Was at base this weekend & stuck my head in the package store. Checked out the scotch selection and came across these. Just wanted to get a run down at what I was looking at from the pros. I like scotch but will admit I a dabbler. I like single malt, a smooth taste (one of the reasons I don't like American), a good smoke and the peat flavor. Is price the best guide? Age? Brand?

Here's some pics:

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/3595/scotch5g.jpg

A series of Glenlivet -

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2241/scotch3.jpg

A few others -

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9016/scotch2.jpg

And a shot of the goooodd stuff -

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1057/scotch4.jpg

Thx,
Jim

Stay top shelf as everything else is blended, not single malt.

Any of the Glenlivets are nice, but the older the smoother. The Glenrothes are wonderful but often very unique in taste from bottle to bottle, less consistent than the Glenlivets. Macallan 12 is a bit sharp on the finish but many still like it. Older Macallans smooth out a bit more and are more palatable to me, personally. Can't go wrong with the Laphraoig although some feel it is an acquired taste.

If you go into any decent bar in the US you should find Glenlivet on the shelf, along side Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie, and maybe Macallan. From there things start to get a bit esoteric but with great unique flavors.

If your budget allows it I would choose one of the two older Glenlivets as a good first dive into single malt scotch.

Enjoy.


Addendum----Just noticed that the 15 Glenlivet is the French Oak version, a bit stronger tasting than regular Glenlivets. If you can afford the 18 go for it, if not go for the 12 Glenlivet or the Laphraoig.

Hmmmm, lots of favorites in those pics. I agree, stick with the top shelf if your budget allows.

Love The Glenlivet. Go for the 15 year or older. Check out Goody Goody and see if they have any of the Christmas sets left. Contains: bottle of 15 year and 16 year Nadurra and glasses. They price it cheaper than the bottles sold separately. (!?!)

Like it smokey? The Laphroaig is a champ in that area.

Other personal favorites, Highland Park 18 year.

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Originally Posted by Kiltboy

Hmmmm, lots of favorites in those pics....
Like it smokey? The Laphroaig is a champ in that area.

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My thoughts too. The Glenlivet is a good choice too. Generally speaking the older the better. This area is one where you generally get what you pay fore as far a quality goes.

I've never had the chance to try Johnny Walker Blue http://johnnie-walker-blue.1-877-spirits.com/ but I'd sure like to.

Let us know what you try out.

On the other hand, if you can, you should try before you buy. I've sampled the Johnny Walker blue label and the Bushmill's 21, and my palate is not sophisticated enough to find any significant difference between them and less expensive vintages of the same marque. Therefore, for me, the extra cost of such vintages is not worth the money.

Thanks for the feedback.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ForresterModern

Just noticed that the 15 Glenlivet is the French Oak version, a bit stronger tasting than regular Glenlivets.

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Thanks for the noticing that because I forget to check that. I'm not sure how others feel about it but I haven't any sherry barrel aged ones that I cared for.

Jim

I concur with the others that the Glenlivet is a good buy. I can get the 12 year for about $35.00 a bottle. It does does not have the smokey, peaty taste that you are looking for. The fifteen and eighteen year are very good for the price. Be aware that Glenlivet goes for about $5 to $10 USD a shot at the bar.

Larry Dirr

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Originally Posted by Mr. MacDougall

On the other hand, if you can, you should try before you buy. I've sampled the Johnny Walker blue label and the Bushmill's 21, and my palate is not sophisticated enough to find any significant difference between them and less expensive vintages of the same marque. Therefore, for me, the extra cost of such vintages is not worth the money.

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Sometimes that can be a case for me too but I recently got a bit of an awakening to how much different superior products can taste. I was in San Diego a month ago and tried a glass of tequila from a set of bottles they had locked up behind the bar. It turned out the investment, that's the only way I can describe the cost, was worth it. I also had a friend bring me back a bottle of 15 year old Haitian rum that was so far beyond everything I had ever had in rum (one of my favorite drinks) that it wasn't even in the same category as previous ones. I can hardly wait to try the 18 year old he has been teasing with.

Jim