Single Malt Whiskey Lovers
 

With all the seasoned flyers around, I'm pretty sure there's quite a few Single Malt Whiskey lovers lurking around.

What's your personal fav brand?

Mine has to be Ardbeg.

Speyburn's okay. It's a 10-year single malt that I consider a step up in quality from the popular 12 year blends such as Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas Regal. It runs a bit cheaper than those two anyway, so it's a win-win. I do like Glenlivet slightly better, though.

I concur. We were at a friend's house for dinner and we found it hidden in her liquor cabinet behind many inferior bottles so it was a nice surprise, especially as we were pairing it with steak.

It's hard to have a favorite. I have lots of favorites.

Very true.... "too many Whiskey, too weak liver";)

I love Ardbeg for the smoky flavor, with cinnamon & a bit of bacon aftertaste, and the fact that it smells so good.

My wife got me a bottle of Ardbeg Provenance for our 10 year anniversary, and even after 5 years I still refuse to open it up for a wee drop or two.;)

I would say the most accessible malts for the beginner are:

Auchentoshan
Highland Park

Both 12yo are ample

From the polar opposite of each other geographically but very smooth.

In fact I'm off for one now....

wow, this thread is #13 in this forum (and climbing fast)

interesting its bigger than wine thread but smaller than champagne thread

Wow Ardbeg Provenance, what a great present, I take it was distilled in 1974 ?, a very special dram indeed.BTW the price is now hitting up to £1000 on whisky auction sites.

I have recently bought the Ardbeg Auriverdes and although it has had indifferent reviews I particularly enjoyed it. I think it is not so hard line for an Ardbeg

I also have a bottle of Port Ellen 1982 30 years and that is absolutely sublime, I am seriously trying to make it last but it is never going to happen and no way can I afford the £450 plus for another bottle.

I'll drink to that! :D

You are right it's a '74 bottle. I just checked the price, and my eyes nearly popped out! Now I'm even more hesitant to crack it open. Btw the Quid for this was a Channel bag, that cost me an arm, leg and 1/2 meter of intestine:D

Auriverdes is excellent IMHO, and I still can't understand the lackluster reviews it gets. Perhaps it's just a case of one man's poison.....

I was also curious about the Ardbeg Provenance and similarly impressed at the price it commands. When you do decide to indulge, please let us know how it is so we can enjoy it vicariously! ;)

The problem now is do you drink it or treat it as an investment as there is only one way the price is going.

Ouch a Chanel bag, maybe you ask for a black Bowmore 1964 1st edition next.

How people in this thread travel :D

http://cmk10.smugmug.com/Travel/Flye...DSCN3937-L.jpg

I got myself a bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail during my last trip up north. I have to say "Holy Smokes!".

For all who likes a smoky nose, coupled with a fistful of flavor aftertaste, this is the one for you.

To be honest, I find the nose a bit too strong. It kinds of smells like you are in a smoke barn (for Canadians whom been to a smoke house, you will know what I mean).

But the chocolate, bacon and fruity aftertaste is fantastic.

I would give it a 3.7 out of 5.

They often say that whisky/whiskey drinkers move towards peat as the drink over the years, and that certainly was true for me. I now drink Lagavulin 16 as if it's going out of style--and I've got a collection of over 600 bottles from almost every distillery in Scotland (as I prefer the intensity of single malt).

Of course, sometimes I vary for diversity. I love Bowmore, and I also love Glenfarclas when in the mood for something sweeter. Cragganmore is also nice when I want a bit more sweetness/fruit but don't want to pay an arm and a leg. Highland Park is a great choice for many, as it has all of the various whisky elements from all the regions without any one being too overwhelming.