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
Phaelon, what bourbon do you prefer, I hope you've tried the Small Batch Collection, ie, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden,Booker's or Bakers...Knob is exceptional, especially for manhattans, named for a creek on the land Abe Linclon was born, Bookers is/was made by Booker Noe, Jim Beam's grandson who unfortuantely passed away in 2005, argueably the best bourbon in the world, only one uncut and unfiltered from the barrel, Basil Hayden is Old Grand-dad, probably seen that one out there, Basil has a higher rye content making it a little lighter, similar to Maker's Mark, and Baker's is made by Baker Beam, Jim Beam's grand nephew, using a yeast that's been alive for over 50 years...I know sounds like I'm a professional but just a bourbon lover!
Hi Pops,
I don't recall trying the Basil Hayden, the other two I have, they're fine bourbons. I like the Jefferson Reserve and am still enjoying, the now discontinued, Hirsch 16yr. Have you tried the Jim Beam Black? I think it's impressive considering bang for the buck.
Phaelon,

Basil Hayden is the best of the bunch, in my opinion. Wonderful stuff. As for single malts, I invite you to take a look at my system photos:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vaslt&1130505439&view

Note the LP rack...and half of the whisky collection on top :) (the other half is on the other side of the room). By the way, the second bottle from the lower left is Basil Hayden. You should, in my opinion, test the Scotch waters further. Single malt whisky has a wider range of flavors and aromas than any other spirit, and some of the best aren't necessarily that expensive. Slainte!
Curriemt11-
Sir, my hats off to you, you certainly know how to tweak. I'll take your advise in full. Thanks.
Laphroig. Goes well with anything. Drink enough and you'll not care what you're listening to (well, draw the line at most audiophile fare--give me real music--Bach,Beethoven, Brahms Debussy, etc). Actually, I love the smokyness--Islay peat makes all the difference.