Newb Intro, And Suggestions Welcome!

[PourMeADram]

Hello! I am relatively new to the single malt world (seriously... I've been drinking whisky for a long time, just now got "serious" about it). I hope to learn quite a bit from you all, and for that I thank you in advance.

So far, I have tried the following:

Isle of Jura 10 year - Very much like. It's my go-to Scotch, as you can't beat the price for what you get...
The Balvenie 12 year
The Balvenie 14 year Caribbean Cask - I really like the flavor of this, but it gives me a headache... strange. Anybody else?
Glenlivet 15 French Oak Reserve

So far I like all of them, with a slight nod to the Glenlivet, and of course Jura (mostly bang for the buck).

Currently in stock (as of today), I have 2 new ones I haven't tried:

Macallan 12 year
Aberlour 12 year
(And I have Jura... of course)

What I would really like to do is get a good expression from each area. What suggestions would you make for a Newb that doesn't have the palette quite yet for a $200 bottle of Scotch?

Thanks in advance for what I learn from you all!

PourMeADram
(aka Brad)

[jcp21]

I'm far from an expert, only been serious about whisky for a little over a year but I just wanted to throw one scotch out there that I think is perfect for a newbie. Highland Park 12. Not expnsive at all (goes for around $50 in the Chicago area). It has a just a hint of smoke, a little sweetness and is very drinkable. It's my go-to scotch and everyone I've offered it to becomes a fan. Best of luck on your journey!

[michael]

Welcome to the Whisky.com Forum! I've upgraded your status. You can post freely now.

Try Ardbeg
Laphroaig
Springbank 15

[PourMeADram]

JCP and Michael Thank You for the suggestions! I had not considered Highland Park, but seems to be a HUGE favorite! Might have to sneak a bottle of it in this Christmas... ;)

Michael, I was warned that Ardbeg was a "real man's" Scotch, so as a newb, I am a bit nervous. Also seems to be a bit hard to find in this area... I'll keep my eye out for it.

Speaking of Christmas Scotch... phone pic attached.

[Jojo]

Aha - here you are! Glad to see no IPhone info attached to your thread :D

I like your starter collection! Glenlivet 15 French Oak Reserve a great one and I have never gone wrong with a Balvenie. When do you plan on trying your Aberlour (is it the 12 year)? I really like that one too - so curious to see how you find it. If you do enjoy it and and if you eventually dare to go bold, then look into their A'bunadh.

I second the Highland Park suggestion. It is very inexpensive (I"m sure I paid less than $50 for it here in the US). Definitely has that hint of smoke along with the bit of sweetness. Very easy going Scotch. I also really enjoy Glenlivet 15 year (Solera), The Dalmore 15 and Laphroaig Quarter Cask to name a few.

Keep us posted on your Scotch adventures. :D

[PourMeADram]

Thank you for the suggestions! And Jojo, I promised no spamming, and I'm sticking to that promise!! ;)

I ended up picking up Ardbeg Ten as well as Highland Park 12. I'm off of work for over a week, so I have a lot of time for tasting!

I did break into the Highland Park and liked it quite a bit. It was far more smoky than I have had, but I enjoyed it very much. Thanks again!

[jwise]

In drinking Auchentoshan Three Wood right now, and I wouldn't recommend any other expression from the Lowland Region.

Aberlour 12 Double Cask is one of my favorite 12 yrs. The 16yr is exceptional, and their A'Bunadh is fantastic for a full-strength whisky. Aberlour is a Highland/Speyside.

Highland Park is great. I have an 11yr Texas Edition open right now. It is Superb! Full flavor and full power, with lots of spice! Their 18 is something special, and their 25 is what dreams are made of!!

[Jojo]

Wow! Going for the Ardbeg?! Let us know what you think. Merry Christmas!

[PourMeADram]

Well, Christmas was more like Scotchmas for me. I ended up doing several personal tastings, and buying a lot of Scotch! Here are my very VERY novice reviews on what I had:

Isle of Jura: Love it (not new to this by any means, but I use it as my "control" when tasting other single malts)

Aberlour 12 year: Like it quite a bit. Smoky and minty...

Ardbeg Ten: Not ready for this yet I guess... tasted like iodine and smoke. Was a bit more sweet over ice, still not my favorite.

Macallan 12 year: Loved this. Smooth, sweet, slightly smoky... loses something over ice for me. Better with just a splash of water.

Macallan Cask Strength: This is the stuff dreams are made of. So far, my favorite.

Highland Park 12 year: Very smoky to me at first, grew on me. Like it!

I still have one more to try, I picked up a bottle of The Balvenie 17 year double wood. Will try it this Friday.

Thus the NEWB REVIEW!

I had a great time tasting these and comparing it to other reviews to see if I could taste, smell or feel what they were describing. Although, I am by NO MEANS EVEN CLOSE to being considered "good" at it, I do feel that I have improved in just a week! I have revisited some of the single malts and found more flavors in them than before.

FUN.

[Jojo]

LOVE your reviews - keep 'em coming! Not surprised on your thoughts on Ardbeg at this time and right there with you on Macallan Cask Strength! Enjoy! :D