Not a geographical map, but here is a tasting map. The Balvenie 12 is in the bottom right quadrant.
Like driving, and gun-handling — although on different days — this sort of thing should be taught in schools.
Over a year a student could sample about 600 varieties.
Just over a bottle and a half a day is ambitious, but do-able, I reckon.
Certainly for some of my family; but no, no more than a tot for each sample.
‘Tot’'s a funny word. Maybe the next great discrimination thing will be children objecting to being called tots and suchlike. And suing.
I want to hang out with you if a “sample” is a bottle and a half.
I don’t think I can help the OP much since Balvenie 12 Double Wood is one of my favorites.
well, after reading some of the virtual back issues of SDMB threads on scotch, reading the advice and suggestions in this thread, and doing a little comparison shopping, I’ve discovered that all the whiskies I’d really really like to try are either discontinued or way out of my price range (over $1000 for a bottle, one can dream I guess)
Anyhoo, I think next week I’m going to get a bottle of the Balvenie Rum Finish. Not what I had in mind but it looks interesting enough to make me give it a try.
Feel free to continue posting suggestions if you like though, as I will read them and make note if it looks like something I’d like.
In the interest of well, interest, I will post back to this thread on my impression of the drink. next week or two
After trying a few different syles If you do find you enjoy peated whisky you are fortunate. The peated stuff tends to be on the cheaper side.
When I first got into Scotch I was a Glenmorangie loyalist, but after trying Macallan, I had to admit it was better. So my favorite “entry-level” single malt is now the Macallan 12 year. Glenmorangie is still good, and it’s fun to try all their different varieties which are aged in different types of barrels. Of those, the Nectar d’Or (aged in Sauterne wine casks) as Ivylass mentioned is very good; the Quinta Ruban (aged in port casks) is my favorite.
JW Blue.
Heh! Saw my oldest nephew today at a family gathering. I’d offered to share a drink of scotch with him a few times when we would get together and barbeque, with him being an avowed kraken enthusiast and declining.
He raved that Laphroaig was “Most Definitely The Water Of Life and that Kraken was thusly banished back into the abyss from which it came”
Glen Goyne is a great starter scotch. It’s kind of hard to find, though.
Glenmorangie is similar, but a bit sweeter
I’m also a big fan of Tomatin. Delicious.
Highland Park is a great one if you want to have a whiff of peat, but not be overpowered by it.
Age really makes a difference. If you get up to 20 years or more, they’re almost all great. Smooth, but complex. However, you really pay for it, unfortunately. Pretty much any 20 year will cost more than $100 a bottle.
I really recommend tasting nights at a good liquor store. We have a number where I live and I’ve learned a ton and tasted some amazing Scotches.
GOOD GRIEF! Don’t know how I forgot this, at a Company Christmas Dinner, ooohhh, about 13 years ago, at a local steak house, the owner of said company had everyone raise a glass of Drambuie in toast to the holiday and another successful year of business (essentially) done.
Drambuie is absolutely delightful as an after dinner “dessert” drink.
the Balvenie Rum finish, its calling me, must. be. strong…