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Single Malt Scotch!

For example Ardbeg Blasda, Talisker 10 and Old Pulteney 12 will never be on my shopping list.

Out of interest, why would you avoid the Old Pulteney 12 but take the 17?

Always thought the 12 was a nice tipple, though a bit on the salty side for my regular tastes.

Have to major +1 the Caol Ila 12, not sure if I've mentioned in the past that I'm quite fond of that ;)
 
Out of interest, why would you avoid the Old Pulteney 12 but take the 17?

Always thought the 12 was a nice tipple, though a bit on the salty side for my regular tastes.

Have to major +1 the Caol Ila 12, not sure if I've mentioned in the past that I'm quite fond of that ;)
Just personal preference based on a bottle I bought last year. I drank it, and probably would buy it again if the cost was half of what I paid, but the 17 which I just tried last week was fantastic, even though I usually prefer my scotch around the 10-12 year mark.

I didn't care for the Caol Ila 12 last year when I first tried it, but loved it, actually three glasses of it, last week when I tried it again. Maybe my tastes are changing...
 
Well you're a scotch expert now that you know what you like!

Lagavulin 12 is very good too and if you get a chance, try to check out some Caol Ila 12, Bunnahabhain 12, Bruichladdich Laddie, Ardbeg Corryvreckan or Ardbog, Talisker 18 or Old Pulteney 17.

Careful about trying other versions though, as they can be far different from other expressions in a given line. For example Ardbeg Blasda, Talisker 10 and Old Pulteney 12 will never be on my shopping list.

Thanks for the tips!
 
Well you're a scotch expert now that you know what you like!

Lagavulin 12 is very good too and if you get a chance, try to check out some Caol Ila 12, Bunnahabhain 12, Bruichladdich Laddie, Ardbeg Corryvreckan or Ardbog, Talisker 18 or Old Pulteney 17.

Careful about trying other versions though, as they can be far different from other expressions in a given line. For example Ardbeg Blasda, Talisker 10 and Old Pulteney 12 will never be on my shopping list.

And this is exactly why you should try everything possible, as I'd say the Talisker 10 and Old Pulteney 12 are fine malts - the Talisker is one of my non-Islay favourites! We can't all be right so check them out yourself. :)
 
And this is exactly why you should try everything possible, as I'd say the Talisker 10 and Old Pulteney 12 are fine malts - the Talisker is one of my non-Islay favourites! We can't all be right so check them out yourself. :)
Knowing that many people like these two, I particularly like to point out that they are not going to be for everyone, as I was surprised when I first tried both the Talisker 10 and 18, because with the former, I expected to like it but didn't, while with the 18, I was doubtful, then astonished.

Talisker 18 is some great stuff along with the Old Pulteney 17!
 
And this is exactly why you should try everything possible, as I'd say the Talisker 10 and Old Pulteney 12 are fine malts - the Talisker is one of my non-Islay favourites! We can't all be right so check them out yourself. :)

pulteney 12 year doesn't get enough attention. a bottle can be had for less than the price of johnny walker black label, and it's a top notch malt. one of my all time favorites- regardless of price. blows away anything less than $60 for sure..
 
Talisker 18 is some great stuff along with the Old Pulteney 17!

I haven't yet tasted either but I'll make a point of it if I get the chance.

The wonderful thing about single malts is the vast variety and the even greater difference in, and unpredictability of, personal reactions to them. Some may love all Taliskers for example, some only one. As a fan of the smokiest, peatiest whiskies there's no logic to me also liking Glenfiddich 12, one of the lightest malts I've encountered. The lack of logic is what makes it such an enjoyable journey.
 
pulteney 12 year doesn't get enough attention. a bottle can be had for less than the price of johnny walker black label, and it's a top notch malt. one of my all time favorites- regardless of price. blows away anything less than $60 for sure..
Absolutely not! I know, I know, you're opinion/my opinion, but there are so many bottles out there for less than $60 that kill the Old Pulteney and the fact that it is much better than the over-rated JW brand only goes as far as the Black, while the Double Black, for less than $60 is a better drink for those like myself.

Ardbeg 10 is often available for less than $60 and is a much better option in my book.
The wonderful thing about single malts is the vast variety and the even greater difference in, and unpredictability of, personal reactions to them. Some may love all Taliskers for example, some only one. As a fan of the smokiest, peatiest whiskies there's no logic to me also liking Glenfiddich 12, one of the lightest malts I've encountered. The lack of logic is what makes it such an enjoyable journey.
+1

I've been told several times that my love of several Ardbeg's should preclude me from liking anything gentle, and yet a few of my absolute favorites are incredibly mild, like the anCnoc 12 and Longmorn 12, both of which I found while trying to come up with a similar profile to the discontinued Glenfiddich Special Old Reserve.
I had the old pulteney 12 and 21, how would the 17 compare?
I bought a bottle of JW Black and Old Pulteney 12 within a couple days of each other last year and only took the Old Pulteney with me when I left, but still only took it as something marginally enjoyable.

The Old Pulteney 17 that I tried last week was to me, very desirable and I really want a bottle of that in the cupboard alongside the rest of my collection.

Sorry I haven't any idea on the the 21, but for me at least, the 12 and 21 hardly seem to belong in the same conversation other than that they come from the same distillery.
 
I need to try the 17, it's just that it's a lot more expensive than the 12, but not a whole lot cheaper than the 21 (i.e. if I was going to, I think I'd splurge and go all out for the 21, it was whisky of the year last year after all!)
After having liked the 17 so much I'm going to be looking for the 21 as well now with your endorsement.

By the way, what did you get to try over the holidays? I've been looking forward to hear about your trip.
 
I've not tried the 21, just it was rated so highly that I'd fork out the extra little bit to get it!

My journey to the pub was enjoyable, though nothing rare, stared off with the sweet Dalmore 12, even sweeter tasting than I remembered (getting towards being a bad thing) before moving onto Talkisker 10, Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16. Some great malts, though nothing on the rare side.

On an unrelated note, contemplating picking up a bottle of Kilchoman.
 
Absolutely not! I know, I know, you're opinion/my opinion, but there are so many bottles out there for less than $60 that kill the Old Pulteney

i suppose that's true. but for me, old pulteney is hard to beat. the whole sea-air saltyness, is just heaven to me- but i guess growing up on an island, i'm prone to love that scent. or maybe i like OP for other reasons. who knows! i've only had double black once in a bar, it's good- but so differnt from OP (any age!) you can't compare them really. in a way, thats what i like about bourbon, there's less variety and theyre therefore a little easier to compare in a more direct way.

my latest malt-predicament is that i've got a bit of a cold, which leads to a slight metallic taste in the mouth. haven't had a dram in a few days; which is no big deal, it's not like i have any sort of addiction, but i've been at several social events this weekend (my brother graduated from the NYPD academy today) and i had to keep turning down drinks, because i just won't enjoy them as much.

does anyone else feel guilty drinking a good dram knowing you're not getting the full effect? sometimes because your paying for it, other times just because its good whisky.
 
groooooove said:
does anyone else feel guilty drinking a good dram knowing you're not getting the full effect? sometimes because your paying for it, other times just because its good whisky.

Haven't you heard of the "two hat" method of curing a cold?

You set a bottle of your comfort scotch on your nightstand. Place a hat on the top of a bedpost. Get in bed and drink til you see two hats!
 
Some new mini malts for a tasting session :)

Edradour 10
Bruicladdich 10
Bruicladdich Sherry Classic
Bruicladdich Organic
Bruicladdich Port Charlotte
 

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