Source
r/Scotch•
StudyAnimal

Getting sick of smoke.

The last two whiskys I had been drinking were 2 independent bottlings of 18 year old. A Highland and a Speyside, and I really noticed the depth and complexity of the nose and flavor despite being a Islay fan.

Yesterday I finished my exam so after I got a bottle of Laphroaig 10 to relax with. I was surprised to discover, as I began nosing and tasting, thinking this is a pretty shallow simple scotch with a lot of smoke added to it.

I think I am going off smoke, since those 18 year old indies had a lot of complexity.

Of course this may lead to a new appreciation of some of the less smoky Islays like Bruichladdich, that I tended to scoff at previously as not being smoky enough.

Good it be, there is more to scotch than smoke?

Anyway, no question, just sharing the evolution of this taster's preferences.

I think I might be adventurous and explore some Speysiders and Highlanders for my next tasting.

Posted Jan 19, 2011, 9:55 AM UTC

410
Niqulaz•

There is a lot more to whisky than just smoke.

If you want to try something completely different, go for a Glenkinchie, which is almost silky smooth in its flavour.

And try Auchentoshan. At first it will seems bland, almost without any distinction. But as you get used to it, you will notice that it has it's own nature. It is only rather subtle about it.

3
BartlebyCFC•

I agree that Lagavulin and Laphroaig, while fantastic whiskies, are somewhat lacking in subtlety. Ardbeg is a better bet for more complexity beneath the peat and smoke.

Speysides that I'd recommend are Strathisla and Longmorn -- expecially if you can locate any older independent bottlings.

Highlands, I can't praise Clynelish highly enough...Ben Nevis is usually very good too.

Don't overlook Cambeltown and the Islands. Springbank and Highland Park are widely considered to be among the best distilleries (justifiably so).

Then again, after saying all that; if you get into the realms of single-cask bottlings, first-fill sherry casks can lead to whisky that's almost as one-dimensional as the super-peaty Islays.

3
The_Number_4•

Absolutely on the Springbank.

2
Valeen•

I love independent bottlers. I believe there is an amazing amount of value there. I have had a 40 yr old Macallans from an independent bottler and it was an great whisky and an unbelievable value at something like 300 bucks a bottle. On top of the value they rarely chill filter or add color.

Out of curiosity what were the distilleries and the bottlers?

3
StudyAnimalOP•

They were no names bottled here in Germany for the budget supermarkets. I posted a picture of the bottles shortly before xmas. You can't find out who the distillers were in case it damages their brand or something, unfortunately.

1
WettestHat•

Originally, I didn't care for the peatier smokier scotches, and I only cared for Speysides and some Highlands. With time I started to develop a taste for the Islays and now I love them to.

My philosophy on whisky has always been to just try them. And then try them again. There are so many layers and so many varieties and so many ways to appreciate them, just enjoy the whole journey.

2
brian47126Swami of Smokey Scotch•

I do tend to love islays; however, every now and again I want some other taste. Sometimes I go to Longrows and the Springbanks. The Longrow CV is a very good value and worthy of your consideraton.

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cdpilkington•

Seconded on the Longrow CV. It's just such an interesting use of peat, when it first showed up for tasting in my Whisky society I couldn't help but like it. All the more fascinating when you compare it with the other springbank whiskies.

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[deleted]•

Try Dalwhinnie. Very little "smoke".

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[deleted]•

I too am a lover of the smoke, but lately I've been branching out into speyside and highland whiskeys. I'm loving the variation and complexity compared to the peat punch of Laphroaig.

At first, I thought Tullibardine was weak and sort of... I wanted to say boring compared to Islay whiskeys, but after spending a bit of time with the '93 Vintage expression I'm noticing more complexity in it. It just took me a bit to get used to not having a gob full of smoke after each sip.

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