"Heidjer" wrote: Hi Norm and welcome to the forum.
I started out tasting whisky about two years ago and Ardbeg Uigeadail was among the first twenty whiskies I tasted and now going 300 (thanks to the German forum infrastructure and the possibilities of mailing samples), it's still among the top 20 whiskies I've tasted.
If you want to try more sherried non-peated whiskies, I would not necissarily start with the 18yo Macallan since it is that expensive. In the German forum we're about to blind taste alternatives, but even without that, I'd recommend to try GlenDronach 15, 18 or 21yo or some older independent sherry cask bottlings that are still in the two digit price range. I haven't tasted any Aberlours yet, but the 18yo is said to be very good.
I'm a huge fan of this distillery, so you may want to try the standard 10yo in a bar first, since the medicinal side of peat is not everyone's cup of tea.
Thanks for the advice!!!
"I am a Ranger."
"We walk in the dark places no others will enter."
"We stand on the bridge, and no one may pass."
"We live for the One, we die for the One!"
So thanks to everyone for the feedback. I've taken a great deal of time to deliberate on several choices to round out my starter set for my bar.
I DO truly enjoy the Ardbeg so I decided on continuing that exploration with the Laphroaig Quarter Cask and the Lagavulin 16. The Balvenie Doublewood 12 was also highly recommended so I decided to taste that for my Speyside and I've always wanted to try Glenmorangie because of recommendations from friends as being a very good social whisky - so I decided to collect the Glenmorangie 18 as my Highland whisky.
The Lagavulin 16 was a little higher priced than I wanted, but both Ben and Horst recommended that so based on their feedback, I was able to justify the price in my own mind LOL!
The Glenmorangie 18...I know that there are a lot of choices in the Highland Single Malts but there is just something about the presentation and the color that seems really intriguing to me.
So I have attached an image of my Single Malt Starter Bar. If there is ONE more bottle that needs to be there, please let me know. Otherwise, I think I have reached a pretty good balance and volume for what I need for tasting and relaxing.
"I am a Ranger."
"We walk in the dark places no others will enter."
"We stand on the bridge, and no one may pass."
"We live for the One, we die for the One!"
"Heidjer" wrote: Good selection. Enjoy them thoroughly for a couple of weeks and eveluate what you like and dislike. Only then I'd recommend to go on for more.
Thanks! I really look forward to enjoying them. So far I have tasted all of them but the Balvenie and that will most likely be this weekend.
I have tasted all of my Islay collection and so far, Ardbeg is still my favorite. It may not have the same refinement and roundness as the Lagavulin 16 or the sea-spray saltiness and mellow caramel of the Laphroaig Quarter Cask...but what I LOVE about the Ardbeg is the DEMAND it makes of me as I taste it. It seriously commands all of my taste buds because it is such an extreme flavor profile and I enjoy the large flavor - even if a tad unrefined compared to the other Islays.
The Glenmorangie I find quite delicious in an Orange Creme and slightly spicy way. And that will probably be a nice change if I feel I need some variety from the Islays.
But, like food, you gravitate towards the flavors you like and ultimately stay within the comfort level of that specific profile.
My other Single Malt Scotch drinking friends are surprised how much I enjoy the Islays. And in some ways, so am I. But I am glad that they didn't turn me off to this tasting experience. Far from it and quite the opposite.
Although, I have to say - HORST's videos have really given me a fantastic education about the tasting approach and experience and I can clearly admit that if it wasn't for his VLOGs - I probably wouldn't have tried at all. But I truly appreciate HORST's respect and approach to teaching while tasting.
"I am a Ranger."
"We walk in the dark places no others will enter."
"We stand on the bridge, and no one may pass."
"We live for the One, we die for the One!"
"normanlao" wrote: Although, I have to say - HORST's videos have really given me a fantastic education about the tasting approach and experience and I can clearly admit that if it wasn't for his VLOGs - I probably wouldn't have tried at all. But I truly appreciate HORST's respect and approach to teaching while tasting.
"normanlao" wrote: Although, I have to say - HORST's videos have really given me a fantastic education about the tasting approach and experience and I can clearly admit that if it wasn't for his VLOGs - I probably wouldn't have tried at all. But I truly appreciate HORST's respect and approach to teaching while tasting.
