Seeking Single Malt Suggestions :)

[Mythos]

Hello Malt Friends! I was hoping I could get some good single malt selections based on my tastes. My two particular favorites are Auchentoshan Three Wood, and Glenfarclas 12 (interestingly enough, I find that a drop of water and the Glenfarclas actually takes a very wrong turn). I kind of like Glenlivet 15 and Glenmorangie 12, but both have something about them that keep me from being too crazy about them. Glenmorangie The Original actually comes across as a bit bland to me. Not that I don't like smooth, but....
In the category of smokey/peaty selections, I've tried both Lagavulin 8 and Laphroiag Quarter Cask, both of which I think I'd like if not for that in both cases I pick up this bandaid-like note that just ruins it for me.
I've considered Highland Park 12 and Bowmore 12, but not tried them yet.
Budget prevents me from going all that high really.
If it helps any to give you more of an idea of my tastes, in the area of bourbon I particularly like Blanton's and Evan Williams Black. I like Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select. For cognac, hands-down it's Remy Martin Royal Accord (1738) for me. And for rum, El Dorado 15 is by far my favorite, though I do enjoy Smith & Cross.
I know this is a lot of information, but I'm hoping that some of the more experienced single malt drinkers on here might read something from here and go, "Ah, he should try ______!"
Thanks for any suggestions!

[deadz101]

I'd recommend Nikka from the barrel if you can find it. Glendronach 12 is quite good as well. If you can push the boat out, on of my all time favs is glenfiddich 18. You can always try a few samples from the likes of master of malt with their drinks by the dram.

[Mythos]

Thank you, Deadz101, I really appreciate the suggestions!

[Graeme H]

Hi Mythos, have you tried Talisker yet? I highly recommend the Talisker 10 year old.

Another suggestion is the Balvenie 12 Doublewood if you enjoy a bit of sherry and when it comes to sherried malts Aberlour is always good value and if you are feeling adventurous the Aberlour A'bunadh is a excellent big sherried dram

Highland Park 12 is definitely worth a try, amongst the best valued malts for your money IMO.

A couple of recent good discoveries for me thanks to this site is Glen Grant 10, 12 and 18.

When it comes to a peaty dram Ardbeg 10 is hard to beat.

Slainte, Graeme

[Mythos]

Thanks, Graeme! I think when it comes to peated/smokey, for me it's the search for one without that bandaid/iodine note that ruins it for me but which I found in both the Lagavulin 8 and Laphroiag Quarter Cask. Certainly open to trying others though, very much appreciate your suggestions

[Graeme H]

Laphroaig is known for its medicinal iodine notes so best avoided if you dislike it. If you haven't tried anything from Talisker I suspect you will very much like it and the 10 year old is a brilliant expression.

[Mythos]

Beautiful, thanks! Could be just what I'm looking for!

[opelfruit]

Late to the party, so I'll chuck in a curve-ball.

This isn't exactly going to what you have said your tastes are like, as it's not a sherry whisky, but if you are looking for something that is full of flavour and high in complexity, then I can recommend:

Clynelish 14yr old.


It's very often over looked and no-one seems to mention it, which is very odd as it's an age stated Official Bottling, at 46% abv, not chill filtered (!), only a little colouring added and at a very reasonable price - not the sort of thing you normally see from Diageo.

Not sure about your part of the world, but over in the UK is around £40-45, which for the quality and flavour is incredible.
_________________
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[arqueturus]

I's not a 'single' malt but I'd very highly recommend Johnnie Walker Green Label if you can find it.

It's a 'vatted' Malt (made from a selection of Single Malts), extremely accessible and sooo tasty! There's an Island Green which I have a bottle of but haven't tried yet but I'd avoid as you've stated that you aren't as keen on the medicinal notes.

Other than that i'll defiantly +1 Highland Park 12 and add Benromach 10 if you can find it.

[TheWM]

Another under the radar dram - Aultmore 12. No colour, unfiltered and 46% ABV - very reasonable price too. It needs some time to open up but has layers of crisp fruitiness with zingy citrus like notes. No peat anywhere.

[Mythos]

Thank you all for the great suggestions!

[dramblersanonymous]

Lots of good suggestions. But here's a couple more to make your decision even more difficult! Definitely echo some of the previous comments too. Clynelish 14 is excellent, Talisker 10 is a great intro to a coastal style - but you could also go to Springbank (10yro) for something a little salty, sherry influenced and big. Bunnahabhain 12 is another of the classic go-to drams (the 25 is sublime) - it's a little smoky and sweet. I'd also be tempted to give the Balvenie 14 Caribbean cask a go too. It's one of those drams that brings people to whisky.

I'll stop there. Lots to try. If possible, the suggestion of trying before you buy is a good one. Buy tickets for a show or buy a few samples, a great way to try some things!

[hotshothamish]

Another suggestion, buy a few wee sample bottles and join in with the "Whisky Sample Exchange" which can be found elsewhere on the site, it's a great way to chat to some of the other members here and try some unusual drams.

In terms of what to try next, I would make the following suggestions:

Benromach 10...I don't know anyone who hasn't enjoyed this
Kilkerran 12...a great vfm example of a Campletown whisky, speaking of which
Glen Scotia...its a NAS whisky but bursting with flavour and you can get it in M&S!
Caol Ila 12...perhaps more accessible than the other Islay malts you have tried

and finally a couple of great value blends:

Johnnie Walker Black label, very easy to drink with a nice bit of peat in the mix
The Naked Grouse, a nice sherried blend that can often be bought cheaply on Amazon

[cdn_dram]

A few suggestions would be:

Glenfiddich 15
Glenlivet 18
Benromach 10
Johnnie Walker Green label
Glenfarclas 17
Craigellachie 13
Highland Park 12
Cragganmore 12

[Mythos]

Thanks, my friends, I've been checking out each and every one of these on Whisky.com, Ralfy and just looking up tasting notes - looks like lots of yummy suggestions you folks are coming up with!