What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

YES! You are awesome.

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Originally Posted by MyOldKyDram

Enjoying isn't nearly strong enough...been a mild winter so far, but pretty good and cold tonight, so I decided to give the Laphroaig QC a go. Kinda in love with this right off the bat. Just sweet and spicy, and with that smoky finish that gives and gives and...very nice pour.

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Quoting myself here, didn't know where else to put this...

Virtual Dark Side noob here. The QC was my first real foray into the land of Islay. Absolutely loved it and looking for suggestions where to turn to next. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I know next to nothing about this world.

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Originally Posted by MyOldKyDram

Quoting myself here, didn't know where else to put this...

Virtual Dark Side noob here. The QC was my first real foray into the land of Islay. Absolutely loved it and looking for suggestions where to turn to next. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I know next to nothing about this world.

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Try a standard Laph 10 or a Laph 10 CS. If you enjoyed the QC you'll like those too.

Ardbeg is also a natural place to go for peat, and Lagavulin for a little more money. I also can't say enough good things about Highland Park and Talisker, not from Islay but neither of them lacks for peat.

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Originally Posted by MyOldKyDram

Quoting myself here, didn't know where else to put this...

Virtual Dark Side noob here. The QC was my first real foray into the land of Islay. Absolutely loved it and looking for suggestions where to turn to next. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I know next to nothing about this world.

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Nice to see you crossing over to the Dark Side,I would agree with Jim's suggestions of The Lap 10,Lap CS and Ardbeg 10.I can't say enough about Lag 16 as a well balanced complex pour and for an all out smoke bomb the Ardbeg Corryvrekan,Supernova or Bruichladdich Octomore.FWIW the Octomore you might need to sneak up on and batten down the hatches before you delve into that dram,but its something you eventually will want to experience.Have fun on your new tasting journey,Islay is a fun and interesting world to explore.

I second most of the suggestions above, but definitely put Lagavulin first on your list. I also really like the Kilchoman Machir Bay.

Segram 8 yr Gold.

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Originally Posted by MyOldKyDram

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I know next to nothing about this world.

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I very much like the Laphroaig 10 and QC - (I would have to give a slight edge to QC)

One of my favorites right now - Caol Ila 12. It's an Islay, so it has all the sweet, peat, and smoke, but to me, a bit more smoothed out than the Laphroaigs - I have to say that I like it slightly better than the Laphroaigs. It would be a good one to compare side by side to what you have. And it's about the same price - about $50.

And if you want to try something a bit less Islay, but still keeping some nice peat, Ardmore Traditional Cask. Also a small cask but with more traditional scotch flavors (some spices and fruits). And Binny's sells it for about $30. Hard to go wrong with this one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MyOldKyDram

Quoting myself here, didn't know where else to put this...

Virtual Dark Side noob here. The QC was my first real foray into the land of Islay. Absolutely loved it and looking for suggestions where to turn to next. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I know next to nothing about this world.

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Originally Posted by HighInTheMtns

Try a standard Laph 10 or a Laph 10 CS. If you enjoyed the QC you'll like those too. Ardbeg is also a natural place to go for peat, and Lagavulin for a little more money. I also can't say enough good things about Highland Park and Talisker, not from Islay but neither of them lacks for peat.

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Originally Posted by Wall Eye

I very much like the Laphroaig 10 and QC - (I would have to give a slight edge to QC). One of my favorites right now - Caol Ila 12. It's an Islay, so it has all the sweet, peat, and smoke, but to me, a bit more smoothed out than the Laphroaigs - I have to say that I like it slightly better than the Laphroaigs. It would be a good one to compare side by side to what you have. And it's about the same price - about $50.

And if you want to try something a bit less Islay, but still keeping some nice peat, Ardmore Traditional Cask. Also a small cask but with more traditional scotch flavors (some spices and fruits). And Binny's sells it for about $30. Hard to go wrong with this one.

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Yes, yes and yes. These are all excellent recommendations for those just getting in to the world of peaty island (Islay, Skye and Orkney) whiskies. Laphroaig QC is my favorite of the standard issue Laphroaigs, though the 10 YO and CS are excellent too. Before delving too far into the more esoteric offerings, I'd check out the basic library so that you can set a proper baseline: Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 16, Caol Ila 12 (often overlooked but great!), Talisker 10 and Highland Park 12. These are all classic (!) whiskies and if you never moved beyond them you'd still be a happy man. And Wall Eye's recommendation for a good quality budget peated whisky, the Ardmore Trad Cask is indeed a very good pick-up, especially for a session pour on an evening when you plan to drink plenty but don't want to waste the good stuff. From there, the sky (Skye?) is the limit, but these should easily satisfy you without breaking the bank. And don't forget a four-pack of Skull Splitter from the Orkney Brewery for a wash. Great beer to accompany great whisky!

Thanks everyone for all of the suggestions! Looks like I'll be a busy, busy man.

Oban 14.
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