Okay, all you discerning gents (and ladies, for that matter). A question to the assembly: I am dying to try a single malt scotch, and haven't a clue where to start. I usually drink Irish whiskey (Bushmill's, Jameson's), so I am a total newbie when it comes to scotch. So where to begin? I have read up on some of the different varieties and regions in which they are produced, but I want to start slow and get my money's worth, since I won't be drinking it that often (and I'll be the only one drinking it, as many of my friends don't drink, and my wife prefers wine or gin and tonic.) Opinions??
Blair: You are opening a big can here, my friend Scotch is a many splendid thing and there are MANY differences between I will also say that you can spend a paycheck on a bottle, so beware. Personally, I like smoke and peat in my whisky so I will recommend: Laphroig Johnnie Walker BLACK Chivas Regal 18 year old Dewar's 12 year old Also, to start with you may not want to spend a fortune so here are a cuppa bargain blends I like: Famous Grouse Grants Yes, I realize most of my recommendations are BLENDS, but I find single malts, in general, to be overpriced and not worthy of their sticker price.
If there's a blended Scotch you like, try a single malt from the same company or family. I hear Cardhu is similar to Johnnie Walker and Glen Ord is used in Dewar's. You can gather additional information from: scotchwhisky.net. You might be able to sample some on an airplane for 5 bucks a pop. Jim
I discovered something new the other day and will be headed back to pick up another bottle. Aberfeldy 12 yr old. Made by Dewars. I never would have thought to try this one, never heard anyone mention it. The stuff is nice and smooth with honey like finish. My friends I have let try it all loved it. Picked up for $32.99 locally, a steal for an enjoyable single malt.
A big can indeed. It really depends on what you prefer. I also like the smoke/peat of Islay malts, however I'd never touch a drop of Johnnie Walker, chivas, or Dewars. If you want a true peat, I believe the only way to go is Ardbeg. Any year.
Well. Welcome to a SMS Snob !! Glad you found us....Enjoy your stay ! Ardbeg is definately on my short list to try Whaddaya think of the Compass Box offerings ?
Thankfully, this is one AD I can avoid. I enjoy a sip now and then and if you gave me some I would not turn it down but, I much prefer wines and ports.
Martlet, thanks for the advice, and welcome to The Shave Den! Rich, while I was looking (but not buying, as I got too confused) at SMS, I picked up a bottle of Sandeman Ruby port. Excellent stuff.
Oh great. I just realized that was my first post. Nothing like getting off on the wrong foot. ::ban I've yet to try anything from Compass Box. I do have a desire to give their Eleuthera vatted malt a try. Ardbeg, however, is easily my favorite. I've also been known to partake in Famous Grouse on occasion, though I'll deny that if anyone repeats it. Not because it's a great whiskey (although I believe it to be the better than the price range it falls into, I prefer it over chivas all day), but because of it's history in literature. I suppose that makes me a bigger snob than I originally suspected.
There are a lot of great options but before you spend any money on a bottle I would find a really good bar and buy a shot of a few different Scotches it might cost around 20 to 30 dollars but it will save you in the long run. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Also Rick is right especially on the Black label it's a blend but it's really good for the price in my opinion Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just get Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt and then you can thank me later .......................Please trust me
I'm with you Eric. Except my poison is single barrel rum. When I drank scotch it was Glenlevit. But what do I know. I'm entitled to whine. ... Don
