I’m a rum drinker and just had Wild Turkey 101 after watching your Bourbon video with an awesome cigar and I can’t tell you I’m now in love with Bourbon! Thank you I’m now on a journey to seek out other bourbons.
You keep reminding us, in your modest ways, that you’re not a whiskey expert/specialist, but your videos are incredibly informative and your whiskey knowledge and insights are commendable. Above all, I really like your comprehensive approach to what’s available on the whiskey scene, and the practical categories in which you present the products.
Last year I was gifted an Oban 14 for my birthday, marking my entry into the realm of single malt Scotch. Prior to that, my weekend choice was Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, as I was mainly a bourbon guy. I also acquired a Glenmorangie Signet for special occasions, which caters to my sweet tooth. Oban 14 hasn't disappointed; I appreciate its salty character and subtle smokiness, providing a delightful contrast to the sweeter options when I'm in the mood for something different.
Thanks for doing Scotch!!! Your list is fantastic! Wonderful descriptions . I think both Monkey Shoulder and Naked Grouse are Pure Malts, basically blended malts, so no grain whisky in there. Johnny Walker Green is also a Pure Malt. In Scotland Islay is pronounced I-Luh or Eye-La.
That's a lot of whisk(e)y for a regular guy and five years! Glad you found a fulfilling hobby. I've got my lineup and it's limited to about 10 bottles. Nice post !
Nothing wrong with that at all! I kind of went nuts first couple yrs after we built out the bar in the basement LOL. My wife said I was obsessed which was probably true. Nowadays I only have a few each year I look for and maintain my favorites. Thanks for your comment! Much appreciated.
I enjoy Ardbeg 5, 10, Uigeadail, and An Oa. Uiegeadail has the most range of flavors though. 5 and 10 are smokier than An Oa but An Oa has a bit more of the salty iodine and almost minty taste with some weird stuff mixed in but it's still good. An Oa to me is more leaning towards the Laphroaig taste.
@@treytison1444 the Wee Beastie makes a great smokey cokey. It's $35-ish here in North DFW. Cheap enough that you don't feel bad drinking it with coke on a hot day.
I'm a big scotch drinker have had both Ardbeg and Dalmore but neither are staples in my cabinet. Will have to revisit these two offerings. Right now my impress your guest is a 20 year McCallum. Daily drinker Oban. Love the Balvenie Carribean and their Double Wood. So many options in Scotch with a broad spectrum of flavor profiles.
Oban 14 is my favorite so far. Still searching Scotland's offerings for something comparable that is less expensive - I have to fit it in the budget. Aberfeldy single malt is pretty good for the price.
Rock solid choices down the line! FTR: My daily drinker these days is Deanston 12, but, man, the Classic Laddie is a beautiful dram. Bunnahabhain 18 to impress your guests? No brainer. That's a gorgeous juice.
In my World Scotch has always be considered a "Old Man Drink" And Now at 67 I'm drinking JW Red, Tomorrow I'm headed to Total Wine to add a 750ml of Monkey Shoulders also OGD 100 (Bonded) & Wild Turkey 101 got that EW BnB already for the "Trifecta" 5-Bottle Bar: 3 Bourbons 2 Scotchs. I have 300+ HandRolled Cigars to pair up with InDaCoffee or InCocktails 8:34
Great review! We went on a binge yesterday, and one was the Bruichladdich. WOW! Intense and delicious! And I'm one of those peaty people, and it's good to branch out. You rock! 🥃
“And whoever is the master blender, this had to be just like a mad scientist that just came out with nothing but beauty in the end.” Best thing I’ve ever heard. They should put that review on the bottle pressed in gold foil. 👌🏻
Bunnahabhain is a staple in my whiskey cabinet. Most of my favorite scotches are sherry cask influenced highland single malts. Glenfarclas, Glenallachie, Tamdhu, Glendronach, Aberlour, etc.
I know it's not a sherry cask but if you like these particular distilleries, check out the Balvenie 14 year caribbean cask. It's rum rather than sherry so it's definitely different, but 3 you've listed are also permanent fixtures on my shelf.
So glad to hear Distiller mentioned in this video. Indispensable tool for newbs like me, who need help navigating the scene. Indispensable for intermediates (which I am aspiring to be), to help keep track of tasting notes, wishlist items, tracking bottles on hand. Indispensable for anyone really.
I know these are all about personal taste. You do a great job of covering the spectrum for everyone. I'm a non-peated scotch drinker myself. I'm going to try that classic laddie. Great video.
Auchentoshan Three Wood is very nice. ( Scotch not from Scotland. Stranahan's Diamond Peak ) Both are moderately priced. Give them a try. Your mileage may vary.
We share an experience with the Ardbeg, my wife couldn't stand to be in the same room if I was drinking it. I found that Caol Ila made for a mutually acceptable compromise.
Thank you for producing this awesome video. I’m somewhat new to scotch whisky as a guy in my late 60’s. They say it’s an acquired taste and I ain’t got time for fooling around! Next, I’m going to try Classic Laddie.
Great channel and this video’s concept for a top 5. I’ll have to dig out the Bruichladdich Laddie as I don’t know it, and I trust your judgement after watching this. For the record my choices would be: Daily Drinker : Glenmorangie 10 Cheap Mixer: Grants (completely peerless as a cheap blend) Friday Night Dram: Redbreast 12, or if it has to be Scotch Ardberg Uigeadail (but I’d prefer the Redbreast if permitted to bend the rules…) Impress a Guest: Ballantine 17. A trick one here, guests would expect a single malt, so you want to pull something from left-field: this is a stunning expression of the blender’s much underestimated art. Special Occasion: Any Macallan 18 years and up.