Thank you very much for the praise.
My pleasure Horst! Thank you for continuing to make fantastic and educational videos. If you keep making them, I will keep watching them!
"I am a Ranger."
"We walk in the dark places no others will enter."
"We stand on the bridge, and no one may pass."
"We live for the One, we die for the One!"
Last night, I conducted my very first formal Single Malt Scotch Whisky tastings with one of my best friends. I actually even downloaded and printed out the Whisky.com Tasting PLACEMATS which are AWESOME and perfect to help a first time tasting. These tasting placemats from Whisky.com were a HUGE help in the tasting process. Each glass had a number marker and you just associated the flavor profile (or profiles) below the glasses and you created a very comprehensive tasting!
The offerings for the evening were: 1. Balvenie 12 Year Aged Doublewood 2. Glenmorangie 18 Extremely Rare 3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask 4. Lagavulin 16 5. Ardbeg Uigeadail
Each tasting was 1 ounce in a Glencairn Glass
Here are my nosing and notes as tasted NEAT:
1. Balvenie 12 Doublewood: Vanilla, honey touch of green apple and pear, no smoke, tapering finish 2. Glenmorangie 18 : Orange Citrus creme, touch of peach and nutty, very understated finish 3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask: Medicinal and aromatic smoke, salty, iodine, caramel, lingering finish 4. Lagavulin 16: Aromatic smoke, spicy and hot, iodine and sea salt, caramel, very quick finish 5. Ardbeg Uigeadail: Heavy smoke, peaty, chewy, salty and sweet ham and bacon, tart, long finish
Here are my nosing and notes as tasted with ONE Teaspoon Distilled Water:
1. Balvenie 12 Doublewood: increased fruitiness and creaminess 2. Glenmorangie 18 : increased vanilla, almond and toffee notes 3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask: more sea salt and caramel notes, stronger dried red fruit notes 4. Lagavulin 16: more floral, more iodine and an overall more medicinal smoke, less spicy 5. Ardbeg Uigeadail: lighter smoke and sweeter, a little stronger caramel and tobacco note
We did a complete and thorough tasting, with nosing notes, neat tastings and with a bit of water for ABV dilution. What an amazing and delicious experience! The GBut for me...the Ardbeg Uigeadail still reigns supreme! I think my sentiment speaks for itself. The Uigeadail was the very first Scotch Whisky that I tasted and it's been my favorite since.
The Balvenie was probably the most surprising to me and very enjoyable. I can see why it is a very easy introduction into tasting Scotch single malts. Glenmorangie 18 had the most impressive bottling and packaging, but sadly for me - the least memorable flavor profile.
What a truly fantastic experience and I thank Horst, Ben and all of you who suggested tasting options for me!
"I am a Ranger."
"We walk in the dark places no others will enter."
"We stand on the bridge, and no one may pass."
"We live for the One, we die for the One!"
"I am a Ranger."
"We walk in the dark places no others will enter."
"We stand on the bridge, and no one may pass."
"We live for the One, we die for the One!"
"116520" wrote: Thank you for sharing your experience. If you have to rank the whisky you have tasted, how would you rank them?
I DO think the Balvenie 12 Doublewood is a really great introductory expression to begin the conversation and tasting with people.
I personally love as big and bold of flavors as I can find so I sent myself right to the most recommended (on an average of at least 20 different whisky tasting sites and video blogs) - which was the Ardbeg Uigeadail.
To be honest - being part of the Islay grouping, Lagavulin 16, for me, did not distinguish itself and present a strong enough identity to separate it from Ardbeg. Laphroaig QC was really different and more on the medicinal, iodine, salty and smoky range. But Lagavulin again, for my taste, just didn't separate itself from the much more powerful and hard hitting smoky, smoked ham, bacony, peaty campfire expression of the Ardbeg. Perhaps the Lagavulin 16 is just more refined for my taste and a little smoother than I would like from the Islays? But I like flavors that take risks and push me to figure them out.
I hope this helps!
"I am a Ranger."
"We walk in the dark places no others will enter."
"We stand on the bridge, and no one may pass."
"We live for the One, we die for the One!"
We use cookies and website technologies to customize information and improve your shopping experience all around whisky. We use technically necessary cookies to ensure the general functionality and features of our website. With your consent we also use cookies and iframes of third party providers to present our social media content to you and make use of functional tracking and analysis tools to identify errors and continually improve your user experience.
