What next?

[Rob B]

Some unexpected funds have come into my posession and I am thinking of spending them on expanding my horizons a bit.

So far I have enjoyed the following:

Ardbeg 10
Laphroaig 10/15/QC/CS
Lagavulin 16
Caol Ila 12
Talisker 10
Oban 14
Clynelish 14
HP12
Glenmorangie 10
Glenlivet 21 Archive

In the waiting room yet to be tasted I have:

Ardbeg Uigeadail/Airigh Nam Beist
Caol Ila 18
HP18
Springbank 10
Jura 12
Glenlivet 18
Bowmore 17
Bruichladdich 12
Balvenie12 DW

I have not enjoyed Cardhu 12, Scapa 14 or Old Pulteney 12.

I am considering the following:

Talisker 18
Caol Ila CS
Aberlour A'bunadh
Longrow CV

Given the whiskies I have liked to date and taking into account the delights on my shelves yet to be tried, would I be wise spending money on these four?

Your thoughts are welcome.

Rob

[MacDeffe]

They are all worth trying but to try something a bit new I can suggest

BenRiach Authenticus, lovely 21y peated
Balblair (I find all new distillery bottlings really nice)
Old Pulteney

Kind regards

Macdeffe

[The Third Dram]

I can certainly vouch for the Talisker 18YO, Caol Ila CS and Aberlour a'bunadh... all excellent picks.

As well as the Authenticus, I find the Benriach 10YO Curiositas a quite unique as well as a very interesting pour.

I'd certainly add Glenlivet Nàdurra 16YO CS to your list of options.

The new Longmorn 16YO (48%ABV) impresses me more each time I pour it, too.

Then there's the 12YO Lagavulin CS... right up your alley!

I tasted Glenmorangie CS last night and came away swayed by its combination of seeming textural lightness, clean spiciness and appetizing nature... perfectly drinkable at full strength.

[Ganga]

Third Dram gives you some excellent choices.

In looking at your list, I would suggest that you really don't have a wonderful sherry monster. Aberlour a'bunadh is an excellent choice to fill this niche. Or you could consider Macallan 10 CS or a Glenfarclas 15.

[cathach]

Have you tried any pure pot still yet? Redbreast 12yo is around £26 in Waitrose. Or try a shot and see if you like it.

[irishwhiskeychaser]

In relation to Old Pulteney 12 I too found it not quite to my liking however I found the Old Pulteney 17 to be great and prefered it over even the Old Pulteney 21.

I had the same issue with Bunahabhainn 12 but found the 18 to be magic.

Moral of te story don't write off a distillery because to take a dislike to one expression.

Feel free to broaden your horizons even farther by getting a decent Irish or Japanese

[dramtastic]

Definetes for me out of the four are,

Longrow CV, so far favorite my SMW after Lagavulin 16. Kinda like having an Islay when you don't want an Islay. Unique smoke intergration.
Aberlour A'bunadh, everyone should have one in their collection, my favorite sherried malt.

After that I agree with Macdeffe, I'm really enjoyng my Balblair 97, so grab a Balblair. Like the 2 I have mentioned, it's good value as well.

[dramtastic]

Also, I can't see you going wrong with the 4 you are looking at, so, buy all four!!!!!!!!!!

[Giovinetti]

I am considering the following:

Talisker 18
Caol Ila CS
Aberlour A'bunadh
Longrow CV

Rob

I would keep the Aberlour and Longrow and add Balvenie 15yo and Yamazaki 18. Since you already have enjoyed the Caol Ila 12 and Laphroaig CS it is likely that you would also like the Caol Ila CS. However, I am not sure how much your horizon would be expanded with this pick. The Yamazaki is so wonderfully different it would be my number one choice here.

[Reggaeblues]

Yep, Yamazaki 18 is great. Reminded me of a merger of a good springbank and a good HPark...

I'm onto my second Longrow CV, well described here as "an Islay when you don't want an Islay..."

...and every home should have an Abunadh!

But don't ignore the Talisker 18...

[The Third Dram]

The Yamazaki 18YO is a very refined whisky... no doubt. I do like its sweet-tart fruit and silky, oak-enhanced textural quality. However, for me (and personal tastes certainly need to be taken into account!), the Yamazaki doesn't quite sparkle the same way a 10YO or 12YO Yoichi does, so I'd add those two to your list of potential Japanese spirits.

[irishwhiskeychaser]

The Yamazaki 18YO is a very refined whisky... no doubt. I do like its sweet-tart fruit and silky, oak-enhanced textural quality. However, for me (and personal tastes certainly need to be taken into account!), the Yamazaki doesn't quite sparkle the same way a 10YO or 12YO Yoichi does, so I'd add those two to your list of potential Japanese spirits.

I would echo that sentiment .... there are some great bursts of flavour in the 12 year olds where as the 18yo is as you say more complex and refined. Depends what your looking for.

[Rob B]

Some cracking suggestions there, thank you. I will make my selection over the weekend and let you know what I finally went for.

Kind regards

Rob

[Rob B]

Well the order has gone in and it consists of:

Talisker 18
Caol Ila CS
Aberlour A'bunadh (will confirm batch number)
Longrow CV
Lagavulin 12 CS (2008)
BenRiach Authenticus
Glenfarclas 15

That should keep me occupied for a while. I was tempted to try the Irish and Japanese recomendations, but I want to get to know the Scottish offerings first.

Again, thank you all for your suggestions. All I now need is for Lent to end

Kind regards

Rob

[The Third Dram]

Top-notch choices, Rob. I'm certain those whiskies will provide you with many pleasurable pours.

Doug

[dramtastic]

Knockout list Rob.