1. Home
  2. Scotch Whisky Forum
  3. What I've had so far

What I've had so far

Over the last few months, I've tried to explore more and more whiskys. Some I've liked, some I haven't liked. I've tried to stick to classic malts that people seem to think are really good, and if possible a good value. So far I think I like the smokey scotches over other styles, although I do really like Glen Livet 12.

As I've posted before, Highland Park 18 was a reward for myself and while its good, I was expecting more.

I've had 1 bottle of Talisker 10 and I think that is my favorite for now. I need to get another bottle.

I had a glass of Oban 14. It was my 3 whisky that night, so I didn't notice anything special about it. I'll have to try it again at home. I find thats the best place to enjoy whisky. If I'm out, I just have a tastey beer. Same goes for Laphroag 10 and Lagavulin 16. They were all good, but I don't have much of an opinion now. I also had Black Bush. I noticed a caramel smell and flavor to it. I'm trying to find that whiskey, but I'm having troubles.

I had a bottle of Jameson, the regular type. I thought it was over priced and nothing special. I'll stick to my Alberta Springs 10 and pay much less. I just bought a bottle of Redbreast 12 and I sort of feel the same way. Its very smooth, but not much character.

Balvenie Double Wood was a bit of a disappointment. Its the first sherried whisky I've had, so maybe I just don't like sherry or sherried whisky.

Same goes for Glenmorrangie 10. I don't think it tastes too good. It has hints of GlenLivet, but not as good.

I've had a couple Bowmores, one as McClelland Islay and one as Bowmore Cask strength. The McClelland was enjoyable. The C/S was great. Very drinkable and very oily. I know this is sacrilege, but 1 part Bowmore C/S, 1 part Alberta Springs 10 and 1/2 part sweet vermouth and a bunch of bitters makes a very interesting "Manhattan".

A friend bought me a bottle of JW Gold. This is great. I like the smoke flavor of this one. I've also had Black and Green both good and Red, not good. Chivas and JW Black at pretty nice blends. I use to drink Dewars and Cutty Sark, but not anymore. I don't think they taste nice. Although thats what got me into drinking whisky without coke in it.

Lastly.I've had Glenlivet, Glen Rothes 12 year old and Glen Fiddich. I've enjoyed all of them and would like to find more like Glenlivet 12 or maybe a bit better.

Well thats it. Tell me what you think and maybe what I should try based on what I like.

Andy

Reply to
hoover
Loading thread data ...

I used to like Double Wood (still do to some extent) but found that it became a bit 'cloying'.

If you can, try the Balvenie 10yo Founders. Of all the Balvenies I've tried (and it's a fair few!) that's the one I keep returning to.

Also, try a Glenfarclas 105 and an Aberlour A'Bunadh. Both are true cask strength sherry monsters and I suspect you'll like them, although it can be tricky finding out how much (if any) water to add.

Jim

Reply to
Jim

I will second the recommendations for the Glenfarclas and Aberlour and add the Glenfiddich Solera Reserve .. and try the Talisker again .. there is a reason so many seem to return to it time and again.

Reply to
ajames54

I don't think that this is actually a "Manhattan", I think that is technically it is an "East Kilbride".

Reply to
Douglas W Hoyt

Nice spread of tastings so far. If you like The Glenlivet 12 you may also like the other family members. The French Oak Reserve 15yo, The Glenlivet 18 yo and the Nadurra 16 yo cask strength. The Nadurra has a powerful attack on the palate due to the 57% ABV. I've found that a double dash of cool water and then letting it breath for a few minutes gives it the classic Glenlivet taste with a more pronounced flavor and nose. It can be tricky to balance it out but then that's the same kind of challenge that forces grown sane men to chase a little white ball into a hole with clubs, repeatedly, with the notion that someday they'll get good at it.

You might like Cragganmore, Bunnahabhain, Dalmore and Macallan as well although the latter two do have some sherry influence in their taste. If you like the smokey-peaty scotch you might also try Ardbeg, Coal Ila, and Laphroaig Cask Strength. I really like the Laphroaig cask strength. It's smooth with a mouthful of flavor. I don't need to add water to it to fully enjoy it.

I tried the JW Green label and at first didn't like it. It seemed to have an unbalanced off taste. Later I went back to it after it sat for a while and the off taste disappeared and it was much better. The Green label does blend with some good scotches. Finally, as blends go, The Gordon Highlander tastes good to me. Its smooth and flavorful.

Enjoy!

Daniel

Reply to
Daniel

I'm an unabashed island-style fan. Talisker 10, Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin

16 and Ardbeg 10 are top of my list, and so far the several Caol Ilas I have found put it in the same category.

If it's the smoke and the peat you're liking, those are the great ones. The Laphroaig is a good test of your limits. I don't know of anything else that exceeds its seaside reek.

bill, wish I could afford a Longrow

Reply to
bill van

I'm with Jim on this assessment. Balvenie Doublewood is simply not worth the extra money you have to put out over the Balvenie 10. Both are very good but recently I'm edging more and more toward the more assertive malts like Glenfarclas 12 and the delicious Highland Park 12...both readily available in the U.S.

Ken

Jim wrote:

Reply to
Ken Montgomery

I'd have said Lagavulin out-phenols Laphroaig.

Jim

Reply to
Jim

The Lagavulin 16, not so much. It's an aristocrat of an island malt and always minds its manners.

But I'd agree that the young, uncredited Lagavulins like Dun Beaghan and The Ileach might give Laphroaig a run for its phenolic money.

I'd certainly be happy to attempt a blind tasting of the Lagavulin 16, a couple of young ones and the Laphroaig 10. I just don't know what you'd use for a palate-clearer.

cheers.

bill

Reply to
bill van

DrinksForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.