Details & Settings
Necessary cookies (always active)
Necessary cookies
The following cookies and technologies are required for the core functionalities of our website and online shops.
Necessary cookies (always active)
Name
Provider
Lifetime
Type
Name
_fe_typo_user
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary for logging into the Whisky.com community and using the community functions.
Name
sid
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary for the basic provision of the shop functions.
Name
sid_key
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary for the basic provision of the shop functions.
Name
cookie_consent
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
12 months
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary to save the settings in this Consent Manager.
Name
adventcalendar_clicked
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary for the correct display of the open doors in the Whisky.com advent calendar.
Name
language
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary for language control on our website.
Name
BannerImpressions
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary to limit the banner ads on our website.
Name
datamints_http2push
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP2
Description
This cookie is necessary to improve the loading speed of our website for a better user experience.
Name
datamints_http2push_shop
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP2
Description
This cookie is necessary to improve the loading speed of our website for a better user experience.
Name
datamints_shopselector_hasdismissednote
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
Necessary functionality to determine whether the shop selection has already been made if the geolocation of the IP address does not match the shop country.
Name
hasUserHash
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
Necessary functionality to determine whether a shop user exists.
Name
Vanilla
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
1 Month
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary to use the forum functions in the Whisky.com community.
Name
Vanilla-Volatile
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary to use the forum functions in the Whisky.com community.
Name
Vanilla-Vv
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
24 hours
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary to use the forum functions in the Whisky.com community.
Name
__vnf
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
13 months
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary to use the forum functions in the Whisky.com community.
Name
preferred-country
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
12 Monate
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary to save and restore the country setting in the language and country selection.
Name
preferred-language
Provider
Whisky.com
Lifetime
12 Monate
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is necessary to save and restore the language setting in the language and country selection.
Functional cookies
The following cookies and technologies allow us to anonymously analyze consumer behaviour on our website to detect potential errors and continually improve the user experience.
Name
Provider
Lifetime
Type
Name
__utmz
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
13 months
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie records whether a user is redirected to our website by a search engine (and if so, which search term was used), a specific link or if he was not redirected from a previously visited page (e.g. opening the website via a bookmark).
Name
__utma
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
24 months
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie records the number of visits, timestamp of your first visit, the previous and current visit.
Name
_ga
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
24 months
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is used by Google for user differentiation.
Name
_ga_UA******
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is used by Google Analytics to limit the amount of data recorded on websites with high user traffic.
Name
_gid
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
24 Months
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is used by Google to track and store the visited page history.
Name
_gat
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
10 minutes
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is used by Google for tracking.
Name
__gads
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
30 days
Type
HTTP
Description
The __gads cookie is associated with the DoubleClick for Publishers service from Google. It serves purposes such as measuring interactions with the ads on our domain and preventing the same ads from being shown to you too many times.
Name
_gat_commercetracker
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
30 Tage
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie is used by Google Analytics to track and evaluate e-commerce applications.
Name
CONSENT
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
max. 2 Jahre
Type
HTTP
Description
This cookie stores user consent information.
Name
NID
Provider
Google, LLC
Lifetime
6 Month
Type
HTTP
Description
When creating a Google account or logging in, NID cookie is stored on the computer in order to remain connected to your Google account when you visit its service again. While you are logged in and use plug-ins from other websites, such as Whisky.com, Google uses these cookies to improve your user experience.
Social Media cookies
The following cookies and technologies are required for displaying Social Media content of third party providers like YouTube, Instagram, etc.
Name
Provider
Lifetime
Type
Name
yt-remote-cast-installed
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Stores user settings when accessing a Youtube video embedded on external websites.
Name
yt-remote-connected-devices
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
Persistent
Type
HTML
Description
Stores user settings when accessing a Youtube video embedded on external websites.
Name
yt-remote-device-id
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
Persistent
Type
HTML
Description
Stores user settings when accessing a Youtube video embedded on external websites.
Name
GPS
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
1 Day
Type
HTTP
Description
Registers a unique ID on mobile devices to allow geographic GPS location based tracking.
