Art Teitlebaum
Member
I just got this for Christmas...
Is it any good?
It's always a question of personal taste. Here are some users reviews:
http://www.forpeatsake.com/McClellands/McClellands+Lowland/
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single malt whisky thread
- Thread starter nitewulf
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It's always a question of personal taste. Here are some users reviews:
http://www.forpeatsake.com/McClellands/McClellands+Lowland/
aparisi2274
Member
Thanks! I'll probably crack it open on NYE!
Art Teitlebaum
Member
That seems to be a very good occasion for such a more 'lighter' malt. Enjoy it!
Going through a few rounds of whisky tonight. Merry Christmas indeed!
Glenmorangie Original is still a great starter. Nose isn't spectacular, but the taste and finish are both refreshing and addictive. I quite like this one.
I'm warming up to the Bruichladdich 16 Bourbon Cask. I still don't think I can appreciate all it has to offer...it's a more delicate whisky than I'm used to. It has a bit of a pungent note and I don't quite know what to make of it. Maybe that's the bourbon influence? Never had bourbon so I can't say. Still, an enjoyable whisky and a nice followup to the Glenmorangie.
Ardbeg 10. Honestly this has been one of the more disappointing whiskies to me. I love peat and smoke, but it's really quite overwhelming here. Lots of peat, tons of smoke, and lots of salt water. I feel it lacks balance. The Lagavulin 16 seems to hold most of the qualities of the Ardbeg but with a rich sweetness to balance everything out; Thankfully I've found that the Arbeg 10 goes really well with a cheddar + caramel popcorn mix I buy. edit: funny enough, it doesn't seem to go so well with some home made sugar pie I have at home. I wonder why it goes so well with the caramel popcorn...
Glenmorangie Original is still a great starter. Nose isn't spectacular, but the taste and finish are both refreshing and addictive. I quite like this one.
I'm warming up to the Bruichladdich 16 Bourbon Cask. I still don't think I can appreciate all it has to offer...it's a more delicate whisky than I'm used to. It has a bit of a pungent note and I don't quite know what to make of it. Maybe that's the bourbon influence? Never had bourbon so I can't say. Still, an enjoyable whisky and a nice followup to the Glenmorangie.
Ardbeg 10. Honestly this has been one of the more disappointing whiskies to me. I love peat and smoke, but it's really quite overwhelming here. Lots of peat, tons of smoke, and lots of salt water. I feel it lacks balance. The Lagavulin 16 seems to hold most of the qualities of the Ardbeg but with a rich sweetness to balance everything out; Thankfully I've found that the Arbeg 10 goes really well with a cheddar + caramel popcorn mix I buy. edit: funny enough, it doesn't seem to go so well with some home made sugar pie I have at home. I wonder why it goes so well with the caramel popcorn...
AngmarsKing701
Member
My wife bought me a bottle of Oban 14 for Christmas! I was so full and tired last night that I couldn't open it, but I plan on breaking it open tonight.
CommonSense
Banned
This thread says whiskey and not scotch....therefore it is wrong 
As for single malt whiskey all the ones I would recommend have already been recommended. Well done GAF
As for single malt whiskey all the ones I would recommend have already been recommended. Well done GAF
Mystagogue
Member
My wife bought me The Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask and Oban 18 for Christmas. Was fairly impressed considering she had no help whatsoever. She also got me Uigeadail for my birthday last month. She is pretty awesome.
I have only had one dram of the Oban 18 but so far it seems to share some similarities with Highland Park 18, my current favorite.
wut
I have only had one dram of the Oban 18 but so far it seems to share some similarities with Highland Park 18, my current favorite.
This thread says whiskey and not scotch....therefore it is wrong
As for single malt whiskey all the ones I would recommend have already been recommended. Well done GAF
wut
Mystagogue
Member
For the money, I prefer Ardbeg 10. I don't deny that Lagavulin is more balanced and a bit smoother. But I kinda like the punch in the teeth that I get with Ardbeg 10.
