A pick of 3 economical Speysides

[mier]

Here in Europe it is wellknown but in the States i`m not sure try a good liquershop it is worth it.Eric.

[AVB]

Glenfiddich Caoran (pronunced "ku-ran") is not available in the US. It is a 12 year old Glenfiddich finished in casks which previously held Islay whisky. About $54 (£27.00) in the UK

[heatmiser]

I like the sounds of that one! I will have to get a buddy of mine to get some when he is overseas on business!!!

[heatmiser]

I just visited a forum for Scotch Whiskey and nobody had anything good to say about the Glenfiddich Caoran. Interesting...

[mier]

May be those guys didn`t have a good day,it is really nice several sites i`ve been on they loved it ,could it be for the Islay casks?Laphroig and Ardbeg are not everybody`s favorite.Anyway i like it and you really should try:drink:may be they sell mini`s?Eric.

[boss302]

If the price is right I think Cragganmore 12 yo is worth going out of your way. I'm not familiar with Aberlour, but Cragganmore roundly beats the other two for me.

And by the way, what should I drink when I come to Sydney next month?

I would like to second Cragganmore, although I'm sticking to my guns with the Balvenie.

Even though they are not from Speyside, you may want to try the Dalwhinnie 15-year and Dalmore 12-year. Both are excellent, moderately-sherried Highlands.

[Megawatt]

It's been a while since I've had it, but I found that The Glenlivet 12 is richer in flavour than Glenfiddich 12. Haven't tried Aberlour 10, though...

[CorvallisCracker]

I'm pretty sure the Aberlour 10 has been replaced by a 12. There is only a 12 on the store shelves here in OR, anyway.

[drrich1965]

Glenfarclas 12 is my top pick, and it often is very well priced (35 bucks at times). The whole Farclas line is very well priced, with the 21yo often around 100 dollars- not bad for a 21 year old whisk(e)y these days..

I am not a big fan of Glenfiddich 12, but just love the honey/oaky balance of the 15.

Glenlivet 12 is solid, a nice malty malt.

I am not a big fan of Aberlour 10 (I think the 12 is an addition, not replacment). The quality of the sherry is far to grappy and sappy for me- I like my malt to taste of malt. The Farclas is well sherried, but far more in balance.

Aberfeldy 12 is a pretty nice pour, although blind I would think it is a blend- a hint on the grainy thin side, but still nice.

Shout outs were given to some highlanders- Dalmore 12 is a great bang for the buck malt, nice smoky, citrus quality.

Since we expanded the region somewhat, Glengoyne 10 is a very good malty malt, a malt monster if you will.

[boss302]

I am not a big fan of Aberlour 10 (I think the 12 is an addition, not replacment).

Is the 12-year even available in the US? According to the website, there are two 12-year expressions-- one duty-free, one specific to France (Aberlour's primary market).

[CorvallisCracker]

Is the 12-year even available in the US? According to the website, there are two 12-year expressions-- one duty-free, one specific to France (Aberlour's primary market).

I believe Oregon is part of the US.

[Stu]

Since we're voting for other than the top three listed, and we've left speyside...I vote for Dalmore or Old Pultney. They are both excellent highland whiskys and they are frequently on sale for much less than any of the others. I've bought Dalmore 12 at Christmas time for as little as $16/bottle if you buy a case. Normal price is about $35 top. I have to get Old Pultney when I travel, and I usually get it in OK city for less than $30 (usually closer to $20). Tomatin is another that is reasonably priced (in the 20s) that is good, and it is a speyside. Just my opinion, but then, we all know what opinions are like.

Are any of these available in Oz?

Stu

[Gov]

Yes, Old Pulteney and The Dalmore I will vouch for. Two of my favorites at great bargains!

[boss302]

I believe Oregon is part of the US.

My apologies, Corvallis, I didn't check.

Although there are those who would argue if the "left coast" really is part of the US...

(just kidding, of course!)

[CorvallisCracker]

My apologies, Corvallis, I didn't check.

Although there are those who would argue if the "left coast" really is part of the US...

I'd be tempted to agree if I wasn't paying so much federal income tax.

As for the 12yo Aberlour, it's the most commonly stocked Aberlour in local liquor stores. Price is $35.95 (yesterday it was $31.95, the last day of an OLCC "Monthly Special"[1]).

Most places also stock the 16yo and the a'bunadh, plus I know of a store with some dusty bottles of the 15yo (at least the last time I was there, about six weeks ago now).

1. Shouldn't have let this get by me, was going to buy a bottle to set aside as an Xmas gift for my daughter's boyfriend.