Name
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
179 Days
Type
HTTP
Description
Attempts to calculate the user's network bandwidth on pages with embedded YouTube videos.
Name
YSC
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTTP
Description
Registers a unique ID for storing statistics on YouTube videos watched by a user.
Name
yt-remote-fast-check-period
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Stores user settings when accessing a Youtube video embedded on external websites.
Name
yt-remote-session-app
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Stores user settings when accessing a Youtube video embedded on external websites.
Name
yt-remote-session-name
Provider
Youtube, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Stores user settings when accessing a Youtube video embedded on external websites.
Name
_fbp
Provider
Facebook/Meta
Lifetime
1 Month
Type
HTML
Description
Facebook Tracking via Facebook Pixel
Name
csfrtoken
Provider
Instagram, LLC
Lifetime
1 Month
Type
HTML
Description
Are set as soon as an Instagram plugin is embedded in our website. Enables the correct functionality of these Instagram plugins, such as embedded Instagram posts. Instagram cookie information: help.instagram.com/1896641480634370.
Name
ig_cb
Provider
Instagram, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Are set as soon as an Instagram plugin is embedded in our website. Enables the correct functionality of these Instagram plugins, such as embedded Instagram posts. Instagram cookie information: help.instagram.com/1896641480634370.
Name
ig_did
Provider
Instagram, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Are set as soon as an Instagram plugin is embedded in our website. Enables the correct functionality of these Instagram plugins, such as embedded Instagram posts. Instagram cookie information: help.instagram.com/1896641480634370.
Name
mid
Provider
Instagram, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Are set as soon as an Instagram plugin is embedded in our website. Enables the correct functionality of these Instagram plugins, such as embedded Instagram posts. Instagram cookie information: help.instagram.com/1896641480634370.
Name
rur
Provider
Instagram, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Are set as soon as an Instagram plugin is embedded in our website. Enables the correct functionality of these Instagram plugins, such as embedded Instagram posts. Instagram cookie information: help.instagram.com/1896641480634370.
Name
urlgen
Provider
Instagram, LLC
Lifetime
Session
Type
HTML
Description
Are set as soon as an Instagram plugin is embedded in our website. Enables the correct functionality of these Instagram plugins, such as embedded Instagram posts. Instagram cookie information: help.instagram.com/1896641480634370.
Thanks for the advice!!!
So thanks to everyone for the feedback. I've taken a great deal of time to deliberate on several choices to round out my starter set for my bar.
I DO truly enjoy the Ardbeg so I decided on continuing that exploration with the Laphroaig Quarter Cask and the Lagavulin 16. The Balvenie Doublewood 12 was also highly recommended so I decided to taste that for my Speyside and I've always wanted to try Glenmorangie because of recommendations from friends as being a very good social whisky - so I decided to collect the Glenmorangie 18 as my Highland whisky.
The Lagavulin 16 was a little higher priced than I wanted, but both Ben and Horst recommended that so based on their feedback, I was able to justify the price in my own mind LOL!
The Glenmorangie 18...I know that there are a lot of choices in the Highland Single Malts but there is just something about the presentation and the color that seems really intriguing to me.
So I have attached an image of my Single Malt Starter Bar. If there is ONE more bottle that needs to be there, please let me know. Otherwise, I think I have reached a pretty good balance and volume for what I need for tasting and relaxing.
Thanks everyone!
Norm
Good selection. Enjoy them thoroughly for a couple of weeks and eveluate what you like and dislike. Only then I'd recommend to go on for more.
Thanks! I really look forward to enjoying them. So far I have tasted all of them but the Balvenie and that will most likely be this weekend.
I have tasted all of my Islay collection and so far, Ardbeg is still my favorite. It may not have the same refinement and roundness as the Lagavulin 16 or the sea-spray saltiness and mellow caramel of the Laphroaig Quarter Cask...but what I LOVE about the Ardbeg is the DEMAND it makes of me as I taste it. It seriously commands all of my taste buds because it is such an extreme flavor profile and I enjoy the large flavor - even if a tad unrefined compared to the other Islays.
The Glenmorangie I find quite delicious in an Orange Creme and slightly spicy way. And that will probably be a nice change if I feel I need some variety from the Islays.
But, like food, you gravitate towards the flavors you like and ultimately stay within the comfort level of that specific profile.
