A single bottle on a budget? Thoughts, please

[valtaro]

Hi. This is not strictly a single malt query - it's broader than that. However, single malt is the start-point for it, essentially. So I hope it's okay to insert this query here.

Essentially, I am looking for advice. I wondered if you could recommend a whisky (any) in the below price brackets - which seem to me to be below the higher-end entry range of single malt scotch whiskies (Lagavulin, Ardbeg etc). If you were to buy a single bottle only in each bracket, what would you go for?

I guess I am asking if you think a blend at £20 is as good (subjective, I know) as a single malt at £20-£25? And whether, in the same circumstances, an Irish Whiskey or a blended malt at £35 is as good as a classic single malt for marginally less?

I realise I am asking, here, to compare apples with oranges, in some cases. But I would be interested to know anyway.

As context, I like Laphroaig and Port Charlotte, particularly, which I guess suggests a preference for peated-styles. However, I am interested in what's good, and what is the best taste experience for the money.

I am drawn to Te Bheag and Rock Oyster, but I am aware I am ignoring much better established single malts at the same money. But novelty counts for something.

Any thoughts?

Price < £25
Cutty Sark (blend) - £16
Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition (blend) - £20
Asda Extra Special Islay (single malt) - £21
Te Bheag (blend) - £22
Old Pulteney 12 (single malt) - £24

Price < £35/37
Laphroaig 10 (single malt) - £32
Talisker 10 (single malt) - £32
Highland Park 12 (single malt) - £32
Green Spot Irish (single pot still) - £36
Rock Oyster (blended malt) - £37
Caol Ila 12 (single malt) - £37

[raithrover]

Evening, well we all have our favourite and generally I wouldn't put too much emphasis on if it costs more then its better. Supermarkets are great for deals so it pays to shop around and yes, some blends offer more than certain single malts.

I didn't think the Asda Extra Special Islay was too bad although it ranges from year to year and sells well; Aldi's Islay is even cheaper and I thought it was good value. However I would go for the Old Pulteney as I do like that salty aspect.

Another worth watching out for are the remnants of the Ardmore Traditional which I've seen now and again. When you see it, chances are it'll be in this price bracket. Just don't get mixed up with its more expensive replacement (Ardmore Legacy) which isn't as good.

Next category is a difficult choice. You can see the supermarkets doing great deals on the Laphroaig and Talkisker now and again.

Caol Ila is great but as much as a fan of the Laphroaig 10 as I am, I'll take the Talisker 10 which is consistently good.

[sorren]

As the rover said, don't get too hung up on cost, if you can afford it but it, if you like it buy it again, I'm not one for blends, I stick to single malts, just my personal taste... If you like the blends then don't try to compare, they dont ! .. Take each for what it is.. Some single malts can be fantastic just like some blends will be... The most important thing is.. Just enjoy whatever it is your drinking..

[valtaro]

Thanks for the advice. I'll look our for the Ardmore, and be sure to enjoy whatever I'm drinking (builder's tea, at mo).

Be interested to know if anyone's tried the Rock Oyster, and whether it's worth the price of entry. Seems expensive (if beautifully presented), given Talisker, Laphroaig and HP are all around £32.

[Bookie]

IMO no the Rock Oyster isnt worth the £37 price tag, take £10 or £15 off that price tag i would say and it would be priced right. I would say look ou for single malts on offer in the big supermarkets such as Highland Park, Talisker, Dalwhinnie even Jura if Rock Oyster appeals to you.

[TheWM]

My advice, for what its worth.

Stick with the lower price options @ the beginning.

I (and I know others) that have wanted to try £30+ bottles at their beginning of their whisky adventures. Once you get to that point, you're not going to want to go 'back' to cheaper numbers are you?

And there in lies the problem - you'll be comparing relatively premium priced bottles with others that are starting to get more expensive and you will have missed a whole load of cheap but not necessarily bad drams.

For example, under £20 - Glen Marnoch Islay, Queen Margot 8, Ballantines, JW Black. All decent drams, that you'll find wondering why others are priced x2/3 as much.

I'm now journeying at the lower end of the market (whilst treating myself occasionally, but 1 in 8 is over £40).

[valtaro]

Thanks. That's good advice. And that was kind of my plan. It can be an expensive habit.

As a note, I tried the Rock Oyster two nights ago (someone else's). It was pretty special, I thought - and felt like I could taste different things in it. Quite interesting. Well put together - and notably better than the The Bheag, which I have a bottle of. Drier, subtler, more going on, some sea salt on the finish. Though, the The Bheag is also good.

But... it's not a patch on the Port Charlotte!. Which I came to by accident - by draining it from some marked barrels that I'd bought off a farmer as poser tables for an event. Turned out they had stuff swilling around inside, so I emptied them. Got a full bottle for each barrel!!! Pretty chuffed.

I also had a Bruichladdich barrel. The whisky from that is good too - sweeter on the nose, and at the start, but kind of chewy. But, it seems a very dark colour - almost like coca cola, as if some dirty rain water has got in, or something's come off the inside of the barrel. Hasn't killed me yet, however.

Alcohol on both was 55%.

[sorren]

😳I'm not sure I'd want to drink anything from a barrel bought from a farmer unless you know for sure it's only just come out of the distillery.. Your a brave chap...

[Quaich1]

[valtaro]

Ah, but it looks so clear and tastes so good. So say these voices in my head.

[percyhedgehog]

I would say go Old Pulteney and Te Bheag for the most economical bang for the buck.
One classic coastal profile, and arguably one of the best skoky blends anywhere (likely with a decent percentage of Talisker in the blend).

After you finish those, then consider jumping up to Highland Park 12 or Caol Ila 12
_________________
Slainte

[valtaro]

Thanks for the advice. Good info. Will get a hold of the Old P. Have the The Bheag already, which I'm enjoying immensely.

[CGRenn]

Heads up Valtaro - ABERLOUR 10 YEAR OLD is £21 down form £32 in Morrisons

[valtaro]

thanks man. have got an ardbeg 10 - in the end, i pushed the boat out - which i'm enjoying at the mo. but the rate i'm going through it, i may be loitering in the aisles again in the next fortnight, so will bear the aberlour in mind. thanks for the heads-up.

[k1ranki]

Some good value deals from Whisky Broker, haven't had a bad bottle from them yet. A little more expensive than £37 but cask strength up to the high 50s, so cost/vol strength balances out.

The 16 yr old Ben Nevis below looks very good value

http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/acatalog/Ben_Nevis.html