Scotch Drinkers in the House??

05Venturer · 04/08/2014 04:54 PM

I am a big fan of Bourbon but have tried Scotch a few times and it really wasn't my thing.
Any one have any suggestions for what you like that I could maybe give a try?

Newbhunter · 04/08/2014 05:15 PM

Kent, I'm with you on the bourbon over scotch thing bro. But one that stood out to me for not much money was glenlivet 18years...
The Japanese also make some fine scotch.

Otter · 04/08/2014 05:17 PM

Being a Bourbon fan, I would recommend going with a Highland or Speyside single malt rather than a smoky/peaty Isla Single Malt. Here's a list of the distilleries in the various regions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speyside_single_malts#Regions

Once you decide you enjoy Scotch ease yourself into some of the smokey/peaty Scotch from the Islands. You can get small bottles of many scotches so that you can try them. I'd be interested in what you find as you make this journey.

The Burn Ward · 04/08/2014 05:19 PM

Glenmorangie makes some nice scotch as well as Macallan.

hebron · 04/08/2014 09:07 PM

Laphroaig Single Malt, great with full bodied cigars

MT21 · 04/08/2014 09:13 PM

Glenmorangie gets my vote.

Laphroaig isn't a scotch to start out on but it is great match with a full bodied cigar.

hebron · 04/08/2014 10:17 PM

This article has some good matches: http://www.thecigardon.com/malt-whisky-cigar-pairing-how-why/

gpd4 · 04/09/2014 05:38 AM

I'd go ahead and skip that Laphroaig if you're not too keen on peaty scotch. It's like drinking mulch the first time! I think if you want to develop a taste for scotch, start with something like Dewar's or Johnny Walker Red. Both are very light - not quite as sweet as Bourbon. Then move on, like Jay said, to the Highland varieties. Islay single malts are definately and aquired taste! I prefer Bourbon as well, but any scotch will do in a pinch...

Mojo66 · 04/09/2014 06:02 AM

Also there is the Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old.

It is aged in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in sherry casks so it could be something you'd like

tvolball · 04/09/2014 06:19 AM

I have recently tried Scotch myself. I started with Macallan 12 year old scotch. Its really pretty good. I've tried it straight up and on the rocks. I like it better chilled. I also saw a post I believe Jay(otter) made that said I should try it straight up but add a table spoon of water to it. I have not done that yet. I have also heard that Balvenie Doublewood is very good. It will be my next bottle I try.

hebron · 04/09/2014 06:31 AM

Hm, the geeks might be right. Laphroaig may not be the best for developing a taste for scotch... I tried it pretty early and liked it, but it may be an acquired taste... Wouldn't want to ruin the experience for you

Mojo66 · 04/09/2014 06:48 AM

Quotetvolball - 4/9/2014 10:19 AM I have recently tried Scotch myself. I started with Macallan 12 year old scotch. Its really pretty good. I've tried it straight up and on the rocks. I like it better chilled. I also saw a post I believe Jay(otter) made that said I should try it straight up but add a table spoon of water to it. I have not done that yet. I have also heard that Balvenie Doublewood is very good. It will be my next bottle I try.

I always add some DW to my Scotch, sometime up to 30%. Used to drink it straight up but a Scottish friend of mine told me to try it with water (I use DW cause it's tasteless) and I've never looked back since. Makes the aromas develop and I feel you can taste much more of the subtleties... but it's a personal thing.

kuke · 04/09/2014 07:23 AM

Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or. Awesome! Smooth, a little sweet, and no peat. Really good intro to single malt scotch.

sjn1117 · 04/09/2014 07:25 AM

Be careful Kent that damn scotch gets expensive!

benchjockey · 04/09/2014 07:34 AM

Scotch can get expensive. Two that I like are Chivas Regal, a moderately priced
blend, and Glenfiddich, a single malt.
Johnny Walker makes several blends, the Black is one I've enjoyed.

Jackal · 04/09/2014 07:40 AM

Try the Glenlivet 15 year old. It is aged in French Limousin casks which give it a much smoother and less peat/ smokey flavor. That may match up more to what you are used to as a Bourbon drinker.

junglepete · 04/09/2014 08:33 AM

The Balvenie
The Macallan 12 yr

Dimple Pinch as a good priced nice tasting blended scotch

tvolball · 04/09/2014 09:44 AM

My local B&M, Burns has two locations. The Burns downtown also owns Chattanooga Billiard Club which is in the same building and they have an extensive collection of scotch's. I have thought about just going by every now and then and having a cigar and trying a different glass of scotch just to get a broad sampling without having to by the whole bottle to find if I like it. I totally agree with comment about scotch being expensive. The Macallan 12 year I bought was just under $60 a bottle. They had some that was well over $500 a bottle and a couple that were over $1000.

Otter · 04/09/2014 03:45 PM

QuoteMojo66 - 4/9/2014 9:48 AM

Quotetvolball - 4/9/2014 10:19 AM I have recently tried Scotch myself. I started with Macallan 12 year old scotch. Its really pretty good. I've tried it straight up and on the rocks. I like it better chilled. I also saw a post I believe Jay(otter) made that said I should try it straight up but add a table spoon of water to it. I have not done that yet. I have also heard that Balvenie Doublewood is very good. It will be my next bottle I try.
I always add some DW to my Scotch, sometime up to 30%. Used to drink it straight up but a Scottish friend of mine told me to try it with water (I use DW cause it's tasteless) and I've never looked back since. Makes the aromas develop and I feel you can taste much more of the subtleties... but it's a personal thing.

It dilutes it just enough to take the bite of the alcohol away from your tongue and lets you taste those flavors... great advice!

Longhorn · 04/09/2014 06:08 PM

Some great advice here. I'd suggest trying an Islay, but would steer clear of the Laphroig at first (very peaty - almost medicinal taste). Lagavulin and Ardbeg make some very nice whiskies and have a few bottlings that are finished in ex-wine and sherry casks imparting a sweetness into the spirit. Islay's pair nicely with cigars - especially bolder ones. Explore and enjoy!

05Venturer · 04/09/2014 06:15 PM

Thanks everyone, all those suggestions should help

And keep me broke

Michaelbevans61 · 04/09/2014 07:41 PM

I love the stuff! My favorite ( and the best ive ever had) was called o hara it was a 30 year old bottle and it was 130$ but by far the best ive ever had

timpellis · 05/08/2014 03:46 PM

If you like peat, Ardberg Udigail is the way to go. I current acquired a bottle of Macallan 18 and realized I need to get a better paying job. Last year I attended the Single Malt Scotch Society's big event in Philly. Well worth the money (150/ticket). I was able to taste several bottles the retail over 2,500 bucks. I will never try them again I am sure, just awesome.

gcbright · 10/09/2014 01:48 PM

Glenmorangie is my goto drink of choice with an evening cigar and Macallan is my backup.

Thanks
George

Beegerply · 10/09/2014 01:59 PM

I like Bowmore 15 it's my go to scotch, I also like Old Pulteney 12