New to Scotch Whiskey

First I want to say Hello, I am so glad there is a sight here.. I am in need of help of learning all the brands and figure out what exactly it is I like in the world of Single Malt Scotch..

I have had some examples of Single Malt Scotch.

I have had Glenn Fiddich 12 years old.. I had this on ice and cut with water..
To be very very honest.. I did not care too much for it.. I could sort of pick up possibly a smoked flavor.. this was years ago though.. Maybe thats why i didnt get into scotch then.

This last weekend I was introduced to few more.. I was having a few cigars.. and a friend pulled out a bottle of Macallan 25 years, I know the JW blue is blended, but a bottle happened to appear..

The Macallan 25 was heavenly.. I went to pick up a few bottles and saw the price tag, my mouth hit the floor... I would love to find something like that for a bit cheaper.. It was probably the smoothest whiskey i have ever had.. And was able to drink it neat..

The Johnny Walker Blue was a little over powering for my palate.. the flavors were ok.. I was not overwhelmed as others were..

That is my bio in Scotch.. I have not had a sip more.. Looking for someone to steer me in the right direction on what to try.. I am excited in this expierence.. I am not sure it matters, but I do smoke cigars alot and was hoping to have scotch with a cigar..

thanks in advance..

[Gary Wells]

I think that Macallan 12 priced at about $40 at the discount stores that handle it is a very good stand in, with Macallan 18 a tad better but also a tad pricier at about $140 at the discount stores that handle it.
HTH

[Theus]

Welcome to Malt World!

Since you already got a Speyside, I would suggest a Islay one.
Vast majority of them are peaty... this way you can first know if your palate goes to peaty or non peaty ones...

I dont smoke and dont know what goes better with a cigar.

I think you will have to find it by yourself!

Theus

thanks for the input..

I got off of work today, headed to a few liquor stores to see what all they had..

I did get some help.,. The guy tried to sell me a $20 dollar bottle of something that I have never heard of (but then again.. did a little research eventhough I do not know what the hell i am doing) So i pondered and looked.. I about bought the Macallan 12 when I noticed the balvenie doublewood 12.. I thought I would try it, this weekend I am going to go back and get a few more bottles.. I am not sure i want to spend more than 50 a bottle..

[Gary Wells]

I have tried both and in my personal opinion, the Macallan 12 YO at about $40 is definitely a tad better than the Balvenie 12 YO DW, even though the Balvenie DW sells for only slightly less $. I recently purchased Balvenie 12 YO DW at $ 33.95, which I figure was a "mismark", I think that they took it for the non DW, but I still prefer Macallan 12 YO at about $40. Thank the good Lord that I only have 2 bottles left of the Balveenie DW.

Here the cheapest I can find Mac 12 is 47.,. across the street it was 55.. I will get a bottle of it this weekend.. Really the balvenie doublewood 12 is not offensive.. It really is pretty decent.. I am happy with it.. I think your right though Gary.. I will probably enjoy the Mac 12 better..

It was hard to pass up the good deal on the balvenie doublewood retailed for 55, i paid 35 for it..