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Calling all good scotch.

The comments on this NG about Lagavulin prompted the purchase of a bottle and I fell in love after the second sip. (I thought the first sip was a fake, It tasted nothing like what I was expecting.)

So I want to kick back a question to the list which I see as a wonderful resource for future scotch purchases. ;)

I am trying to locate prime examples of what the different regions have to offer and would love your collective guidance.

So far I believe Lagavulin to be a wonderful example of a Islay done correctly. I cant remember for the life of me who all advised on the purchase so please forgive me for not offering eternal gratitude. I have tried Ardbeg and don't like the taste, however I am open to suggestions.

And I have fallen in love with Aberlour a'bunadh as a prime example of a speyside offering, however I am more than open to suggestions as my experience is rather limited.

Now, I am searching for a Highland and Lowland to meet what my friend has called "difficult" expectations. So far I have tasted scotches in those regions that are more rubbing alcohol (Tamdhu be damned) than the complex flavoring I assume the regions have to offer.

Any Ideas?

-Robert

Reply to
Spec
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Just as a thought, the "Classic Malts" collection seems to be Diageo's (I think??) version of what you're trying to do and they've got some good'ns in there. I think that they agree with you about the Islay.

However, although a'bunadh is one of my most favourite malts I think it's quite unlike any other Speyside - it's soooo sherried I wouldn't call it a prime example of a Speysider.

Reply to
the man with no idea

Robert,

Go out right now this very minute and get some Talisker. While I cannot offer you a monetary guarantee, or any tangible guarantee for that matter, I guarantee you will like Talisker. Nothing is like Lagavulin, and nothing is like Talisker. They are both completely original and divine. Oh, and Talisker has plenty of smoke. I don't know what it's worth, but regardless of which whisky I claim to be my favorite at a given moment, Talisker is the one that I consistently drink too much of whenever I reach for it (no, I'm not talking W.C. Fields here). I'm out of it.

Another whisky that I really like is Cragganmore. It has a smokey edge, but is also kind of sweet. This is a staple in my whisky diet.

As for Ardbeg, it grows on you...or at least it has on me. It used to be my least favorite of the Islay Trinity (Lagav. Laphr. Ardb.), but now reigns supreme. I like Islay whiskys quite a bit, and usually have all three going. If you've yet to try it, though, I recommend the cask strength Laphroig. It makes poor regular Laphroig (43 ABV on my shelf) look, uh, poor.

Like sherry (as a whisky note)? I do. My favorite whisky, edging out Talisker, is Aberlour A'bunadh. I'm out of it, too.

I wouldn't recommend trying all of the above at once.

John

Reply to
J Derby

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