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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
mzn50
180 posts
 
GlennRothes--- comes with a Metal base plate that is removeable, I convert that to an ashtray for my cigars while I enjoy this very very fine scotch !
gliderguider's avatar
gliderguider
294 posts
 
Mzn50, I had a taste of a 30 year old GlenRothes when I was in Toronto over New Years. It was outstanding. My first love is Islays, but this one had something very special going for it.

On a side note, I bought a bottle of 18-yo Jameson Irish, a blend of three casks. Maybe my palate has been ruined by peat and smoke, but I was sorely disappointed.
pardales
652 posts
 
Just as a follow-up. The Balvenie I was referring to in my post above was the 21 year old. The 15 is good but not as good as the 21 year old.

As for Irish Whiskey, I like Tullamore Dew.
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Scotch fans, any suggestions for me, I really enjoy Laphroaig 10 and 15. I do not care for Glenlivet(12 and 18 are the only ones I've had) that much and have tried a few Glenmorangie's and while they are MUCH better then Glenlivet's to me- they still don't do it for me like Laphroaig does. What other scotch's would you suggest starting to look into it seems a lot of folks like Lagavulin, maybe I should go out and get a bottle! Well I appreciate any insight you folks may have.
gliderguider's avatar
gliderguider
294 posts
 
Tireguy, based on your love of Laphroaig here are my suggestions.

First the island whiskies:

Lagavulin (of course - my #1 pick)

Talisker (Isle of Skye - my #2 - Laphroaig is my #3)

All the other Islays - Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg (the 17 year old is fabulous), Port Ellen (if you can find it). The "3 B's" listed first are the lightest of the Islays, and may disappoint if you're looking for the "in your face" smoke 'n peat experience, but they're still a league and a half ahead of Genlivet.

Then move to the mainland:

Highland Park, from way up north. Rich, with a hint of the island character.

Glenfarclas, Glenturret - especially older ones like the 15's - classic Speyside character.

The old standby, Macallan. The 12 is so-so, but the 18 is very nice. Too pricey for what you get IMO. Marketing has done its work here.

And if you can find it, Edradour. The smallest distillery in Scotland, it's a lighter but supremely elegant dram.

I don't personally care for the Lowlands malts as much. They're too light for my taste. You should try Springbank if you have a chance, though. It's a very traditional whisky, and the best of the Lowlands IMO.
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