Recommend my next bottle of Scotch

[amg]

After all my recent bourbon purchases, I think it's time to add a new Scotch to the bar. I like peated and unpeated offerings, though I prefer the peat to be somewhat balanced. I found Laphroaig 10 to be just a bit too much. My favorites that I've tried so far have been Talisker 18, CB Hedonism, and an Oban 1969 32yr that I was lucky enough to get a few ounces of.

Right now I have a CB Hedonism, which I love, and an Ardmore Traditional Cask, which is decent enough for $29, but if it was much more expensive I'd probably pass on it.

Here are the bottles that I've been eyeing lately. Any of them stand out as a must-buy?

CB Spice Tree

CB Peat Monster

Highland Park 12

Balvenie 15 Single Barrel

Talisker Distiller's Edition

Oban 14

I'm trying to keep it under $100. Any thoughts?

[tanstaafl2]

After all my recent bourbon purchases, I think it's time to add a new Scotch to the bar. I like peated and unpeated offerings, though I prefer the peat to be somewhat balanced. I found Laphroaig 10 to be just a bit too much. My favorites that I've tried so far have been Talisker 18, CB Hedonism, and an Oban 1969 32yr that I was lucky enough to get a few ounces of.

Right now I have a CB Hedonism, which I love, and an Ardmore Traditional Cask, which is decent enough for $29, but if it was much more expensive I'd probably pass on it.

Here are the bottles that I've been eyeing lately. Any of them stand out as a must-buy?

CB Spice Tree

CB Peat Monster

Highland Park 12

Balvenie 15 Single Barrel

Talisker Distiller's Edition

Oban 14

I'm trying to keep it under $100. Any thoughts?

[Jwilly019]

Of those on your list, I've had the HP12, Balvenie 15, and Oban 14. I wouldn't recommend the HP12. It was fine, but didn't stand out. I love the Balvenie, but being a Single Barrel, each one will vary. I've had a couple different barrels though and both have been really good. I've only had the Oban 14 once. I don't recall specifics, but remember enjoying it.

If you want to go peated, you can try tracking down a Bruichladdich Port Charlotte release. I've had the PC6 & PC10 Tro Na Linntean and both were fantastic. They're discontinued now, but should be right around $100.

[tanstaafl2]

Poking around I see the Oban on some sites for around $100 so maybe it is just the local price that has gotten ridiculous. At $100 the 18 might be worth a shot.

[TomH]

Between CB Spice Tree and Balvenie 15 Single Barrel for a Speyside light peat I'd recommend the Spice Tree for price and repeatability

For the more peated side of your choices (Peat Monster and Oban) both are great, the Peat Monster would give you a little more peat and brine (I have a real love of Oban as it was the whisky that led me down the path of smoke, but now I always have a bottle of Peat Monster open). Since you were not that crazy about the Ardmore, I might recommend you go with the Peat Monster.

Now for your Peat/Sherry combo's, like others have said, I would definitely recommend upgrading the the HP15 that would keep you below the price of the Talisker DE. As far as which to buy, if you want the same intense profile as the Talisker you tried, but refined with the sherry finish go with the DE, if you want to try something a little more subtle go with the HP.

BTW, I've got a couple of these open (and can easily be coaxed to open 1 or 2 more) that will be available for tasting at the Indy get together Saturday (see thread in bourbon social area). Also since you like Hedonism, I'm probably going to be opening a bottle of Hedonism Maximus that really shows how good aged grain whisky can shine.

Edited May 15, 2014 by TomH

[AaronWF]

Get some Springbank. The 10 at 46% and the 12 at CS are both standard, though I actually have had neither recently. Either should be a great place to start. Springbank brings in a wisp of peat and if you want more, go for the Longrow. It's not like Islay peat, nor is it like Talisker; it's really much more about earth and dirt, but with the same clean malt backbone as the Springbank. If you have access to the Longrow 10/100, that's where I'd start.

Also, can't go wrong with Clynelish. I consider it a must-have, especially for someone just getting into Scotch.

[Max Power]

I can try to help you get some of these if they're running expensive in your parts. Around here I think the prices that I can get are as follows: (and these are my rankings in order of favorites)

1. Balvenie 15 - $64 + tax

2. Spice Tree - $60 + tax

3. Oban 14 - $53 + tax

4. HP15 - $55 + tax (agree with others that it's worth stepping up to the 15 from the 12)

I think that I can even dig up the HP18 for $100 out the door possibly.

[tanstaafl2]

Get some Springbank. The 10 at 46% and the 12 at CS are both standard, though I actually have had neither recently. Either should be a great place to start. Springbank brings in a wisp of peat and if you want more, go for the Longrow. It's not like Islay peat, nor is it like Talisker; it's really much more about earth and dirt, but with the same clean malt backbone as the Springbank. If you have access to the Longrow 10/100, that's where I'd start.

Also, can't go wrong with Clynelish. I consider it a must-have, especially for someone just getting into Scotch.

I really like the Sprinkbank 12 Cask Strength. Well worth trying.

I can try to help you get some of these if they're running expensive in your parts. Around here I think the prices that I can get are as follows: (and these are my rankings in order of favorites)

1. Balvenie 15 - $64 + tax

2. Spice Tree - $60 + tax

3. Oban 14 - $53 + tax

4. HP15 - $55 + tax (agree with others that it's worth stepping up to the 15 from the 12)

I think that I can even dig up the HP18 for $100 out the door possibly.

