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Popular Questions
How do I learn about the best single malt scotch? What would be the best way to learn how to taste and judge single malt scotch? I am a fan, but different scotches I have tried so far seem to have many varying and complex flavors. Should I start reading up on books about scotch? Find a class on scotch? Or just start collecting different bottles and breaking it down for myself?

spaghetti arms replied: "find a scotch tasting somewhere near you. informative and fun! a lot of distillers put them on just so they can hook you. but it's still worth it to go. congratulations on being a man of excellent taste!"

Rick Fury replied: "Dude im in exactly the same situation as you. So far i've been going with the bottle approach lol."

Chad replied: "Go to Scotland. ;)"

Angelic09 replied: "i do recommend going to a distillery but i also recommend going to some liquor stores i have been in a few that had some really good scotch"

mogeexxone replied: "I don't think you necessarily need to read a book. Many websites these days are very informative. One of the things my friends and I have done with different liquors, is that we will hold tasting parties. Usually for birthdays or other special events. You have to have some good friends to do this. We ask that everyone bring a bottle of something top shelf or better, and no one is allowed to bring the same exact bottle as someone else. We've done this with tequila, vodka, and bourbon. We try to avoid stuff we've already tried. Usually, we get around a dozen different bottles which is plenty to get a feel for what's out there. With the tequilas and vodkas, we just did a combination of sipping and then shooting to finish up, but the bourbons were tasted slightly differently. With the bourbon, and I believe the scotches should probably be tasted similarly, we used whiskey snifters. We poured just a little bit for everyone to get a taste. The tasting was usually like tasting a wine. Smelling it. Sipping. Conditioning the taste buds. The only difference is pouring in a touch of mineral water at the end to open up the whiskey a little bit before doing another round of sipping, and then finishing it off. One way I've heard of is to splash a little on the hands, and then rub the hands together until the alcohol burns off. This allows you to smell your hands to get the nose of the scotch. Never tried it myself, but I heard it from a friend once. Collecting bottles is okay, but hard to differentiate from one product to the next unless you've got some a pretty good sense of taste, and even harder when two products are somewhat close in quality. I like being able to try things side by side."

MasterPython replied: "Find some tastings to go to. That way you can try different things and talk to experts before you spend money on a whole bottle. If there is a bar with a ton of selection you could go there too."

Xerxes replied: "Reading really is the best place to start -- and there are a lot of good books out there. What is really important to understand is the regional differences. That is, single malts aren't really one category-- you've got highlands, lowlands, islays; and they're all different. Once you begin to understand why the quality of the water would be different in each of these different areas, how the barley might be fired differently, etc., then it's a good time to start tasting. You'll find that you'll be able to discern some of the differences that are brought about by the different s where they whisky is made and stored. Then you can break it down for yourself pretty well. Of course, in the end, it's all really just a matter of taste."

pezinsky replied: "Started my education in Scotland, and have tried several bottles to compare. It's a long process, and you'll detect more and more as time goes on. Try it roon temp and neat- no ice or water. Try again with a few drops of water, which brings out different notes and flavors at times. Try again with ice to cool it down a bit. The web and books will help, but nothing beats hands-on experience."

What is your favorite single malt scotch and why? I have tried several different brands and types of single malt scotch. I have found that price and age are not always indicitive of flavor and quality. I would love to hear about the favorites out there so I can move forward and try more quality scotches without using the hit (and sometimes miss) system I'm using now.

dslant6 replied: "Johnnie Walker Blue. mmmmmmmmm!"

gsschulte replied: "i go for blended for this reason. i go for johnny walker black pretty smooth and not to bad on price. you might also try and use sour mix 4:1 with the scotch. it will take the burn off and allow you to taste more of the underlying flavors."

Dave Metabrain replied: "I prefer lagavulin for it's smokey flavor which comes from the peat moss filtration. They also age the malt in oak barrles which they expoxe to the elements in a cave."

Cayman_tac replied: "My favourite is The Macallan 12 year old. In my experience most of the single malts which are older than that are a bit harsh. The Macallan is aged in Sherry Oak Casks which gives it a great 'nose' and taste. I definately recommend giving it a go. Don't go out and purchase a whole bottle...Just try some at your local bar. Enjoy!"

