Rider1 Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 Balvenie Doublewood is a good start. Smooth single malt's also include Dalwhinnie 15 and Glenfiddich 18. Keep in mind that most people can't just jump right in and start drinking scotch - it is an acquired taste. I travel a lot so I started drinking it on planes where I could take my time and sip it. Once you start appreciating it, there is nothing like it. By the way - please don't mix single malts with ginger ale - or any mixer - - it makes me cry to hear that - LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dicko Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 glenmorangie, glenfiddich or glenlivit are good starter single malts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capnshazam Posted September 21, 2011 Author Share Posted September 21, 2011 Hey guys I've finally gotten around to trying the Balvenie Doublewood 12yr old. I was also looking for the Dalwhinnie 15 but the store by me didn't have it in stock. The Balvenie was excellent and I can definitely see myself enjoying that. I just added a splash of water to help open it up as was recommended on the Balvenie website. Thanks again for the recommendations and I'll be trying some of the other suggestions here in the near future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Glad you discovered the Balvenie Doublewood....all of their scotches are phenomenal (and personal fav's of mine) if you can, try the Portwood (it's subtle but completely different)......since you are trying to appreciate the flavor of scotch neat (which I commend)...treat it like a good brandy/cognac.....small tongue wetting sips, aroma, let it open up. I've developed an appreciation for drinking bourbon neat years ago......unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your frame of reference)....drinking neat liquor can sneak up on you quick.... ; ). I typically go easier on the scotch and cognac....but I love bourbon with my cigars. so, go easy....try lots of different varieties and compare...just like a good cigar. splashes of water/ice cubes are subject to debate....but use a clean water source if u do. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyC Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 I am another huge fan of the Islay Scotches.You cannot beat Ardbeg or Lagavulin. If you like a more sherried scotch I would suggest Highland Park. The 12 Yr and 18 Yr are both excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headstand Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 I'm more of a poser when it comes to scotch, but these are some that I keep on hand: Highland Park 12 is my standby. Oban to share with the Mrs. Lagavulin to entertain friends. Laphroaig for a good piss-up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianbeaver Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 Dalwhinnie 15 ***** Macallan 18 **** Glenmorangie The Original (pronounce it Glen - m-orange- gee) - **** Macallan 25 ************ Yummmmmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bstarrs Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 I'm trying to break into Scotch whisky also. So far my whisky experience is limited to Canadian whisky and American Bourbon, with Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, and Forty Creek being favorites. I went on a scotch buying mission at the LCBO and picked up J&B, Johnnie Walker Black, Highland Park 12 and some McCellands Islay and Speyside single malts. Anyone tried the McCellends, I'm assuming its geared towards beginners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlye Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 Like you I moved from American bourbons to scotch and mainly drink single malts and blends now. If you can get Japanese whisky locally, you should try ***** From The Barrel. It is a blended whisky bottled at 51.4%. I've tried it neat and with a splash of water, my own preference is drinking it neat. I find that it has great vanilla flavors and a certain sweetness that reminds me of a nice bourbon. Another everyday dram for me is Monkey Shoulder, it is a blended malt (AKA vatted malt) made of single malts from Kininvie, Balvenie and Glenfiddich. I'm trying to break into Scotch whisky also. So far my whisky experience is limited to Canadian whisky and American Bourbon, with Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, and Forty Creek being favorites. I went on a scotch buying mission at the LCBO and picked up J&B, Johnnie Walker Black, Highland Park 12 and some McCellands Islay and Speyside single malts. Anyone tried the McCellends, I'm assuming its geared towards beginners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plato Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 Tried Johnnie Walker Red, black, green, gold and blue (they came in a sampler pack I bought) I couldn't drink them straight had to mix them with ginger ale. I was wondering what is a good beginner scotch that I could start with and try drinking it without any mixers I think that Macallan 12 or Balvenie double wood are both excellent choices for a scotch beginner. Not nearly as peaty as some scotches. Smooth, with a hint of sweetness. Id check those two out. Reasonably priced too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hohenthal Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 I would recommend a well ballanced allrounder, like Cragganmore 12 Oban 14 or Highland Park 12 to begin with. As a next step you figure out if you have a preference for smokey, peaty - go ahead with Talisker, Ardbeg, Lagavullin, Benriach 10, etc. If you prefer sherry, fruit, sweet spice, european oak - you could try Dalmore, Macallan, Glendronach, and so on... Hope this helps, Cheers, Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaill Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Dalwhinnie 15 Highland Park 12, 15, 18 Balvenie 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZinZan Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Highland Park is def good for a beginner. The 12 is always in my rotation. Laphroaig is excellent. Macallan and Glenlivet is also good for beginners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben058 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I know you ask for a newb scotch, but I am wondering why you dont consider drinking Irish whiskeys. These trippel distilled whiskeys are smooth and go very well with cigars to. I would recommend you pick up a bottle of bushmills. No doubt that you will fall in love with this stuff and once you have a more aqcuired taste you will grab for the scotch as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CigarGuy87 Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 I just got 2 bottles from a local BotL who drew me in a Secret Santa that I am eager to try; Kracken rum and Macallan 10yr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randomhero1090 Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 Balvenie DoubleWood 12YO. The 1st reply was the best reply. If you want something a little cheaper, try Chivas 12. Yes, its a blend, but I really enjoy it, esp for the price. Good thing to cut your teeth on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lotusguy Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I just got 2 bottles from a local BotL who drew me in a Secret Santa that I am eager to try; Kracken rum and Macallan 10yr. Oh Lord have mercy!!! Do yourself a favor and re-gift the Kraken before you even take a look at it. That stuff is VILE, no other way to put it It truly does not even deserve the name Rum. Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry wipe the floor with it, and that is saying something... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CigarGuy87 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Oh Lord have mercy!!! Do yourself a favor and re-gift the Kraken before you even take a look at it. That stuff is VILE, no other way to put it It truly does not even deserve the name Rum. Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry wipe the floor with it, and that is saying something... I've had Kracken before about a year or so ago but was using it for strong rum mixes and didn't mind it. Is there another good/premiumrum you would recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lotusguy Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I've had Kracken before about a year or so ago but was using it for strong rum mixes and didn't mind it. Is there another good/premiumrum you would recommend? So many but here is what I currently enjoy: Zacapa 23 Appleton Estate 12Y Millonario 15 (hard to find) Plantation 20 Extra Old Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CigarGuy87 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 So many but here is what I currently enjoy: Zacapa 23 Appleton Estate 12Y Millonario 15 (hard to find) Plantation 20 Extra Old Cheers! Thanks for the tips, I will check them out in the next few days and see what we have locally! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CigarGuy87 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 agreed, except that I find kracken a really nice mixing rum with coke. It has a big alky content and gets you drunk fast enough! Haha, so just make a first strong drink and be set for only maintenance drinks for the night...that's a fair plan. Good to see you over here Shlomo, lots of familiar faces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitz Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 Dalwhinnie 15YO I would go with this, relatively light, sweet and floral. The Old Pulteney 12 year old is also worth a look, it has a slightly different taste and is more salty, but just as nice. Don't forget a (small) splash of water and drink at room temperature. Roll a sip round in your mouth to let the flavours come out before swallowing and you will see what all the fuss is about. I couldn't stand scotch for years then all of a sudden - boom! I was smitten.... A good Bourbon is just as nice in my opinion as well. Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cycwidit Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 A few recommendations roughly $100 or less: Talisker 18 Suntory Hibiki 12/17 (not a traditional Scotch, but similar in many ways) Eagle Rare 17 (bourbon) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangolf18 Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I really like Lagavulin 16 and Oban 14...though the Lagavulin might be too peaty and iodiny for a "noob". I'm a noob though and I have taken a liking to the real strong peaty ones. Macallan 12 and Glenlivet 12 are pretty good as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maverickdrinker Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 So many but here is what I currently enjoy: Zacapa 23 Appleton Estate 12Y Millonario 15 (hard to find) Plantation 20 Extra Old Cheers! only 1 more to add. ron caney XO. fantastic stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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