What's your favorite single malt Scotch Whisky?

**Retro Red** · 14th August 06, 03:33 PM

Avoiding the obvious answer, "The one that's in my hand!" - for those of you that indulge in the water of life, what's your favorite single malt Scotch Whisky?

I just started exploring this wonderful elixir about 6 months earlier this year & would welcome the recommendations of those connoisseurs of single malts on this forum.

My favorite, so far, is a 12 yr old Cragganmore, though I certainly appreciate the boldness & complexity of Laphroaig & I really enjoyed the smoothness of a 30 yr old Glenfiddich I tried up at the Flagstaff Games & the kick of Aberlour A'bunadh that a friend let me sample. I've also tried younger Glenfiddich, a couple different Balvenie, Macallan & Glenlivet.

I'm willing to spend upwards of $75-$80 a bottle on something I'll really enjoy sipping (of course, I'm even happier to spend less if it's good), but hate to spend that kind of money to experiment & unfortunately, I don't know of a place here in the Phoenix area with a wide selection of single malts to sample.

.

**Livingston** · 14th August 06, 04:02 PM

First and foremost......the ones that others buy for me

Then, in no particular order - 12 yr Cragganmore; Glenmorangie Port Wood Finish; Oban; The Glenlivet, The French Oak Finish aged 12 years; and I'm sure there are more that I just can't think of right now.

We've been trying all the single malts that our package store has and there are a few!! And yes, my wife likes it too.

double the bar bill!!

**Mike1** · 14th August 06, 04:06 PM

RR, I'm not sure if you've already visited, but be sure to check out a sister forum to this one, The Pub. You will likely see some familiar names over there.

**turpin** · 14th August 06, 05:02 PM

Lagavulin, a 16 y/o single malt Islay. It's similar to Laphroaig, but smoother, yet smokier. A fine drink, for about $85 a bottle. Try one at a Pub and let us know what you think.

**Kilted KT** · 14th August 06, 07:38 PM

Oban...plain and simple.

**Big Paul** · 14th August 06, 08:17 PM

Laphroaig!

**drobin** · 1st October 07, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by turpin

Lagavulin, a 16 y/o single malt Islay. It's similar to Laphroaig, but smoother, yet smokier. A fine drink, for about $85 a bottle. Try one at a Pub and let us know what you think.

That was the first Scotch Whiskey RR steered me to at the Flagstaff Games. What a great way to be introduce to Scotch.... and what a horrible way $85 a bottle

. I always knew I had expensive tastes. Still that's why I haven't got any of the really expensive stuff in the triple digits, my school teacher pay will only support so much.... and I still have Kilts to by.

Right now I'm sipping a Laphroaig 10, it's very nice. Well Cheers...

**Edward Teach** · 1st October 07, 09:34 PM

...and what a horrible way $85 a bottle

Sip it, don't gulp it.

**James MacMillan** · 1st October 07, 10:48 PM

Just to add a late choice.

As long as I don't have to buy it by the case, nothing can beat Bruichladdich.

**jfellrath** · 15th August 06, 10:11 AM

My wife showed up at my door (more or less) with a bottle of Lagavulin 16 which I tried and loved. We and a few friends split that during a scotch and poker night that was a big success, aside from the fact that she totally ruined a few of our younger friends who had shown up with a bottle of Dewars. She had to re-educate them in the ways of the whisky, and they cursed her afterward for "forcing" them to raise their standards.

For a long time that was my favorite, but then I tried Laphraoig during our trip to Scotland, and now that's my favorite. I'd have to try them both again together, though, to make a true comparison.

The wife likes Bunnahabhain the best.