Comments on: Question for single-malt drinkers

By: Gabriele

Gabriele — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 17:59:49 +0000

If you can get your hands on it, try a MacAllan 25, that guy goes down smoothly and should be a bit less expensive than the Aberfeldy. :)

By: Deanna Hoak

Deanna Hoak — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 19:50:09 +0000

Thanks, guys. I went back to the sale determined to get the Balvenie 12 and the Aberfeldy 12, but alas they were sold out of the Balvenie. (Actually they had some of the canisters filled with cheaper liquor; someone had bought a case, replaced the bottles with something else, and then returned it saying they didn’t like the taste. That scam seems so simple you’d think the liquor stores would know to check the canisters.)

Anyway, I got the Aberfeldy 12. I like the taste of it better than I liked the Aberlour (which was 15–I was misremembering), and the smell of it is amazing; but it doesn’t go down nearly as smoothly as the Aberlour did, so I think I like the Aberlour better on the whole. (And yes, I realize this probably means I would love that expensive bottle of Aberfeldy. :-) I just can’t convince myself to spend the money on it.)
Anyway, here’s a link to a review of this Aberfeldy 12. (Thanks for the link to that site, Gwenda!)

By: Gwenda

Gwenda — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 10:42:27 +0000

The Balvenie 12 is lovely. It’s actually better, imo, than the Balvenie 15, which can be inconsistent. If I were going to spend over 100 on a whisky, it would probably be a Laphroig. But really, if you’re not a whisky drinker, wait a year or two, then do that. You’ll appreciate it more.

This is an excellent quick whisky review site.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 08:20:23 +0000

Get the Balvenie. No question.

By: Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:40:54 +0000

I can second the Bunnahabhain recomendation and I’m a newbie scotch drinker.

By: Mike Munsil

Mike Munsil — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:33:48 +0000

The Aberfeldy 21 will be a waste of your money. Buy the 12-year old instead. If you’re up to trying something peaty, give the 12-year old Bunnahabhain a try. It is the mildest of the Islay single-malts and has a hint of sea-salt.

You might try taking a look at the book “Raw Spirit”, written by Iain Banks.

By: Laura Anne

Laura Anne — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:08:50 +0000

gonna take this space to brag a bit — my birthday present from The Guy was a bottle of Glenmorangie Single Cask 1989 port pipe (cask strength) rare limited edition (796 bottle released). It’s… really really good. Reaaaaaaly good.

By: Tom Powers

Tom Powers — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 22:54:21 +0000

A thought occured, if you try the Aberfeldy and hate it, let me know and I’ll swap you a bottle of Balvenie (or even 18 yr old GlenLivet - I’ve got a spare unopened right now).

By: Deanna Hoak

Deanna Hoak — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 22:44:25 +0000

Thanks, guys. I’m enjoying the advice.

Though I have to say, the fact that not one of you single-malt drinkers has apparently tried the fancy Aberfeldy is making me think that it would be awfully nice to have on hand to treat people with….

By: Todd

Todd — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 22:33:44 +0000

LOL! So, a question near and dear to my heart. A buddy pointed me to this blog. I wouldn’t recommend a $191 bottle if you’re relatively new to scotch drinking, wait a bit for that. You’ll appreciate it better after a little more experience. Balvenie 12 yo (I presume the double wood)is yummy, I can recommend it. In fact I’ve got a particularly fond memory of breaking a buddy into scotch drinking…. after taking a sip (both eyes closed) of Balvenie 12 yo I’d bought him, he opened one eye and said “hey, this isn’t bad, I don’t even have to wince when I drink it”. The Aberfeldy 12 yo I haven’t had personally, but in general I’d say scotches under $30 / bottle *will* put hair on your chest… not recommended for the newer drinker.

So … Balvenie, you won’t be sorry.