Single Malt Scotch

[PalmettoB]

Okay, all you discerning gents (and ladies, for that matter). A question to the assembly:

I am dying to try a single malt scotch, and haven't a clue where to start. I usually drink Irish whiskey (Bushmill's, Jameson's), so I am a total newbie when it comes to scotch. So where to begin? I have read up on some of the different varieties and regions in which they are produced, but I want to start slow and get my money's worth, since I won't be drinking it that often (and I'll be the only one drinking it, as many of my friends don't drink, and my wife prefers wine or gin and tonic.)

Opinions??

[rick]

Blair:

You are opening a big can here, my friend :D
Scotch is a many splendid thing and there are MANY differences between
I will also say that you can spend a paycheck on a bottle, so beware.
Personally, I like smoke and peat in my whisky so I will recommend:

Laphroig
Johnnie Walker BLACK
Chivas Regal 18 year old
Dewar's 12 year old

Also, to start with you may not want to spend a fortune so here are a cuppa bargain blends I like:
Famous Grouse
Grants

Yes, I realize most of my recommendations are BLENDS, but I find single malts, in general, to be overpriced and not worthy of their sticker price.

[jfl]

If there's a blended Scotch you like, try a single malt from the same company or family. I hear Cardhu is similar to Johnnie Walker and Glen Ord is used in Dewar's.

You can gather additional information from: scotchwhisky.net.

You might be able to sample some on an airplane for 5 bucks a pop.

Jim

[msandoval858]

I discovered something new the other day and will be headed back to pick up another bottle.

Aberfeldy 12 yr old.

Made by Dewars. I never would have thought to try this one, never heard anyone mention it. The stuff is nice and smooth with honey like finish. My friends I have let try it all loved it. Picked up for $32.99 locally, a steal for an enjoyable single malt.

[Martlet]

Blair:

You are opening a big can here, my friend :D
Scotch is a many splendid thing and there are MANY differences between
I will also say that you can spend a paycheck on a bottle, so beware.
Personally, I like smoke and peat in my whisky so I will recommend:

Laphroig
Johnnie Walker BLACK
Chivas Regal 18 year old
Dewar's 12 year old

Also, to start with you may not want to spend a fortune so here are a cuppa bargain blends I like:
Famous Grouse
Grants

Yes, I realize most of my recommendations are BLENDS, but I find single malts, in general, to be overpriced and not worthy of their sticker price.

A big can indeed. It really depends on what you prefer. I also like the smoke/peat of Islay malts, however I'd never touch a drop of Johnnie Walker, chivas, or Dewars.

If you want a true peat, I believe the only way to go is Ardbeg. Any year.

[rick]

Well.
Welcome to a SMS Snob !! ;)
Glad you found us....Enjoy your stay !

Ardbeg is definately on my short list to try :D
Whaddaya think of the Compass Box offerings ?

[qhsdoitall]

Thankfully, this is one AD I can avoid. :D I enjoy a sip now and then and if you gave me some I would not turn it down but, I much prefer wines and ports.

[PalmettoB]

A big can indeed. It really depends on what you prefer. I also like the smoke/peat of Islay malts, however I'd never touch a drop of Johnnie Walker, chivas, or Dewars.

If you want a true peat, I believe the only way to go is Ardbeg. Any year.

Martlet, thanks for the advice, and welcome to The Shave Den!

Rich, while I was looking (but not buying, as I got too confused) at SMS, I picked up a bottle of Sandeman Ruby port. Excellent stuff.

[PalmettoB]

Blair:

You are opening a big can here, my friend :D
Scotch is a many splendid thing and there are MANY differences between
I will also say that you can spend a paycheck on a bottle, so beware.
Personally, I like smoke and peat in my whisky so I will recommend:

Laphroig
Johnnie Walker BLACK
Chivas Regal 18 year old
Dewar's 12 year old

Also, to start with you may not want to spend a fortune so here are a cuppa bargain blends I like:
Famous Grouse
Grants

Yes, I realize most of my recommendations are BLENDS, but I find single malts, in general, to be overpriced and not worthy of their sticker price.

Rick, thanks for the suggestions. I guess I know how to open 'em up!! ;)

[Martlet]

Well.
Welcome to a SMS Snob !! ;)
Glad you found us....Enjoy your stay !

Ardbeg is definately on my short list to try :D
Whaddaya think of the Compass Box offerings ?

Oh great. I just realized that was my first post. Nothing like getting off on the wrong foot. ::ban

I've yet to try anything from Compass Box. I do have a desire to give their Eleuthera vatted malt a try.

Ardbeg, however, is easily my favorite.

I've also been known to partake in Famous Grouse on occasion, though I'll deny that if anyone repeats it. Not because it's a great whiskey (although I believe it to be the better than the price range it falls into, I prefer it over chivas all day), but because of it's history in literature. I suppose that makes me a bigger snob than I originally suspected.