Let me know what you think of the laddie. I love the soft barley tones. Excellent list! Redbreast 12, love that choice! So many scotch drinkers poo poo blends but my opinion is if it tastes great why not?! Really curious on your blended choice. I have never had it but sounds delicious!
Let me know what you think of the laddie. I love the soft barley tones. Excellent list! Redbreast 12, love that choice! So many scotch drinkers poo poo blends but my opinion is if it tastes great why not?! Really curious on your blended choice. I have never had it but sounds delicious!
I'm completely new so thank you for enlightening me about the distiller app. As I said I'm a noobie and what amazes me most is how the experts can find so many flavours when they do the nose thing. That said, my son has a bed and breakfast place on the Isle of Skye. He said he did a whisky tasting for some guests and he read up and remembered what was on the label and the guests lapped it up. I'm planning on doing my first distillery tour next week. Great show.
Lol great story! To be honest I can’t pick up everything they do either. I try to get a few solid nose and flavors but I have never been able to pick up more than 2-4. Enjoy your trip! Sounds amazing!
Not sure a daily drinker does the classic laddie justice. A superb bottle of whisky with a high abv for the price. Just full of flavour. Only tried it due to watching your channel in the first place. So thank you.
To explore Scotch whisky is really like going on a journey that never ends. For beginners, the heavy smoky Islay types of whisky like Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin may be a bit much but they really grow on you. The special year editions (12 year) old from Lagavulin are fantastic, especially 2017, 2019 and 2020. They do cost quite a lot but they are fantastic. One of the fantastic young malts is the Arran 10 year old. This is a fantastic whisky. A bit more advanced could be the Springbank 15 year old, if you can find it. This is also a fantastic non-peat whisky. If smoke is not your thing, there are an infinite range of possibilities with Scottish malt whisky.
I think you hit it right on the head! Scotch is like a journey that never ends. So much different than bourbon. Question, I just saw a Soringbank 15 and not overpriced. Worth the purchase?
I have a buddy that gets me Scotch for special occasions but I am an occasional drinker.... so it builds up. He got me one of these "heavy peet" Scotch at the recommendation from someone for a "nice scotch". The Peet was completely overwhelming. It was very interesting to try though so I am glad he got it for me. I did have to pass it to someone who could enjoy it more than i could though.
I see someone mentioned Islay is pronounced eye-luh, but hoping to be helpful: It's also Oog-uh-doll for that Ardbeg offering, and Bunna-hah-ven (Some Scots say it as SLB says it here, but the Gaelic bh is a v sound). Thanks for the rec on the Dalmore, btw. Right now my special occasion is a blend called the Sassenach (rec'd on a podcast, and I love it) but the Dalmore sounds right impressive.
Hey old man, although I just turned 60, maybe it's the other way around, I'm the old guy. Just the show I've been looking for, love the learning aspect for sure. I will subscribe and give it a shot, thx.
I'm a new whisky drinker and my first experience was with The Sassenach. I absolutely loved it! It is a blended scotch that won several awards in the US, and was created by the actor, Sam Heughan. I'd be interested in what you think, if you ever happen to get your hands on a bottle.
classic laddie is my favorite daily as well. i used to be a jameson guy till a friend showed me classic laddie and red breast irish whiskey. classic laddie is what got me to go $50 up and since then i have tried highland park 12 and balvenie 14yr. i want to try your #3 and #4.
Hahahahahaha! Laphroaig 10 was my gateway drug. Ardbeg was the second Islay scotch I tried. Honestly, it was the look of the packaging and the price point. It did not disappoint. I've been a fan almost 15 years later. I keep it stocked deep.
Great video. I put scotch drinkers in two categories-peaties or other. Glad you are slowly liking the good stuff! Classic laddie was my first venture of any scotch and still enjoy. Grants is a great cheap mixer. Again, good info. Slainte
Your welcome! Between the professional review and the average of all the comment reviews it is a very good resource when purchasing bourbon! Heads up, don’t always trust the professional review on its own. I have done that and been disappointed. I gain more from the average Of the other comments. Good luck!
My Daily Drinker is Johnnie Walker Black, Mixer is Monkey Shoulder, Friday Night Pour is Lagavulin 16, Impress a Guest I agree with the Bunnie 18, and last but far from least Special Occasion is Glenlivet 21 Archive
Man, you seriously have me drooling right now. I’m going to Scotland in July, and my mission is to bring home a SUITCASE full of scotch (as well as schmoozing the wife and her mom to pack a bottle or two in their suitcases lol). I’ve not tinkered with the blends much at all, though I’ve been really wanting to try the Monkey & the Grouse. I’ve been dipping my toes in scotch with some good budget Speyside picks, and now it’s time to start really getting into it. I’ll be bring home at least a couple of Islays, several Highlands, and who knows what else. Hell, I might even pay an overweight luggage fee and just shoot for the moon here. Love your videos!!!
Haven't tried any of the Scotch Whiskeys you have mentioned but I am just getting into Scotch now so there is plenty of time. I have only tried Johnnie Walker atm. Will surely try some others before I am done and hopefully some you mentioned here.
I am so glad to see a review of Scotch Whisky! Wish Curt would do more frequent reviews of Scotch, especially, in the 30 to 60$ price range (you know, the range retired people like myself can afford !)
It's hard to find a good scotch for that price range. Generally you'll need to go into blended whisky, rather than single malt. One classic but tried and true is Chivas Regal 12 year. Pretty well-rounded.
Talisker 10, Lagavullin 16, Ardbeg 10, Oban 14 and Glenlivet 12. Of course, zillions more :) Most of those are too sweet for my palate, but I do like regular and peated.
