Homework

[KyleGibraltar]

Hey guys, I am totally new to the world of whisky but so far I am enjoying it. I have tasted the following: Glenfiddich 12 yo, Cardhu 12 yo and am currently on Glenfiddich 14 yo 'rich oak'. What I would like you guys to help me with is to compile a sort or tasting list of whiskers which are a must to try. I am lucky that I live in Gibraltar which is a duty free and VAT free zone so most whiskys are whithin price range.
Thank

Kyle

[jwise]

Macallan 12yr is the quintessential "sherried" whisky. Its not the best, but it is the most prolific (the Mac 18yr sherried is a classic, but pretty pricey!). Other sherried whiskies include Aberlour 12yr/16yr, Glenfarclas (the 15yr is my favorite), Balvenie 12yr Doublewood and others.

Highland Park 12yr is a stand-out that deserves tasting. It is unlike others, so there really are no comparisons.

At some point you will want to taste an Islay whisky. The big names are Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin. For gentler Islays, look for Bruichladdich or Bunnahabhain. You can start with one of these, and move on to others if you like the first.

For a "full-strength" whisky, try out the Aberlour A'Bunadh. It is a cask strength whisky matured 100% in ex-sherry butts. Macallan Cask Strength is a similar whisky, and either one would give you a chance to taste a big, powerful whisky.

I might also recommend Glenlivet 15yr French Oak. It is much different than the Glenfiddich expressions as well as the sherried whiskies.

Other classics would include Talisker 10yr (pepper & spice), Glenlivet 12yr (smooth & malty), and Balvenie 15yr Single Barrel (big & bold).

That should keep you busy for a while...

[BourbonDrinker]

Originally Posted by jwise

Macallan 12yr is the quintessential "sherried" whisky. Its not the best, but it is the most prolific (the Mac 18yr sherried is a classic, but pretty pricey!). Other sherried whiskies include Aberlour 12yr/16yr, Glenfarclas (the 15yr is my favorite), Balvenie 12yr Doublewood and others.

Highland Park 12yr is a stand-out that deserves tasting. It is unlike others, so there really are no comparisons.

At some point you will want to taste an Islay whisky. The big names are Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin. For gentler Islays, look for Bruichladdich or Bunnahabhain. You can start with one of these, and move on to others if you like the first.

For a "full-strength" whisky, try out the Aberlour A'Bunadh. It is a cask strength whisky matured 100% in ex-sherry butts. Macallan Cask Strength is a similar whisky, and either one would give you a chance to taste a big, powerful whisky.

I might also recommend Glenlivet 15yr French Oak. It is much different than the Glenfiddich expressions as well as the sherried whiskies.

Other classics would include Talisker 10yr (pepper & spice), Glenlivet 12yr (smooth & malty), and Balvenie 15yr Single Barrel (big & bold).

That should keep you busy for a while...

JWise has some excellent, reasonably priced suggestions for you.
Excellent taste!