Scotch Journey

[jrhudgins]

Well, again thank you for all of the previous suggestions for non-peaty/smoky whiskies.
I started with the Highland Park 12, and immediately found the mild smoke in it to be entrancing. I wanted more. However, I was still afraid of the peat bruisers and went to Aberour A'Bunadh, Old Pulteney and others. I then bought a cheap bottle of Black Bottle and liked the peat, but it was shy on the smoke.
So I jumped in with both feet and got a bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail. The first dram seemed like I was drinking from a bottle of "Liquid Smoke", but subsequent ones were wonderful. Yesterday I got a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask, and am in love. This is wonderful stuff that I can recommend to anyone who loves smoke and peat, as I find that I do. I can't believe that I stayed away from these for so long after a teenage experience with getting sick on scotch whiskey.
So now I have gone so far over my budget that I won't be buying any new bottles for awhile. By then, the freezing weather will be over, and I will be looking for Summer drams to become acquainted with.

Thanks again,

JR

 

[DunEdinRanger]

The Quarter Cask is one of my favorites. I am going to try, God Willing the Bruichladdich "Port Charlotte" Peat Monster one of these days,

 

[hdorne]

Quarter Cask is outstanding. I'm looking at Lagavulin or Bruichladdich for my next purchase.

 

[MrFusion]

Quarter Cask is outstanding. I'm looking at Lagavulin or Bruichladdich for my next purchase.

Mmmm, Lagavulin! One of my favorites along with the Quarter Cask. I was lucky enough to get a bottle of the Lagavulin Double Matured Distillers Edition for Christmas from my lovely wife. It's an extremely smooth, exceptional Lagavulin.

IMO, you can't go wrong with the Bruichladdich either.

 

[jrhudgins]

I have been trying to decide whether to try the Lagavulin 16 as my next purchase, but haven't yet gotten over my affair with the Laphroaig Quarter Cask yet.

 

[MrFusion]

I have been trying to decide whether to try the Lagavulin 16 as my next purchase, but haven't yet gotten over my affair with the Laphroaig Quarter Cask yet.

Lagavulin is my favorite followed closely by the Laphroaig offerings. I guess I just lean toward the Islays!

 

[ryand]

I suppose I will have to put the Quarter Cask on my list of bottles to pick up. So far it's the Highland 12, Macallan Cask, Laphroaig 12 (never tried a peaty Scotch before, this should suffice ) and Aberour A'Bunadh.

 

[Crouse229]

I had some Ardbeg Supernova the other day. They say it's the "peatiest" scotch on the market, and at first whiff it's pretty stout. Also the alcohol content is slightly higher which I think cuts down the peat taste for some odd reason. Anyways, that's a killer bottle if you're into really peaty stuff.

 

[Mazeman]

I have been trying to decide whether to try the Lagavulin 16 as my next purchase, but haven't yet gotten over my affair with the Laphroaig Quarter Cask yet.

I agree the quarter cask is excellent.

As I read your OP, I thought to myself "He needs to try Lagavulin". Sure enough, you're coming to that conclusion. I say go for it!

I find the Ardbeg, and Laphroaig 10yo a bit too peaty for most days. I really need to be in the mood for those. The Laphroaig Quarter Cask and the 15yo tone that down a bit.

One more thing. When you get your Lagavulin, try having some *good* chocolate, or chocolate-covered almonds with it. Trust me.

 

[MrFusion]

I had some Ardbeg Supernova the other day. They say it's the "peatiest" scotch on the market, and at first whiff it's pretty stout. Also the alcohol content is slightly higher which I think cuts down the peat taste for some odd reason. Anyways, that's a killer bottle if you're into really peaty stuff.

Higher alcohol content? Is it cask strength? <guess I could look it up>

 

[drunkentester]

Higher alcohol content? Is it cask strength? <guess I could look it up>

The Supernova is 58.9%

--D

 

[spoonman]

I'll throw in another recommendation for Lagavulin - it's one of my favourites. I find it a bit sweeter than Laphroaig and Caol Ila. You should also try Talisker.... (as you're finding out, whisky is no different to shaving gear - you just have to keep trying different stuff!)

 

[rdeakle]

The best peat scotch made...

 

[John Kreiner]

Most of the whiskies mentioned in this thread are from Islay. When at that sort of whiskies you ought to try a few more.

I think of Bowmore and Bunnahabhain. The latter even women would like. The worst thing about Bunnahabhain is, that after three og four glasses it is impossible to pronounce, one just have to point at the bottle.

By the way, when you are talking about the Scottish wonderdrink, whisky is spelled without an "e". If it is spelled with an "e", whiskey, it is Irish - or American.

 

[Loner16]

Try the Black Bowmore..

Redolent of old saddle leather.. In a good way!

 

[mckolit]

I'm also just getting started with whisky. My first bottle was a Yamazaki 10 year old. No smoke, no peat. Then onto Bruichladdich Rocks. Same. Then I decided to jump into Islays. I bought a Laphroaig 10 year old. It took me a week to get through the smoke and peat and then after that my tongue got used to it and I just tasted sweetness from it. My next bottle will definitely be the Laphroiag Quarter Cask.

 

[Torcams]

Try the Black Bowmore..

Redolent of old saddle leather.. In a good way!

OK. Can I come to your house? Seriously, that's a rare bottle.

 

[Kouros]

Glenfiddich 18 year old for me.

 

[andrewckellogg]

Most of the whiskies mentioned in this thread

I think of Bowmore and Bunnahabhain. The latter even women would like. American.

If you want mild/sweet try Dalwhinnie 15 year. Tends to get bashed in reviews, but I'm somewhat partial to it.

 

[Aaron01]

Definitely try Talisker, the 18 is liquid gold. It's probably my favorite malt and I've begun my quest for a birthyear Distiller's Edition.