New Sub here! I TOTALLY and UTTERLY appreciate the fact you put PRICES in there! It helps make a more informed decision, if you will.... Many great choices in here.... I'm no expert and don't own a bar but I do enjoy meself a dram every. single. day. Glenfiddich 16, JW green label & Laga 16 being my top 3 right now... Keep up the good work mate! Greetings from Baja, Mexico! Cheers!
Love that you mentioned the Distiller app! I have been using it since day one and would drive my wife nuts everytime I went in the store. Love the list function as well too help focus when hunting.
I agree with Naked Grouse! An Everyday sipper without emptying the bank. You need to have the Balvenie 12yr Doublewood, thats your every other day dram. Slainte!🥃
I’ve enjoyed all of those. But….. My daily drinker, Highland Park 12. An extra special find. Replace the Ardbeg Uigeadail with Ardbeg Corryvreckan. More of the Islay character. And, if you can find it, Glenmorangie Ealanta. I bought my first bottle for $120. It was so good I bought a second bottle for $350. I think it’s topping $1,000, but worth it. Best whisky ever.
I do have the Corryvreckan and it is outstanding! Haven’t heard of the Glenmorangie Ealanta but from your description it sounds wonderful! Thanks for your input here. Love the education!
Hahaha, my first peated scotch was a Laphroaig 10. I absolutely hated it. Was like drinking a campfire. Bought a Hakushu 12 without realizing it was peated. Years later, I've developed a taste for it. I just opened a Glen Moray peated and love it.
My special occasion is The Dalmore 18. I like Glenlivet 18 too and it’s less than half the price of The Dalmore 18. I also have the Bunnahabhain 18. They are the only ones I drink on a semi-regular basis. I have a friend who likes Laphroaig but it’s not for me. I heard it compared to drinking a burning hospital. Thanks for the reviews! I will have to try some of these.
Michael Jackson's "Complete Guide to SINGLE MALT SCOTCH" was a Christmas present from my wife many years ago - it started me on the hobby of Scotch. Excellent resourse (my edition is 1989 copyright, but there is a 2004 edition). I still believe that Scotch is the most artful, soulful and interesting of the spirits. (Bourbon drinkers, please don't hate me for saying that, but it's true.) I respect these choices, but there are LOTS of great single malts - I think that it's a matter of personal preference.
I just got home a few hours ago and I stopped by the liquor store. I bought the Bunnahabhain 12 year, not the 18 you recommended. I’m amazed with the taste. I’m a bourbon guy but this just pulled me into scotch for sure. Since I love it, what would you recommend to me that is along the same lines as Bunnahabhain?
Wow such good choices to get into scotch! Hard to top that but I would try Glendronach or Glenmorangie if you are new to scotch. The Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban is fantastic! Balvenie has some nice offerings as well.
I like all your choices, they show a good variety of styles. I would only argue with Dalmore, and I'll tell you why. Ralfy likes to say for a true "craft" presentation, a Single malt should have 3 things. NCF, no added coloring, 46%. Dalmore fails all 3. That being said, I'm sure the whiskey is fine. I also listed some of my options below. Hope you check out Glengoyne if you haven't. I don't actually mix scotch so don't have a cheap mixer. Daily drinker varies, but I am a huge Glengoyne fan and their 12yo is only $40 or so. Old Pulteney 12 would be another good choice. Friday night pour I would go with anything from Clynelish, usually the 14yo, unfortunately, the price went way up with the tariff and hasn't recovered. Impress your guest I would go with Springbank 12 CS. Springbank is a spectacular craft distillery and the 12 CS is a sherry bomb. Special occasion for me would be Glengoyne 21yo. Glengoyne was one of the best values in single malts and I was getting the 21yo for $140. Sadly I see that has changed as well. Cheers
Really good thought out comment! Ralfy has an immense knowledge of scotch whisky and I completely respect that. Your choices sound fantastic! A few I have had but I really need to get that Springbank 12 cs. Thanks for your input, much appreciated!
I drink both scotch and bourbon. I tend to enjoy them both based on mood or to changed things up here and there. I enjoyed this video. The only thing I would have changed up for my particular taste, is maybe have a Glenmorangie the Original as my "daily drinker". And possibly Oban 14 as my "Friday Night drinker". Other than that I would have to agree with much of what you said. I've enjoyed this in a few others of your videos. Thanks.
There are 2 budget scotches that I love as everyday drinkers AND mixers….White Horse and Teacher’s Highland Cream. I know Monkey Shoulder gets a lot of hype…but I think White Horse and Teacher’s Highland Cream (especially White Horse) are both superior and literally half the price. Gotta try them, i promise you’ll be surprised.
Go to tastings at your good local bottle shop. In my area we have 4 who have tastings monthly or quarterly. Also flights of scotch or bourbon at a good local bar is excellent. I drink sour mash, bourbon and scotch yet some bottles I hate from the same distillery I love it’s not always easy. Best to try before you buy when possible. Some low end bottles are better than higher and some low end is trash but mid range (high end of cheap) can be excellent! You never know.
Glengoyne 12 would be my choice for everyday sipper or Friday night whiskey. It’s simply delicious. Not well known in the states and hard to find, but wow it’s good. $60ish on the price in my area, when found
The original bruichladdich was a loverly 10 year old single malt, the trouble is the classic laddie and those unaged, are course distalates and very disapointing. If you can get it try Penderyn, Welsh whisky, very reasonably priced and a treat.
I like the Dalmore cigar malt (180 is) over the Alexander but each to his own. The new Balvine cask and character al beit a bit pricey with the new master distiller is wonderful.
Agree that the Ardbeg Uigeadail is a fantastic peated single malt. However the price quote of $30-35 is way off. Locally here in southeast Florida, the minimum price point for this bottle is $90.
