What is the Scotch equivelant?

[David Thorpe]

There is a blended pure malt ( not watered down with linear distilled tasteless spirits) that is inexpensive and most people like it - Glenfiddich.

Glenfiddich produces single malt. Many single malts are "blended" from multiple casks, but they are all distilled from all malted barley mash.

[David Thorpe]

Are you familiar enough with the lay of the land to say whether a walk from Adverikie to/from the Dalwhinnie distillery is doable? If so, would it be a difficult walk?

It's the walk back that might pose a problem.

[mookien]

It's the walk back that might pose a problem.

Good point. I might have to get my chauffeur to drive me back.

[artificer]

IMO there are three types of people-

People who like single malt Whisky, with all it's myriad regional variations, agings, phenol concentrations, and various bottlings/agings.

People who like a blended Whisky, with a relative consistancy, even if it lacks the huge dynamics of it's parent malts.

Then there are those poor unfortunates who dislike the malt altogether, and for all of them we tip back an extra dram or two.

ith:

[tundramanq]

David you are right. I just looked at my current bottle. It says single malt. I was thinking of the Glenfiddich that I was buying in the 80s. Then it just had the pure malt label and no age statement. I don't know if that one is still put out or not.

[Starhunter451]

I have tried Bushmills and was of the thought, eh!

But the dram of Glenlivette was good. How does that compare on the smokey/peat scale?

[thescot]

There are too many fine whiskies to go into them and do them justice, but there are two I recommend to the novice; they are both inexpensive and quite tasty.

First try out a bottle of Speyburn; for any price it's pretty darned tasty, but it's very modestly priced. Then get a bottle of Highland Park. It has a little more character, and it won't break the bank. (I keep Speyburn in my decanter at home because I can buy a 1.75 l for a good price and most folks like it.)

For personal drinking (not the stuff I share) I have Caol Isla and Laphroiag. And Glen Morangie, Port finished. et al . . .

[thescot]

I have tried Bushmills and was of the thought, eh!

But the dram of Glenlivette was good. How does that compare on the smokey/peat scale?

Not very smoky/peaty at all.

[mookien]

I have tried Bushmills and was of the thought, eh!

But the dram of Glenlivette was good. How does that compare on the smokey/peat scale?

As Jim stated, Glenlivet has little or no peat in any of the more popular distillations - the 12, 15, 18, or 21. I regard the 12 as malty, fruity, and sweet. Reminds me a bit of apples and is very good.

You should try a peaty scotch just to see if you like the aroma and the taste. An inexpensive bottle of very peaty blended malt is Hogshead. Or, better yet, find a good pub with a knowledgeable bartender and malt selection. Ask for a dram of one, or more, of the peated malts mentioned above and/or let the bartender advise you.

Full disclosure: I generally do not like peated malts. To me the phenol (carbolic acid) in the peat imparts an unpleasant "rubber tire" nose and flavor to the malt. My wife likens it to the smell of the air one lets out of a bicycle tire. But, not everyone smells/tastes it that way.

There are a few exceptions in which the peat is "corralled" or compensated. An example of "corralling" peat may be found in Auchentoshan's excellent "Three Wood", which I like very much. The three wood finishing during ageing diminishes the peaty aspect, but still allows it to be detected. Another peaty malt that I like is Bowmore 18. It is incredibly smooth, but has a rather unpleasant peaty finish that I tolerate for the rest of the sipping experience.

Let us know your verdict on peaty malts.

[Starhunter451]

Thank you for the responses. Everyone was helpful. Going to Peach Street Distillery and Peach Street Brewery for tasting experiences. Not on the same night or weekend. Like to keep my stomach in one piece.