Chuckie
Member
This thread says whiskey and not scotch....therefore it is wrong
Except people are also mentioning whisky from countries other than Scotland...therefore it is right.
Got a set of Glencairn glasses for Xmas, and I'll be picking up a bottle or two this week to start my fledgling Scotch collection. For months I've been buying a single bottle of Yamazaki 12 and re-upping when it's gone, but I'd like to have 5-6 nice bottles on hand.
Any suggestions?
I already planned on getting Lagavulin 16 and Yamazaki 12 (as mentioned, my standby whisky).
Any suggestions?
I already planned on getting Lagavulin 16 and Yamazaki 12 (as mentioned, my standby whisky).
this is precisely why i titled the thread that way. only caveat being people should discuss/recommend single malts.
5 years and running...not bad i guess.
Part of the issue is that the Ardbeg 10 is almost the same price as the Lagavulin 16 here (well, $91 vs. $114)...I guess I expected a bit too much from it.
You're right though, I can't expect the world from a 10 year old, and it's still a very good scotch. I just had my expectations set a bit high.
Mystagogue
Member
Gondo...you live in OKC right? May I ask where you are buying your scotch? In the meantime, my recommendations for a solid 5-6 bottle lineup (to include the ones you already mentioned) would be: Highland Park 12, Aberlour A'bunadh, Balvenie DoubleWood, and perhaps Laphroaig Quarter Cask or Talisker 10. Along with the Lag and Yama, this would be a pretty well rounded, slightly affordable, collection.
If you buy from Byron's in OKC, these are all readily available and cheaper than anywhere else I've ever shopped, including out-of-state.
Yep, planned on hitting up Byron's for sure. Their prices are indeed excellent.
Thanks for the recommendations!
Mystagogue
Member
Crap...where I'm at (Oklahoma) Ardbeg 10 is around $35-40 and Lagavulin 16 is $51. I can get Ardbeg Uigeadail for $70!
chrisisawesome
Member
I've bought my fair share of expensive scotches. It's getting to be diminishing returns as far as price and quality go. Looking to try some cheaper ones (where I am the glenlivet 12 and glenfiddich 12 are around $50, which is "cheap" relative to others). I've never had the glenfiddich 12 so I may give that one a shot. Anyone like it and recommend it?
Mystagogue
Member
I like Glenfiddich 12 better than Glenlivet 12. Glemorangie Original isn't too bad and should be close in price, probably cheaper. Around me, Highland Park 12 is basically same price as The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, and is far superior IMO.
I wish. Alcohol is taxed to hell in Canada.
chrisisawesome
Member
Ya the cragganmore 12, highland park 12 and Glenmorangie original are all some I've tried and like very much. Too bad they are about $20-25$ more than the glenfiddich 12! Prices are insane in Canada
The way that prices vary by region, even between states in the US, always feels strange to me. I can find a bottle of Glenmorangie Original for 40 bucks practically anywhere, meanwhile something like Lagavulin I can't find for anything less than $80 and up. Which is a shame because I'd really like to try it, but that's a lot to spend on a bottle I'm not sure I'll be totally sold on (my experience with peat is still fairly limited).
Yes, it was one of the first whiskies I tried, right after the Glenfiddich 12. I'm not sure what I would think of it now since I have a lot more experience. I believe it's still the smoothest whisky I've drank to date. Definitely a more gentle whisky. I can't speak to its complexity since I was such a newbie at the time, but I'm sure you'll love it.
Here's a review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pBxZi8aHTM
Ralfy has some great reviews. He's a bit overgenerous with his marks (basically uses an 80-100 scale), but he still gives great notes and insight.
One of the few positives re: alcohol when it comes to living in Oklahoma.
We don't get Westvleteren 12, Dogfish Head, Stone, and we can't import wine... but we have cheap scotch!