I find that I prefer the Speyside single malts first, with the Northern Highlands second. Speaking of Highlands, I agree with you about the Dalmores. :-) But none of the Islay varieties that I've tried have agreed with me.
That DKA3 is great! Ya know… 25 years ago, Lagavulin 16 was $30 a bottle, and that was my daily drinker. Now it is weekly… I can’t have a scotch collection without it, although Ardbeg is up there too. Have you tried Octomore?
I do have one Octomore but can’t remember which release off the top of my head. Very good! Lagavulin 16 IMO is like the prince of Islay scotch! To bad it’s still not 30.00!!
@@slbdrinks oh, I would love to see you do a review of Octomore! It packs such a punch! Jim McEwan created it because he was tired of people complaining that Bruichladdich wasn’t making peated scotch. So he made the peatiest scotch possible! Haha… although, he might have been joking when he said that.
Regular pour, Macallan 12. Friday pour, Balvenie doublewood. Special occasions, king alexander. Day i pay off my mortgage, 30 year Glenrothes AND my 30 year Balvenie
Hello Kurt, just discovered your channel and I very much enjoy your presentation. Question: You quoted peat levels in terms of ppm. Where do you get that information? I currently have Talisker, Oban, Laphroig and Lagavulin on hand. None of the bottles quote ppm.
No but I wish it did have the info on the labels. I wish I had a better answer for you but I had to search the internet for the info. Some popped up real easy others took some work.,
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m a rum drinker and just had Wild Turkey 101 after watching your Bourbon video with an awesome cigar and I can’t tell you I’m now in love with Bourbon! Thank you I’m now on a journey to seek out other bourbons.
You keep reminding us, in your modest ways, that you’re not a whiskey expert/specialist, but your videos are incredibly informative and your whiskey knowledge and insights are commendable. Above all, I really like your comprehensive approach to what’s available on the whiskey scene, and the practical categories in which you present the products.
Thank you I really appreciate that! Thanks for taking this journey with us!
@@slbdrinks You’re most welcome. The least we could do is support you in some small way with your wonderfully informative presentations and hard work.
Last year I was gifted an Oban 14 for my birthday, marking my entry into the realm of single malt Scotch. Prior to that, my weekend choice was Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, as I was mainly a bourbon guy. I also acquired a Glenmorangie Signet for special occasions, which caters to my sweet tooth. Oban 14 hasn't disappointed; I appreciate its salty character and subtle smokiness, providing a delightful contrast to the sweeter options when I'm in the mood for something different.
The smile on your face when pouring the DKA3 said it all....Cheers.🥃
Thanks for doing Scotch!!! Your list is fantastic! Wonderful descriptions . I think both Monkey Shoulder and Naked Grouse are Pure Malts, basically blended malts, so no grain whisky in there. Johnny Walker Green is also a Pure Malt. In Scotland Islay is pronounced I-Luh or Eye-La.
That's a lot of whisk(e)y for a regular guy and five years! Glad you found a fulfilling hobby. I've got my lineup and it's limited to about 10 bottles. Nice post !
Nothing wrong with that at all! I kind of went nuts first couple yrs after we built out the bar in the basement LOL. My wife said I was obsessed which was probably true. Nowadays I only have a few each year I look for and maintain my favorites. Thanks for your comment! Much appreciated.
Great advice, I will start to track them down. Great videos, thank you from the UK.
Appreciate you!
My Friday night pour is Ardbeg 10
That’s an awesome choice and is on my shelf!
I love that stuff now.
I enjoy Ardbeg 5, 10, Uigeadail, and An Oa. Uiegeadail has the most range of flavors though. 5 and 10 are smokier than An Oa but An Oa has a bit more of the salty iodine and almost minty taste with some weird stuff mixed in but it's still good. An Oa to me is more leaning towards the Laphroaig taste.
Ardbeg 10 is hands down the best dollar-to-quality ratio scotch there is - no matter the region - in my opinion.
@@treytison1444 the Wee Beastie makes a great smokey cokey. It's $35-ish here in North DFW. Cheap enough that you don't feel bad drinking it with coke on a hot day.
Thanks from a Johnny drinker (Double Black, Green, Gold) looking to expand my palate
Your more than welcome and happy to have you with us!
I'm a big scotch drinker have had both Ardbeg and Dalmore but neither are staples in my cabinet. Will have to revisit these two offerings. Right now my impress your guest is a 20 year McCallum. Daily drinker Oban. Love the Balvenie Carribean and their Double Wood. So many options in Scotch with a broad spectrum of flavor profiles.
So correct as far has options. Seems limitless sometimes. Thanks for your input.
I’m a big Oban fan as well. Also really like Talisker.
Oban 14 is my favorite so far. Still searching Scotland's offerings for something comparable that is less expensive - I have to fit it in the budget. Aberfeldy single malt is pretty good for the price.
Great choices!
Rock solid choices down the line! FTR: My daily drinker these days is Deanston 12, but, man, the Classic Laddie is a beautiful dram. Bunnahabhain 18 to impress your guests? No brainer. That's a gorgeous juice.
In my World Scotch has always be considered a "Old Man Drink" And Now at 67 I'm drinking JW Red, Tomorrow I'm headed to Total Wine to add a 750ml of Monkey Shoulders also OGD 100 (Bonded) & Wild Turkey 101 got that EW BnB already for the "Trifecta" 5-Bottle Bar: 3 Bourbons 2 Scotchs. I have 300+ HandRolled Cigars to pair up with InDaCoffee or InCocktails 8:34
The Uigeadail costs much more than $30-35, but worth the $80 price. Good choices overall.
