Love HP 18 but what next?

[Glow]

I'm new to this - have been drinking whisky less than a year after years with red wine and vodka -- but am getting a sense of what I like and don't. I seem to be very poor at describing tastes, but I generally like fuller body -- whisky you can "chew." Creamy but not too sweet. I don't tend to like light or "grassy" flavors - I didn't in wine either. I love the HP 18, and have wanted to branch out but the last few bottles I've tried I haven't liked at all, so I'm at a loss about what direction to go in next. Any suggestions based on my preferences below?

Highland Park 18 -- love it; my favorite so far
Balvenie 15 - like it, find it easy to drink, not memorable
Glenmorangie Burgundy Cask - also easy to drink, good for guests who are "new" to whisky, but not something I'd buy again

Bowmore 12 -- didn't like...tasted OK, but nose was "fishy" to me; very disappointing since many have told me I'd like this.

Macallan 12 - also didn't like..too sweet? I'm not experienced enough to know exactly what I didn't like, but again, I was surprised since many have told me this is a classic

Glenlivit - hated it -- too crisp? short finish? too light weight for me.

In terms of blends, I like JW Black, did not at all like Dewars -- to sharp or crisp? Did not like J&B. Am thinking of trying Suntory Hibiki next, also has been highly recommended.

All suggestions welcome - though I guess it wouldn't be too bad if I had to drink HP 18 all the rest of my days.

[lockejn]

I would suggest Yamazaki, Bunnahabhain, and Glenfarclas. I think Oban and Clynelish are pretty tasty, but they tend to be polarizing.

If you're not turned off to peat, I'd suggest Ardmore or Teacher's Highland Cream. Dramatically different from Bowmore.

[TheTross]

For blends, if you like peat then I definitely agree with the Teachers suggestion, which I find to be terrific value and is one of my firm favourites. So is Black Bottle if you can get it - pretty cheap and well peated.

Might I be so bold as to recommend a cliche? If so then I can think of far worse whiskies than Talisker; peated, not overly sweet and quite big bodied. Not to mention peppery, so if pepper is an issue for you then steer clear!

If you don't like peat then I also agree with the Yamazaki recommendation. However, I found the 10yo to be a little too light so the 12yo might be a better choice if you can get it, although it's sherried and thus a little sweeter. Not tried the 18 but it's supposed to be fantastic.

Springbank might also be an option, as they tend to be quite chewy and big bodied. Some expressions can be quite briny though, but that doesn't translate to 'fishy'. Try the 10yo, although the 15yo is my favourite from the standard range.

[Gov]

Old Pulteney 12, Johnnie Walker Green, Cragganmore 12

[Drammed]

Dalmore 12
Talisker 10

if you like the peat level of HP 18

[Glow]

Wow - thanks for the quick responses. So, if I like HP 18, you're assuming that I like peat? That's good to know.

I need more practice to understand the different tastes since I was wondering if the "fishy" smell of the Bowmore to me was peat. Am happy to hear that it's not.

Will definitely try the Talisker, the Cragganmore, the Glenfarclas..all suggestions sound terrific. Will keep checking in.

[jhershauer]

Dalmore 12
Talisker 10

if you like the peat level of HP 18

I was going to recommend these same two! Dalmore is more mellow than HP, but has a lot of similarities. Talisker steps up the peat a bit, but doesn't go into the iodine and tar of the Islays.

Jeff

[pkt77242]

I would say Talisker 18 if you can still find it where you are. If not Talisker 175th is also similar.

Sean

[MoreDalmore]

I also love the HP 18; it has a lot to offer

If you follow the advice and try some Dalmore 12 I think you should try to get a bottle of Damore 12 Black Isle which also has some smoke. Clearly less than the HP18 but more thant the normal Dalmore 12.

But I think it may be too sweet for you overall ( certainly the normal Dalmore 12).

Or you may try Lagavulin 16; this is my latest purchase! Much more peat than HP18 but very enjoyable. I did not taste Talisker myself yet but it's on my wishlist for my next purchase ( Talisker 18 to be precise ).

[Novice Scotch Fan]

If you like HP 18, you may enjoy Glenlivet 18, a rich, dark fruit speyside. Not to be compared to the 12 under any circumstances. As much as you may dislike the 12, dont let that discourage you from trying the 18, a solid performer and at a great price to boot for an 18yr old single malt.

[talisker10]

Although I like Glenlivet 12, I agree with Novice Scotch Fan that you should try the Glenlivet 18..totally different than the 12. if you love HP 18 I would also recommend Talisker 10, 18, or the 175th Anniversary.

[Ganga]

Talisker 175th or 18 are good choices. Also, Glenfarclas 17 and 21.

I personally, have found the Balvenie 15 to be a little inconsistent - not a bad thing as they are single cask bottlings. You might try the Balvenie 21 Portwood.

Based on your thoughts on the sweeter whiskies, avoid the sherry monsters - Macallan sherry matured, Aberlour a'bunadh. Also, the Lowland whiskies drift towards floral (as does Bowmore). Other floral whiskies are Knockando and Dalwhinnie.

[The Third Dram]

Sean stated, "I would say Talisker 18 if you can still find it where you are."
I couldn't agree more...
Stunningly beautiful whisky!

[Glow]

I just handed off the nearly full bottles of Bowmore 12 and Macallan to a friend -- leaving a big hole on my shelf. Am intrigued by the older Glenlivet suggestion. Can't decide what to try next, but I think it will be Talisker 18 (if I can find it), Glenlivet, Cragganmore or one of the Glenfarclas.

[Glow]

Just sipping Yamazaki 18 for the first time. To my inexperienced palate, it's has some shared characteristics with the HP 18. Full, rich, woody, buttery, caramel with an edge, not-syrupy, complicated, smoky, not-too-sweet.

Most expensive bottle I've purchased at over $100, but worth it. Delicious!

[Whiskytaster]

Would also recommend trying the BenRiach 18 Authenticas. Very complex, rich with non-iodine peat. A personal favourite.

Just a note: If you are not too keen on the overly sherried, would not suggest the Glenfarclas.

[pmullin]

As a few previous posters have mentioned, the Talisker 18 is outstanding. The Lagavulin 16 is also a classic.

You may also want to try some Springbank.

[dramtastic]

HP 30

[Glow]

Sounds expensive

[dramtastic]

Sounds expensive

Then it costs how it sounds! Then again it's the only HP I've really liked.

[Whiskytaster]

Agree with the Talisker 18, and if the HP 30 is too expensive, why not try an HP 21 or 25. Subtley different, but both great in their own ways.

Alternatively, why not try an HP single cask from one of the Independent Bottlers.

perhaps....http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-7292.aspx