And for my second bottle...

[MattB]

I'm pretty new to, and very excited about whisky at the moment. I decided that I would like to try drinking scotch. After reading some websites Glenmorangie 12 came up a few times as a good first bottle. Sadly I couldn't find any so went for the 10 year old instead and am very much enjoying it.

I'm now looking for a second bottle. I'd like to try something that will be notably different to the Glenmorangie, I've been intrigued by the bottle of Dalmore 15 we bought for my father in law recently but not sure whether that's just the color of it!

Very eager to hear some suggestions. Also whether people would suggest ordering online or going to a shop.

[opelfruit]

Hi and welcome.

Glenmo 10 is a really well made and decent whisky for a first introduction into the world of Scotch.

It's very middle of the road and is intended to appeal to a broad audience, so to move to something notably different should not be an issue. You could go one of a few ways;

Big, sherry matured Speyside or something smoky and peaty. You need to be careful with too much peat as this may put you off at such an early stage.

What's your budget and where are you likely to buy from? The range available at supermarkets etc is not as good as online so it's limiting.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[James T]

Welcome to the forum Matt

There is loads for you to explore and enjoy and at this stage of your whisky journey you will find more than a few to keep you entertained available from the big supermarkets.

Some I would recommend looking out for which you should find in the supermarket are

Glenfiddich 15 year old
Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood
Highland Park 12 year old
Dalwhinnie 15 year old
Aberfeldy 12 year old
Old Pulteney 12 year old

If you think you will have a taste for the peated whiskies then

Talisker 10 year old
Talisker Skye
Caol ila 12 year old

and even peatier

Ardbeg 10 year old
Lagavulin 16 year old
Laphroaig 10 year old

Remember to shop around and watch for discounts which can sometimes be as much as £10 a bottle.

[Samson]

Hi Matt

I will 2nd James suggestions, all must try's when exploring the pleasures of Scotch malt whiskies.

[opelfruit]

All excellent steps on your malty journey. I'd +1 for the Highland Park 12 and the Dalwhinnie 15, both very good and offer a more smoky, but sweet smoke, and a little bit different than what you'll get from Glenmo 10, if that's what you're looking to do.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[MattB]

Thanks very much all - much appreciated. This forum makes me thirsty!

In terms of budget, I'm not sure what I should be spending. There was an offer on my last bottle of glenmo so it was £25, there's a few offers on at the moment actually highland park 12 is the same price so I might go for that.

I'd spend a bit more if I needed to although I like to think that if I was to spend a lot more it would be when I had a better understanding and appreciation of what I was buying.

[jwbassman]

The supermarkets always have something on offer, you can usually pick up some pretty decent stuff at reasonable prices if you are in the right place at the right time. You can't go wrong with an OP12 or an Ardbeg 10 for a bit of peaty quality. Then there are the usual online specialists (Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange) for a wider selection. Enjoy the journey

[James T]

There is no need to spend more until you get to know the entry level whiskies from each distillery. When you discover a distillery or style of whisky you particularly like then you can spend a bit more to explore it.

Look out for whisky tasting events in your area, these can be very good to try different whiskies without splashing out on whole bottles.

For £25 Highland Park 12 is a good whisky. Don't forget to check out Amazon who offer free delivery on orders over £20 and their whisky offers can change daily.

[MattB]

Highland Park it was! I didn't think I'd got on with it last night but drinking it without water in tonight and enjoying much more think I'll go for something less smoky for my third though.

Thanks all!

[opelfruit]

If you want to try something less smoky but with more flavour depth and sherry influence than Glenmo 10 I strongly recommend Balvenie 12. It was the whisky that got me into single malts and really one that should be drunk as part of anyone's first round of whiskies when they are learning about styles.

....also in supermarkets and a reasonable price.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[MattB]

Thank you. That will most definitely be #3.