Where Next?

[fin_dg]

Hello Everyone,

I am after a bit of directional advice as a newbie. I've looked at the Similar Tasting page, but wanted some forum advice. Here is what I've tried over the last 12 months or so.

Bunnahabhain 12, very good but sometimes a little sweet maybe
Old Pulteney 17 excellent all round
The Macallan 12 ok but unlikely to buy it again
Benromach 15 a bit challenging at first but got into it
Balvenie 14 rum cask ok but very unlikely to buy it again.
Glenlivet 12 ok not that interesting

I like the idea of smaller companies, non-chill filtered and no added colour, and it would be great to hear any thoughts you have on a few different malts to try next. All advice is welcome. Unlikely to spend much over £60 per bottle.

Thanks for your time everyone.

[CGRenn]

[Crane]

Don't rule out some of the big companies, there are some superb whiskies produced which wont put much of a dent in the bank balance such as :

Dalwhinnie 15
Talisker 10 and even better 18
Glenfiddich 15 Distillery Edition which is non chill filtered
Glenlivet Nadurra 16 or Nadurra First Fill Selection both non chill filtered
Aberlour 16
Glenfarclas 17
Balvenie 12 Single Barrel First Fill which is non chill filtered
Benriach 12 Sherry Wood which is non chill filtered

[Quaich1]

[opelfruit]

Two of the biggest flag flyers for non chill-filtered, higher abv and natural coloured whiskies are;

Inver House
The BenRiach Distillery Company


Inver House produce Old Pulteney, anCnoc and Balblair (in the main).
BenRiach produce BenRiach single malt, Glendronach and Glenglassaugh


Anything from Inver House is very good, as you've found with the Pulteney 17yo. Most can be got for under £60, with the exception of their higher age whiskies (21yo + )

In terms of Benriach, between Benriach and Glendroanch they produce a massive range of different whiskies; from heavily peated wine cask finishes, to triple distilled young whiskies. Benriach are mavericks and will peat up a whisky and finish it in some strange cask types whereas Glendronach tend to stick to the more well sherried route.

You can spend months just going through bottles from Benriach's portfolio, try lots of different styles and not spend over £60. Most bottles I've had from them have been good to excellent.


Straight off the bat I can recommend:

Glendronach 15yo Revival (actually at 20 year old whisky due to distillery closures)
Benriach 17yo Solstice (heavily peated, port finish)
Balblair 1999 vintage
anCnoc 2000 vintage
_________________
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[fin_dg]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Look forward to trying a few recommendations.

[junta]

My favorite, so far, is Glengoyne 18yo. I, also, recommend Quinta Ruban from Glenmorangie.