Any One for a Scotch?

[indesertum]

eh. i think blends are about to make a comeback especially with rising single malt prices. a lot of good value blends out there compared to some really overpriced single malts

anybody have experience with kilchoman? worth the hype?

 

[NewYorkIslander]



eh. i think blends are about to make a comeback especially with rising single malt prices. a lot of good value blends out there compared to some really overpriced single malts

anybody have experience with kilchoman? worth the hype?

I agree on the blends...Whiskey Advocate just did a piece on them too, so...

As far as Kilchoman, I can't imagine its worth the price tag, especially with some Laphroaigs right at the same level.

 

[Newcomer]

So, just for fun, figured that maybe the scotch afficionados could give me some advice on where to go next.

Here is the current state of my collection:

Laphroiag 10, Lagavulin 16, Ardbeg 10, Ardbog, Ardbeg Oogie, HP 18, Balvenie Caribbean Cask, Aberlour A'bunadh, Arran Malt Devil's Bunchbowl, Talisker 18.

Any suggestions of where I should go next?

 

[Longmorn]

So, just for fun, figured that maybe the scotch afficionados could give me some advice on where to go next.

Here is the current state of my collection:

Laphroiag 10, Lagavulin 16, Ardbeg 10, Ardbog, Ardbeg Oogie, HP 18, Balvenie Caribbean Cask, Aberlour A'bunadh, Arran Malt Devil's Bunchbowl, Talisker 18.

Any suggestions of where I should go next?

Only if you give some notes on the Arran Malt Devil's Punchbowl. Is it the I or the II? Saw it in Astor a couple weeks back and was intrigued, having had some good luck with Arran in recent months.

In terms of advice, depends which direction you want to go. Looks like you've got a lot of peat and maritime character already. If you want variations on a theme, you could go for more smoke and brine in Port Charlotte, Bowmore, or Longrow. For some brine with less/no smoke, Bruichladdich Laddy 10, 16, or Rocks; Longmorn 16; or Old Pulteney 12 (not sure the 17 is worth the price).

If you want to branch out to other profiles, Glenlivet is classic and entirely worthwhile (refined Speyside). G&M bottlings of Glen Grant are tasty. You'll have noted that Mortlach is a favorite around here, but hard to find. If you like the A'bunadh you might try regular Aberlour. That said, you seem to like big Scotches so you might want to concentrate on cask strength bottlings from the 'lighter' regions. Maybe Glenfarclas 105?

 

[Huntsman]

Which of those do you like and why?

 

[Longmorn]

eh. i think blends are about to make a comeback especially with rising single malt prices. a lot of good value blends out there compared to some really overpriced single malts

anybody have experience with kilchoman? worth the hype?

Had a single barrel Kilchoman at the Flatiron Room a couple weeks back. Strong peat, but not all that well integrated with other flavors. Didn't appeal to me, but YMMV.

 

[NewYorkIslander]



So, just for fun, figured that maybe the scotch afficionados could give me some advice on where to go next.

Here is the current state of my collection:

Laphroiag 10, Lagavulin 16, Ardbeg 10, Ardbog, Ardbeg Oogie, HP 18, Balvenie Caribbean Cask, Aberlour A'bunadh, Arran Malt Devil's Bunchbowl, Talisker 18.

Any suggestions of where I should go next?

You seem to like what I like. Sweet, Salty Peat. I'd go Lap 18...its by far the best Islay thats readily available under $100. The Ardbeg is a rough scotch, but Lap 18 is just GREAT, refined witha ll the character of an Islay but it has the silkiness of a good Speyside.

 

[Longmorn]

You seem to like what I like. Sweet, Salty Peat.

NYI - I don't think I recall you ever mentioning Bowmore, which would fit this profile, too. Have you tried any of their stuff? If not, the Darkest would probably be a good place to start.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Next stop should be Bunnahabhain 18, but that is a fantastic collection. Good choices.

