Nice thread - had to go and pour myself a wee dram after reading, even though I'm still digesting breakfast

I'm a bit of an Ardbeg fanboy myself. The Supernova (2010 Whisky Bible Scotch of the Year) was the best £120 I ever spent. The other week at a whisky festival I tried some of the Amrut Fusion (below), an Indian whisky which took 3rd place overall in 2010. I have no recollection of what it tasted like (standard lol) but I wrote 9/10 on my programme. The Glenfarclas 21 also got a 9/10, although I'm guessing I got more generous as the day went on



A non-Islay malt I like which I haven't seen mentioned ITT is Old Pulteney. It's a coastal, highland distillery and you really can taste the salty, sea air in this whisky, which appeals to me for whatever reason. There's also a little sherry sweetness and a hint of vanilla. The 17yo is a little smoother than the 12yo and worth the extra money imo (although it's more than double the price in the US).



On the topic of 17yo whisky, I see the 2011 Whisky Bible World Whisky of the Year is a 17yo blended Scotch



£40 for a bottle if you trust Mr. Murray's judgement...

Really tempted to get one of these. Have you ever tried any of the higher end Hirsch bottlings?

AA,

I've had the Hirsch 16 and 20. Very good, very smooth. But I way prefer the flavor of Willett.

The only one I know of is Auchentoshan. The first bottle of whisky I ever purchased for myself the very day I turned 20 (lol swedish alcohol monopoly) was the 12 yo. Had tried a few malts at a whisky bar before that and this one stuck out as the kindest one to my then undeveloped palate. Would love to try one of their other bottlings. I've got a feeling that it ages well to my tastes.

Most of my friends have found it to be way too inoffensive, and have written it of as bland. Most of them pretty much only drink Islay malts though fwiw.

Ive perused the thread and it seems there are quite a few nice bourbons that Ive never tried and in most cases never even heard of. My entire experience of bourbon is Jack Daniels (both the normal kind and single barrel), Four Roses, and Wild Turkey. Id like some recommendations that'll open my eyes to bourbon, or rye for that matter. I'm looking for two or three choice bottles, preferably under $200 each and something not too limited in supply since Ill be looking for them in Europe.

I haven't been much of a whiskey connoisseur myself , but I do love Gentleman Jack and Single Barrel Jack, which is what I generally stick to. Any suggestions that are along the same lines as these two for a new try?

I'm jealous. How much did it run you?

I'll do you one better and give you a few for $100 or less ($200 is waaay too much to be spending off the bat). Get a bottle of Noah's Mill, Sazerac 18 yr Rye (if you can find it), and the Pappy Van Winkle 20 yr.

+1 on the Blantons and Pappys. Also, Knob Creek and Makers Mark are both pretty cheap and very tasty imo.

re: makers and knob creek.....I agree that they are solid bourbons, but at the price point I'd recommend Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek, Eagle Rare, or the Elijah Craig 12 yr over either of them. Ever had any of those Rich? If you haven't, I'd definitely check them out. The Elijah Craig can be found for $25/bottle.

Never had any of em. I'll have to give em a whirl. Thx. I'll pick some up with the Pappy 20yr I'm going to get next trip to the store.

sweet...let me know what ya think

Rich,

I agree w/ all of AA's recs except the Elijah Craig, which I just don't like that much. Many of my friends really like it, though. I just prefer all the other ones he's mentioned a lot more.

$240. btw had a GREAT TIME at the single malt extravaganza. I would tell you more if I remembered that night at all!

Ardbeg Supernova dillema. Advice appreciated.

I've no idea how much individual years matter but just about (following posts here) to order the Ardbeg and noticed the 2010 is available.

The 2009 is the one that's won the awards and being recommended. Its £125

The 2010 is out at a mere £79

That difference pays for a lot of Highland Park 18 year (which is great btw)

Have to buy in next few days, what to do?