69er replied: "johnny walker its so smooth and not exactly a top shelfer"

lennnem replied: "completely depends on your flavour of choice. I love the peaty flavours of some of the islay malts, one in particular caught my attention for the price and availability. Bowmore's islay malt 12yrs is a reasonably unknown scotch, yet, for the price, its fantastic. The oak aging barrels are charred on the inside to give the whiskey an incredibly strong peaty flavour, and as they are stored in the open, next to the sea, hints of the salty sea spray can be found. Not as good as something like lagavulin 18yrs, however, that can sometimes be hard to find, and a little more expensive. but, as they say, when it comes to scotch, you'll be surprised, or often let down time and time again. just keep on trying them till you find your favourite"

What is the best sherried single-malt scotch you can buy today? I've recently really gotten into single malt, but I prefer the sherried variety (ex. Balvenie 'Doublewood') over the smokey peat-monsters (ex. Laphroaig 12yo). My answer to this question is the Aberlour A'bunadh. Anyone think they've had something better? I'd love to hear about it! And please, limit your answers only to scotches that can be bought today.

To The Rescue replied: "I'd say that the aberlour is a great whisky, but i'm going to recommend an over the top peat monster which is also sherried. It's the special edition Ardbeg "Uigeadail", a blend of several different ages up to 25 years old, and it's my favourite whisky ever (along with lagavulin). Give it a go and maybe you'll come round to smoke and earth."

juankzas1 replied: "Try Glenfiddich 15 solera reserve."

What is the best inexpensive single malt scotch for a novice? I want to try and expand my boundaries by trying single malt scotch. That being said, I know many single malt scotchs are rather expensive. Therefore, I am looking for a 'good tasting' (and I know 'good tasting' is a relative term for novices) affordable single malt scotch. Thanks for your help. Also, if you know an approximate price...I would love to know that too!

Bert C replied: "Where I live Glenfiddich sells for about $35 US for a 750ml bottle and I think it is a very good and easy to find single malt. Bert"

Gabi ? replied: "try any highland or speyside single malt scotch. good ones are balvenie, glenmorangie port wood, or glenlevit. you might want to hold off starting with lagavulin, or laphroig, as they are not what you'd call "good-tasting" to a novice."

What is a good single malt Scotch for a beginner Scotch drinker? I'm fairly new to the complexities that is single malt Scotch. What are some good choices to start with? Mainly, I'm looking for something smokey but not too peaty. Also, not to extravagant that I can't find it in most liquor stores, and not too expensive that I can 't afford it. So far I have tried Glenfiddich 12yr, Auchentoshan 10yr, and Macallen 12 year. The Glenfiddich was good, but I think I like the Macallen better. The Auchentoshan is supposed to have a low peat flavor, but it tases "dirty" to me. Any help would be greatly appreciacted before I drop $40 or more on something I may not be ready for.

Danielle H replied: "I am not much help, as my favourite is in the $80 category (Laehroig), but my brother who is new to whisky really likes the $50 Glenlivit. I like that as well. A great idea is to identify a good scottish bar, where you can taste different whiskies by the glass. A couple a wekk will give you a good idea, particularly if you always include your favourite one from the week before. careful driving tho. they can sock it to you about 1/2 hour later! LOL hanalla"

Cister replied: "have fun!"

q_bertk57 replied: "I really like the Glenmorangie. It's really smooth."

REnate replied: "Glenlivet is good for beginners Old Sheep Dip is great and the price is right too Glenmorangie is okay but expensive The older it is generally the better the stuff is too."

cineurope replied: "Try the Oban 14 yr. Open it up with a little water and it's a beautiful thing. Smooth, smoky flavor with a little bit of honey and hazelnut. It doesn't have that slightly medicinal taste that you can get from peatier Scotches. And it's not too pricey, should be around $60-65. Most bars with a decent single malt selection should have it, so you could try a snort for around $10 before investing in the bottle. Hope you enjoy it. Cheers."

porphous replied: "Craggenmore and Glenfarclas are good choices. They may not be as smokey as you're looking for but can be found about anywhere that sells single malt and both are very reasonably priced. They both are Speyside malts which refers to where they are made. This area has the most distillerys and is generally protected from ocean breezes which can add the "iodine" like character some people dislike."

