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
I've been a Glen Levet/Glen Feddich Scotch fan for the past 6 years. I got started by a friend after playing a round of golf. The bar tender pored a tall glass with ice and for up until 6 months ago thats how i enjoyed Single Malt Scotch. After reading up more on the subject i started buying other brands in the past 6 months. Bowmore 10 year old, Balvenie 15 very reasonable at 55us, Dalmore 15 bought on line from Scotland, Glenmorangie 10 and 15 my favorite, Laphroaig 10, very reasonable to at 35us did someone say smoke and peat but i enjoy this dram also, Macallan 12. I've also enjoyed others at the bar Talisker, Oban, Glenfarclas. Being a reformed smoker i find the same release from the finish on sipping. Very enjoyable and relaxing. Single malt has now become my drink of choice for the taste. Its important to have a closed glass for noising. I acquired those from a Glenmorangie Christmas gift set. I also picked up 2 more from a Glenlivet testing package with a 15 year old French oak and a 16 Nadurra. I like to enjoy some with a melted cube of ice and others with a dash of water and then theres a few i like neet only. For me Classic Rock and Scotch are a great combo.
Mike
I just got a bottle of Glennmorange Astar and it is great and $89 a bottle, very complex and solid character.
Unsound: the Laphroig 15 YO is in a different class than the 8 YO. All I can say is I wept when the last drop went down my gullet.
The thread that will never die :)

If you want a rare treat, find your way to Edinburgh and go to The Scotch Whiskey Society for lunch. You can sample (for a price) as many of their specially bottled single malts by the glass...and the price is very reasonable. You can also buy a bottle of whatever you like. A wonderful place.

My long time preference has been Lagavulan 16YO. The price locally is now $84 but I found an out of state source where I can get it for $50-$55.

One of my least favorite is Lach Dhu but now I wish I hadn't opened the bottle since it's gotten so expensive as a collectors item. I still have 3/4 of a bottle for company that wants to try it.