar w/a lot of the names you have all mentioned here. Being a chick...I would probably vomit if I had to take Jim Beam ever again. I remember being young and camping and trying it. But then, years later I tried Irish Whiskey and really liked it. This is what gave me hope that I could try something with the word "whickey" in it and like it..and I have no desire to mix ANYTHING with coke anymore. I am just not into the "sweet" drinks or things that have to be covered up to make them taste better.
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post #27 of 57
2/18/11 at 10:57am
  • kbe
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This thread has aged in cask long enough to be tasted once again.

I recently tried a bottle of Balvernie 12 year old Doublewood. Smooth, wonderful fruit, sweetness and caramel.. very good!

Today I purchased a bottle of Tomatin 12 year old Highland Single Malt Scotch and a bottle of Chivas Regal 18 year old Blended Gold Signature Scotch. This could prove to be a most singular weekend.
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post #28 of 57
2/25/11 at 3:10am
So far, I only drank Ben Riach (not their older, more elitist, vaulted vintages, just an entry-level make of this brand) and was smitten. Drunk neat, it's pure bliss, thanks to its peaty, smoky, even slightly oily taste. Also, works well while accompanying bacon and spring-onion sandwiches, since it builds up a grand contrast to salty and spicy tasting notes.
Still, I am just a newbie in terms of single malts, but I am willing to experience and learn far more.
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post #29 of 57
2/25/11 at 9:21am
I am also a newbie to Single Malts...to Scotch in general, in fact. I've made the rounds of bourbons and gins, and I think it's time to move to the big boys. Blended Scotches haven't really impressed me, but then again, JW Red, Chivas and J&B are the extent of my experience.

With what shall I start? I don't think I ought to try something that's over-the-top peaty and smoky...yet...need to get acclimatized with something smooth. Please guide me.
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post #30 of 57
2/25/11 at 11:59am
  • kbe
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http://www.maltmadness.com/malt-whis...to-scotch.html

http://whiskyparty.net/?s=single+malt+scotch+tasting


LiveJazz these seem to be a pretty good place to start--
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post #31 of 57
2/25/11 at 2:03pm
I love Lagavulin and Laphroaig. This thread's made me want to get some Talisker next. Does anyone know what's happened to Ardbeg? I haven't seen it around for ages.
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post #32 of 57
2/25/11 at 2:30pm
While it's theoretically off topic, I have to say that one of the most overwhelming experiences in my whisky tasting life has been the 15 year old Redbreast (Irish), simply the best unpeated dram I've ever tasted. Sheer unbelievable depth and complexity of fruity-estery flavors, yet not hard at all too drink, pure pleasure, in fact.

I think an excellent Single Malt to start out with (and stick with, too) is Highland Park. It's got heather and honey and backbone. I'm also very much in love wit Caol ila, Lagavulin and Quarter Cask Laphroig, and for the price of $30/liter the nicely peated Ardmore was a pleasant surprise (though on comparison it's scruffier than the Islays). There's an amazingly well balanced, rich Glenlivet, the French Oak Reserve which would also be a great place to start, as it is both extremely pleasing, yet full of surprises and simply an excellent dram.
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post #33 of 57
2/25/11 at 2:49pm
kbe, thanks for the links...I think they will help me, long-term. God, after looking through some whiskey sites/forums, I know what it's like to be a newbie on Basenotes! So much information I didn't know where to start.