Is single malt scotch an aquired taste? When I first tried regular blended scotch, I hated it, but someone told me it will grow on you, so stick with it. I did, and Chivas Regal is now my favorite drink. However, I then tried some of the premium single malt, Glenlivet, and again, I didn't particularly care for it, but am hoping it will get better over time. Is there something I should be looking for when drinking single malt? Is it similiar to wine, in that when you learn about it, and know what to look for, it enhances the experience and taste?

orf1943 replied: "I took to Scotch the moment I tried it. Both blend and single malt. Glenlivet is a bit harsh. Try Glenmorange or Macallam (15 year old is a good starting point)."

Bohemian Child replied: "Scotch as any alcohol is an acquired taste. I can't drink distilled alcohol straight."

fyerfyter2001 replied: "Yes it's definitely an acquired taste. As for what you should be looking for, the bottom line is look for something you like. It'll take some experimentation, so your best bet will be trying it in bars rather than buying bottles, because if you pay $20 to HOLY CRAP HOW MUCH? for a bottle and don't like it, you just wasted it. Instead of going to your average nightclub or the corner bar, find places that are a little higher end. They're more likely to have a greater variety of single malts. Bars in nicer hotels and restaurants are a good place to start. I wouldn't recommend higher end/fancy NIGHTCLUBS, because they pretty much stick with what's trendy, not necessarily good. You can also experiment with how you prefer to drink your Scotch. To me, anything other than neat (straight up, no water, no ice) is sacreligious, but some like it on the rocks or with anywhere from a splash of water to a half and half mix of water and Scotch. As for brands, my personal favorites are Lagavulin (very nice smoky/peat smell and flavor), Glenmorangie, and Glen Garioch. Macallan's another good one. Two of the best known and seemingly popular in the U.S. are Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. They're okay, but once you learn what else is out there, you won't go back to them."

EtOHRx replied: "Very much so-an acquired taste. But if you just a water to them they are very enjoyable. NOT LIKE WINE AT ALL."

Ozeki replied: "no"

favourite single malt scotches? does anyone have a favourite scotch? mine is lagavaulin 16 y.o but if i cant get that the laphoaig is excellent also

matman replied: "glenlevit glenfiddich both are SUPER YUMMY"

David H replied: "I am a veteran scotch drinker and went on a tour with a scotch drinking club from canada to the "Land of the Single Malts" when I was a chef. I vote for yours and the 2 the other fellow said, I do have a soft spot for Glennfidich as it was my first, the 12 yr old one aged in sherry casks is a fine drink, Glenmorgie, Knockado, Islay ones have a nice peaty taste, I had one called Old Sheepdip one time. I prefer them to blends but if I had to pick it would be a 20 yr old Knockando I had a few years back, when working as a chef I used to get a taste of a 30 yr old Balantine's at Xmas time, not a single malt but smooth anyways."

jpc8015 replied: "My mom kept a bottle of Glenlevit in the cabinet when I was a kid. I grew up on it so it's got a soft spot in my heart."

Charles C replied: "Well I was all set to tell you my favoorite thinking you wouldn't have heard of it and there you go putting it up for everyone. So next choice would be Oban. Actually the best I ever had was called Usqebagh. 25 Yr. old Bought it for my 21 st birthday. Have not seen it anywhere since then."

freesumpin replied: "Oban by far! It's like drinking 14 year old liquid sunshine. ."

What is a good single malt scotch from Scotland? I am currently in Aberdeen, Scotland. I will be going home to the States in December to visit my Dad and he is a fan of single malt scotch. I am looking for a scotch that is: single malt; between 12 and 20 years; and not Sherry, Port, Madeira,i.e. finished whiskies, but rather Oak or bourbon barrel/cask. If you have a recommendation of a good name/brand and/or distillery, that would be incredibly helpful. Thanks.

Timmers replied: "I actually just went to Scotland a few weeks back, Aberdeen is one of the few regions I did not make it to but I believe there are quite a few distilleries in the area. Going to Scotland my friends and I made it a point to go to the Famous Grouse Experience but seeing that the Famous Grouse is a blended scotch, the tour is at their main staple distillery, the Glenturret distillery. Glenturret is a fine single malt, I believe it's aged in Oak but not 100% sure. I actually brought a bottle back for my dad and he enjoys it quite a bit. But since you are in Scotland, just go to one of the many Scotch Whiskey stores, all of the clerks are very helpful and knowledgeable and will surely be able to provide quite a few options."

tommyw replied: "Glenfiddich, thats all you need. its single malt and you can get it 12, 15, and 18 years aged."