Yeah I was like ...I wish 😂 🍻 cheers
I absolutely love the Classic Laddie and the Highlandpark 12. Thanks for the video!
Both are outstanding! Thank you!
Great review! We went on a binge yesterday, and one was the Bruichladdich. WOW! Intense and delicious! And I'm one of those peaty people, and it's good to branch out. You rock! 🥃
Thanks my friend! Really glad you enjoyed it!
“And whoever is the master blender, this had to be just like a mad scientist that just came out with nothing but beauty in the end.”
Best thing I’ve ever heard. They should put that review on the bottle pressed in gold foil. 👌🏻
That is a fantastic collection!! Well done, Sir!
Thanks brother! Appreciate it!
Grouse is the most widely sold Scotch in Scotland. Good stuff.
It is! I feel it’s very underrated around here.
Naked Grouse has been rebranded as Naked Malts. I guess they wanted to disassociate with the grouse brand. Same exact blend and just as yummy.
Bunnahabhain is a staple in my whiskey cabinet. Most of my favorite scotches are sherry cask influenced highland single malts. Glenfarclas, Glenallachie, Tamdhu, Glendronach, Aberlour, etc.
Agreed! All fantastic choices!
I know it's not a sherry cask but if you like these particular distilleries, check out the Balvenie 14 year caribbean cask. It's rum rather than sherry so it's definitely different, but 3 you've listed are also permanent fixtures on my shelf.
Old Pulteney 12 very nice slight saltiness and Arran Robert Burns nice caramel butterscotch . Burns quite reasonably priced.
Thank you for the recommendations!
Your local prices are fantastic congrats!
So glad to hear Distiller mentioned in this video. Indispensable tool for newbs like me, who need help navigating the scene. Indispensable for intermediates (which I am aspiring to be), to help keep track of tasting notes, wishlist items, tracking bottles on hand. Indispensable for anyone really.
I know these are all about personal taste. You do a great job of covering the spectrum for everyone. I'm a non-peated scotch drinker myself. I'm going to try that classic laddie. Great video.
Glengoyne 18 is my Friday night drinker in the winter.
Nice!
Hey Kurt if you don’t have Highland Park in your bar you should pick some up. It would be my Friday night pour hands down.
Auchentoshan Three Wood is very nice. ( Scotch not from Scotland. Stranahan's Diamond Peak ) Both are moderately priced. Give them a try. Your mileage may vary.
Thanks for the recommendations! Trent has a Stranahan bottle that I like a lot. I will try to find the Diamond Peak.
We share an experience with the Ardbeg, my wife couldn't stand to be in the same room if I was drinking it. I found that Caol Ila made for a mutually acceptable compromise.
Exactly the same lol! I have just recently tried Coal ila and I do find it to be a bit subdued to the heavily peated whiskeys. Excellent compromise!
Solid list! Love that you have three Islay malts! Slainte y'all! 🥃
Thank you!
Thank you for producing this awesome video. I’m somewhat new to scotch whisky as a guy in my late 60’s. They say it’s an acquired taste and I ain’t got time for fooling around! Next, I’m going to try Classic Laddie.
Great channel and this video’s concept for a top 5. I’ll have to dig out the Bruichladdich Laddie as I don’t know it, and I trust your judgement after watching this.
For the record my choices would be:
Daily Drinker : Glenmorangie 10
Cheap Mixer: Grants (completely peerless as a cheap blend)
Friday Night Dram: Redbreast 12, or if it has to be Scotch Ardberg Uigeadail (but I’d prefer the Redbreast if permitted to bend the rules…)
Impress a Guest: Ballantine 17. A trick one here, guests would expect a single malt, so you want to pull something from left-field: this is a stunning expression of the blender’s much underestimated art.
Special Occasion: Any Macallan 18 years and up.
Let me know what you think of the laddie. I love the soft barley tones.
Excellent list! Redbreast 12, love that choice!
So many scotch drinkers poo poo blends but my opinion is if it tastes great why not?!
Really curious on your blended choice. I have never had it but sounds delicious!
Let me know what you think of the laddie. I love the soft barley tones.
Excellent list! Redbreast 12, love that choice!
So many scotch drinkers poo poo blends but my opinion is if it tastes great why not?!
Really curious on your blended choice. I have never had it but sounds delicious!
I'm completely new so thank you for enlightening me about the distiller app. As I said I'm a noobie and what amazes me most is how the experts can find so many flavours when they do the nose thing. That said, my son has a bed and breakfast place on the Isle of Skye. He said he did a whisky tasting for some guests and he read up and remembered what was on the label and the guests lapped it up. I'm planning on doing my first distillery tour next week. Great show.
Lol great story! To be honest I can’t pick up everything they do either. I try to get a few solid nose and flavors but I have never been able to pick up more than 2-4.
Enjoy your trip! Sounds amazing!
I am decidedly not a regular Scotch drinker at all, but I’ve come to really appreciate Oban 14.
Just tried the Classic Laddie, very impressed! Thank you for the reviews!
Glad you liked it!
Not sure a daily drinker does the classic laddie justice. A superb bottle of whisky with a high abv for the price. Just full of flavour. Only tried it due to watching your channel in the first place. So thank you.
It is def full of flavor!
To explore Scotch whisky is really like going on a journey that never ends.
For beginners, the heavy smoky Islay types of whisky like Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin may be a bit much but they really grow on you. The special year editions (12 year) old from Lagavulin are fantastic, especially 2017, 2019 and 2020. They do cost quite a lot but they are fantastic.
One of the fantastic young malts is the Arran 10 year old. This is a fantastic whisky.
A bit more advanced could be the Springbank 15 year old, if you can find it. This is also a fantastic non-peat whisky.