the_good_life, that response was exactly what I needed. It's hard to figure out (and keep straight) Scotch personalities by wading blindly through reviews. I think I will check out the Highland Park 12 and the Glenlivet French Oak Reserve (or maybe the 12 or 15 year?) to start. Glenfiddich 12/15 doesn't sound too accessible.
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post #34 of 57
2/25/11 at 4:36pm
Glenlivet 12 year.
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post #35 of 57
2/25/11 at 5:20pm
  • kbe
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I am just home from an afternoon of tasting with a good friend. We sampled bottles of Tomalin 12 year old highlands Single Malt, Balvenie 12 year old Double Cask, Balvenie 15 year old Single Malt, Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Single Malt and Chivas Regal 18 year old Golden Reserve Blended Scotch all cut ever so lightly with spring water. This went perfectly crackers and Smoked Salmon and Norwegian Smoked Herring . We finished the evening with a couple of Macanudo Maduro cigars. Heaven. (I was wearing Aramis Havana)
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post #36 of 57
2/28/11 at 6:04pm
My faves are the Adbeg 10 and Balvenie Doublewood.
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post #37 of 57
3/1/11 at 8:40am
I'm in the trade and have just recently been exposed to some malt / Scotch whiskies.

Here are my quick thoughts on the few I've sampled, but remember I'm a noob and have only sampled these, not actually purchased any since I'm still largely a wine, gin and bourbon guy.

Aberlour 12 year: A fruity Scotch that is good for beginners, with notes of apple and spicy toffee.

Glenlivet 12 year: Another good one for beginners, though I vastly prefer the 18 year.

Glenlivet 15 year French oak: Velvety texture, with a lightly spiced vanilla stone fruit taste profile.

Glenlivet 18 year: Begins with sweet floral and grain notes that lead into a super long spicy finish. This one really sticks to the palate and was my absolute favorite of the flight.

Glenlivet 21 year Archive: Loads of dried fruit coated with toffee, but the finish was fairly abrupt on this particular bottle. An excellent dram, but I just really liked the spice in the 18 year.

Yamazaki 12 year: A malt whisky from Japan that is supple and soft, with wonderful lightly smoked fruits. Another good introduction to malt whisky, even if it isn't from the motherland so to speak.
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post #38 of 57
8/25/12 at 6:45pm
Laphroaig C/S by a wide margin, for me. If I cannot have that or one of what I call its lesser Laphroaig cousins, Oban. If that is also unavailable, I'll take a Macallan 12. Incidentally, I strongly recommend the soapstone "Scotch rocks" you can purchase in lieu of ice if you'd prefer your single malt colder.

If it's blended (generally for a mixer), Cutty Sark, and never Dewar's White Label.
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post #39 of 57
9/21/12 at 10:55am
I do enjoy single matls every now and then.
Personal faves are Highland Park 12yo, Cragganmore 12yo, Bowmore 12yo and Smokehead.
Straight, no ice, no coke. no juice... just a few drops of pure water occasionally. I prefer special whisky glasses for that, tulip-shaped... like this
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post #40 of 57
9/21/12 at 11:47am
Aberfeldy 21
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post #41 of 57
9/21/12 at 11:59am
Nice glasses, Odor! I like the Riedel glasses a lot.
How could I miss this thread?
I have been a great Single Malt for many years and filled my cave when the times were right quite some years ago. Absolute favorites here are Longmorn 15 and 25 years, Glen Scotia 14 y.o. ( so underrated at its time), Highland Park 18 y.o., Cragganmore 12 y.o. Honorable mention - single bottles of a cask strength Cragganmore and the legendary Ardbeg 17 y.o.
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post #42 of 57
9/21/12 at 12:30pm
I can make do with this:

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post #43 of 57
9/21/12 at 7:21pm
The Macallan 12 year is something I always have in stock.
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post #44 of 57
9/25/12 at 12:14pm
My favorites are anything from the Talisker and Old Pultaney distilleries.
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post #45 of 57
9/26/12 at 10:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveJazz View Post

I am also a newbie to Single Malts...to Scotch in general, in fact. I've made the rounds of bourbons and gins, and I think it's time to move to the big boys. Blended Scotches haven't really impressed me, but then again, JW Red, Chivas and J&B are the extent of my experience.

With what shall I start? I don't think I ought to try something that's over-the-top peaty and smoky...yet...need to get acclimatized with something smooth. Please guide me.

The MACALLAN 12 year old Sherry Oak is a lovely easy one, and it is not expensive.