tlbs101 replied: "Lafraoig. I think that's how it's spelled -- it's pretty close. ."

juankzas1 replied: "Some good brands: Talisker, Laphroaig, Highland Park, Ardbeg, Cragganmore, The Macallan, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Aberlour, Balblair, Bruichladdich"

Can anyone name 3 single malt scotches and? is lager the only type of beer you have to tilt the cup when you pour a pint? thanks Alex

Big T replied: "There are hundreds of single malt whiskys, here are but a few: Malt Whisky LOWLAND MALTS Glenkinchie Auchentoschen ISLAY Bowmore Bruichladdich Bunnahabhain Lagavulin Laphroaig HIGHLAND MALTS Highland Park Isle of Jura Macallan Oban Talisker The Balvenie Balvenie Founders Reserve Cragganmore Dalmore Dalwhinnie Glenfiddich Glenfiddich Caoran The Glenlivet Glenmorangie Aberlour Aberfeldy Tobermory Inverleven As to tilting glasses I thought one should do that with all pumped ales, but maybe I'm wrong."

Jesse C replied: "I'm not going to list a million scotches like the previous guy, but here are the BEST three that I've personally tried: For blended Scotch: Johnny Walker Blue Label For Islay: Lagavulin 25 year For Highland: Highland Park 30 year Single Cask As for beers, the vast majority must be tilted when poured due to the effect that the carbonation has. The only major exception is Guiness, which is poured over a spoon when coming from the tap when making Black and Tans, and in 3 stages when by itself (tilt, straight and push). Update: In response to the gentleman who claimed that Cardhu is the best - I feel obliged to tell you that Cardhu is the base scotch for ALL of the Johnny Walker blends. And Blue Label is the best that Johnny Walker makes. So in a small way, I guess we are in agreement."

buzz boy replied: "CARDHU IS NUMBER ONE"

Kat A replied: "I love Talisker; Laproaigh & Jura Whiskey. There is a great whiskey specialist bar in Glasgow (if you ever go) called the Pot Still. No, you need to tilt the glass when pouring cider, if it's carbonated."

I've recently developed a new taste for single malt scotches. Recommendations? Be Gentle I'm new. I'm a bit embarassed. I couldn't find the sell sheets from the liquor reps to note which ones I tried. However i remember the flavours I liked. Caramel toasty spice light smoke I 've only tasted scotches at industry tastings and during liquor rep visits. And you can't trust their advice, all their products are excellent. Price probably not to far over $100.

mrs sexy pants replied: "Glenlivet. A good 12 year old Speyside Single Malt. A good place to start, and return. The Macallan. It is very dark for a 12. Considered to be one of the best. Here's some basic info you should know about Scotch Whiskey: LOWLAND MALTS are generally found in a line running from Greenock to Dundee and include the major urban areas of Edinburg, Glasgow and the South. Overall, this style of whisky lacks a signature malty taste. Their light, and sometimes sweet and more delicate character makes them popular for use in blending. ISLAND MALTS can be recognized by their peaty smell. The taste is an acquired one and perhaps best exemplified by Laphroaig and Lagavulin. If they originate from Jura or Mull there can be a hint of saltiness, even a kippery flavor in the after-taste. HIGHLAND MALTS come from one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland, where a gentle blend of altitude and mountain water imparts a depth of flavor and quality. The Edradour--acclaimed as the jewel in the crown of Highland malts--Glenmorangie is a fine example of this smooth heather-honey style. SPEYSIDE MALTS are acknowledged as perhaps the most outstanding of the single malts. Classic malts, such as Aberlour, are the result of a combination of natural elements that have set the region apart from all others."

connoiseur444 replied: "It does'nt matter if you new or not, obviously you do have great Taste Buds. Recommendation: "Mc Callan 18", you'll love that....."

tchem75 replied: "Laphriog.. its an Islay single malt and pretty peaty..Definitely tasty.. Will run you about 55 bucks/bottle."

Guy Norman Cognito replied: "Lots. Can you edit your question to tell me what you've already tried, and what you liked about them? Then I'll re-edit with personalised recommendations. Oh, and price-point."

teenyg replied: "Glenlivet or Glenfiddich - (sorry if I spelled them incorrectly)"

stinky replied: "If you want something REALLY good, go for the Macallan 25. Caution, though, it runs something like $300 per bottle. A full serving (shot) of it is $37.50 at my work."

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