Single Malt Recommendations


FalseCast

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So I've been dabbling in single malts lately (seems as dangerous as cigars, now). I've tried the basics at the local tavern and so far I've bought two bottles: Dalwhinnie 15 and Ardbeg 10. They're obviously very different but both very good. I'd like to pick up two or three more bottles and I would like them to really touch on the other characteristics that single malts have to offer. So, what two or three other single malts would you recommend that I add to my cabinet?

I'd like to keep the price per bottle right around what I paid for the Dalwhinnie and Ardbeg. Also, any affordable blends that are must-try? I've been reading good things about Teacher's and White Horse (for the price).

Thanks!

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If you like the Ardbeg, something kind of similar would be the Laphroaig Quarter Cask. Delicious witha a cigar and not too pricey.

Otherwise, for a nice winter smooth heat scotch, I suggest the Aberlour A'bunadh. ALso not overly pricey, but very good.

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Glengoyne 10, it's so smooth it's almost unbelievable. You have to try it to believe it. Its the only whisky I drink apart from blends. Only the 10 year though, the others climb to stupid prices and don't have the quality or smoothness of the 10 for me.

Talking about the blends, they are really popular in the UK,essentially what most people have as a daily drink after work or in their tea at breakfast etc. Single malts are mostly reserved for when you can appreciate them.

My favourite by far is Famous Grouse, stands head and shoulders above teachers for me, and teachers is to stuff too!

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Thanks for the recommendations. I've read about Famous Grouse too. $23 USD for 750ml bottle here so it's probably worth a try. Teachers is $17 so I'll likely try both.

Considering the pair of bottles I already have (Ardbeg 10 and Dalwhinnie 15), what am I missing out on in the single malt experience?

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I would add Highland Park 12 for a different style of scotch. A touch of smoke, very tasty stuff. If you want something sweeter, Dalmore 12. A sweet, heavily sherried scotch. Both under $50 a bottle.

As for blends, I would recommend Compass Box Oak Cross and Cutty Sark Prohibition. I think Compass Box is making some of the best blends currently. The Cutty Prohibition is a blended malt (no grain), made primarily of Highland Park and Macallan. Great stuff for $30 a bottle.

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I second the Aberlour A'bunadh - it's a sherry bomb and comes at cask strength to boot so you can play with adding water.

Sticking with sherried whiskys, Glenfarclas has great stuff at affordable prices, especially the (for some reason not available in US) 15Y.

For a really cheap single malt, I recommend the Singleton which can be had for under $30 for 1l.

It's so much fun trying out new stuff... I just did a rough count of my stash earlier and came out with about 80 unopened bottles :o I think I may have a problem... :lookaround:

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Balvenie 17yr single malt double wood cast. Supper smooth with a very nice smokey/fruit flavor.

145usd.

Macallen 21yr old. One of my favorite.

349usd.

You missed the part where he was looking for bottles that are roughly in the $60 range...

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Balvenie 12 Doublewood, Macallan 12, Oban. Those would give a good cross section besides what you've tried.

Enjoy the journey!

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Man, you guys are rough. He's just getting into whisky and here you are recommending cask strengths. :lol:

Yeah, it's strong, but so smooth with that sweetness in the background. A really great scotch for pairing with a cigar.

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I can't beleive the Bowmore 12yr or even the Legend haven't been listed yet!

I drink gallons of the 12yr as it hits the perfect balance for me.

Glenrothes is a great easy going scotch and it's priced pretty cheap as well.

Cardhu is worth a try too

On the mellower side, Auchentoshan makes a decent entry level, but it lacks any real character for me and I serve that one to newbs mostly.

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