What would you choose between A'Bunadh batch 60 and Balvenie 12 golden cask? both are about the same price 100$/90$ relatively Aberlour is 60.3% has pretty solid score on whiskybase definitely not the worst batch, Balvenie is only 43% but maybe the profile is a bit unique so I'm a bit puzzled here.

If anyone was able to try the Balvenie I would like to hear your opinion, can it offer something the regular 14 cannot.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a special whisky to gift my friend for his 40th birthday. He’s a big whisky enthusiast with an impressive collection, and I’d like to find something unique that he doesn’t already own. The whisky should fit his taste preferences, which lean towards Islay and Highland whiskies. The budget is up to €200, and it should be something I can purchase on the European market.

Here’s his current collection, which could be identified (based on pictures provided by his wife and analysed by ChatGPT):

1. Aberfeldy 12 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
2. Laphroaig Lore - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
3. Laphroaig Select - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
4. Laphroaig Quarter Cask - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
5. Laphroaig PX Cask - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
6. Laphroaig Triple Wood - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
7. Ledaig (Sherry Cask Finish) - Scotch Whisky.
8. Ardbeg 10 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
9. Ardbeg An Oa - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
10. Glenmorangie 10 Original - Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
11. Dalmore 12 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
12. Dalmore 15 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
13. Bowmore 18 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
14. Talisker 10 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
15. Talisker Port Ruighe - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
16. Bunnahabhain Toiteach a Dhà - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
17. Bunnahabhain 12 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
18. Lagavulin 9 (Game of Thrones Edition - House Lannister) - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
19. Lagavulin 16 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
20. Dalwhinnie Winter's Frost (Game of Thrones Edition - House Stark) - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
21. Kilchoman Machir Bay - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
22. Kilchoman Sanaig - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
23. Connemara Original - Irish Peated Single Malt Whiskey.
24. Auchentoshan 12 Years Old - Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
25. Teeling Blackpitts - Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey.
26. Caol Ila 12 - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
27. Royal Lochnagar (Game of Thrones Edition) - Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Do you have any recommendations for a special bottle that would complement his collection and stand out as a gift? I’d love to hear your suggestions!

Thanks in advance! 😊

Back during the 2008 recession, the Wall Street Journal published an article with that title. It was essentially a list of the best of the bottom shelf. Unsurprisingly, they listed blends and Teachers Highland Cream won and I believe Ballantines was a runner up. Recent economic news has made we curious about what this sub would drink in a down market.

Decided to try a bottle of The GlenGrant 15. I'm a fan but I don't think I could drink this stuff all night because the flavor of green apples can be overwhelmingly sweet at times. That being said, it's got a bit of burn going down but it's a real easy drink for 100 proof.

I've got a feeling this a hit or miss bottle for most folks.

How does r/scotch feel about the GlenGrant 15?

Cheers!

So I am really getting into independent bottlers like Cadenheads, Signatory, Adelphi, etc. But how do you know what you are buying? Some shops near me have some open bottles but a lot of times there are so few bottles produced that I have no way of trying before buying. Are you guys just buying them with the information on the label/good experiences with previous bottles from the distillery/bottler?

I'm pretty new to scotch and haven't mastered the art of intricate dissection yet but I also hadn't seen any reviews for this expression yet so figured I'd at least let anyone curious about the bottle know that it's pretty damn good 👍

Info: US only special release, from what I could tell

Age: 15 years

ABV: 55.3% (110.6 proof)

Maturation details: European Oak finished in ex-Oloroso & Palo Cortado sherry casks.

Rich nose. Raisin and brown sugar. Hint of citrus. Fairly prominent salt note when you get your nose in there. (Sea spray, if you're feeling bougie 😉) Extremely inviting on the nose...

And I'm pleased to report that all of the above continues without missing a beat into (onto?🤔) the palate. Such a warm, full bodied mouth feel. Coming from the world of bourbon/rye, some malt whisk(e)y I've tried have come across before as a bit "thin" and that's one reason why I was willing to pony up a bit to experience cask strength with this one... and it did not disappoint.

It's rich and velvety-smooth. Mouth coating. Taste= Vanilla, raisins. Candied and guey figs out of the oven, with an orange zest coating. It's warming and decadent.

This sticks the landing, thankfully, too ...

The finish is long, with cinnamon, brown sugar, and peppercorn pleasantly crackling along the roof of my mouth. It still has that malt note, don't get me wrong, but otherwise it reminds me of the finish on Old Overholt 11 year cask strength rye (if you have had it, you'll know what I mean), which is to say, I really enjoy it.

All in all this has really exceeded my expectations... Given the price, I was extremely nervous driving home that I'd be disappointed and I'm thrilled to say that it's my favorite bottle of Scotch yet. I am not saying that the price isn't an issue, and certainly wish it was at 100 not 150, but having tasted it, I'm also not mad or remotely let down by that either.

I don't feel experienced enough to give it a numerical rating but I will just conclude that I am really enjoying every sip, and keep going back for more. Thanks for reading, cheers!