Balvenie Founder's Reserve 10 year...

**Cawdorian** · 15th November 05, 05:47 AM

I am still working on my bottle of Dalmore, the taste is OK, but is quite different from the Dewar's 12 (blend) that I have been drinking. I'll keep working on the Dalmore. As I progress I may be able to sort out the peat and the smokey flavors.

My next bottle will be Glenlivet 12, we will see how that goes.

**Livingston** · 15th November 05, 09:44 AM

A subject I'm fond of. One of the best references on single malts is http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/frame.htm This is supposed to have all of the distilleries and brands of single malts along with several blends. My favorite is Glenmorangie Port Finish with Cragenmore a very close 2nd. The Glenlivet, and don't forget the THE, is a good place to start. Another good one to start out with is Glenfiddich. What the heck, they're ALL good!! :-)

**Colin** · 15th November 05, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Cawdorian

I am still working on my bottle of Dalmore, the taste is OK, but is quite different from the Dewar's 12 (blend) that I have been drinking. I'll keep working on the Dalmore. As I progress I may be able to sort out the peat and the smokey flavors.

My next bottle will be Glenlivet 12, we will see how that goes.

That's funny, I was trying to stomach the bottle of Glenfiddich 12 year so that I could get my bottle of Dalmore. I find this malt extremely good and have added it to my favourites. It is a nice dark colour rather than the apple juice look of some blends. I wouldn't compare the Dalmore to a blend, as they are very different types of whisky.

One thing that I have heard numerous times now, is to not add ice to your whisky, but to instead use purified water. I have been doing this since I was told the same thing in Scotland a few years back http://www.scotchwhisky.net/drinking/

This page will better explain the differences between single malt, blended, etc. http://www.scotchwhisky.net/index.htm

KiltedCodeWarrior, I would recommend going down to the book shop and finding a good book listing the history, process, types, and numerous examples and write ups of whisky, for example: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...305882-4770408
the cost of the book will be worth the education and save you from buying a ***** bottle you don't like.

I have also started to keep a whisky journal and have added names, region, taste, and like/dislike to the whiskies I have tried at home, at friend's, or at a pub. It has been very helpful. This would be really useful if you found a malt tasting in your area, where you could try several varieties and see what your tastes gear towards.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...tchen&v=glance Looks like a pretty good price for a sporran flask to me. More fun stuff http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=...eywords=whisky Whisky tastes better if you have the right tools. Well, at least people think you know what you are talking about ;-)

**Macman** · 15th November 05, 12:04 PM

KCW, your timing is great. Last night after work I chose a dram from my bottle of Balvenie 10 years old. I totally agree with Robin; this is an excellent whisky. It is totally different than the more heavily peated whiskies from Islay and the Isle of Skye. Balvenie is made in Speyside, further east. I believe the distillery itself is right beside Glenfiddich, but I personally vastly prefer the Balvenie to Glenfiddich. It is beautifully balanced, not too sweet, not overly smoky or peatty. Given your tastes in wine, and that you generally don't drink hard liquour, I would say that the Balvenie is probably an excellent way to break into single malt whiskies. Then you'll be hooked, and then sampling all the variety that Scotland has to offer (including those delicious Islay malts!).

**jfellrath** · 15th November 05, 12:13 PM

I don't know how hard it is to find Balvenie in America as I'm only a foundling in the world of whisky, but my wife loves trying new whiskies and I was able to get her a bottle of her favorite, Bunnahabhain (that previously we never saw anywhere but in Scotland) at Hi-Time Wine Cellars (thanks again, Iolaus).

Here's the Balvenie...

**Iolaus** · 15th November 05, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by jfellrath

I don't know how hard it is to find Balvenie in America as I'm only a foundling in the world of whisky, but my wife loves trying new whiskies and I was able to get her a bottle of her favorite, Bunnahabhain (that previously we never saw anywhere but in Scotland) at Hi-Time Wine Cellars (thanks again, Iolaus).

Here's the Balvenie...

You're Welcome.

...and on this page, you will find the rest of their Balvenie offerings.

One of my favorite whiskys is the Aberlour a'bunadh.

**bikercelt1** · 15th November 05, 05:46 PM

I recently discovered Bunnahabhain on the shelf here in Washington and I like it really well. It has some of the smokey/peat flavor but it's milder than the Laphroig. I also found Balvenie but I haven't tried it yet. It sounds like I need to though.

Jamie

**jfellrath** · 15th November 05, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by bikercelt1

I recently discovered Bunnahabhain on the shelf here in Washington and I like it really well. It has some of the smokey/peat flavor but it's milder than the Laphroig. I also found Balvenie but I haven't tried it yet. It sounds like I need to though.

Jamie

It's much milder than the other Island single malts we tried - those tend to be peaty I think (I'm trying to remember...darned brain, anyway). I like it a lot, but I tend to like the peatier ones.