Single Malt Scotch Advice - Page 4

Just contributing here, I don't know too much about scotch or describing their flavors too much... Ones I've had that I have tried (I don't remember all the years but probably the younger ones) Lagavulin - sooo smokey, when my friend ordered it accross the table frome me I could definitely smell it. This is probably my favorite. Glenrothes- very nice, nothing too memorable, just nice Talisker- I remember it being pretty smokey, I liked it alot Auchentoshan classic- this is my cheap go-to single malt I can get for $20 at the liquor store on my way home. It's been the cheapest one I've had that I like, but I'll have to try some of the recommendations in this thread.

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Macallan 12 was definitely my gateway, and a great all rounder. It's not very smoky though. I think Highland Park 12 is another great all rounder, and is one step up on smokiness from Macallan 12.

Definitely enjoyed Highland 12 more than Macallan 12 as well. Similarly priced, as well. I tried the Lagavulin based on people's suggestions, but it's waaaaaaay too peaty and smoky for me. I'm not at that level of whisky yet.

I felt the same way the first time I tried Lagavulin. I went to a local store and the guy working there recommended Bruichaladdich Peat. Costs about the same as bottle of Lagavulin. It's also an Islay malt, but it's much more mellow with respect to the smoke and overall sharp medicine like taste. It actually has a sweetnes to it. I highly recommend it. Also, tried the Ardbeg Nam Beist last night. A little pricier, but also a great balance of peat and sweetness. A shame it's no longer in production, but if you can find a bottle, try it.

I'm inordinately fond of Lagavulin 16 and Laphroaig QC or 18. I had a bottle of Arbeg Uigeadail about a year ago and actually thought it pushed the peat a little too far. Then I received a bottle of 1990 Nam Beist as a gift from a customer a month or so ago and what a difference! I think the Nam Beist is probably my favourite Islay yet. That said I got a bottle of Craggenmore 12 for Christmas and find it extremely good natured without sacrificing any complexity. It is my current "go-to" dram when not celebrating.

Auchentoshan is a great everyday drinker.

Interesting. Thanks for sharing that. I am very impressed with the Nam Beist. It's becoming almost impossible to find. I'm thinking of picking up a couple of bottles to keep in my cabinet while I still can find it. I haven't tried Cragganmore, but I keep hearing about it. May need to try it. Cheers.

just bought a bottle of Tomatin 12 year for $20 at my local liqour store.... I gotta say, this is my bargain scotch from now on. Auchentochan select used to be my budget one... it's still $20 at the same liqour store so I may still get it to compare to this one. But for now TOMATIN!!! Not baaaaaad.

First time tonight with scotch, tried Laphroaig 10. It was good!

Laphroaig 10 is a bold start. Am surprised you liked it.. You must be a natural. It took time for me to appreciate it. Now, I prefer something a little peatier than what I used to like, although I appreciate the distinct characteristics of all the regions.

Finally cracked my bottle of the Nam Beist (actually, to be fair, it's almost half gone) and it's excellent. Glad I picked up a backup bottle for a rainy day! It's more drinkable on a regular basis than the Uigeadail, which I quite like when I'm in the mood for something with more smoke and peat. I find the Uigeadail to be quite similar to the Laphroaig QC, although perhaps a tad bit sweeter and a less medicinal tasting.

This.

Lagavulin 16yo: Smokey/Peaty ...good god !

My good cheap (around $40/bottle) scotches: Balvenie Doublewood 12 Laphroaig Quarter Cask These are pretty diametrically opposed. The Balvnie is pretty mellow and on the sherry side of things, the Laphroaig is a lot like sticking your head in a fire place. Very bold/smokey/peaty. Also falling into this category of good/cheap is Macallan 12, although I generally like the Balvenie more if I'm not reaching for the Laphroaig. Those three are a very good start if you don't want to break the bank. Not quite as cheap, but another really good scotch is Aberlour A'bunadh. I've been mostly been drinking this lately.