Impromptu Single-Malt Tasting

[Sir William]

On Saturday we hosted a "dessert" party at our home. My wife suggested I might offer a wee dram to those who might be interested, so I put out several bottles to choose from. This resulted in some questions being asked as to "which one is best", etc. so I decided to conduct a short tasting session. Much to my surprise, about 12 people participated; only 3 had tried single malts before. All were neighbors so no driving afterward was involved.

The tasting included one example of a 10-12 year from the various regions:
Glenkinchie (Lowland)
Glenfiddich (Speyside)
Glenmorangie Original (Highland)
Highland Park (Islands)
Ardbeg (Islay)

Also included for comparison (for those who were interested) were a Highland Park 18, a Glenmorangie Quinta Ruben (port finish), and Jamesons (Irish).

For a very impromptu tasting, it was very successful and I suspect that at least half of those who participated will be buying a bottle or two quite soon.

[Downunder Kilt]

Most importantly Sir William, which one was adjudicated as being top of the wishlist?

[Sir William]

Most importantly Sir William, which one was adjudicated as being top of the wishlist?

These were all from my collection and I like them all (and I've quite a few others besides these). At the moment, I'm tending toward Glenkinchie, Edradour, Balvenie Caribbean, Talisker, and a Glenmorangie 18 I recently received as a gift, all depending on my mood.

Bearing in mind that all but 3 had never really experienced single malts, except for perhaps a Glenlivet or Glenfiddich, I wasn't too surprised to see the Glenfiddich was most popular. However, 2 of my newbies liked the Ardbeg best, and one woman, who said she only liked bourbon, positively raved about the Glenkinchie. The Quinta Ruben was also well received.

[Downunder Kilt]

Thanks for that Sir William. It is always interesting to get the thoughts of those who have not sampled the "nectar" before. Well done. Cheers.