Whisky Forum - Next purchase

Newby · Single Malt Member Joined: 25 Apr 2014 Posts: 35

Hi all, looking for some help to buy next bottle and take a step up, so far (Around 2 years drinking whisky) haven't spent more than around GBP 50 but looking to up to max 100.

Only real criteria is at least a hint of peat/smoke and my fairly predictable shortlist is as below:

Highland Park 18
Talisker 18
Coal Ila 18
Laphroaig 18

So, any recommendations of the above or others?

Cheers

opelfruit · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 1:42 pm Post subject:

Personally for me, for consistency, quality and value for money....Laphroaig 18. It's not as peaty as younger Laphroaig (the older a whisky the less influence the peat has), but it's bloody good.

Springbank 18 is also fantastic, but Campbeltown whisky isn't always everyones cup of tea.

You could always try for an older peated Benriach, most have sold out as they are limited but they are also very good quality. Solstice, Albariza or the new madeira one.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

Quaich1 · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 2:52 pm Post subject:

Actually, you have a fine list there. It's funny that I have always had a problem really enjoying Highland Park 18. Highland Park 30 is a favorite of mine but I find the 18 tastes like a salt lick to me most of the time. I love peaty drams so I have never really been able to figure out why that one, the 18 year is the exception to my palate. I really enjoy Talisker 18 as I do the Talisker 57 Degrees North and the Distiller's Edition.
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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)

percyhedgehog · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 2:52 pm Post subject:

I love Caol Ila 12, but that is the only 18 year old on your list I haven't tried. My guess is, it would be great.
That said, based on my experience, you can't go wrong no matter what.
The Talisker is outstanding, possibly the strongest smoke/peat retention.
The Laphroaig is outstanding, and disappearing from shelves within a year or so, probably making it my #1 on this list.
And the Highland Park is quite good, but not quite as good as the overall hype about it, and not for the inflated price.

Laphroaig is the winner.
And this from a guy who ranks most Laphroaig expressions my least favorite Islay.
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Mark · Master Of Malts Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 1663

For me Talisker 18 and Laphroaig 18 are persistently outstanding. Highland Park 18 has been variable in quality over the years but always good and a must try on your whisky journey. Coal Ila 18 I cant fault it but not in the same league as the other 3.

Others I would suggest in this price range which are very much worth trying although not got that touch of smoke you are seeking are:

Old Pulteney 21
Glendronach 21 Parliament
Balvenie 17 Doublewood

sorren · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 4:13 pm Post subject:

In anticipation of your future question..
Highland park 30,
Talisker 25,
Caol ila 30,
And yes port Ellen is very good ..
The question will be.. Now I have spent Â£100 on a bottle what is the next step 🙈🙈😁😁

opelfruit · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 4:28 pm Post subject:

William · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 4:41 pm Post subject:

Have you tried anything from Benriach? If you like a touch of smoke then they have a few superb whiskies to offer some of which are closer to Â£50 than Â£100. Have a look at the Benriach 17 year old Septendecim, Benriach 17 year old Solstice 2 Peated Port Finish and the Benriach 20 year old.
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There's no bad whisky. Just good whisky and better whisky.

Newby · Single Malt Member Joined: 25 Apr 2014 Posts: 35

sorren · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 6:07 pm Post subject:

😂😂😂😂😂😂 o you are so delusional 👍

Newby · Single Malt Member Joined: 25 Apr 2014 Posts: 35

Cheers all, Laphroaig is he winner I think.

Only sensible to order tasters to go with it from master of malt of the Caol Ila and Talisker I think though..