singlemalt advice

**Dale Seago** · 26th March 12, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by mookien

You mentioned Macallan, and like you, I think the 12 is the best (by far) of the scotches you listed. If you like that oakey nose/flavor (as I do), you might try the 15 yr. or the 17 yr.

Getting away from the ones with a lot of peat-reek, mainly Islay and other Island malts, the "oakier" Highland malts are my "other most favorite ones".

For the novice shooter -- I bring this up because my SO asked me to take her to a nearby range on Saturday and begin teaching her -- I recommend certain specific types of tools because they're very basic and relatively idiot-proof. As a direct analogue, with single malts I recommend The Glenlivet 12-year: It's a no-frills oak-casked malt that serves as an excellent "baseline" to begin understanding what this is all about and from which to begin analyzing and comparing others. It has the added virtue of not being terribly expensive.

All that said, I have to give an enthusiastic thumbs-up to ALL the recommendations made so far!

**mookien** · 26th March 12, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

Getting away from the ones with a lot of peat-reek, mainly Islay and other Island malts, the "oakier" Highland malts are my "other most favorite ones".

For the novice shooter -- I bring this up because my SO asked me to take her to a nearby range on Saturday and begin teaching her -- I recommend certain specific types of tools because they're very basic and relatively idiot-proof. As a direct analogue, with single malts I recommend The Glenlivet 12-year: It's a no-frills oak-casked malt that serves as an excellent "baseline" to begin understanding what this is all about and from which to begin analyzing and comparing others. It has the added virtue of not being terribly expensive.
...

Dale: I couldn't agree more with your comments about Glenlivet 12. It is the scotch I first started drinking and literally learned to love. It's a good basic single malt that won't break the bank, and a good place for anyone to start.

It is no longer in my stable, because I prefer the 15-yr. French Oak Reserve. I find the 18 a bit sweet for my taste, but the 21 is absolutely golden (and they charge accordingly).

John

**flyrod6057** · 26th March 12, 10:06 PM

Lagavulin should be your first priority. Especially the 21 year Lagavulin! I think it's made from angel's tears.... Balvenie double wood is great, as is Laphroaigh (for those inclined toward Islay scotches.) Oban's pretty good, too. Glenmorangie is quite palatable. Glenlivet is a perfect staple scotch, as it appeals to most and is quite reasonably priced.

Dang! Now I want a wee nip!

**flyingshamrock** · 27th March 12, 03:20 AM

MacCallan 18, Highland Park 15 and a bottle of Oban are my "Go to" Scotch's.

**ForresterModern** · 27th March 12, 04:11 AM

Originally Posted by mookien

Dale: I couldn't agree more with your comments about Glenlivet 12. It is the scotch I first started drinking and literally learned to love. It's a good basic single malt that won't break the bank, and a good place for anyone to start.

It is no longer in my stable, because I prefer the 15-yr. French Oak Reserve. I find the 18 a bit sweet for my taste, but the 21 is absolutely golden (and they charge accordingly).

John

I agree with the comments re: Glenlivet 12, a fine staple of the single malt livery, along with its mates Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Macallan, Balvenie, Dalwhinnie, etc.. I also agree with the various discussions of the Glenlivet 15 French Oak and 18, although I like its sweetness, and have tried but do not much remember the 21 as it has been so long ago and I do not own a bottle.

For the finer higherpriced end I suggest our OP try one or more of the older and rarer bottlings of these same fine distilleries production lines, rather than venture into the uncharted waters of secondary bottlings without a tasting or two.

Labor on mate, happy tastings.

**biblemonkey** · 27th March 12, 05:20 AM

If you have the time this gent has wonderfully in depth reviews to help you choose.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ralfystuff#p/u

And you can't go wrong with Highland Park 12yr. "Best all rounder" after all.

**rondo** · 27th March 12, 08:27 AM

Thanks for the input. Since I like the MacCallan 12 I think I'll give the 18 a try. A little peatiness is okay but really strong peat flavors sort of put me off. And I'll surely try the Highland Park 12. Thanks.
Rondo

**EagleJCS** · 27th March 12, 09:41 AM

If you like the Macallan 12, try the Cask Strength as well as the 18. Aged in a sherry cask. Lovely rose/amber color. Very subtle notes and finish.

**Livingston** · 27th March 12, 11:11 AM

Rondo, come on up to Denver and spend some time at Pints Pub. You can try out as many different singlemalts as you want, up to 266. BUT, I'd suggest you keep it at a reasonable number per night.

We could make a kilt night of it and everyone have something different.

**rondo** · 27th March 12, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by Livingston

Rondo, come on up to Denver and spend some time at Pints Pub. You can try out as many different singlemalts as you want, up to 266. BUT, I'd suggest you keep it at a reasonable number per night.

We could make a kilt night of it and everyone have something different.

That sounds like a great idea...but as we are coming into the tourist season here the only possible night would be a Wednesday. Perhaps sometime in mid April?

Rondo