I am no expert. The nicest one I ever had was a very special gift from a friend, The Bowmore 18 Year old. It was lovely.
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post #46 of 57
9/26/12 at 10:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foustie View Post

The MACALLAN 12 year old Sherry Oak is a lovely easy one, and it is not expensive.

I am no expert. The nicest one I ever had was a very special gift from a friend, The Bowmore 18 Year old. It was lovely.

I'm afraid to my love that Macallan are discontinuing the Sherry Oaks because they've ran out of the sherry barrels and they are to expensive to buy now
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post #47 of 57
9/26/12 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fragranceman88 View Post

I'm afraid to my love that Macallan are discontinuing the Sherry Oaks because they've ran out of the sherry barrels and they are to expensive to buy now

Aw noooo. Well that was rubbish advice then! Sorry.

BTW I tried to get a really nice bottle of Sherry the Xmas before last and I was told that that there was shortage of Sherry!! Hmmm.
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post #48 of 57
10/6/12 at 12:27am
Still got a'bunadh and farclas to fill the sherried needs. Let's be honest, the Mac sherries have lost their greatness over the last 10 or so years anyway. Far better red whiskies to be had.
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post #49 of 57
10/6/12 at 2:24pm
I'm also a fan of the Islay whiskeys, but lately have been much enjoying Talisker Distiller's Edition (1998 & 99). A lovely toned down but full flavoured and sweeter version of the great Talisker. Very different to the Islays - but a wonderful drop
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post #50 of 57
10/6/12 at 3:59pm
I could use a glass of single malt scotch right now. Oh it would be so nice.
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post #51 of 57
10/6/12 at 4:12pm
Hey @senore01 - Happy 1000th post!
Maybe you should celebrate with a dram...
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post #52 of 57
10/25/12 at 5:19am
Lagavulin 16 is my favourite.
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post #53 of 57
11/1/12 at 10:28am
aberlour a'bunadh - a cask-strength single malt whisky. A'bunadh is exclusively aged in Spanish oak Oloroso sherry butts and therefore has a sweeter, softer flavor than most scotch. It is undiluted - hence the high alcoholic strength. I am not a whisky drinker but on a cold winter night this stuff is like your own internal central heating!
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post #54 of 57
11/15/12 at 12:18am
Yesterday a friend of mine treated me to the fine malt of Glenturret 15yo Special Edition. Great Highland malt it is!

Highland Park 1994 (16yo, dutyfree only edition) a week earlier, proved my personal preference for this distillery once more.
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post #55 of 57
11/15/12 at 4:43am
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Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old/750ml. Under $30 here and quite nice!
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post #56 of 57
11/16/12 at 9:50am
a'bunadh +1. Unmatched in its price range IMO. Also good are Highland Park 18 and Ardbeg 10/Ueigidal (speliing sorry). These are staples for me.
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post #57 of 57
12/1/12 at 12:11am
Another fan of Aberlour a'bunadh here! One of the greatest malts ever. I noticed it smells better with some water added, but tastes better straight.

Recently I went to a Glenmorangie single malts tasting session. Went all the way through their line.

Stage 1 contained The Original 10yo, set of 12yo (Sherry, Port and Sauternes finishes).
After an hour break, Stage 2 contained 18yo, 25yo and Signet.
As a cherry on a cake there was a glass of pure distillate (that actually isn't being sold anywhere) - 63,5% alc.vol.

From basic line I liked The Original 10yo and Nectar d'Or 12yo (Sauternes finished), the other two being too sharp at 46% alc.vol and therefore far less drinkable, IMO.
From the top line I liked 18yo the most.
The 18yo is partly Sherry finished; 25yo is partly French Burgundy finished and partly Sherry finished; Signet is partly made of high roasted malt that gives a chocolate flavour to it. Basenotes-wise the higher range is more "perfumey" whiskies, there's a lot to smell in them, although it doesn't prevent from drinking tee hee.
Signet and 25yo are both exceptional whiskies, the former being unusually sweet, but both way overpriced for my wallet.
Regards, Odor.
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