Newbie needing some advice

[MickyC]

Hi everyone.
I have been lurking around for a while getting to know the ropes etc, but this is my first post so be gentle!
I have just started getting into single malts and have a modest collection comprising, Jura superstition, Balvennie Caribbean cask, Glenfiddich 12 yr old signature, Ardbeg ultimate 10yr old and a blended Chivas regal.
I also enjoy a Bourbon and have Wild Turkey 81, Woodford Reserve, Gentleman Jack as well as the ubiquitous Jack Daniels and Jim Beam.
My question is this I can't afford to buy very expensive bottles but have been gifted my choice of a good single malt and being relatively inexperienced I wondered what the general thoughts on what I should get next.
I have looked at various whiskies and keeping going back to 3 different ones. Namely
Balvennie double wood
Dalwhinnie 15yr old and
Glenmorange 10 yr old.
Any thoughts on these or any other ideas would be gratefully received.
My choice is limited to the local Tesco's at the moment but they do have a good range inc Macallans, Talisker and old pulteneys amongst others.
I hope these aren't stupid questions but I am keen to learn and enjoy my whisky!
Thanks for any replies in advance!
Micky

[opelfruit]

Hi and welcome.

Those 3 you have listed are good malts but they are only the entry level whiskies for the respective distilleries. Some of the ones you have already are more expensive.

Do you have access to Glenfiddich 15yo Distillery Edition in your tesco? If so it's fantastic and a great into to cask strength whisky.


I might add that you're not limited to your local supermarket, take a look at masterofmalt or thewhiskyexchange both excellent service, safe and I've never had a problem with either (through dozens of bottles). Delivery is reasonable and you can get good whisky on there that will blow supermarket stuff away, even including delivery the price is competitive.

So to that end I would recommend Glencadam 10yo from masterofmalt, with delivery it'll only come in at about £35, it's fantastic and shows what can be done with no chill filtering or colouring. Highly recommend and one of my favourite whiskies.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[opelfruit]

Of the 3 you have listed I'd take the Dalwhinnie by the way, but that's just me
_________________
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[Quaich1]

Hi Micky Welcome aboard! What specific Macallan expressions are available in the price range you are talking about at the shop for the gift?

The 3 drams you mention are okay. The Glenmorangie 10 is one that most people like as a starter single malt for someone new to scotch as it is so palatable and some keep on it. The Dalwhinnie 15 has a following among scotch drinkers though some folks feel it is less than memorable. The Balvenie DoubleWood is a decent dram that many have as a staple scotch though it gets better with age like the 17 Year version. Depending on which Macallans are available to you and the line incorporates some real good ones, that may be the way to go with the gift depending on its monetary amount. If they just have Macallan Gold then you might give it a miss. If you have a taste for the peaty stuff, you can't go wrong with Lagavulin 16, a staple of mine. Since you have Ardbeg, I'm sure you would like this one too. I also concur that the Glenfiddich 15yo Distillery Edition is a beauty.


Cheers.
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[TheWM]

Hi Mickey,

This conversation could go on forever - the three drams you have listed all have their place and your palate will differ from others. So quick question(s), out of your collection so far, which do you enjoy the most - and are you looking for something similar, or totally different.

When I first tried the Doublewood some years back, I have to say I was impressed, but inexperienced in whisky terms. I look back now and think 'did I really have a thing for it'? Don't get me wrong, it's a good dram, but the deeper you delve, there are faults and when I drink it now, I can taste additives - it's just too sweet (here's where someone tells me it's NCF and doesn't contain anything )

Notwithstanding the above - in time you will have to try the three that you've mentioned, my favourite is Dalwhinnie, in fact I just picked up another bottle the other week.

As you've limited yourself to Tesco - my local one has an impressive selection and if it was getting bought for me, I'd push the boat out and go for Kavalan. It's a Taiwanese number which is very leftfield and tasty You can actually get a mango finish which is awesome (and is more Caribbean than the Balvennie number), in fact I'd like to have both side by side,..

[sorren]

Some tescos also sell glenlivet nadura so if you can afford the Glenfiddich distillers edition then it's a toss up between these two, but out of your 3 then I'd say they are all as good as each other, some one Adobe mentioned getting something online, ( good idea )( did I just agree again 😬) but you can't beat the buying it and holding it all the way home 😀 or is that just me..

[opelfruit]

It's when you crack it open and start bottle-bonging it in he aisles that they get a bit tetchy



......WM, no, fully filtered, coloured and at the lowest legal strength ......just sweet spirit and sweeter casks. I'm with you on that.
_________________
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[TheWM]

[sorren]

😳it's only a problem when you turn purple and start laying on the floor.. They worry you won't pay for the bottles you just necked..

[GBrough]

Welcome, happy to have you here. Out of the whiskies you mentioned I have only had one and that is Glenmo 10 my taste run towards stronger, smokier and peatier drams. Still based off what you like I would say any of the Glenmo line you will enjoy.
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The Laga 16.

It even tastes like an ashtray-WM

[MickyC]

Hi thanks for all the replies.
All great advice. Of three I have currently I think my favourite so far is the Caribbean cask although I enjoy all. In truth I haven't yet opened the Ardbeg as it was a Christmas present from my wife and have sought to save it(!). I think in time I will go online as my collection grows. In the meantime I have found another tescos with highland park and nadurra as well as others in stock so my choice gets wider. Have to say I am quietly impressed with Tesco stock and also I thought nadurra 16 yr old was reasonably priced at £47. For off the shelf.
Also the picking up and taking home is appealing!! Mind you could get used to unwrapping a nice new bottle from postman once a month!!
Mickyc

[sorren]

The nadura is a phenomenal dram, and can be found in many people's top 10-15 drams... And like you said at that price how can you say no 😃

[TheWM]

To be fair then it's a toss up. I was like that (and still am) buying random whisky just on a whim (must stop doing that). Your knowledge and palette will soon grow quickly and you'll move on but remember the expressions you really liked. Have you seen a whisky flavour map? It's useful on your whisky journey and if I am not mistaken may be one hidden away on the links to the left.

[TheWM]

This link is very handy http://www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/similar-malts.htm

But do Google whisky flavour map and have a look at what you may like.

[MickyC]

Thanks again.
WM, I am happy to get a similar flavour and slowly let my palette evolve with each new drink. Perversely I am also happy to go with something completely different.
While my price is limited I do want the whisky to be special enough to keep but also have a drink on occasions. This gift is from a very close family member and will hold sentimental value in times to come. You mentioned that it's a toss up, between Nadurra and glenfiddich distillers edition? Or did I miss something??
Thanks again.
Mickyc