looking for suggestions..

[whiskystu]

So ive been buying lots lately but most are being stored away for a rainy day, special occasion or hopefully to enjoy with my son when he's old enough

but ive been neglecting my every day whisky cabinet. I have plenty in there but would like a few extra bottle of some unusual / less mainstream / indie / recommended whisky.

So im looking for some suggestions that fit the bill.

- Preferably not the usual mid range suggestions (e.g. HP18, Uigeadail, Talisker 57...) as i have tried / have most of these.

- Around £60 max per bottle

- i have a lot of islays so probably looking for something different

- i dont have many sherried whiskies

- i like ALL whisky styles

- happy to consider Japanese whiskeys (only have the Hibiki 12yo), blends (currently have ballantines 17, JW black, CB Asyla & black bottle) or blended malts

ANy help much appreciated

Thanks!

[Alastair]

Do you like Glenfarclas, for me Glenfarclas 17 year old is amongst the best sherried malts available. You dont see it much here in the UK as it is produced for the US market and duty free but it is available from the specialist shops such as TWE

[DavidUK]

Single Cask Glendronachs

Amrut Portonova

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix

An independent bottling of Lochside (closed distillery)

[Tom W]

Cadenheads / Adelphi / Douglas Laing / join the SMWS

great range of single malts for £40 - £60 (and upwards). Single cask, cask strength stuff is always unique and interesting. I'd recommend going on there websites and having a gander, see what tickles your fancy.
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In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king

[whiskystu]

Thanks for all the suggestions

Alastair - i have a bottle of Glenfarclas 15yo in my cabinet unopened. I'm going to open it tonight and see what i think. If i like it a lot i'll definitely consider your recommendation. I notice its quite a bit more expensive than the 15yo, would you say the difference is worth it? Also what's the 105 like, i see its CS and good price.

David - I've seen Glendronachs mentioned a few times when discussing sherried whiskies. I think one of these single casks will have to be part of my next order.

Havent heard of the Portonova but wasnt that fussed about the other Amruts i've tried (fusion and standard).

Ive had my eye on the snow phoenix. Problem is if i bought it im not sure i could trust myself to open it straight away. May end up in my 'special' bottle collection due to it (relatively) limited/collectable status. I know a local place where they still have a bottle prices at £50 though which i assume is a steal

Have really enjoyed the glenfiddish 18yo lately and was thinking of grabbing a bottle of that. Maybe for £10 more the phoenix is the way to go?

Have never tried Lochside so will have a look and see whats available

Tow - I dont actually have any of bottles by your suggested independant bottlers. Idid however attend a DL tasting nigh a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed a handful of there whiskies. Ive got a few G&M bottles though and theyre great. Will look into these others.

MOre suggestions welcome. I'll let you know what i eventually settle on. AT the moment Glendronach is taking up one space.

[Blackadder]

I have never been disappointed by any independent bottlings from Douglas Laing or Adelphi as said above just pick one that you fancy.

I was drinking Tomintoul 14 tonight which i rate highly, have you tried it yet. Tomatin 18 is as decent dram with some sherry influence.

[Mark]

I always recommend Nikka from the Barrel to anyone looking to try Japanese whisky, it is a blend and inexpensive and a decent whisky. I also like the Nikka All Malt and Nikka Pure Malt Black (smoky)

I would 2nd Alastairs recommendation for Glenfarclas 17, try the 15 first if you like it then you will love the 17.

[whiskystu]

opened the Glenfarclas 15yo a couple hours ago and am loving it. and so is the wife. definitely will need more of this or similar. WIll look into the 17yo. JUst makes a nice change to what ive been drinking lately (Lagavulin 16, ardbeg aligator, clynlish, glenfiddich 18)

Blackadder - sampled some tomintoul at a whisky festival recently and was very enjoyable. one i always forget about and overlook but will def keep in mind.

[DavidUK]

I'd agree that the Tomintoul 14yo and the Tomatin 18yo are both very good drams although they ARE standard offerings from these distilleries, as oppopsed to 'something a bit different'

[Ingo74]

I recently opened a BenRiach 16 Sauternes Finish and, while my intial nosing left me feeling underwhelmed, I have grown to really enjoy it.

It somehow manages to be sweet and dry simultaneously, smells like a buttered pear and is beautifully spicy on the palate.

It's only around £40, and worth a try - only around 1600 bottles produced apparently.

[jcarrick]

I bought a bottle of the BenRiach 16 Sauternes finish a few months ago and didnt really take to it at first, i left it for a few months and am now enjoying it. Perhaps i wasnt in the mood for it at the first tasting or it has been tamed a bit after being opened, who knows, anyway i am enjoying it now

[Genuine Risk]

Apologies if these are a bit towards the main stream but I am currently enjoying the Mortlach 16 about £42 (good although really improves to outstanding after the bottle has been opened for a wee while) Glenlivet 21 about £66 is also worth a try.

Please note my advice is worth exactly what you pay for it
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Putting the func in dysfunctional.

[whiskystu]

Thanks for all the advice

I'm opting for the following based on your recommendations and further research...

Tomintoul 16yo
Mortlach 16yo
Glenfarclas 17yo

Plus Glengoyne 21 and Glenfiddich 18 as they've been on my wish list for a while now

Stocking up on the sherry monsters!

[Samson]

whiskystu you wont regret any of them, all of them are excellent drams, enjoy

[isaac1010]

if you can grab the snow phoenix for 50p..dont wait....