Single Malt Scotch!

[Vic]

I don't think I'd refer to it as "blended hate", just that some folks really prefer the single .....

There are definitely some blends that I like, and if anyone is interested in developing a scotch taste bud, choosing a blend as a starting point isn't a bad way to go. Some of the very popular blends like Dewars and Chivas are quite palatable for the novice scotch drinker and can lead you appreciating the taste of the general scotch flavors. Some of the single malts can be very distinctive in flavor and may not appeal to everyone, whereas a blended scotch may not be as "offensive" ....

I also think that the Macallen 12 is a nice entry point ....

That would be "Macallan", but you make a great point.

I do prefer the singles, but I'm far from disliking the blends. FWIW anyway.

 

[SMASH]

I drink a lot of single malt, pretty much daily. I'll agree the Macallan is a good, widely-available choice. Kinda "lite" for my tastes though.

Everyone has different palates, and everyone's tastes - or ability to taste - changes and develops over time, so there's no "one size fits all".

I've never taken to blends myself, and for me Johnny Blue is nearly tasteless bunk. It's not so much I actively disliked it, I just didn't find any real taste or character to it. Something so costly and touted shouldn't inspire ambivalence, IMO. In some cases this can plague older and more expensive whiskeys, as they'll ofen be smoother and thus lack some of the character of the younger bottlings. There are a few cases in which I prefer a younger whiskey to its well-aged bretheren, Macallan being one of them.

Highland Park 30 is well worth the $300/bottle if you're feeling generous this Xmas. Actually any of the Highland Park offerings I think are excellent and very tasty.

As with anything, pricier doesn't necessarily = better.

 

[tombowlus]

I do prefer the singles, but I'm far from disliking the blends. FWIW anyway.

+1 Same here.

 

[burk48237]

+1 on the 12year port wood. I certainly could stick with that and have no complaints.

12 year old Glenmorange Port Wood and Glengoyne 17 (both around 65$) are about as close to Mac 18 in richness and smoothness as you can get. They are both great Scotches.

POINTBASS I don't think I'd refer to it as "blended hate", just that some folks really prefer the single .....

There are definitely some blends that I like, and if anyone is interested in developing a scotch taste bud, choosing a blend as a starting point isn't a bad way to go. Some of the very popular blends like Dewars and Chivas are quite palatable for the novice scotch drinker and can lead you appreciating the taste of the general scotch flavors. Some of the single malts can be very distinctive in flavor and may not appeal to everyone, whereas a blended scotch may not be as "offensive" ....

I also think that the Macallen 12 is a nice entry point ....

Dewars White Label and Famous Grouse are both decent blends, and I agree on Mac 12 as a great single malt to start with. But I must admit while I looked forward to a Mac 12 a couple of years ago, I find them a bit bland now. Tom B ruined me with Lagvullen.

 

[Stubb]

There seems to be a lot of love for the Islay and Speyside regions on this site. Does anyone especially like Highland malts? I like all three that I've had - Deanston 12, Oban 14, and Highland Park 18. It's a pretty diverse region, and I'd like to find some more to sample.

What about Lowland malts? There aren't many, but Glenkinchie seems fairly popular. Anyone?

 

[tombowlus]

There seems to be a lot of love for the Islay and Speyside regions on this site. Does anyone especially like Highland malts? I like all three that I've had - Deanston 12, Oban 14, and Highland Park 18. It's a pretty diverse region, and I'd like to find some more to sample.

What about Lowland malts? There aren't many, but Glenkinchie seems fairly popular. Anyone?

Though Islay malts really get my tastebuds going, I do like to mix things up with a nice glass of Oban 14 every now and then. IME, Oban is a case study in needing several sips to really get the taste of a scotch.

 

[SMASH]

There seems to be a lot of love for the Islay and Speyside regions on this site. Does anyone especially like Highland malts? I like all three that I've had - Deanston 12, Oban 14, and Highland Park 18. It's a pretty diverse region, and I'd like to find some more to sample.

Love Highland Park, and I really enjoy Oban as a default when I'm out & about. That's what I generally buy as rounds, and even novices seem to dig it well enough. It's about the best thing you can count on most bars having around here. Never tried Deanston, or even seen it I think.

Way north, I really love me some Talisker !

 

[drteeth]

I sipped a lagavullin 16 for the first time yesterday, and it blew me away.

 

[tombowlus]

I sipped a lagavullin 16 for the first time yesterday, and it blew me away.

Nice.

 

[KJung]

Nice.

Hey Tom,

The good news: My wife gave me a bottle of Macallan 18 for our 18th wedding anniversary a couple of months ago.

The bad news: Burk found out about it He reminds me of a dog looking for a treat when he comes over!

 

[Vic]

Hey Tom,

The good news: My wife gave me a bottle of Macallan 18 for our 18th wedding anniversary a couple of months ago.

The bad news: Burk found out about it He reminds me of a dog looking for a treat when he comes over!

LOL! Bar the doors and windows, batten down the hatches...

 

[tombowlus]

Hey Tom,

The good news: My wife gave me a bottle of Macallan 18 for our 18th wedding anniversary a couple of months ago.

