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.