Best single-malt Scotch...


I have to give credit to Redwiki for the inspiration to start this thread. Yes, certain malts better compliment certain music or certain moods. Of the fifteen or so different malts in my cabinet right now, my favorites are: Aberlour "Antique", similar to the popular Macallan, but not as syrupy; a bit drier, light hearted and less complicated; great with Mozart and Brubeck. Mortlach "Limited Edition" cask strength. Powerful, smoky, mysterious. Great with Bartok, Berg and late 'Trane. Loch Morar 25 yr old. Incredibly complex and intense, with a hint of honey and flowers. Great with Poulenc, Stravinsky and Bill Evans. Any other single-malt aficionados out there?
frogman
Killer thread!!

I've been into Scotch for several years now and have a few that are almost always kept 'in house'.

1) The Macallan 25 yr old, I remember when it was $125. Now at $300, I buy it less, thankfully many friends seem to always remember my favorite on birthdays and Christmas, so there is usually some around. Unquestionably one of the best, if not the best commercially available single malt...

Their 18 yr old is my house staple and always drinkable!

2) I like a 24 yr old Dalmore (Cooper's choice) that I got recently, not quite as smooth, but very full and flavorful.

3) Royal Laproagh, eceptionally smooth, almost to the point of too little taste.

4) Talisker

5) Lagavulin, a little to smokey for me, but nice with a bit of H2O and some ice.

That covers my favorite single malts......

Now, the selection becomes much more obscure for single casks..... yes, true straight from the cask Scotch whiskey. I found the store of my dreams on a trip to London last year.

There's a store in Covent GGardens (3 Russel Str, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JD, Phone # 0171 379 4640)that is a Scotch drinkers dream. I bought a bottle there, can't remember right now what it was, but was the best Scotch I've ever had. If you're in london, or want to buy a case (they export!!) go there or contact them! You won't be disappointed. If you go, they give tastings of all the single casks, just ask!! Their cigars are poorly humidified though, so don't go overboard with the Cubans there!

Buy and happy drinking!!
When I posted above about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, I didn't mention that their bottlings are all cask strength, directly from special barrels or casks that are of exceptional quality and purchased directly from the distillery. Over time, their bottlings are from more than 100 distilleries, some of which are no longer making product. All of the whisky is excellent, but I have particularly enjoyed an 18 year Dalwhinnie, a 30 year old Bowmore, and several terrific 10-12 year bottlings from very small distilleries.
Althou Lagavulin is one my fav's. I had the opportunity to sample (ie 1oz) a 1965 Talisker. Best scotch I ever had, we won't mention the price to my wife though....
During my last trip to Scotland I fell in love with Oban. It is from the western shore and has a velvet texture and not too smoky taste.