Something Fresh: anyone have any suggestions?

[Schorske]

Hello all, I've been enjoying reading the boards and have decided it's time to post a question. Having been a modest whisky-lover for years my current circumstances finally allow me to indulge my tastes more fully . About three quarters of the bottles I drink are really big - c.s. Ardbegs, Laphroaigs, and above all Talisker special editions. I do most of my experimenting amongst these styles, but I always like to have their polar opposite open as well. For this I like things that are very fresh, often coastal, sometimes with spice, but not with a great deal of fruit or rich sweetness. Because its sweetness was so fresh Rosebank always did the job beautifully, but I've found the sweetness more dominating in the limited number of other Lowlands I've tried. The less fruity Clynelish bottlings, when salt and spice predominate, keep me happy too, although I'm ideally looking for something lighter. Given that Rosebank is no more, and (in my limited experience) more and more Clynelish seems to be rich and fruity I'd like to draw on your knowledge for suggestions if I may. What distilleries and expressions should I look for to find freshness, breezy coastal qualities and delicacy?
Thanks for your time,
Schorske

[MacDeffe]

I find Bladnoch a very fresh whisky, especially the 8yr 55%

Not sure if we have the same definition of freshness, but I recommend Bladnoch anyway

Being a lowlander like Rosebank dont expect too much similarity thou

MAcdeffe

[jimidrammer]

I find Bladnoch a very fresh whisky, especially the 8yr 55%

Not sure if we have the same definition of freshness, but I recommend Bladnoch anyway

Being a lowlander like Rosebank dont expect too much similarity thou

MAcdeffe

I've actually made reference in my notes that Bladnoch was similar to Rosebank in the two Signatory bottles I've had from '90 & '91. A very light style with grassy mint and the same toasted marshmallow I get from young Rosebanks.

[Megawatt]

How about Oban?

[Ganga]

When reading your post, I thought just like Nick: Pulteney. What about Balblair? Anyone?

I've always found Rosebank to be very floral and grassy. Very similar to Bladnoch and St Magdalene but very different from Auchentoshan. Another that I find to have this kind of profile is Dalwhinnie.

[MoreDalmore]

From the whiskies I had so far I would suggest Glengoyne 17 and Auchentoshan 18... or perhaps The Arran Malt 10 or 12?

I don't know how the Glengoyne and Auchentoshan compare to Clynelish but others can help there I think.

[The Third Dram]

When reading your post, I thought just like Nick: Old Pulteney.

As did I!

The old Scapa 12YO would certainly have been on my short-list of recommendations as well. Glenglassaugh too, if you can find one from refill cask(s).

[johan brugge]

Well, the first thing that came to my mind when you said 'something fresh' was Auchentoshan and Caol Ila. Both are IMHO fresh and if you like a touch of peat you'll like the Caol Ila.

[Schorske]

Thanks a lot for all your help: I wasn't expecting so much so quickly! I've just ordered the c.s. Bladnoch 8 and a half bottle of G&MacP Scapa 15, never had a bottle from either distillery before. A Pulteney will be next on my list (I took a Pulteney 12 on a walking trip years ago and really enjoyed it, but everything tastes different outdoors), the recent bottlings by Rattray of a 1982 cask look intriguing.
I'll let you know what I think, and thanks again!

[jazz lover]

Cragganmore.

[cathach]

Would you not try a bit of irish at all?

E.g. Black Bush, Jameson 12yo, Powers Goldlabel. Or even Redbreast 12yo for a Pure Pot Still style of whiskey.

[dramtastic]

Bladnoch

[dramtastic]

and Balblair

[clicker7]

Highland Park 12 always taste fresh to me.

Laphroaig QC is another.

Joseph

[Leorin]

maybe you could give Caol Ila unpeated style a chance

[Jim Beam]

Have you tried Old Pulteney? Coastal and salty with freshness - seems to fit?

That was my immediate thought as well: great whisky and fits your description perfectly.
Don't know about the Scapa, though. Last time I had it it was quite sweet and fruity.

[The Third Dram]

Just popped the cap on a bottle of Single Sherry Cask 1998 Arran (bottled in 2009 at 46%ABV) that fairly bursts with flavours of salted apples and citrus. Very refreshing and quite dry to boot. In fact, a total surprise in that regard. (Given the tasting notes provided on the Arran web-site for the whisky, I was expecting something rather more lush and sweet, but came away liking it a great deal nevertheless. I'm guessing this one was drawn from a Fino cask - definitely not Oloroso!)

Might be worthwhile to search a similar issue out. Just be aware that, as these ARE single cask issues, significant variation is likely the order of the day.

Beyong the parameters of this particular bottle, though, many of the Arrans I've tried bring Springbank to mind a little bit, what with their subtle saltiness and fine balance.

Perhaps ask a knowledgeable purveyor?

[jazz lover]

BUNNAHABHAIN 12