please guide the clueless! with single malt.

[corbinj]

I need some single malt advise. I do not drink anything with alcohol in it, but my brother has recently started "tasting" single malts. I would like to get him a really great single malt for Christmas. I'm hoping Pour1, Livingston and any other guru's of Scotch Whiskey will help me not make a bad buy. Thanks in advance Guys. corbin

[AckZel]

One word you need to know only: Laphroaig

(OK, OK, there is other almost as good also, but it speaks for itself ;)

[Andrewson]

A nearly impossible request, Corbinj but a very generous thought towards your brother.

The great thing about single malts is that they are individual and, like people, you like some a whole lot better than others. Sorry but it really is a matter of taste.

Mind you you'll not go far wrong if you stick to the famous names (Glenlivet, Bowmore, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Springbank (if you can find it), Glenmorangie, Macallan etc. etc.). But you could learn a lot - and maybe makeup your mind - if you study earlier threads like http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...highlight=malt

Hope that helps.

[wgority]

I'd recommend Caol Ila - If you can afford the Cask Strength bottling, I'd *highly* recommend that.

Bill

[flairball]

Many good whiskeys listed in the thread. I'd like to add if I may; The Balvenie 12yr old Doublewood. I think the others will agree that this is an interesting selection.

[Kiltedmusiclover]

Corbin,

Here is P1M's advise to a Jack Daniels Drinker.
I have skipped down past the part where he talks about mixing blended scotch. If your brother is already trying some single malts, I would suggest you print off this guide and give it too him with one of the bottles. I would not give him a bottle of Islay scotch until he has worked
his way up the ladder a little. Islay Scotch is quite bold. It can
scare away those whose palates have not developed.
I agree Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. I would though in Highland Park.
All three are good starters.

.....

then ya will bae ready tae move tae single malt...

2- if ya drink JD neat (straicht) noo- then skip the blends an gae straight fur single malt...

start wi' Glenfiddich arr Glenlivet... baith arr frae the speyside area an are light an easy drinkin malts... baith arr aged in ex-bourbon casks...

ya can add water arr soda water but NEVER add ice... it changes the molecular structure o' the malt an changes the flavour... it shuid bae cool room temp...

use a cool (no cold) tulip shaped glass (no a rocks glass).... nose it (smell it) a lot while you sip it... an SIP it- dinnae gulp it.... yur nose is maire important than yur tastebuds when it comes tae malt whisky... hae a glass o ice water oan the side... this will help ya cool off and refresh yur mooth between sips...

drink this fur a month arr sae... then luek fur maire complicated flavoured malts... like the yins that hae been aged in sherry casks...Macallan, Glenfarclas, Glenmorangie (rhymes with 'orangey')..

try a few o these fur a couple months arr sae...

save the peaty smoky malts tae the last.... they arr the maist difficult fur maist folk tae get used tae... Laphroiag, Lagavulin, Ardbeg.....

then luek fur a' the hundreds o' other malt expressions oot there... a single distillery can make 100 bottles that a' taste different... it is a wonderful world fur your senses.....

slainte mhath!

[Pour1Malt]

Corbin,

Here is P1M's advise to a Jack Daniels Drinker.
I have skipped down past the part where he talks about mixing blended scotch. If your brother is already trying some single malts, I would suggest you print off this guide and give it too him with one of the bottles. I would not give him a bottle of Islay scotch until he has worked
his way up the ladder a little. Islay Scotch is quite bold. It can
scare away those whose palates have not developed.
I agree Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. I would though in Highland Park.
All three are good starters.

guid oan ya KML!

here arr some additional thouchts....


guid beginner malts arr....


in the sherry, sweeter, toasty, orangy, spicy area...

Macallan, Aberlour, Glenfarclas, Glenmorangie...


in the lemony, orangy, fruity, vanilla, honey area...

Glen Moray, Glen Ord, Bruichladdich, Cardu...


in the grassy, pear, apple fruity, grain, wheat area....

Bladnoch, Glenkinchie...


an the yins maist used by beginners (because o' their simple, easy drinkin flavours)
honey, pear, vanilla....

Glenfiddich, Glenlivet....


slainte mhath!

[Mike1]

Just as a reminder, The Pub is another excellent resource for these discussions.

[Livingston]

Corbin, far be it from me to change any of what P1M has above. I would also add any of the Balvenie that would fit the budget.

[Freelander Sporrano]

If you are tasting several whiskies from different regions leave the younger (10 years and under) Smokey/Peaty Islay whiskies until last. They are heavy on the senses and may spoil the enjoyment of the lighter delicate whiskies like Balvenie