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Short:
Initial Single Malt preference: Glenfiddich 15 and Aberlour 12
Newer preference: Ardbeg 10
Goal of this post:
A) to introduce myself
B) to get a few recommendations of other Single Malts under $50 to buy
I am not new to Scotch, but I am new to trying to take my Scotch drinking seriously.
My first alcoholic drink was Scotch, based on what my father drank. In college I dabbled with buying bottles when I could afford it. I was always a Glenfiddich (12) fan, which I bought more than anything else. But when I really fell in love it was with the 15 year Glenfiddich Solera and the 12 Year Aberlour.
For several years after college while starting a career and money being a bit tighter, I turned away from Single Malts and drank mostly blended Canadian whiskies. My drink of choice was Canadian Club with ginger ale.
Well, now I'm back. A full grown adult with a career and, maybe, around $500 I could afford to spend buying Single Malt Scotches during the course of a calendar year without feeling any bit of guilt whatsoever. (Read: being able to max out retirement, savings, and other more important expenses first).
Over the last several months I was fortunate enough to take a transAtlantic trip to Scotland and try many different single malts. Strangely enough, my initial preference for slightly sweeter, fruity Scotches was transformed on this trip. I found that the most enjoyable new Scotch I tried was Ardbeg! The smokiness was such a different experience for me.
On the return trip, I purchased a Glenfiddich Select Cask (blue bottle, 1 liter instead of 750ml) on impulse at the airport because it was cheap and, after tasting it, reminded me a bit of the Glenfiddich 15s I used to buy but with a bit more of a redwine smell that was enjoyable.
Today, my cupboard consists of: Ardbeg 10, Glenfiddich Select Cask, and Glenmorangie 10.
I'd love some recommendations for a few bottles of Single Malt Scotches under or around $50 to buy during the next year.
I hope my introduction wasn't too long. I'd appreciate any input from the forum about where to go from here. Thanks!
@Jason.A you may like glenfiddich the original if you can get it
@Jason.A
for glenfiddich with a bit of sweet smoke, get the vintage cask in the same series as the select cask.
otherwise, you should try all the other islay whiskies to refine what you really like about peated whiskies.
So if you like Ardbeg, I would recommend the Ardbeg Uigeadail. It's a marriage of bourbon and sherry butts. Hands down, it's my favorite Ardbeg. At $80 or so, it is more expensive than 50 dollars, but worth every penny in my opinion. PRICE: $65.00 - $85.00.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRhCb-VIagg
Another great Islay whisky for around 50 dollars is the Bunnahabhain 12 year. While not peated, it's one of the best values for the money I can think of. I know @horst_s says that there is a little bit of smoke, but I don't notice it. PRICE: $50.00 - $60.00
Talisker 10 is another classic that you can't go wrong with. It's an Island, not an Islay scotch, but falls under the same category. Talisker is known to have a sweet arrival with a peppery finish. PRICE: between $50.00 - $65.00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=956Qe5EBpW8
Of course, any fan of Islay whiskies has to have purchased at least one bottle of Lagavulin 16. If you haven't had it yet, don't ask any questions...just go buy one , PRICE $65 - $90
@Jason.A
I bought a bottle of Glenlivet 15 French Reserve on New Years Eve which was excellent. I'm fairly new to the game though liked it alot better than the Glenfiddich 12 which I also have a bottle of.
@Jason.A
@kroman had some nice suggestions and I would also suggest that you try out the Talisker 10 years old
@Jason.A
I would second Lagavulin 16, it is a classic you must try, even if it is a bit more pricy. I think you would appreciate the complexity of it. My second recommendation would be Highland Park 12. While not heavily pleated, it is rather special, even one of a kind I would say. My third recommendation, for something completely different, would be Glendronach 12 or older for a taste of heavy sherry influence.
AMRUT INDIAN SINGLE MALT 700ML
AMRUT INDIAN SINGLE MALT CASK STRENGTH 700ML
I can recommend these two Single Malt whisky.
For the peat, i would 'third' the Lagavulin 16. I got mine at Costco. (my price was around $80, but that's Canadian)
My Standard 'cheap' drinking scotch is Balvenie 12 DoubleWood. Usually around $60-70 cad, and a very nice easy drink, of exceptional quality for a 12 imho. If you haven't had this one yet, highly recomment.
some other suggestions from my shelf, although most are in the 80-100 range here;
Tomatin 14 Port finish.
Glendronach 15 revival
Macallan 15
and a slightly different flavor profile: Auchentoshan Three wood (NAS)