Hi - newbie
 

Just bought my first "sampling" of single malts: Lagavulin (16 yr), Laphroigh (10 yr) and the Ardbeg (10 yr.). Silly me - didn't realize they were all Islay malts. The guy at the liquor store was raving about all 3...... go figure.

I tasted all 3 over the weekend. WOW!:p Awesome stuff.

So, I guess I'm looking for recommendations for:

1) Online discount single malt Scotch sellers

2) Best place to buy glasses online.

3) Best Highland, lowland and Speyside brands/

Happy to hear you enjoyed your Islay malts! Highland malts I truly enjoy include Glenmorangie, The Dalmore (15 year, yum), Glengoyne 10 year (yes, that's over the 17 year - but is also very good), Oban 14 year and Aberfeldy (12 & 21 year). For Lowlands, I enjoy Auchentoshan 10 year which is light, smooth, sweet (but not overwhelmingly sweet), delicate and fruity. As for Speyside, not sure where to start, long list - that includes The Balvenie (21 year Portwood), Cragganmore 12 year, Glenrothes, The Macallan Cask Strength, Aberlour A'Bunadh Cask Strength (robust), Glenfarclas, and of course Glenlivet 18 year (my 1st scotch) and Glenfiddich Solera....

Oh...and be sure to check out: http://shopwhisky.lovescotch.com/

Thanks JoJo. That's some great info. there. I'll be sure to check those out.:D

How much water do you recommend adding to drink (eg. 2 oz. of Lagavulin)?

How much water you add really depends on the one who's drinking it! When I add water, I add just a drop (literally) at a time until it's how I like it. Remember NOT to use tap water! Nothing like a bit of chlorine in your Lagavulin :confused:! Use bottled spring water.

Thanks! Definitely don't add tap water!

BTW - the more I drink these Islay malts the more I think that Lagavulin is the best.

What would you suggest at some other ones to try?

OK, so I'll admit it, I'm not a big Islay fan - but I sure can appreciate them all as I do scotch in general....Right off the top of my head, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask comes to mind - here's what I wrote after I tried it:

Laphroaig Quarter Cask is excellent. Wonderfully balanced combination of smoke, peat, fruit, sweetness. I suggest trying this Scotch, even if peat and smoke characteristics are not your first choice. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Jojo- After reading your "short list", I found myself agreeing whole-heartedly with the suggestions that I have also tasted. I now find myself copying down the ones I have not yet tried! You are a well-spring of good information! Thank you!