 

[Huntsman]

laphroaig 18 is a standout. My bottle is a gift from my old boss, from when I was no longer serving under him, to thank me for working fir him. Standout guy that doesn't even like scotch but knew I liked Lag 16 and so asked around.

~ H

 

[aravenel]

Damn, that's a good boss.

 

[Newcomer]



In terms of advice, depends which direction you want to go. Looks like you've got a lot of peat and maritime character already. If you want variations on a theme, you could go for more smoke and brine in Port Charlotte, Bowmore, or Longrow. For some brine with less/no smoke, Bruichladdich Laddy 10, 16, or Rocks; Longmorn 16; or Old Pulteney 12 (not sure the 17 is worth the price).

If you want to branch out to other profiles, Glenlivet is classic and entirely worthwhile (refined Speyside). G&M bottlings of Glen Grant are tasty. You'll have noted that Mortlach is a favorite around here, but hard to find. If you like the A'bunadh you might try regular Aberlour. That said, you seem to like big Scotches so you might want to concentrate on cask strength bottlings from the 'lighter' regions. Maybe Glenfarclas 105?

Thank you your suggestions! That was very helpful! I have wanted to try some of the G&M--my local booze store has some G&M options, include a 15 year old Mortlach. I have not tried any of the Bruichladdich options, so that is definitely an option. I really enjoy Briney scotches (well, I love the Talisker 18).

I enjoyed the A'bunadh, especially the sherried nature of it, so perhaps the Aberlour would be worth it! And I agree, I kind of want to branch out a little bit. I feel like my collection is very... honed.

And it is the Punchbowl II. Let me have some tonight, and I will report back to you!

Which of those do you like and why?

I like everything except the Caribbean cask. I also have tried Glenfiddich and Glenlivet (the basic years), and did not really care for them too much. I found they were a little bit... single noted.

I really like the Talisker 18 and the Lagavulin 16. Also, the Oogie. The Ardbeg 10 and the Laphroiag 10 are probably my least favorites (other than the Balvenie). And I still greatly both of them. I think I prefer the Lap 10 more than the Ardbeg 10.

I actually really liked the Arran Malt Devil's Bunchbowl II. It is a bit discordant, from what I remember. But I really enjoyed the apple notes. I enjoyed the crisp taste to it.

You seem to like what I like. Sweet, Salty Peat. I'd go Lap 18...its by far the best Islay thats readily available under $100. The Ardbeg is a rough scotch, but Lap 18 is just GREAT, refined witha ll the character of an Islay but it has the silkiness of a good Speyside.

I have actually had the Lap 18 before. It is DELICIOUS. I would really like to pick that up again. I may actually do that! And the Ardbeg 10 is super rough, but the Oogie and the Bog are just so damn tasty.

NYI - I don't think I recall you ever mentioning Bowmore, which would fit this profile, too. Have you tried any of their stuff? If not, the Darkest would probably be a good place to start.

Hmmm, I have never tried the Bowmore Darkest. I may have to pick one of those up.

Next stop should be Bunnahabhain 18, but that is a fantastic collection. Good choices.

I have thought a lot about picking that up. I have had the Bunny 12, and was not the biggest fan (but I had it early on in my tasting journey). Is the 18 that much more dynamic?

laphroaig 18 is a standout. My bottle is a gift from my old boss, from when I was no longer serving under him, to thank me for working fir him. Standout guy that doesn't even like scotch but knew I liked Lag 16 and so asked around.

~ H

I think I will have to pick up the 18. I have only had a glass. I would like to work my way to a bottom of it.

 

[joelscott7]

Just opened a bottle of Bowmore Lamraig, had to add a bit of water to nose it, but so far I am liking it.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Laphroaig 18 is great, would be a good choice. Bunnahabhain 18 is a lot different than the 12 yr.

 

[JubeiSpiegel]

This thread (like most SF threads) will be hell on my wallet...