If smoke is not your thing, there are an infinite range of possibilities with Scottish malt whisky.
I think you hit it right on the head! Scotch is like a journey that never ends. So much different than bourbon.
Question, I just saw a Soringbank 15 and not overpriced. Worth the purchase?
I have a buddy that gets me Scotch for special occasions but I am an occasional drinker.... so it builds up. He got me one of these "heavy peet" Scotch at the recommendation from someone for a "nice scotch". The Peet was completely overwhelming. It was very interesting to try though so I am glad he got it for me. I did have to pass it to someone who could enjoy it more than i could though.
Yes heavily peated whisky is a love hate thing. You either love it or hate it.
I see someone mentioned Islay is pronounced eye-luh, but hoping to be helpful: It's also Oog-uh-doll for that Ardbeg offering, and Bunna-hah-ven (Some Scots say it as SLB says it here, but the Gaelic bh is a v sound). Thanks for the rec on the Dalmore, btw. Right now my special occasion is a blend called the Sassenach (rec'd on a podcast, and I love it) but the Dalmore sounds right impressive.
Thanks for the corrections. So many nuances to learn and understand with scotch. Thanks so much for your knowledge!
Thank you!
Hey old man, although I just turned 60, maybe it's the other way around, I'm the old guy. Just the show I've been looking for, love the learning aspect for sure. I will subscribe and give it a shot, thx.
I'm a new whisky drinker and my first experience was with The Sassenach. I absolutely loved it! It is a blended scotch that won several awards in the US, and was created by the actor, Sam Heughan. I'd be interested in what you think, if you ever happen to get your hands on a bottle.
Great channel.. just picked up the classic vladdie
Does whiskey have a shelflife? Once you open the bottle, how long will it last?
I am not a scholar on this subject but what I can tell you is I have several bottles that have been open for 3-4 yrs and I can’t tell a difference.
Firstly, enjoying your content. Secondly, if you haven't tried it and can even find it these days, Lagavulin 16 is a great impress-your-guests choice.
Yes it is! Prince of Islay whisky!
The nicest whiskey I've drank so far in my short drinking life (whisky drinking of around 25ys)im 55yrs old is Slow&Low (Rock&Rye)
I need to try that!
classic laddie is my favorite daily as well. i used to be a jameson guy till a friend showed me classic laddie and red breast irish whiskey. classic laddie is what got me to go $50 up and since then i have tried highland park 12 and balvenie 14yr. i want to try your #3 and #4.
The laddie is a great sip for the price!
My friday night is Dalmore KA III. Love it. And a great price at the duty free.
Nice! It is delicious!
@@slbdrinks Just don't fall off your horse.
First time I tried Ardbeg I thought it was finished in 1973 Buick ashtray. Actually enjoy it now.
Lol I was the same way!!
I am still that way. Bought a bottle 15 years ago. Still have it. Pull it out from time to time just to revisit. Nope! LOL.
Hahahahahaha! Laphroaig 10 was my gateway drug. Ardbeg was the second Islay scotch I tried. Honestly, it was the look of the packaging and the price point. It did not disappoint. I've been a fan almost 15 years later. I keep it stocked deep.
Great video. I put scotch drinkers in two categories-peaties or other. Glad you are slowly liking the good stuff! Classic laddie was my first venture of any scotch and still enjoy. Grants is a great cheap mixer. Again, good info. Slainte
Thank you! I feel I have so much to learn about scotch but sure enjoying the journey. Really appreciate folks like you who help me along the way!
All depends on the mood! I keep bottles of Bunnahabhain and Oban on my shelf right next to Lagavulin and Ardberg. Slainte!
Thank you for the tip on the Distillers App!
Your welcome! Between the professional review and the average of all the comment reviews it is a very good resource when purchasing bourbon!
Heads up, don’t always trust the professional review on its own. I have done that and been disappointed. I gain more from the average Of the other comments. Good luck!
My Daily Drinker is Johnnie Walker Black, Mixer is Monkey Shoulder, Friday Night Pour is Lagavulin 16, Impress a Guest I agree with the Bunnie 18, and last but far from least Special Occasion is Glenlivet 21 Archive
Ardbeg 10 was the first scotch I tried that i actually liked. All of their offerings are excellent.
Man, you seriously have me drooling right now. I’m going to Scotland in July, and my mission is to bring home a SUITCASE full of scotch (as well as schmoozing the wife and her mom to pack a bottle or two in their suitcases lol). I’ve not tinkered with the blends much at all, though I’ve been really wanting to try the Monkey & the Grouse. I’ve been dipping my toes in scotch with some good budget Speyside picks, and now it’s time to start really getting into it. I’ll be bring home at least a couple of Islays, several Highlands, and who knows what else. Hell, I might even pay an overweight luggage fee and just shoot for the moon here. Love your videos!!!
Ha! I am jealous! Hoping to one day take that same trip! Enjoy and safe travels! Plz let me know how it went when you get back.
Haven't tried any of the Scotch Whiskeys you have mentioned but I am just getting into Scotch now so there is plenty of time. I have only tried Johnnie Walker atm. Will surely try some others before I am done and hopefully some you mentioned here.
Fantastic! Enjoy!
Your list is spot on.
I am so glad to see a review of Scotch Whisky! Wish Curt would do more frequent reviews of Scotch, especially, in the 30 to 60$ price range (you know, the range retired people like myself can afford !)
It's hard to find a good scotch for that price range. Generally you'll need to go into blended whisky, rather than single malt. One classic but tried and true is Chivas Regal 12 year. Pretty well-rounded.
Talisker 10, Lagavullin 16, Ardbeg 10, Oban 14 and Glenlivet 12. Of course, zillions more :) Most of those are too sweet for my palate, but I do like regular and peated.