My other Single Malt Scotch drinking friends are surprised how much I enjoy the Islays. And in some ways, so am I. But I am glad that they didn't turn me off to this tasting experience. Far from it and quite the opposite.
Although, I have to say - HORST's videos have really given me a fantastic education about the tasting approach and experience and I can clearly admit that if it wasn't for his VLOGs - I probably wouldn't have tried at all. But I truly appreciate HORST's respect and approach to teaching while tasting.
Thank you very much for the praise.
My pleasure Horst! Thank you for continuing to make fantastic and educational videos. If you keep making them, I will keep watching them!
Hello Whisky friends!
Last night, I conducted my very first formal Single Malt Scotch Whisky tastings with one of my best friends. I actually even downloaded and printed out the Whisky.com Tasting PLACEMATS which are AWESOME and perfect to help a first time tasting. These tasting placemats from Whisky.com were a HUGE help in the tasting process. Each glass had a number marker and you just associated the flavor profile (or profiles) below the glasses and you created a very comprehensive tasting!
The offerings for the evening were:
1. Balvenie 12 Year Aged Doublewood
2. Glenmorangie 18 Extremely Rare
3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask
4. Lagavulin 16
5. Ardbeg Uigeadail
Each tasting was 1 ounce in a Glencairn Glass
Here are my nosing and notes as tasted NEAT:
1. Balvenie 12 Doublewood: Vanilla, honey touch of green apple and pear, no smoke, tapering finish
2. Glenmorangie 18 : Orange Citrus creme, touch of peach and nutty, very understated finish
3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask: Medicinal and aromatic smoke, salty, iodine, caramel, lingering finish
4. Lagavulin 16: Aromatic smoke, spicy and hot, iodine and sea salt, caramel, very quick finish
5. Ardbeg Uigeadail: Heavy smoke, peaty, chewy, salty and sweet ham and bacon, tart, long finish
Here are my nosing and notes as tasted with ONE Teaspoon Distilled Water:
1. Balvenie 12 Doublewood: increased fruitiness and creaminess
2. Glenmorangie 18 : increased vanilla, almond and toffee notes
3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask: more sea salt and caramel notes, stronger dried red fruit notes
4. Lagavulin 16: more floral, more iodine and an overall more medicinal smoke, less spicy
5. Ardbeg Uigeadail: lighter smoke and sweeter, a little stronger caramel and tobacco note
We did a complete and thorough tasting, with nosing notes, neat tastings and with a bit of water for ABV dilution. What an amazing and delicious experience! The GBut for me...the Ardbeg Uigeadail still reigns supreme! I think my sentiment speaks for itself. The Uigeadail was the very first Scotch Whisky that I tasted and it's been my favorite since.
The Balvenie was probably the most surprising to me and very enjoyable. I can see why it is a very easy introduction into tasting Scotch single malts. Glenmorangie 18 had the most impressive bottling and packaging, but sadly for me - the least memorable flavor profile.
What a truly fantastic experience and I thank Horst, Ben and all of you who suggested tasting options for me!
Until next tasting...
Norm
Another image - my tasting notes...using the placemat!
Thank you for sharing your experience. If you have to rank the whisky you have tasted, how would you rank them?
I DO think the Balvenie 12 Doublewood is a really great introductory expression to begin the conversation and tasting with people.
I personally love as big and bold of flavors as I can find so I sent myself right to the most recommended (on an average of at least 20 different whisky tasting sites and video blogs) - which was the Ardbeg Uigeadail.
I would rank my tastings as such:
1. Ardbeg Uigeadail
2. Laphroaig Quarter Cask
3. Balvenie 12 Doublewood
4. Lagavulin 16
5. Glenmorangie 18
To be honest - being part of the Islay grouping, Lagavulin 16, for me, did not distinguish itself and present a strong enough identity to separate it from Ardbeg. Laphroaig QC was really different and more on the medicinal, iodine, salty and smoky range. But Lagavulin again, for my taste, just didn't separate itself from the much more powerful and hard hitting smoky, smoked ham, bacony, peaty campfire expression of the Ardbeg. Perhaps the Lagavulin 16 is just more refined for my taste and a little smoother than I would like from the Islays? But I like flavors that take risks and push me to figure them out.
I hope this helps!