Any One for a Scotch?

[kayjaybee]

imo the laga12 is even bigger than the 16

I've never had it (it's on my must-try list) but I've read the same thing...can't go wrong with either, IMO.

 

[ama]



Good to know. Thinking I may still pick it up as, in my very limited experience to this point, I've preferred things like Lagavulin and Talisker to more subtle scotches.
Actually, this preference reminds me of how I got into wine. I used to exclusively drink big reds (ex. Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, often from California or Australia) and the more red-like whites (ex. oakier Chardonnays). Over the past few years, I've started to appreciate the earthiness and mineral notes that tend to be more easily detected in less full-bodied wines, and often find the very big wines a bit one-dimensional.
I'm wondering if the same drift in preference is something I can expect in scotch. Have anyone of you veteran scotch drinkers gone through a pronounced change in preference over the years, such as moving from Islays to Speysides?

Laga 12 is much bigger as Bacon pointed out. I think 16 is a better scotch, but 12 is pretty great in its own right.

In terms of Islay v. Speyside, on a basic level I'd argue that Islay is less challenging and nuanced, especially at younger ages. Of course, there are exceptions, but I think one has to be very familiar with the Islay he is drinking to get past the peat. Speysides aren't as masked generally (sherry bombs aside).

Over time I imagine your tastes will change, or you will branch-out out of boredom.

 

[drizzt3117]

Compared the macallan 18 to the fine oak 17 today; they're quite different! I thought the 18 was smoother but the 17 had more complexity; both had strong caramel notes.

 

[Piobaire]

 

[sinnedk]

that bottle looks interesting

 

[jet]

I've been curious to get amas and bacons opinion on OP for awhile but never remember, so what's the word?

 

[ama]



I've been curious to get amas and bacons opinion on OP for awhile but never remember, so what's the word?

I strongly prefer the older ones to the younger ones. Pretty distinct brine and salt. Not out of place though as in many Obans, but integrated nicely with the fruitiness and malt flavors. Overall, pretty nice, but there are a lot of things I'd buy before them. I think I have a bottle of 17 open now that i very occasionally dip into.

 

[jet]

Meant specifically the 21, where would that rank on the hierarchy of affordable scotches?

 

[ama]



Meant specifically the 21, where would that rank on the hierarchy of affordable scotches?

I can't taste much of a difference between the 17 and 21. At close to $150, it honestly wouldn't be my first choice. It is definitely one that I would seek to try before I bought.

 

[indesertum]

what's a good scotch to give as a present? they like laga 16 a lot. one of them likes laphroaig but not sure about the other one

 

[I<3Bacon]

What's your budget like? Sounds like you wouldn't go wrong with an Ardbeg.

 

[indesertum]

which ardberg? budget is somewhat flexible. on one hand i feel like gifting a 150, 200 ish bottle, but i woudl feel bad and i think they would feel bad. i think 60 or 70 is reasonable

 

[ama]



which ardberg? budget is somewhat flexible. on one hand i feel like gifting a 150, 200 ish bottle, but i woudl feel bad and i think they would feel bad. i think 60 or 70 is reasonable

Ardbeg Uigeadail

 

[I<3Bacon]



Ardbeg Uigeadail

+1 for oogy. best bang for your buck ardbeg

 

[NORE]

Yes. 100 Pipers right now. It's a blended but it works for what ails me for 6 bucks a pint.