Fall Scotches

[TimmyBoston]

Now that the weather's getting colder, I'm making my annual transition into more Scotch drinking. I have bottles of HP 12, Lagavulin, Ardbeg Uigaedail, Laphroig, and Talisker.

Any suggestions for some fall sipping?

[TNbourbon]

Aberlour A'Bunadh -- cask strength, and looks like bourbon!

[DrinkyBanjo]

If you ask me anything from Islay, hopefully cask strength!

[CrispyCritter]

Any of the above would be good choices (including the A'Bunadh), IMO.

[TimmyBoston]

I'm a big fan of Islays, absolutely love them, and I have quite a few of them, actually the majority of my collection is Islays, but I'm looking for something new this year. I think I may have to look into the Aberlour.

Great Suggestions, Keep 'em Coming!

[CrispyCritter]

Lately, I've been pouring from "forgotten" bottles that I've opened in the last year and haven't revisited. Tonight, I brought out my nearly-full Aberlour A'Bunadh Batch #15 (59.6% ABV), and wow, it's just fantastic. It's pretty obvious that I set this one aside in the first place in order to conserve it!

When I nose it, it gives me a raisiny impression, more like an Armagnac than a whisky. On the palate, the malt asserts itself, but the sherry influence is quite strong. I couldn't detect any peat (and Speysiders generally have little or no peat to speak of).

If you enjoy barrel-proof bourbons like Stagg, this is a Scotch well worth looking into.

[CrispyCritter]

I just poured from another one of my "forgotten" open bottles. This time, it's Compass Box Asyla, a blended Scotch (malt + grain whisky).

I've often heard of it referred to as a summer pour, but I'd say it's suitable for all seasons. It's roughly in the JW Black price bracket, but its profile reminds me of the late, lamented Campbeltown Loch 25; smoky yet sweet, with a vanilla tinge and a "toasty" nose. The malt portion of the blend makes itself known, while the grain whisky provides a lovely counterpoint.

They may not get the respect that single malts get, but well-crafted blended Scotches are highly enjoyable nonetheless - and I'll give John Glaser bonus points for his willingness to push the envelope (cf. the Spice Tree controversy).

[TNbourbon]

Plucked another A'Bunadh tonight -- Batch #9. I have #8 and #16 open (current on shelves is #17). I think I'll save this one for a multi-national whisk(e)y lineup I'm mulling for the Sampler next spring.

[T47]

Tonight I decided to step out of my normal zone and I purchased a bottle of Aberlour A'Bunadh (batch #16). My father in law is a Scotch drinker so I thought it might be nice to have a bottle for him to try (he has not had this one).
As someone mentioned in the favorite bottle thread, I like this one as well. It has a clean classic look.
I love the color of this, it is enticing, deep dark and rich looking.
The Sherry really overpowers my nose, with a hint of the smokiness to come as well.
The Sherry really comes through in the taste as well, along with a nice touch of smokiness and fruit. It is very smooth and creamy.
The finish has a slight bitterness to it, but then fades to leave the taste of fruit (for me something like ripe plums).
I very much enjoy the flavor, but my taste buds lean to the Bourbons and Irish more. This will be a great pour to have around for a change of pace. Seems the exploration will never end.

[T47]

We brought dinner over to the in-laws and I brought along my bottle of Aberlour A'bunadh for him to try. Well he wants to know how I discovered this little jewel. I of course gave SB.com all the credit...which did confuse him slightly. Nice bottle of Aberlour A'bunadh $60...making the father-in-law happy, priceless!