All great choices!
My friday pour is Dalmore 12 so tasty !
New Sub here! I TOTALLY and UTTERLY appreciate the fact you put PRICES in there! It helps make a more informed decision, if you will.... Many great choices in here.... I'm no expert and don't own a bar but I do enjoy meself a dram every. single. day. Glenfiddich 16, JW green label & Laga 16 being my top 3 right now... Keep up the good work mate! Greetings from Baja, Mexico! Cheers!
Love that you mentioned the Distiller app! I have been using it since day one and would drive my wife nuts everytime I went in the store. Love the list function as well too help focus when hunting.
Great selection. How about Glenfarclas 30 for a special bottle?
Really enjoyed your video
Thank you!
Shout out to you sir for listing the Bunna 18. Only available for 1-2 weeks a year where I am.
And the Oogie is my first whisky love… launched me on a collecting habit that has cost me over five figures so far.
Love that bottle!
My first taste of peated reminded me of calamine lotion....became a fan after a couple more glasses.
Peated whiskey took me some time to appreciate also. Love a single pour every so often now.
Yea, it's an "every now and again" pour me now.
Yeah usually the second dram goes a lot easiest for me too.
very nice info , started getting serious about 5 years ago.. how do you feel about talisker 18 or the 11 year special edition?
I agree with Naked Grouse! An Everyday sipper without emptying the bank. You need to have the Balvenie 12yr Doublewood, thats your every other day dram. Slainte!🥃
Yes sir! I was able to add the doublewood not that long ago. Excellent!
I had a bottle of King Alexander III. It really is a special dram. I think that it could be even better with a little higher abv. , about 46°.
I would have to agree with you there. Not cask strength or anything outrageous just a few bumps.
I’ve enjoyed all of those. But….. My daily drinker, Highland Park 12. An extra special find. Replace the Ardbeg Uigeadail with Ardbeg Corryvreckan. More of the Islay character. And, if you can find it, Glenmorangie Ealanta. I bought my first bottle for $120. It was so good I bought a second bottle for $350. I think it’s topping $1,000, but worth it. Best whisky ever.
P.S. If you’ve ever met Richard Paterson, amazing man. I think his nose is insured for a million pounds, and worth it
I do have the Corryvreckan and it is outstanding! Haven’t heard of the Glenmorangie Ealanta but from your description it sounds wonderful! Thanks for your input here. Love the education!
Hahaha, my first peated scotch was a Laphroaig 10. I absolutely hated it. Was like drinking a campfire. Bought a Hakushu 12 without realizing it was peated. Years later, I've developed a taste for it. I just opened a Glen Moray peated and love it.
You and I have a very similar story! I hated my first sip of peated whisky also! Now, I really enjoy a pour!
My special occasion is The Dalmore 18. I like Glenlivet 18 too and it’s less than half the price of The Dalmore 18. I also have the Bunnahabhain 18. They are the only ones I drink on a semi-regular basis. I have a friend who likes Laphroaig but it’s not for me. I heard it compared to drinking a burning hospital. Thanks for the reviews! I will have to try some of these.
lol, Laphroaig is an acquired taste, even for Scotch drinkers. I myself like it.
Michael Jackson's "Complete Guide to SINGLE MALT SCOTCH" was a Christmas present from my wife many years ago - it started me on the hobby of Scotch. Excellent resourse (my edition is 1989 copyright, but there is a 2004 edition). I still believe that Scotch is the most artful, soulful and interesting of the spirits. (Bourbon drinkers, please don't hate me for saying that, but it's true.) I respect these choices, but there are LOTS of great single malts - I think that it's a matter of personal preference.
You are absolutely correct! I am just scratching the surface in the scotch world but truly enjoying it!
@@slbdrinks It's probably an limitless journey, but fun. Take the wife to Scotland!
I def want to when Covid settles down. Hopefully soon.
@@slbdrinks I've been and every local has his own personal favorite which they will swear is the absolute best!
Thanks, great episode
Appreciate it thank you!
I just got home a few hours ago and I stopped by the liquor store. I bought the Bunnahabhain 12 year, not the 18 you recommended. I’m amazed with the taste. I’m a bourbon guy but this just pulled me into scotch for sure. Since I love it, what would you recommend to me that is along the same lines as Bunnahabhain?
Wow such good choices to get into scotch! Hard to top that but I would try Glendronach or Glenmorangie if you are new to scotch. The Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban is fantastic! Balvenie has some nice offerings as well.
@@slbdrinks appreciate it. Gonna buy the 18 year for sure next.
Just tried the 12 as well and it’s excellent.
I like all your choices, they show a good variety of styles. I would only argue with Dalmore, and I'll tell you why. Ralfy likes to say for a true "craft" presentation, a Single malt should have 3 things. NCF, no added coloring, 46%. Dalmore fails all 3. That being said, I'm sure the whiskey is fine. I also listed some of my options below. Hope you check out Glengoyne if you haven't.
I don't actually mix scotch so don't have a cheap mixer.
Daily drinker varies, but I am a huge Glengoyne fan and their 12yo is only $40 or so. Old Pulteney 12 would be another good choice.
Friday night pour I would go with anything from Clynelish, usually the 14yo, unfortunately, the price went way up with the tariff and hasn't recovered.
Impress your guest I would go with Springbank 12 CS. Springbank is a spectacular craft distillery and the 12 CS is a sherry bomb.
Special occasion for me would be Glengoyne 21yo. Glengoyne was one of the best values in single malts and I was getting the 21yo for $140. Sadly I see that has changed as well.
