Scotch Variety Packs?

[Masher88]

The History Channel is killin' me....History of Distilleries!

Does anyone know of some web seller (USA based) that I can get a variety of Single Malt scotches? Like the little airline bottles? I want to try a bunch of different brands without buying a whole bottle...and most bars by me only have Glenlivet and Johnny Walker. Not that those are bad....

Thanks!

[MAJOR METAL]

The only variety back I have seen has been that of Johnny Walker putting one out of each of their bottles , oddly enough the green label was the only one missing from the pack

[warwick.hoy]

If you are looking for some suggestions try Laphriaog. It is a single malt from the Islay Region. I've had the 10 year and the Cask Conditioned. I regularly drink the 10 year. The Cask Conditioned is a little smoother. Both have a really smoky flavor.

I also like The Macallan. It has a more Plum/Sherry flavor.

While I like beer Scotch is the nectar of the gods IMO.

[fenderhutz]

Man, Dalmore Cigar Malt.

It is AWESOME. Very heavy and meant to overpower the taste of cigars.

[jrthebassguy]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

If you are looking for some suggestions try Laphriaog. It is a single malt from the Islay Region. I've had the 10 year and the Cask Conditioned. I regularly drink the 10 year. The Cask Conditioned is a little smoother. Both have a really smoky flavor.

I also like The Macallan. It has a more Plum/Sherry flavor.

While I like beer Scotch is the nectar of the gods IMO.

I had the Laprohaig 10 year and wasn't a huge fan, but each to his own. I love Macallan though. Great whiskey.


I know the single malters here will hate me for saying this, but by far, for the price Johnnie Walker Black is the best affordable whiskey.

[BartmanPDX]

Back when I worked as a liquor salesman for a high-end wine shop in the Bay Area, we had a sampler pack that had 6 airline bottles. I'm not sure if it's made any more. It contained Oban, Talisker, Lagavulin (I think) and some others.

We also sold some of the airline bottles of single malts individually.

In general though, airline bottles of single malt are hard to find.

Your best bet might be to go to bars and get a glass of what they have there. Then post your findings (what you like; what you don't) there, and those of us who have tried many single malts can point you towards some with a similar flavor profile.

Single malts are like beers -- they come in a wide variety of flavors, from really subtle like Knockando to the real massive Islays like Ardbeg, Lagavulin, or Laphroaig. The Islays are sort of like the "stouts" of single malt -- as with Guinness, some will claim they are the greatest whiskys ever made, while others will absolutely hate them. Islays tend to be very smoky, powerful, and have a taste of the sea air as well. Laphroaig 10 year is a little harsh, IMO. I prefer the Lagavulin 16, which adds the sherry complexity and isn't as rough around the edges yet is still mighty powerful. Some of the older Bowmores are incredible.

For relative newcomers, I find that Macallan is almost always well-received; it was what I often recommended to someone giving the bottle as a gift if they didn't know what style of single malt the recipient favored. It's sherry-barreled, so it's got a nice sweetness to compliment the peat. It's very middle-of-the-road in terms of flavor -- not thin, but not overwhelming either. Glenmorangie is another good option in that category.

If you're feeling more adventurous, Highland Park is an excellent choice, sort of midway between the sherry smoothness of Macallan and the smoky power of Lagavulin. Plus, it's a fantastic deal.

While Johnny Black is a fine drink, it's not within shouting distance of Highland Park IMO, and the Highland Park won't cost you much more. I pretty much always keep some around the house since it's such a good deal.

[cheezewiz]

Originally Posted by BartmanPDX

Back when I worked as a liquor salesman for a high-end wine shop in the Bay Area, we had a sampler pack that had 6 airline bottles. I'm not sure if it's made any more. It contained Oban, Talisker, Lagavulin (I think) and some others.

We also sold some of the airline bottles of single malts individually.

In general though, airline bottles of single malt are hard to find.

Your best bet might be to go to bars and get a glass of what they have there. Then post your findings (what you like; what you don't) there, and those of us who have tried many single malts can point you towards some with a similar flavor profile.

Single malts are like beers -- they come in a wide variety of flavors, from really subtle like Knockando to the real massive Islays like Ardbeg, Lagavulin, or Laphroaig. The Islays are sort of like the "stouts" of single malt -- as with Guinness, some will claim they are the greatest whiskys ever made, while others will absolutely hate them. Islays tend to be very smoky, powerful, and have a taste of the sea air as well. Laphroaig 10 year is a little harsh, IMO. I prefer the Lagavulin 16, which adds the sherry complexity and isn't as rough around the edges yet is still mighty powerful. Some of the older Bowmores are incredible.

For relative newcomers, I find that Macallan is almost always well-received; it was what I often recommended to someone giving the bottle as a gift if they didn't know what style of single malt the recipient favored. It's sherry-barreled, so it's got a nice sweetness to compliment the peat. It's very middle-of-the-road in terms of flavor -- not thin, but not overwhelming either. Glenmorangie is another good option in that category.

If you're feeling more adventurous, Highland Park is an excellent choice, sort of midway between the sherry smoothness of Macallan and the smoky power of Lagavulin. Plus, it's a fantastic deal.

While Johnny Black is a fine drink, it's not within shouting distance of Highland Park IMO, and the Highland Park won't cost you much more. I pretty much always keep some around the house since it's such a good deal.

Yep, I have to agree. Highland Park has pretty much become my favorite.

[Masher88]

Yeah...so far, Macallan is very good. I actually had some of the 21 year old in Vegas....real nice...but at 20 dollars for a double on the rocks...yipes! So I went back to the Glenlivet 12 yr...at 12 bucks a double. I had a small airplane bottle of Highland park once that a friend gave me from their trip to Scotland. I wish I hadn't been drunk already when I opened it. I can't remember the subtleties! I remember liking it, though! hahah

Just finished up a bottle of Glenfiddich 12yr. last weekend. Now I must go shopping!!!! Darn!

