classic malts of Scotland

Diageo came up with the concept of "classic malts" which encompasses what they consider to be representative samples from the major areas, but which are, of course, all under their control or ownership. These include Talisker, Knockando, Clynelish, Cardhu, Caol Ila, Royal Lochnagar, Glen Elgin, Glen Ord, Lagavulin, Cragganmore, Glenkinchie, Dalwhinnie and Oban.

Talisker is very highly regarded as an Islay style malt, although it comes from the isle of Skye. It is typically a bit "hot" with alcohol burn, but is a lovely dram with peat, smoke and sherry. The older Talisker 18 yr. is a bit less assertive than the 10 yr.and better balanced, IMHO.

I must say I have a real fondness for Talisker. I have the 10 yo, 15 yo Distiller's Select, and the 18 yo. I do like them all but the 15 yo and the

For many years, the 10yo was the only official bottling we got here in the states. The Distiller's Edition available elsewhere, including neighboring Canada was a nice diversion. About half a dozen years ago, they released a 25yo. IMHO, this was one of the greatest malts of all time. Although I love Talisker (after getting used to it), I never even imagined that a Talisker could taste that good. The recent

Sla> I have a Talisker 10 year Im working on, but has anyone had any of the other

Wow! I can only hope to run across a bottle of the original 25yo or even the current 25 yo. I guess that's part of the single malt mystery. You never know if the next bottling is going to be the world class whisky it was before or should be. I often run across single malts and small batch or single barrel bourbon that vary in taste from one year to the next.

Regards,

Daniel

Slainte, John

Thank you for your diligent attention to detail, and for your personal and monetary sacrifice for the sake of knowledge and truth. I can only hope to maintain a similar dedication to truth&knowledge, and will try to sample as many malts and bourbons in the same quest, to the benefit of others, of course.

Prime case in point: Ardbeg 18. I'm on my last bottle of the 1974, and I don't think it or its immediate predecessors have been equalled since.

-- Larry

Douglas,

I suppose that's what makes the culture of whisky the force that it is. I've not met one dedicated devotee to the water of life that wasn't willing to partake of many samples and give a strong opinion to aid the others in making wise choices. I'm not sure if I have knowledge but I do have a great willingness to give every whisky due consideration. If you would share your favorite dram, I would gladly drink it.

A toast to adventure. Some would spend their lives trying to surf to the end of the internet. I, on the other hand, want to drink to the end of a good life.

Daniel