Mystagogue
Member
Smooth, sweet, honey, delicate
AngmarsKing701
Member
Popped open the Oban 14 last night. Very nice. Very smooth. Also enjoyed the stainless steel ice cubes my wife bought me to cool it down a bit.
AngmarsKing701
Member
My brother-in-law just picked up a Balvenie 15 for us to try out.
He also talked about a Glenmorangie that is distilled in Cabernet casks, but I don't see anything on their site about it. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Edit: The Balvenie's got a bite but I like it.
He also talked about a Glenmorangie that is distilled in Cabernet casks, but I don't see anything on their site about it. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Edit: The Balvenie's got a bite but I like it.
AngmarsKing701
Member
All right, my brother-in-law and I have gone on a bit of a splurge over the last couple of days.
Oban 14 - got it for Christmas from my wife. Very good. It's light but it's starting toward the smoky, peaty side of the "scotch map." Someone on this thread suggested this as a great dessert scotch and I agree. Very smooth, great with all the holiday meals this time of year.
Macallan 15 - just bought this today with $ from Christmas. The flavor detail on the back of the box (dark chocolate in particular) sold me on this over some other choices. Will try it out soon.
My brother-in-law bought these:
Balvenie 15 - decent but definitely, as I said earlier, has a bite. Not sure I'd pick this up on my own.
Glenlivet 21 - yes, he bought the $150 bottle of scotch. We tried it tonight. All I can say is "holy fuck this is worth saving $150 for." What a fantastic, smooth glass of scotch.
Glenmorangie Lasanta - haven't tried it yet but plan to open it up this weekend.
All in all it's been a good couple of days to get some new scotch tasting in.
Oban 14 - got it for Christmas from my wife. Very good. It's light but it's starting toward the smoky, peaty side of the "scotch map." Someone on this thread suggested this as a great dessert scotch and I agree. Very smooth, great with all the holiday meals this time of year.
Macallan 15 - just bought this today with $ from Christmas. The flavor detail on the back of the box (dark chocolate in particular) sold me on this over some other choices. Will try it out soon.
My brother-in-law bought these:
Balvenie 15 - decent but definitely, as I said earlier, has a bite. Not sure I'd pick this up on my own.
Glenlivet 21 - yes, he bought the $150 bottle of scotch. We tried it tonight. All I can say is "holy fuck this is worth saving $150 for." What a fantastic, smooth glass of scotch.
Glenmorangie Lasanta - haven't tried it yet but plan to open it up this weekend.
All in all it's been a good couple of days to get some new scotch tasting in.
Oooh. Very curious about this one now. I'd love a peaty/smoky dessert scotch.
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
Give me something $50 or less to celebrate New Years with.
AngmarsKing701
Member
Depends on where you live. Both Dalmore 12 and Glenlivet 15 are on sale here in NC for around $50. I particularly like the Glenlivet 15.
Edit: Set of 4 Glencairn glasses on Amazon for $23... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QX2JMA/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Figured I'd try a bit of Crown Royal since I haven't tried a cheap blended whisky since I started drinking scotch. Undrinkable. Didn't think it would be that bad. Such a strong ethanol smell and taste. There's a bit of wood that's trying to come through, but it's overwhelmed by what I can only describe as turpentine. Nope...not for me.
Hahaha, that's good to know...I was actually toying around with the thought of getting a bottle of that, curious about blended whisky as well as a Canadian expression...maybe I'll just stick with single malts for now.
eattomorro
Neo Member
I'm more a armagnac guy myself, but I might try this one next:
I'm just getting into Scotch. I've had it mostly at bars. I had a glass of Macallan 12 year at the bar today for lunch and I decided to hit up the store and look for a bottle. I decided to go with a bottle of Chivas Regal to start myself off. I am aware that it is a blend and not single malt but do you guys think Chivas is a good starting point into the world of scotch?
