If you enjoy peat have you ever tried this beast? I like this but only in small amounts as this thing is a beast
I found one of 6 bottles existing in my state today and bought it. Giving it a try tonight. I also purchased High West Distillery Campfire. Its a blend of 6 year old bourbon, 5 year old rye and 8 year old peated Scotch. It's been getting rave reviews from both bourbon and scotch reviewers.
Start with The Glenlivet 12, great simple starter Scotch (Speyside) reasonably priced. Prices run from $25 on some online sites to $40, bricks and mortar stores around $40 in Oregon (OLCC).
Price point? Balvenie makes a reasonably priced 12 or perhaps one of the glenmorangie's. not a glenlivet fan.
Excellent choices, basically any of the Speyside scotches that run around $40/50 or less, which is why I noted (IMHO the blandest) The Glenlivet, start in that range and work your way from there. But personally I recommend for most, go to a bar that carries many scotches, sit at the bar, talk the bartender into a sampler selection (some will give you a deal) and pick out what you like. If the bartender is knowledgeable enough, he/she can explain what you are drinking, what region it is from, though most note that on the label and what the regions are noted for. Highland Park 12/18 are my scotch of choice, but they tend to be a bit peatier than the Speyside's, so I didn't mention it.
ardbeg uigeadail Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt Nose: Multifaceted, notes of peat and little flourishes of dark sugar, freshly ground espresso beans, cereal notes and a most sophisticated tar. Palate: Led by sweet, ripe fruit and black forest honey. A good helping of malt. The throne then usurped by a powerful peat and smoked barley. Finish: Very long, caramel and malt weave their way through peat smoke and dark sugar and just a hint of fresh espresso coffee before it finally peters out. Overall: Such deft balance! How wonderful to sample Ardbeg so beautifully complimented by sherry.
It's on my list. I've had Ardberg 10. It was tasty, but had too much burn. I understand the uigeadail is a bit smoother and has more complex flavors.
It is a excellent scotch but not for the beginner. Also be careful as it is like 54%, it will bite you. Enjoy
Speysides generally are more floral and fruity than those of the other regions and intuitively would good as introductory scotches. Which Cragganmore are you recommending?
yes several cask strengths are higher. I'm enjoying a Macallan Cask Strength right now that is 58.6. I also have a bottle of Glenlivet Nadurra that is 57.2
I've never purchased a cask strength scotch. I have concerns that the higher jolt might mute the flavors and aromas. I'm pretty sure that I can talk myself into it though.
Hi everyone: converted to being a scotch drinker about a year ago. My go to scotches are LaPhroaig Select and LaGavulin 16. I'll drink Glenlivet 12 if I'm slumming.
I'm going to try to get up to Islay while I'm in the UK but there no good way to get there. 5 day trip.
After researching scotches for a gift for my boss, I feel inclined to try the stuff. Is macallen 12 a good starter? That seems to be the most popular stuff that I can find in a size under 250ml before I take a bigger plunge.
It's a little strong but I really really liked Bowmore 15 Darkest Cask. It's very peaty but not as hard a drink as some other scotches of the same region. They sell it in mini bottles as well, so less cost investment.
Didn't know this thread existed. Good to see there is an outlet from the oppressive rule of the bourbon thread. I'm an Islay guy myself. At home I generally am drinking one of the big three peaty scotches (Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig).
Got my first bottle of "Higher End" 10yr Laphroaig. Takes a few sips to get adjusted to it's unique taste. I had it on rocks and added a splash of Spring H20.
So many people have one glass of scotch that they don't like and just hate all of them after that. Another favorite of mine is when someone thinks they are something by saying I only drink Johnny black
My store had no mini bottles today. I ended up with a halfer of the glinlivit 12. Is that just a throw away, or will that at least give me an indication of whether I'll like the stuff?
Picked up Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 yesterday. Blended is not my typical purchase as I prefer Laphroaig and Ardberg peaty single malts. This looks promising though.
I'm not a huge fan of it but it's a decent starting place. I'd dry it neat, with a drop or two of distilled water, and with an ice cube to give you a range.