Quote:
Originally Posted by FloppyJ
Which single malt should be up next for a whiskey noob? Balvenie? A trip to Islay?
Given what you have enjoyed, you will almost certainly like both Balvenie Doublewood or Balvenie Signature. Other well-made Speysides might appeal as well.
If you want to broaden your horizons, look to an Islay malt. Lagavulin 16 is probably the best readily available in Canada. It goes for about $110. Bruichladdich Peat and Bowmore Darkest are alternatives in the $75-80 range. I haven't tried Laphroaig Quarter Cask, which is new in this market. Ardbeg 10 goes for only a bit less than Lagavulin 16. I don't think it is quite worth the price.
I just finished my Macallan 18 tonight. It is very nice, well-structured and reasonably complex. Spicier and more powerful than the Highland Park or Balvenie 12s. However the $250 they are currently asking for it in Ontario is too high IMO. For that money I'd rather buy a Highland Park 18
and a Lagavulin 16. Or a Balvenie Portwood
and a case of St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout.