Best single-malt Scotch...


I have to give credit to Redwiki for the inspiration to start this thread. Yes, certain malts better compliment certain music or certain moods. Of the fifteen or so different malts in my cabinet right now, my favorites are: Aberlour "Antique", similar to the popular Macallan, but not as syrupy; a bit drier, light hearted and less complicated; great with Mozart and Brubeck. Mortlach "Limited Edition" cask strength. Powerful, smoky, mysterious. Great with Bartok, Berg and late 'Trane. Loch Morar 25 yr old. Incredibly complex and intense, with a hint of honey and flowers. Great with Poulenc, Stravinsky and Bill Evans. Any other single-malt aficionados out there?
frogman
Absolutely agree, Pardales. Hardly an inexpensive whiskey but worth the bucks. The only way I can get it is to have my son track it down in CA. WA's state liquor board controls imports and this is one of many whiskies that I can't purchase here. There is an 18 year old with rum finish available which I've had the chance to sample. A bit long in the tongue for me but Aberlour's 15 is very good. FWIW, my greatgrandfather was born in Aberlour, or Charleston on Aberlour.
I wonder why nobody has mentioned Bruichladdich yet as this is a traditional malt that is extremely pleasing without having the need to break the bank
I think those who get a taste for Islay tend to migrate to the extreme end of the flavour spectrum (eg. Lagavullin, Laphroiag, Caol Ila and Port Ellen), leaving otherwise worthy candidates like Bruichladdich and Bowmore out in the cold.
Ardbeg has always had an excellent taste to me, as have Cragganmore and Springbank.

With a tobacco pipe, Ardbeg works very well because of its intense flavor.

--Jonathan