What next? (Newbie alert)

[nxthree]

Howdy. I'm a newbie, rookie, whatever you want to call me. Had my first SWSM a little over a year ago, but have been doing some heavy reading (not so much drinking) to learn as much as I can. I recently discovered peat - Laphroaig 15, Lagavulin 16, and Ardbeg 10. I'm definitely intrigued, and am thinking my next bottle in my collection will be something peaty.

What from the list below should I pick next? Please give details about why you like it, or if you have a bottle in a similar price range that I'm forgetting, feel free to mention it.

The list so far:
- Highland Park 12
- Bowmore 12
- Talisker 10
- Laphroaig 10


Thanks!
Brian

[johan brugge]

Hello Brian, welcome to the forum. It seems you already have some Islay/peaty whiskies. Why not try some Speyside whiskies like the Glenfarclas? It's a nice non peated whisky with some nice sherry notes. If you want to try some really good peaty ones I'd go for the Lagavulin 12yo CS of the Laphroaig 10 CS. They are in the same price range as the ones you already have.

[pkt77242]

I would go with Talisker 10 or HP 12 of the ones you mentioned. Also Laphroaig 10 CS or the Laphroaig quarter cask are nice options. Peaty non islay maybe try Benriach 10 curiositas.

Sean

[Drammed]

Of the choices that you have suggested the Talisker 10 would be my selection if you wanted some med levels of peat. If you want to kick the peat up a notch then try something else from the Ardbeg line besides the 10 or a Laphroaig Quarter Cask would be my recomendations. You did say you wanted a peaty bottle.

[nxthree]

Wow. Thanks for all the great responses. Looks like the Talsiker 10 is the winner.

[lockejn]

I think the Talisker 10 is definitely the way to go. Also, I don't believe anyone can go wrong with a HP, but it's barely peaty in comparison to the others.

[nxthree]

How does the Talisker 18 compare to the 10? As my first Talisker, would it be worth the extra cash to get the 18?

[pkt77242]

The Tali 10 is in your face pepper, salt and smoke (with some nice sweetness), while the 18 is much more balanced and refined. To me it depends on what you are looking for, if you want more simple and in your face get the 10, and if you want refined and balanced get the 18. Or buy both and compare.

Sean

[nxthree]

Bought a bottle of Talisker 10 during lunch today. I'll hopefully find the time to give it a try and will post my thoughts.

I've also got a bottle of Laphroaig 10yr coming next week, and hopefully a bottle of HP12 by the end of the month. Will finally be able to do my own side-by-side tasting!

Thanks everyone for your input.

Brian