I need to go shopping in St. Paul!

[tanstaafl2]

BTW, I've got a couple of these open (and can easily be coaxed to open 1 or 2 more) that will be available for tasting at the Indy get together Saturday (see thread in bourbon social area). Also since you like Hedonism, I'm probably going to be opening a bottle of Hedonism Maximus that really shows how good aged grain whisky can shine.

Hmm, that Hedonism Maximus might be enough to get me to abandon my own gathering and drive to Indy!

[amg]

Now I really wish I didn't already have plans on Saturday! Sounds like a good time.

Prices aren't too outlandish here, but things vary quite a bit by brand/store combination. I have seen HP18 for just shy of $100. Might have to pull the trigger on that... or I could get a Clynelish AND a Spice Tree and just be a little bit over budget... as usual the answer is "all of them". :grin:

Diageo prices are really skyrocketing, though. The current release of Tali 18 is $120+ (I got one a couple years ago for $80) and I haven't seen an Oban 18 locally for less than $150.

[BigRich]

Hmm, that Hedonism Maximus might be enough to get me to abandon my own gathering and drive to Indy!

Just leave the door and liquor locker unlocked and we'll "clean up" before we leave.

[smokinjoe]

Just leave the door and liquor locker unlocked and we'll "clean up" before we leave.

Change of plans for transportation on Saturday...Scratch Uber, and rent the biggest U-Haul we can find...

[DaveOfAtl]

Change of plans for transportation on Saturday...Scratch Uber, and rent the biggest U-Haul we can find...

We may still need two trips!

[BigRich]

We may still need two trips!

We'll drink some first damn it!

[tanstaafl2]

OK, OK! I will stick around so you guys won't be forced to do so much manual labor just because I am such a nice guy...

[jvd99]

I'll also jump on the Sprinbank train here. The 10 is a quality bottle at a reasonable price point. However, I would recommend either the 12 CS or 15. Both are outstanding, complex and enjoyable pours.

[garbanzobean]

After all my recent bourbon purchases, I think it's time to add a new Scotch to the bar. I like peated and unpeated offerings, though I prefer the peat to be somewhat balanced. I found Laphroaig 10 to be just a bit too much. My favorites that I've tried so far have been Talisker 18, CB Hedonism, and an Oban 1969 32yr that I was lucky enough to get a few ounces of.

Right now I have a CB Hedonism, which I love, and an Ardmore Traditional Cask, which is decent enough for $29, but if it was much more expensive I'd probably pass on it.

Here are the bottles that I've been eyeing lately. Any of them stand out as a must-buy?

CB Spice Tree

CB Peat Monster

Highland Park 12

Balvenie 15 Single Barrel

Talisker Distiller's Edition

Oban 14

I'm trying to keep it under $100. Any thoughts?

[zeeck]

Of those I would prefer the Balvenie.

[ChainWhip]

Take up TomH's offer and go try them out for yourself [ I'd like a peek at his bunker one day ]

I'll take up the call to recommend the distillery "that could" in Campbeltown - Springbank & Longrow are excellent.

[amg]

I'd also heard that rumor about the current Balvenie 15 being discontinued, so I picked one up today just in case.

[MtnDew]

I'd also heard that rumor about the current Balvenie 15 being discontinued, so I picked one up today just in case.

[BigRich]

My understanding is that the new 15 year single barrel sherry cask will replace the current 15 year. It's also one of my favorites of all time, I still have one in the bunker from when they were available for $60. I need to get another before they go away completely.

http://www.bevnet.com/news/spirits/2014/the-balvenie-introduces-its-15-year-old-single-barrel-sherry-cask-whisky/

[Max Power]

My understanding is that the new 15 year single barrel sherry cask will replace the current 15 year. It's also one of my favorites of all time, I still have one in the bunker from when they were available for $60. I need to get another before they go away completely.

http://www.bevnet.com/news/spirits/2014/the-balvenie-introduces-its-15-year-old-single-barrel-sherry-cask-whisky/

Damnit. Now I need to go pick up a couple. This is one of my favorites. I'll be sad if I can get that malty goodness now without the sherry. I'm sure the sherry will be good, but there's a lot of good sherried bottles out there.

[MtnDew]

Damnit. Now I need to go pick up a couple. This is one of my favorites. I'll be sad if I can get that malty goodness now without the sherry. I'm sure the sherry will be good, but there's a lot of good sherried bottles out there.

I may need to utilize your much better sources for these bottles. I've been looking while traveling around and the last few cities I've been in (Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix) all had prices similar to WA for the 15 ($90+) and I really want another before the sherry version is all I can find.

[smokinjoe]

After all my recent bourbon purchases, I think it's time to add a new Scotch to the bar. I like peated and unpeated offerings, though I prefer the peat to be somewhat balanced. I found Laphroaig 10 to be just a bit too much. My favorites that I've tried so far have been Talisker 18, CB Hedonism, and an Oban 1969 32yr that I was lucky enough to get a few ounces of.

Right now I have a CB Hedonism, which I love, and an Ardmore Traditional Cask, which is decent enough for $29, but if it was much more expensive I'd probably pass on it.

Here are the bottles that I've been eyeing lately. Any of them stand out as a must-buy?

CB Spice Tree

CB Peat Monster

Highland Park 12

Balvenie 15 Single Barrel

Talisker Distiller's Edition

Oban 14

I'm trying to keep it under $100. Any thoughts?