The bad news: Burk found out about it He reminds me of a dog looking for a treat when he comes over!

Nice! Just don't let Burk pour his own glass!

 

[RDUB]

Hey Tom,

The good news: My wife gave me a bottle of Macallan 18 for our 18th wedding anniversary a couple of months ago.

The bad news: Burk found out about it He reminds me of a dog looking for a treat when he comes over!

I'd be doing likewise!

We generally have a bottle of Glenlivet about the house. One of my (many) marital mistakes was teaching my wife to drink Scotch, so now I have to share. At least she drinks it neat.

 

[Stubb]

Had a glass of Highland Park 12 tonight. I've already had the 18 year. I think I'll keep an eye out for a bottle of the 12 year on sale.

 

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

I'm thinking of giving a special Christmas present to a friend, and I need your help for this, guys. My friend is what I'd call a blended Scotch whisky connoisseur. The thing is, single-malt scotches are extremely rare here. I don't even know if I will find such stuff in local liquor stores but assuming that I will, I'd like to introduce him to single-malt Scotch since according to what I've been reading here, that's the real Scotch whisky (I cannot comment since I don't drink -but I love to read about alcoholic beverages-).

Which great+affordable single-malt would you recommend as a present for someone like him? Someone that has tried any imaginable brand of blended Scotch and is very selective about it, but never tried a single-malt? I'd like it to be a great first experience for him. Thank you in advance for your input!

Just got this on time for Christmas eve:

Had to order it from a store in Bogotá (the Capital city) and just arrived. Not-so-slightly over my budget for a Christmas present, but I feel really fine anyway. I'm going to introduce this guy to the world of single malt Scotch. If he likes fine blends that much, I hope he will enjoy this new taste even more.

 

[Stubb]

Macallan 12 is the Fender Jazz Bass of single malts. In other words, fine choice.

 

[Thunderitter]

I'm currently down to my last few drams of a 30 year old Glenmorangie, which has been finished in a malaga cask. I'm not usually a Glenmorangie man, although I've been known to drink the stuff but that stuff is truly magnificent! Huge flavour and so, so smooth.

My usual tipple would be something from the Mitchell family in Campbeltown - a Springbank (10 or 15) or a Longrow (10 or 15), although Hazelburn (8) is nice when you're wanting to be 'peat free'. Campbeltown Loch is a decent blend too. I've a Springbank 21 in my cabinet right now and for those in the 'know', I'm torn on whether to pop the cork or not! After Springbank when I'm in the mood it is over to Islay for some Lagavulin (16) or Laphroig (15) and a wee Talisker is nice a peppery once in a while!

At any one time I've usually got 20 or so varied singles in the house, which I only drink with friends! Nothing better than a wee 'round the region tasting to the uninitiated! It's great to do back to back years with a malt or back to back between distilleries.

I should maybe add that I'm a Scottish born and bred US citizen (Jun 2008!) and get back to 'hame' regularly, hence my whisky is usually purchased at, or close to the source. Not that makes any difference to the taste but it fair opens up the choice, which at least here in VA are pretty limited.

 

[fitbass3p]

I'm currently down to my last few drams of a 30 year old Glenmorangie, which has been finished in a malaga cask. I'm not usually a Glenmorangie man, although I've been known to drink the stuff but that stuff is truly magnificent! Huge flavour and so, so smooth.

My usual tipple would be something from the Mitchell family in Campbeltown - a Springbank (10 or 15) or a Longrow (10 or 15), although Hazelburn (8) is nice when you're wanting to be 'peat free'. Campbeltown Loch is a decent blend too. I've a Springbank 21 in my cabinet right now and for those in the 'know', I'm torn on whether to pop the cork or not! After Springbank when I'm in the mood it is over to Islay for some Lagavulin (16) or Laphroig (15) and a wee Talisker is nice a peppery once in a while!

At any one time I've usually got 20 or so varied singles in the house, which I only drink with friends! Nothing better than a wee 'round the region tasting to the uninitiated! It's great to do back to back years with a malt or back to back between distilleries.

I should maybe add that I'm a Scottish born and bred US citizen (Jun 2008!) and get back to 'hame' regularly, hence my whisky is usually purchased at, or close to the source. Not that makes any difference to the taste but it fair opens up the choice, which at least here in VA are pretty limited.

I'm hopefully travelling to Scotland for 3 weeks or so in July, and would welcome your input on places to see scotch-wise. I think I have a grasp on the touristy stuff, but there's not really a lot of information on the 'net for some of the smaller distilleries. It'd be a shame to completely miss something beautiful if I can help it.

 

[Jefenator]

Last month, my boss informed me we were going down to 1 day/week for January and February.

Then he turned around and gave me a bottle of Laguvalin 16 for Christmas.

I guess they really want me to stay on!

 

[Thunderitter]

I'm hopefully travelling to Scotland for 3 weeks or so in July, and would welcome your input on places to see scotch-wise. I think I have a grasp on the touristy stuff, but there's not really a lot of information on the 'net for some of the smaller distilleries. It'd be a shame to completely miss something beautiful if I can help it.

PM sent!