Whisky Forum - Suggestions to further my journey

piedaddy · Member Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 5

I'm fairly new to the single malt scotch world. My palate has been exposed to Dalmore Cigar Malt (my father's), Springbank 10 yr. and The Glenlivet 12 yr (both my purchases). While I realize I have not been exposed to a wide variety, I will tell you that I thouroughly enjoyed the Springbank and Dalmore, and the Glenlivet, for lack of a better description, was a bit "light" and boring to me.

I am ready to make my next purchase and would love some suggestions that won't break the bank (maybe under $75.00). I have done my own research, but maybe someone could give me a few of their own likes. I think I have it narrowed down to a Ardbeg or Laphroaig or the new Dalmore Reserve. but can't seem to make up my mind. Anyone? Thanks.

Charlie · Master Of Malts Joined: 23 Sep 2008 Posts: 1404

Ardbeg 10 is excellent IMO and the Laphroaig 10 is also very good indeed both are intensely peaty/smoky whiskies.

Other suggestions i would make are Talisker 10 which is seaweedy, smoky, peppery and a sweet maltiness and a lovely spicy, long finish.

For an excellent sherried malt i would recommend Glenfarclas 15 year old.

Highland Park 12 year old is a great all round malt with a touch of smoke, sherry, vanilla, honey a quality whisky.

I am sure others can suggest some more as there is 100's of quality malt whiskies.

Samson · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:02 am Post subject:

I agree Ardbeg is excellent if you like that style of whisky you will probably not find much better at this price range. Lagavulin 16 is also worth considering for a peaty style whisky.

The Macallan 12 sherryoak is a very good sherried malt also.Or if you fancy a sherriy monster then Aberlour a'bunadh

SkyeIslay · Single Malt Member Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Posts: 41

If you like the Dalmore's rather 'heavy' style, you'd probably also like Glenfarclas. The 15 year-old is the pick of their core range within your budget. Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin are the three strongest in terms of flavour - lots and lots of smoke! Laphroaig 10 and Laphroaig Quarter Cask are the most affordable out of those but you can't go wrong with any of the three.

Going further north, you'll have to try Talisker from the Isle of Skye. This one is a bit less smoky, but richer, with some sweet and spicy/peppery notes in there. Delicious!

So many choices! Highland Park 12 is also worth considering, as it has a bit of everything as Charlie said.

piedaddy · Member Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 5

I've read how "bold" the Ardbeg and Laphroaig can be. Would they be similar to the Springbank or am I way off? I realize I must sound like my head is spinning, but I have so many I want to try. I just need to pick one!

Would it make sense to go Highland and then an Ardbeg, or does that matter? I value these opinions, thanks.

Samson · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 3:32 am Post subject:

Springbank only has a touch of smoke compared to Ardbeg which is intensely smoky/peaty. I would say Highland Park would be closer to the Springbank profile. Ardbeg and Highland Park are both excellent and both different. Some people love heavily peated whisky and some just dont like it at all. Charlies suggestion of Talisker 10 is also worth considering, i would place it between Springbank and Ardbeg. If you want to work your way up to Ardbeg i would say go for Talisker

Have you had a look at this page you may find it of interest:
www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/similar-tasting-notes.htm

piedaddy · Member Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 5

Thanks Samson, I'll take a look. Good information from everyone.

SkyeIslay · Single Malt Member Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Posts: 41

Highland Park is an excellent whisky, but as Samson said if you want something completely different to Springbank maybe you should go for Talisker. After that, if you like the smoke in Talisker you can go for an Ardbeg or Laphroaig.

Andy M · Master Of Malts Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 1212

I agree given what you have enjoyed already Talisker would be a good next choice.

Just to add more confusion i would suggest a non smoky Speyside malt whisky, The Balvenie Doublewood which is a rich smooth whisky which has been matured firstly in a whisky oak cask then in a sherry oak cask which adds a lovely sherried, fruity honeyed flavour to the whisky.

Brummie · Master Of Malts Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Posts: 661

I was a bit wary of the big in your face peaty smoky Islay whiskies when i started but loved them as soon as i tried them and Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin are still amongst my favourites. Other decent Islay whiskies with not so in your face peat smoke is Bowmore 12 and Caol ila 12.

Tom W · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 3:14 pm Post subject:

Charlie hit it bang on.

Your next stop is....Highland Park!

Fergie · Master Of Malts Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Posts: 1741

Yes a good order if you want to work your way up to the intense smoky Islay whiskies would be Highland Park 12 > Talisker 10 > Ardbeg 10

piedaddy · Member Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 5

This is great help everyone. I plan on hitting the store, hopefully sometime this week and will let you know what I've decided. This gives me a nice list. Thanks.

piedaddy · Member Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 5

WIth my trusty list I spent over 30 minutes mulling my decision and purchased a Highland Park 12 year. I am not disappointed! It was between that and the Taliskar, which is next on my list.

I'm still a newbie and won't pretend I know what I'm tasting yet, but I am enjoying the smokeyness and I want to say, honey. It's most definetely much more bold than the Glenlivit 12 year I just finished.

I will also let you kow that this particular box of Highland Park came with a small 50ml bottle of the 18 year to try, at no extra cost. I think I'll save that for later.

Thanks again for everyones input, it was very helpful.

Big Mac · Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:50 am Post subject:

You got a great deal getting a miniature bottle of the HP 18 free. If you enjoyed the Highland Park 12 you will love the 18. When you do decide to try the 18 I would recommend taking a small dram of the 12 first then moving on to the 18. Rinse your palate with some water between drams. The 18 is excellent and one of my all time favorites.