AngmarsKing701
Member
meh I'm not into the blended ones. I'd start with glenlivet 15 or 18 or something in the glenmorangie family. very smooth and a great intro.
A starting point for scotch in general? Perhaps, though you won't really get a sense of the character found in single malts. I can't speak to Chivas' quality exactly since I haven't had it...come to think of it I don't think I've ever had a blended scotch. Odd.
After my pleasant experience with the Glenlivet 12 a week ago, I've added the Glenlivet 15 to my current short list. I'm gonna get a new bottle at the end of next month to celebrate my birthday, but between the Balvenie Caribbean Cask, Glenlivet 15 FOR, or Lagavulin 16, I'm having a really hard time settling on what to try next! I can't shake the sense that I'm probably gonna cave and get two of them...
chrisisawesome
Member
Definitely give the Oban 14 a try. I can probably say its my favourite of the non ridiculously expensive scotches (i.e.: around $100). There is so much going on, a lot of smoke and very smooth.
And on another note, I picked up a bottle of the Macallan Fine Oak 10yr and the Glenfiddich 12.
Definitely like the macallan a lot. It's so smooth with a little smoke and fruit flavours/smell.
Kind of reminds me of a Glenmorangie original without the added bite. Seeing as the Macallan 10 and Glenmorangie original are the same price I'd probably buy the Macallan over Glenmorangie!
I think that's awesome since the Glenmorangie was my go-to "cheaper" scotch, I think I found a new one. And the fact that my gf will actually tolerate the macallan 10 is great.
Glenfiddich 12 was good. Can't really remember much since I had a small few sips. I remember pear flavours and a slight peatyness. I like it more than the glenlivet 12, but if recommending one of those to a beginner I would suggest the glenlivet because its lighter and an easier drink.
AngmarsKing701
Member
I can vouch for the Glenlivet 15 being fantastic. Can't say on the other two, although I will say that if you use this scotch map that you'll see the Glenlivet 12 and the Lagavulin 16 are drastically far apart in flavor.
Fantastic website! I just finished my bottle of Laphroaig 16 and was looking to get something different.
By the way, the Laphroaig 16 is absolutely sublime if you like peat.
Oh I'm aware of how different they are...that's what makes it such an interesting debate! The only peaty whisky I've tried so far is Caol Ila, I'd be curious about something that has a bit of a richer note underneath the smoke, which it sounds like the Lagavulin possesses. At the same time, it's still a bit of a risky proposition to me compared to something like a Glenlivet, rooted squarely in the speyside sweeties that I'm currently accustomed to.
Mystagogue
Member
Great selections! Huge difference between those two, as far as taste goes, but both are excellent quality. Not sure if you've had a cask strength whisky yet (like the A'bunadh), but I bet you'll enjoy it. It likes to fight back.
adamsappel
Member
Blended scotch gets a lot of snobbish flack, for little reason than elitism. Ironic, since Scottish master distillers used to disdain American preference for single-malts, since single-malts were an ingredient of a superior product. It was like eating flour and calling it cake. Now, that's not to say you can't prefer a single-malt to a blend. I do, but I like my scotch rough. I think the people praising MacCallan and Glenmorangie for their smoothness would probably also like a nice, expensive blend. Besides, unless it's single-barrel, it's all blended, just from a smaller pool.
It's been many years since I had Chivas, but I'm sure it's fine. It's a top shelf blend. Stay away from Cutty Sark, J&B and the like. I think most people start with Johnny Walker. Red sucks, Black is okay. Green, Blue and Gold are damn good. As with any liquor, you're going to get a better product by spending more.
Mystagogue
Member
Thought I'd post my current collection. Nothing too extravagant. Only a couple of duds:
Haha, yeah. It's my first. It sounds pretty insane from the reviews I've read.
I enjoyed my first dram of Lagavulin, btw. Smoky, peaty, and intense.
I'll report back, I plan on having some later today.
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