Question for the single malt gurus

[Warhoover]

First let me say I am very wet behind the ears here when it comes to whisky. Have been a perpetual embiber of rum and "tekillya" for many years. A friend many moons ago (15 yrs) gave me a bottle of 12 y.o. Glenlivet. I had tried it several times and "ok" with it. Since coming here to Xmarks I have read the threads on single malts and noticed that some guys enjoy the 12y.o. Glenlivet, so I got it out of the back of the cupboard and decided I would see if my palate had matured some. Well, I poured a couple of ounces and proceeded to give it a go and my first impression was it was like my mouth was being attacked! But, I continued telling myself it was an adjustment thing. The only way I can describe it is that it has very strong "bite" to me, almost "abusive". I am sorry I don't know how to describe it. I really need to read up on it more.
Anyway, this past weekend I was going to a friends birthday party and stopped by a liquor store to pick him up a liter of his favorite ( and one of mine) Captain Morgan's. I walked by the Scotch case and I noticed Laphroaig. I had heard about it, read about it on here, and saw a show on the History Channel that talked about it. So, what the hey I picked up a bottle of the 10 year old. When I got home, I tried a small dram. A totally different experience. Smooth! Complex flavor, none of that real harsh bite I got from the Glenlivet. I LIKE IT!!!
My question is this, I have read on here that the Islay Malts are something you have to grow into basically. Why would I then not take a liking to the Glen but immediatley enjoy Laphroaig? Is my palate that much out of whack?

Brad

[PiobBear]

I have read on here that the Islay Malts are something you have to grow into basically. Why would I then not take a liking to the Glen but immediatley enjoy Laphroaig? Is my palate that much out of whack?

No, you simply have good taste in Scotch laddie!

[Kilted KT]

Scotch is a strange beast.

Some people start out with the highland or speysides, and swear it off like it is the plague, while others love it.

Some find the Islays ( like myself ) and prefer them almost to the point of insanity. It is very much an individual experience, especially with Laphroaig being as peaty and smokey as it is.

I figure it this way - if you find one you like, try others of the same type ( islay, highland, etc.) and I am fairly certain your will find many different Scotches that you will enjoy.

(word to the wise: when drinking Laphroaig cask strength, take the advise on the bottle and put a little water in your glass. It tastes MUCH better that way)

[Dreadbelly]

I'll probably be hung for this, but I can't tell the difference between most Scotch and Listereen. I don't mind drinking it, but all I can taste is the not so subtle taste of burning dog in my mouth. Or something.

Now rum or red wine, I can taste all of the flavours in there.

Maybe it is a genetic thing.

[Kilted KT]

Dread, you won't be hung..you will probably just be sent out to the athletics field to practice your caber catching skills.

[mbhandy]

No, you simply have good taste in Scotch laddie!

When I lived in UK if you asked for wiskey and coke they gave you 3 Kings scotch and coke with one ice cube? maybe....

It was the pits.....

There is GOOD Scotch and BAD scotch.

MrBill

[Dreadbelly]

Dread, you won't be hung..you will probably just be sent out to the athletics field to practice your caber catching skills.

I've drank some 'good' scotch here and there, so it is not a case of bad scotch, at least I don't think. I don't know what the deal is, but I just can't taste anything. It is like licking a peat bog flavoured lolly soaked in naptha oil and set on fire.

[flyv65]

I *always* drink my single malts with a bit of water (no ice!); it breaks the esters and lets the aroma of the scotch out-I think it's easier to pick out the different flavors present in the malt this way. As for prefering the Islays to some of the more popular/common Speysides, well, it is variety that makes the world go 'round! if you enjoy the Laphroag, try Talisker (a bit less of the classic "Islay" flavor), or Ardberg (buckle up-it is a salty/iodine slap in the face!).

Bryan...I prefer the Macallan cask strength, Glen Morangie Madiera finish, and the Balvenie double wood, myself...

[turpin]

And then be careful not to try Lagavulin and Caol Isla! Your wallet will hate you, but your taste buds will thank you for it.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

I agree with Dreadbelly-I tried the Caol Isla at our Burn's night and thought that someone had made a mistake and dumped the contents of an ashtray or the dust from the floor in the bottle. I could not taste any of the sublteties that are supposed to be in there, just the dirt...I mean peat. I prefer the Balvenie Doublewood-smooooooothe, minimal dirt. But to be honest-I am still developing a taste for scotch at all-I prefer a Rusty Nail (add a little honey, i.e. Drambuie, and anything tastes better).

Be well,