Newbie!

[locksta]

Hi



I am fairly new to the world of Whisky.
It was only last year that i really discovered it. Previously i had enjoyed the odd good quality brandy and love red wine but it was only after being introduced to some lovely peaty Laphroaig after a lovely dinner that I have begunh to take an interest in Whisky and realised i actually really enjoyed it .

I would love to ask a quick question that i would be very grateful if someone could offer their opinion on.

What are the 'must haves' in terms of a basic collection. I have so far enjoyed the sweeter honey tasting Whisky such as Jura 'Superstition' (have a small glass with me now) and have enjoyed equally the peaty warmth of Laphroaig quarter cask. Both are very different obviously but both have their own qualities. One thing that has attracted me to Whisky is the variety of tastes which i think only red wine has come close to.
Whilst I am fully aware that these are quite well known supermarket brands I would love it if someone could point me in the direction of some less well known brands I should try. I look on websites like the Whisky Exchange and the variety is more than daunting.

Whilst out I have tried Talisker, Lagavulin, and Glemorangie amongst others and I have yet to find a good quality whisky i havnt enjoyed so am open minded.

I am looking to buy a few bottles around the £30.00 - £40.00 mark.

Thanks!!!

Thanks!

[dramtastic]

Balblair 97
Ardmore TC Some don't like it but hey what do they know
Bladnoch 16 Sheep Label
Clynelish 14
Glenfarclas 15
Hazelburn 8
G & M Longmorn 12
Longrow CV
Springabank 10

Japanese
Nikka From The Barrel
Hakushu 12

[The Third Dram]

Some of these may 'stretch' your budget just a tad, while others won't. But they're all (in my books) well worth the price of admission:

Aberlour a'bunadh (cask strength sherry bomb)
Ardbeg 10 Year Old (tremendous Islay clarity and complexity)
Balvenie 15 Year Old Single Barrel (the real meaning of 'honey')
Caol Ila 12 Year Old or Cask Strength (great 'all-around' Islay)
Clynelish 14 Year Old (unique, challenging and satisfying)
Glenfarclas 15 Year Old (classic Speysider)
Glenlivet 16 Year Old Cask Strength Nàdurra (great value, great whisky)
Glenmorangie Astar (cask strength vanilla and citrus to the fore... have it with dessert)
Highland Park 18 Year Old (always in the top flight)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength (not your typical Lagavulin, but really tasty)
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (think coastal and delectable and easy drinking)
Talisker 18 Year Old (one of the very best in my opinion)

Also love Longrow and Springbank, while Arran and Kilchoman are already producing some very interesting spirits.

[steveblack]

Welcome to the forum

I am sure this liking is going to stick with you for a long time.

[bredman]

Ardbeg 10
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Longrow CV
Glencadam 15 46%
Glenlivet Nadurra ( any of the CS batches )
Bladnoch 8 Lightly Peated
Bladnoch 20 CS
Tomintoul 14 46%
Springbank 12 Claret Finish

St Georges Chapter 6 ( unpeated )
St Georges Chapter 9 ( peated )
Hakushu 12
Amrut - Any

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

[rogerdodger]

And don't forget the Irish....
Redbreast 12 or 15. Sensational stuff.

[locksta]

Thanks!

I may have more questions soon! the choice is so daunting. So far as I have said i have enjoyed all the good quality Whiksys I have tried! Really amazed at the difference in taste and textures.

[Swedish Chef]

Hi locksta, as you mention the difference in textures I would suggest you try a cask strenght whisky next. Glenlivet Nadurra 16yo, Laphroaig 10yo CS and Coal Ila 12yo CS can all be found at TWE for under £41. I really like the Nadurra and Laph myself, haven't tried the CI yet even though I love the standard one at 43% ABV. Would also second the suggestions above for Springbank and Longrow.