Oh how fun! I love trying new things! Let's see, Highland Park and Talisker come immediately to mind, as does Bunnahabain. These are the "mid-range" whiskies, combining the excitement of the Islays with the smoothness of the Speysiders.
Glenmorangie is completely dull for me until you get up into the higher dollar offerings. Same for Glenfarclas. I absolutely LOVE the 15yr, but the younger offerings are just dull. Too soft, and too...boring. Like Glenlivet 12yr and Glennfiddich 12yr.
I just picked up a bottle of Glenfarclas 17yr (as I have been told it is similar to the 15yr, but available in the US). I am sipping a dram now. While I agree with the assessment, I think I will need to do a blind taste test to see if I can ACTUALLY pick out the winner. I THINK I can (the 15yr), but I want to be sure...
I am a BIG Aberlour fan. The 12yr is one of the best values out there. However, the 16yr is where Aberlour really shines (layers of spice on top of the sherry). It is still a good value for what you are getting.
I gave away a bottle of Bowmore Legend, it was so bad... It was still 3/4ths full.
I think you need to try Bunnahabhain. It is a great value and the perfect profile for what you are describing.
Oh, and Ardbeg Uigedeal is incredible. It has all the power of Lagavulin, but with a mild sweetness. Fantastic stuff.
Of course, Highland Park 18yr and up is the stuff of legends. The 12yr leaves a lot to be desired after you have tasted the 18yr.
|