what's your favorite single malt??

Not an easy question....

What time of day? What kind of cigar? What meal? Weather? Inside or outside?

 

I agree. I have maybe 10-12 different ones on the shelf.

But I find I re-stock Lagavulin most often.

 

Funny that, I went to a boarding school in scotland for 6 years and Macallan was based right across the river from us, used to wake up every morning looking at their distillery and warehousing.

 

Same for me

 

It's nothing expensive (I'm young and pennyless!), but one of my faves is Auchentoshan 10 year old (www.auchentoshan.co.uk) - it's a lowland malt, much paler in colour and subtler in flavour than many single malts. I'm not sure how well known it is, but I'd recommend it as something nice that's a little different.

A little website tip here: http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/default.asp - if you're wanting to compare various whiskies use either the by distillery or by age drop downs - one of the better websites I've seen for this.

 

In Genral, any thing associated with Jim McEwans.

Specifically, Bruichladdich 15,17, 20, 30 years are all outstanding. [Trinidad Extra Rubosto],[Bolivar Fino]

On the higher end.

Murray McDavid Mission V Series (Glenlivit) [Trinidad Extra Rubosto],[Padron 1964]
Murray McDavid Mission II Series (Dallas Dhu) [Trinidad Extra Rubosto],[Padron 1926 40th]
Murray McDavid Mission III Series (strathisla) [Trinidad Extra Rubosto],[Padron 3000 Maduro]

 

Glen Goyne

the only un-peated single malt. Distilled right around the corner from the Galbraith Clan Castle, so you KNOW its good

the 10, 12, 21 year olds all have a distinct flavor. I prefer the 12 for everyday. if you really want something smooooooooooooth, try the 36 year old. Its VERY tasty, but around $800/bottle.

 

Macallan Cask Strength.

Dale

 

Whatever is in my glass at the time...

 

Glenlivit.

 

1. 11:35AM
2. Partagas Serie P
3. Petite filet. Rare.
4. 58 degrees. Cloudy and windy.
5. In my office, with the patio door open.

My drink for the moment? Laphroaig 15.

Later today? H.Upmann Sir Winston and a 25yr old Springbank.

Like Darth said, too many variables to have a favorite.

 

Nice.....

Wanna know the BEST after lunch cigar in the world? Cuban Sancho Panza Belicosos.

 

Oh, and with lunch? The Cadenheads North Port 11

 

the glenrothes has always been my favourite.

 

Okay, here's a test (hey, I ain't a prof for nuthin):

For another kiss, what is the difference between single malt and cask strength?


Dale

 

After aging, scotch lots come out of the casks at all different alcohol levels, the bulk of which getting diluted down to either 80 or 86 proof.

Certain bottlers take lots from the distillery in their original form to bottle and distribute as "cask strength". They usually range between 110 and 130 proof, with some going as high as 145 or 150 proof.

Cask strength scotches are best when served "neat" (room temp with no ice), with maybe a capful of water.

 

We have a mother shucking winner! Most folks don't know that most "single malt" scotches are actually blends or diluted from a single malt source. Most folks think that the term "single malt" means that it is straight from the barrel. As Darth has pointed out, thain't so. If you want to taste the power and glory of love, head for the "cask strength. You'll be glad you did.

Dale

 

So true!

 

Thanks for the info!

I've stuck with my 3 tried and true (Royal Salute, Ballantines, and Blue Label - All 21 year blended whiskies) over the years.

I received a bottle of Glenmorangie Margaux - 18 year for a gift this year. I've been meaning to try it.

 

The cask strength has its appeal, but I'm a Macallan fan. To my inexperienced taste buds, the cask strength Macallan tastes just like the Macallan 12 (and they are priced similarly - coincidence?).

When I was in Scotland, I had the bartender line up all the Isleys. Lagavulin came away as the winner - in fact, this post reminds me that mine is almost empty.

But the best of all - Macallan 18. Far superior to the Macallan 15 IMHO and not even in the same league as the 12. I even like it better than the one time I had Macallan 25. I got to smell a Macallan from the 1940's (sorry - don't know the exact year) the last time I was at the Wynn in Vegas. AT $650 PER SHOT, all I could do was sniff.

Tonight I'm having Glenlivet 18 - perhaps my second favorite.

Great idea for a post.

 

When my son was born I opened my Macallen 1874. I figured there'd never be a better occasion for that one. I have a Glenlivet 1949 sitting here waiting for a damn good reason!

BTW, try a Laphroaig 30 if you want a monster Islay.

 

Costco usually has it.