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Here is one you guys will not be aware of:

http://www.edradour.co.uk/index2.html

Bruichladdich is another one worth checking out.

Macallan is nice, as is Laphroaig.

There is a small whisky shop in Edinburgh that sells the little bottles, aswell as bigger ones (obviously). Do not know if they ship abroad tho.

The bar I work in is stocked with some of the finest whiskeys, most of which made pretty close by .

[Masher88]

Wow, Mohawk...I don't think I could work where you do! I would drink up the profits!!!

Anyone try the Laphroiag Quarter Cask?

[Masher88]

BTW...I found a place in the USA that sells small bottle sampler packs...although, all samplers are from the same distillery per pack.

https://www.whiskyshopusa.com/store/...?CategoryID=30

Like a kid in a candy store, i tell ya!

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by Masher88

Wow, Mohawk...I don't think I could work where you do! I would drink up the profits!!!

Anyone try the Laphroiag Quarter Cask?

I don't drink, so I'm fine

Tis a fine selection we have (there are a few more bottles to each side that I couldnt squeeze in). Plus there is the general dross on optics, and some foreign spirits on another shelf like that at the other side of the bar. The fridge is stocked with loads of beers from smaller brewerys around the EU and Scotland, and on tap it is generally Ales (hand pumps!) from both local brewers and those down south. Great place to work, keep having some random jazz sessions in there, good craic

[warwick.hoy]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

If you are looking for some suggestions try Laphriaog. It is a single malt from the Islay Region. I've had the 10 year and the Cask Conditioned. I regularly drink the 10 year. The Cask Conditioned is a little smoother. Both have a really smoky flavor.

I also like The Macallan. It has a more Plum/Sherry flavor.

While I like beer Scotch is the nectar of the gods IMO.

Originally Posted by Masher88

Wow, Mohawk...I don't think I could work where you do! I would drink up the profits!!!

Anyone try the Laphroiag Quarter Cask?

That's what I was referring too. I've had it and I like it. IIRC it is a little smoother than the 10 year.

Laphroiag is definitely love it or hate it.

[burk48237]

While Lagvullen 16 has become my favorite. For guys who are just acquiring a "scotch taste" I recommend Macallen 12 or Balvinnie Double Cask 12. Both are very smooth, and not overwhelming in flavor. Lagvullen, Highland Park and Talisker are a bit more of an acquired taste. The next step up, and my "best buy" Scotch is either Glengoyne 17 or Glenmorge 12 Port Wood. The next on my list to Acquire is Maccallen 15 fine oak. I had some last fall and the taste still lingers. You might want to PM Tombowlus, his Scotch collection is like his speaker cab collection. Here's my closet, not as much variety, but good stuff.

[BartmanPDX]

This thread is making me yearn for the days when I worked at Beltramos and got to taste single malts on a regular basis. At one point I figured I had tried over a hundred different bottlings (some were independent bottlings like Cadenhead's or Gordon and McPhail, etc.).

The pay sucked, and most of the job was boring, but tasting days made it all worthwhile.

I mostly spend my money on bass gear these days though. My liquor cabinet is shockingly bare. All I have on hand right now are bottles of Highland Park 12 and Lagavulin 16.

[Masher88]

Just ordered up some Scotches (plural? HA) On recommendation from Burk I got the:

Balvenie Double Wood 12 Year Old - Bottle
and
Glenfiddich Miniatures Pack:
50ml bottles of 12 year old, 15 year old Solera Reserve, and 18 year old single malts.

Thanks everyone for the input...This is so fun!!!!

[ubado]

Originally Posted by burk48237

While Lagvullen 16 has become my favorite. For guys who are just acquiring a "scotch taste" I recommend Macallen 12 or Balvinnie Double Cask 12. Both are very smooth, and not overwhelming in flavor. Lagvullen, Highland Park and Talisker are a bit more of an acquired taste. The next step up, and my "best buy" Scotch is either Glengoyne 17 or Glenmorge 12 Port Wood. The next on my list to Acquire is Maccallen 15 fine oak. I had some last fall and the taste still lingers.

Great selection ... I'd also recommend Dalwhinnie 15yr single malt. Very smooth, clean, a bit sweet and smokey, with a nice finish. It's considered a light to medium bodied Scotch. My personal favorite! Nice for a hot summer's day of sipping.

[plexibass]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Man, Dalmore Cigar Malt.

It is AWESOME. Very heavy and meant to overpower the taste of cigars.

really, you think it's heavy?. hmmmm, i didnt get that from it. i thought that it complimented cigars but not really overpower it. i sent a bottle to bassic83 for his birthday and he loved it, i think. oh bassic, where are you?

[fenderhutz]

For general drinking and mixing I use JB scotch. Like 30 bucks for a Liter and not too bad.

For straight sippin' I like the Scotches that come off the River Spey, they seem to taste better to me.

BTW, by heavy I meant it has a peatier taste, more earthy. I absolutely love it though for the price.

[plexibass]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

BTW, by heavy I meant it has a peatier taste, more earthy. I absolutely love it though for the price.

yeah i'll agree with that. how many of you out there drink scotch straight, neat, clean or whatever the kids are calling it nowadays? i went to a bar the other night to meet a friend, and he bought me a scotch. the bartender insisted that i put a little water in it to open it up. i hated it after the water was in it. made him pour me another one. macallan 18yo.
in my drinking days, i would polish off a bottle a day.