Please Help Me Expand My Horizons W/ Suggestions

[Dr. Spencer]

First let me tell you what I really like and you can tell me what else I'll like

Glenlivet 18 and 25 (I really like the 25)

Glefiddich 15 (surprisingly smooth with great - if not too strong - flavor)

Glenfiddich 18 and 21

Macallan 12 and 18 (haven't had the 18 in some time)

I'll go up to $500 if its really worth it.

Thanks for the help!

[BourbonDrinker]

Other than suggestions for similar lighter/fruity/sherry styles, are you interested in suggestions for other scotch styles to expand your palate? Or have you tried other types (smokey, islay, etc), but prefer the style of whiskies in your post?
Cheers.

[Dr. Spencer]

Originally Posted by TheEtherMan

Other than suggestions for similar lighter/fruity/sherry styles, are you interested in suggestions for other scotch styles to expand your palate? Or have you tried other types (smokey, islay, etc), but prefer the style of whiskies in your post?
Cheers.

Sorry about the vagueness - I like the basic characteristics of what I listed to let you know what I like. But my experience is limited to what is listed.

I really haven't tried others (except blended which I'm not interested in and Loch Dhu which is pure shit). I am interested in anything, but as a rule of thumb stuff that has a harsh bite or a very strong alcoholic odor I probably would not enjoy. I am however openminded and adventurous.

Thanks again!

[Jojo]

Some more suggestions - The Dalmore 15 year (citrus on nose, oranges from sherry aging - layers of marmalade), Balvenie 21 year Portwood, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Glenmorangie including Nectar D'or, Lasanta (rich sherry notes), Quinta Ruban (excellent - port cask finish), Glenrothes 1991, The Macallan Fine Oak Series 15 year (honey, vanilla, butterscotch - more flavorful than the 17 yo although the 17yo is smoother), Glenrothes Vintage 1985 (very smooth, toffee, sweetness, fruit, creamy, wonderful nose), Springbank and Port Ellen 1982 Old Malt Cask 25 year.

[Dr. Spencer]

Originally Posted by Jojo

Some more suggestions - The Dalmore 15 year (citrus on nose, oranges from sherry aging - layers of marmalade), Balvenie 21 year Portwood, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Glenmorangie including Nectar D'or, Lasanta (rich sherry notes), Quinta Ruban (excellent - port cask finish), Glenrothes 1991, The Macallan Fine Oak Series 15 year (honey, vanilla, butterscotch - more flavorful than the 17 yo although the 17yo is smoother), Glenrothes Vintage 1985 (very smooth, toffee, sweetness, fruit, creamy, wonderful nose), Springbank and Port Ellen 1982 Old Malt Cask 25 year.

Thanks for the great tips - The 15 year Macallan Fine Oak is at Costco for $65.00. I've also heard good things about the Balvenie 21

[nitehawk55]

Highland Park 18yo would be worth a look too . Rated 92 by M. Jackson .

[jwise]

I find the Highland Park 12yr is nearly as good as the 18yr, and a much better value. It is definitely something I would recommend, as it will stretch your comfort zone a bit, but not over the edge (like a Laphroaig, or other true "Islay").

The Balvenie expressions are all worth exploring. I have tasted the 12yr Doublewood, 15yr Single Barrel and 21yr Portwood. I have a 14yr rum cask that I am anticipating tasting as well. The 21yr is the best whisky I have ever tasted. It is pure deliciousness. I just bought a bottle (see "I finally splurged...") and cannot wait to open it and drink it with friends next week.

The Glenrothes 91 is a delight to drink. I appreciate the Special Reserve, but the '91 is head and shoulders better.

Of all the Glenfiddich expressions I have tried, it is the 15yr Solera that I find the most palatable. The rest are garbage.

[nitehawk55]

I agree on the 12 yo Highland Park being nearly as good , I think M.Jackson rated the 12 at 90 and the 18 at 92 . The 15 yo was less than either , funny how that works and old doesn't always mean better .

[jwise]

The age on the bottle isn't just the age of the whisky, but the "brand" of the flavor profile the master blender was trying to create. Like the Balvenie whiskies, the 12yr is the Doublewood, the 14yr is the Rum Cask, the 15yr is the Single Barrel, the 17yr is the Madeira Cask, and the 21yr is the Portwood. As opposed to distilleries like Glenmorangie, that create blends and don't assign unique years to them (Quinta Ruban, Lasanta, Nectar D'or, etc...)

[Dr. Spencer]

Originally Posted by jwise

I find the Highland Park 12yr is nearly as good as the 18yr, and a much better value. It is definitely something I would recommend, as it will stretch your comfort zone a bit, but not over the edge (like a Laphroaig, or other true "Islay").

The Balvenie expressions are all worth exploring. I have tasted the 12yr Doublewood, 15yr Single Barrel and 21yr Portwood. I have a 14yr rum cask that I am anticipating tasting as well. The 21yr is the best whisky I have ever tasted. It is pure deliciousness. I just bought a bottle (see "I finally splurged...") and cannot wait to open it and drink it with friends next week.

The Glenrothes 91 is a delight to drink. I appreciate the Special Reserve, but the '91 is head and shoulders better.

Of all the Glenfiddich expressions I have tried, it is the 15yr Solera that I find the most palatable. The rest are garbage.

I definitely plan on trying the Balvenie 21 - its my next purchase. I'm curious if you prefer it over Macallan 25?

As for the 'Fiddich, do you really consider the 30 garbage? I ask because this is on my short list. I do agree that the 15 is surprisingly good for an inexpensive dram.

[jwise]

Dr., I must confess that I have not had the pleasure of tasting some of the older (and therefore more expensive) expressions, as for the majority of the whiskies I have tasted I had to buy the bottle (it is my friends who get to taste a bunch of whiskies for free!) Additionally, while I have access to some great shops, most carry the same range of whiskies (12-18yr varieties).

The 21yr Portwood is the oldest I have tasted, flanked only by 18yr Macallan, 18yr Highland Park, 18yr Glenmorangie, 18yr Glenfiddich and perhaps some others I can't remember right now.