Cheers
Really good thought out comment! Ralfy has an immense knowledge of scotch whisky and I completely respect that. Your choices sound fantastic! A few I have had but I really need to get that Springbank 12 cs. Thanks for your input, much appreciated!
good shot of 101 3 bitters 1 orange and topped with solo grows on ya
Sure does!
Just great stuff Bro! Thanks!
I drink both scotch and bourbon. I tend to enjoy them both based on mood or to changed things up here and there. I enjoyed this video. The only thing I would have changed up for my particular taste, is maybe have a Glenmorangie the Original as my "daily drinker". And possibly Oban 14 as my "Friday Night drinker". Other than that I would have to agree with much of what you said. I've enjoyed this in a few others of your videos. Thanks.
Appreciate that. Glenmorangie is an absolute winner. The original was my intro to scotch! Thanks for your input!
You can't go wrong with Glenmorangie
There are 2 budget scotches that I love as everyday drinkers AND mixers….White Horse and Teacher’s Highland Cream. I know Monkey Shoulder gets a lot of hype…but I think White Horse and Teacher’s Highland Cream (especially White Horse) are both superior and literally half the price. Gotta try them, i promise you’ll be surprised.
Have never heard of White Horse. I did come across the Teachers a few days ago. They only had it in the big bottles or else I would have gotten one.
Go to tastings at your good local bottle shop. In my area we have 4 who have tastings monthly or quarterly. Also flights of scotch or bourbon at a good local bar is excellent. I drink sour mash, bourbon and scotch yet some bottles I hate from the same distillery I love it’s not always easy. Best to try before you buy when possible. Some low end bottles are better than higher and some low end is trash but mid range (high end of cheap) can be excellent! You never know.
I wish we had one of those shops around me. Good for you that you have that availability.
Love the Dalmore King Alexander III. Ardbeg is a great choice
Ardbeg is awesome!
Glengoyne 12 would be my choice for everyday sipper or Friday night whiskey. It’s simply delicious. Not well known in the states and hard to find, but wow it’s good. $60ish on the price in my area, when found
finally three scotches I have in my collection! Never hit 3 of 5 before!
The original bruichladdich was a loverly 10 year old single malt, the trouble is the classic laddie and those unaged, are course distalates and very disapointing. If you can get it try Penderyn, Welsh whisky, very reasonably priced and a treat.
I like the Dalmore cigar malt (180 is) over the Alexander but each to his own. The new Balvine cask and character al beit a bit pricey with the new master distiller is wonderful.
what I have found with single malt scotche Sheildag I prefer the younger scotches the older they were the smoother but less flavor also!
Hey, I appreciate your videos, what's the music playing in the background? Nice touch
Agree that the Ardbeg Uigeadail is a fantastic peated single malt. However the price quote of $30-35 is way off. Locally here in southeast Florida, the minimum price point for this bottle is $90.
That was my bad and not caught during editing. I pay 80-90. My apologies.
I think you should try Loch Lomond 18 y.o. It has excellent balance. And it is quite inexpensive for such an old single malt
I would love to try it! Unfortunately there is just not a great scotch selection in my area but I will keep an eye out for it!
Let me recommend LaDaig 10 year old. Very good. Very approachable. From the Isle of Moll in Scotland. Pronounced Letch ick. I think you will like it
bunnahabhain is also an unpeated islay single malt whisky delicious pour.
Well done.
I find that I prefer the Speyside single malts first, with the Northern Highlands second. Speaking of Highlands, I agree with you about the Dalmores. :-) But none of the Islay varieties that I've tried have agreed with me.
That DKA3 is great! Ya know… 25 years ago, Lagavulin 16 was $30 a bottle, and that was my daily drinker. Now it is weekly… I can’t have a scotch collection without it, although Ardbeg is up there too. Have you tried Octomore?
I do have one Octomore but can’t remember which release off the top of my head. Very good! Lagavulin 16 IMO is like the prince of Islay scotch! To bad it’s still not 30.00!!
@@slbdrinks oh, I would love to see you do a review of Octomore! It packs such a punch! Jim McEwan created it because he was tired of people complaining that Bruichladdich wasn’t making peated scotch. So he made the peatiest scotch possible! Haha… although, he might have been joking when he said that.
It is a brut in the nicest way possible
Ardbeg Rollercoaster was matured in 12 different casks. My favorite of all Ardbegs.
EXCELLENT call on the Bunnahabhain 18 year as the impress your guess drink. It stinks it's up to $144 now in my area.
That is a bummer with the escalation in the price.
For a mixer. Kirkland (Costco) 12 year blended 1.75 liter bottle for about $36.
I need to try some Kirkland stuff!
Regular pour, Macallan 12. Friday pour, Balvenie doublewood. Special occasions, king alexander. Day i pay off my mortgage, 30 year Glenrothes AND my 30 year Balvenie
Hey I think those are great! Paying off the mortgage and those special bottles is something to look forward to!
Older video so I didnt expect a reply. Just your channel and really like it. No snobbishness just regular guy reviews like the rest of us
Appreciate that!
This man's mixer is the price of my sippers
Your words are the gold
Thank you for being so kind!
Ardbeg 10 is my mainstay, along with Laphroig, I own a foot of Scottish soil at the Laphroig distillery… lol
Wait what?? So cool lol!
Hello Kurt, just discovered your channel and I very much enjoy your presentation. Question: You quoted peat levels in terms of ppm. Where do you get that information? I currently have Talisker, Oban, Laphroig and Lagavulin on hand. None of the bottles quote ppm.
No but I wish it did have the info on the labels. I wish I had a better answer for you but I had to search the internet for the info. Some popped up real easy others took some work.,
What a bar!!!
Thank you!
Love your videos man keep it up