What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

[MtnDew]

Yeah, I finished a bottle of Batch 3 last week. Unfortunately, I don't have any left to make a direct comparison, but this one seems different. Great nose, but it definitely is less sweet, a "woodier" flavor, although not unpleasant. And I've never really understood when people picked up on a leather when tasting whisky until now. It's quite nice.

Interesting. I have a bottle of the batch 3 that I'm saving (it's currently my most expensive bottle so I need some good excuse to open it) and was wondering about getting a bottle of batch 6 while it is still available. Would you recommend it?

[Trey Manthey]

Interesting. I have a bottle of the batch 3 that I'm saving (it's currently my most expensive bottle so I need some good excuse to open it) and was wondering about getting a bottle of batch 6 while it is still available. Would you recommend it?

I would recommend it if you open up that Batch #3 and post a picture here:

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?18934-Threshold-for-Cracking-Open-A-Special-Bottle&p=312940&viewfull=1#post312940

[Yeti]

I enjoyed a wee dram of Glenfarclas 30 straight from the bottle, as per Trey's link above.

[Trey Manthey]

YES! You are awesome.

[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.

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.

[HighInTheMtns]

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.

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.

[WAINWRIGHT]

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.

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.

[compliance]

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

[squire]

Segram 8 yr Gold.

[Wall Eye]

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

[unclebunk]

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.

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.

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.

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!

Edited December 14, 2012 by unclebunk

[MyOldKyDram]

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

[ebo]

Oban 14.

............

[squire]

What's your take on Oban, ebo? I haven't had any in years and just noticed my local has it in stock.

[ebo]

It's been a while since I had it, too. It's kind of a light, floral whisky. More delicate than I remember. It's not a bad dram at all, just a little too pricey for what it is, IMO.

[unclebunk]

It's been a while since I had it, too. It's kind of a light, floral whisky. More delicate than I remember. It's not a bad dram at all, just a little too pricey for what it is, IMO.

That about sums it up. Very nice whisky but a bit pricey, as you said. Oban's distillery was the first one I ever toured and I have a soft spot for the stuff but you can do better for the price.

[squire]

Sorta my recollection as well.

[squire]

Seagram Gold 8 yr

[ebo]

Laphroaig 10 tonight.

[squire]

Segram's Gold 8 yr

[WAINWRIGHT]

Laphroaig Quarter Cask followed up with some Ardbeg Corryvreckan to round things out.

Edited December 22, 2012 by WAINWRIGHT

[ebo]

A nice dram of Highland Park 12. As much as I love the 18, I'm not sure that I don't think the 12 is better.

[MyOldKyDram]

Just starting to dabble in the Darkside really, and tonight it's Lagavulin 16s turn. Mercy. This is simply streets ahead of the Laphroiag QC I had tried earlier, and I adore that whisky. Just every kind of smoke imaginable on the Lag, but sweet and spicy. Briny too. Tremendous finish with smoke for days. So damned good on this cold Winter evening.

[Megawatt]

Nikka Whisky From the Barrel. Damn good stuff, very sweet and rich and slightly smoky. Hard to believe it is a blend.

[Ejmharris]

Morning pour of Green Spot! Smooth as silk. I prefer my bourbon a little more aggressive but really enjoy the drinkability of this Irish whiskey. When it is gone I will need to work my resources in the UK to get a couple more bottles brought over.

Mike