I am not a whisky drinker. This dates back to a time when I was one and overindulged to the point that the mere smell of anything in the whisky/whiskey family made me turn green and my stomach to gurgle uncomfortably. But I digress. Anyway I have been trying to overcome that demon by degrees for more than a decade. It started when someone gave me a bottle of The Glenlivet (12-yr) for one of those significant birthdays. I thought I would use it to ease my way in. But more than 10 years on and I still have it. At an event last year, though, the bar had a poor variety of beers (all American), but had Laphroaig (I think it was the 18-yr). I gave it a try and, not wanting to drink too much, I had them add some cold water (no ice). I was amazed at how different it tasted from my The Glenlivet. And I really liked it a lot.

So what is my question? Well, I happen to have a sampler of single-malt whiskies (50ml each) and I was wondering if you experienced single-malt Scotch drinkers could help me figure out how these compare - not in quality per se; I know everyone has different tastes; but in character - to The Glenlivet and Laphroaig.

So here is what I have:

• Cragganmore (12-yr)
• Dalwhinnie (15-yr)
• Glenkinchie (10-yr)
• Oban (14-yr)
• Talisker (10-yr)
• Lagavulin (16-yr)

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience. :cool:

This might help: If you google single malt whisky flavor map you should find maps that show many of the whisky distillers broken up into smoky, rich, delicate and light. There are a few of these maps out there so look at them all and they should help with comparisons without peoples biases.

Sounds like you have a "Classic Malts of Scotland" sampler. I haven't tried all of those, but Oban is like sipping smoky honey, and Lagavulin, though an acquired taste, is incredible. I could just sit and sniff the vapours.

If you liked Laphroaig (which is a powerhouse of a malt), you'd probably be best served with another Islay Whisky or barring that, Talisker, which is from Skye, but also a big, peaty, sea-infused malt.

:pith:

Attachment 10282

I found this flavor map on Tomatin's site. Gives a quick comparison.

Hi slackdrummer, I too had the same problem of over indulgence. I now enjoy many single malts and my experience was similar to yours, I was given a bottle of talisker very smoky but it got me past my self induced aversion and I now prefer the Islay and island malts but also drink the usual highland malts. I agree with artificer try the islay malts this in my experience wil allow you in time to enjoy malts from all regions.
Regards David

I am British, - a Real Ale drinker. I do not like Whisky (or any other spirit/liqor). However, for all you whisky fans amongst the rabble, there is a pub/inn about 40 miles from my house called 'The George' at Leadenham in Lincolnshire. It sells virtualy EVERY whisky there is (700 +) - from £2.10 to £350 a shot. ($3 - $525...........YES!!!!!!! $525!!!!!!!).
Here is their website:
http://www.thegeorgeatleadenham.co.uk/whisky
It is full of imformation about the pub, and has many useful links about whisky.
(.......I wish I could find a pub that sold every ALE!...........watch this space - I will keep searching!)

An important aspect of Scotch is the fun of tasting. There are so many varieties in flavor; not just among distilleries but also within the aged batches of a single distillery. Take your time to sample and sip and smell what you have, and see what flavors appeal. Added water is a factor as well. Try a couple sips and then add a drop or two of good water, no more than that. Again, each scotch will react differently, some by opening up, others by merely watering down.

Check out ralfy.com

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

... So what is my question? Well, I happen to have a sampler of single-malt whiskies (50ml each) and I was wondering if you experienced single-malt Scotch drinkers could help me figure out how these compare - not in quality per se; I know everyone has different tastes; but in character - to The Glenlivet and Laphroaig.

So here is what I have:

• Cragganmore (12-yr)
• Dalwhinnie (15-yr)
• Glenkinchie (10-yr)
• Oban (14-yr)
• Talisker (10-yr)
• Lagavulin (16-yr) ...

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First, I suggest that you blind test yourself and group them into "similarity" bins based on your own "taste". You may want to do that before you read on ...

To a first-order approximation I would group them as follows:

Glenlivet: Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie
Laphroaig: Talisker, Lagavulin

Oban will be "different" from either group, but you may regard it as closer to one than the other. Let us know. :)

Since you liked the Laphroaig, you likely will prefer "peaty" scotches. The others are generally not considered peaty.

The Oban is a "briny" scotch - stored in barrels in warehouses close to the sea, so it picks up some of the "salty/briny" character of the ocean. The Old Pulteney distillations (especially the 21-yr.) are even more dramatic examples of this style. Oban 18 is one of my favorite malts.

Good luck deconstructing your sampler. I'm pretty sure I tried a sampler pack with the same whiskies some years ago. It was great fun.