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
When I posted above about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, I didn't mention that their bottlings are all cask strength, directly from special barrels or casks that are of exceptional quality and purchased directly from the distillery. Over time, their bottlings are from more than 100 distilleries, some of which are no longer making product. All of the whisky is excellent, but I have particularly enjoyed an 18 year Dalwhinnie, a 30 year old Bowmore, and several terrific 10-12 year bottlings from very small distilleries.
Althou Lagavulin is one my fav's. I had the opportunity to sample (ie 1oz) a 1965 Talisker. Best scotch I ever had, we won't mention the price to my wife though....
During my last trip to Scotland I fell in love with Oban. It is from the western shore and has a velvet texture and not too smoky taste.
Glendronach seems sanely priced considering it's quality. Silky, smokey, smoooth. Much better than the 15 year old Aberlour. You will all probably hate me for this, but, I like it with chocolate!