Scotch?

In the evenings, I like to enjoy a good glass of single-malt Scotch (notice that I said single-malt. Blended stuff like JW does not count).
That being said, I'm curious to see if there are any fellow hobbyists (or providers) that enjoy a good single malt. If so, what is your preferred brand and why? Neat or on the rocks?

Personally, I tend towards the lighter-tasting ones, with my current ranking in order from favorite and then down.:
1) Glenlivit (the 12 is okay, the 15 is better, the 18 is great. Haven't tried the 21 or 25 yet).
2) Dalwhinnie 15.
3) A harder-to-find one, Cardhu, has an interesting citrus flavor.
4) Macallan Edition #1 is a bit on the smokey side, but is also okay.
5) Oban 14 is pretty good as well.

I'm not as fond of the very smokey or peaty brands like Glenfiddich...

What say y'all? Any suggestions on brands to try?

For single malts I like Macallan, Highland Park, and some of the smokier ones like Talisker. I have tried Cardhu once, the Oban is good, and Glenfiddich 18 is quite good. Cheers!

I also am a fan of scotches. I actually enjoy the smokey and peaty scotches, most recently I have been drinking the Glenfiddich 15 Solara which is great. I also like Ardbeg and Laphroaig when I am craving the peat

My preference is Laphroaig I usually get the 10 yr., but for special occasions, I'll get an older one. What ever I can afford.
To experience the smoke of the peat fires, and breath the salt-sea air with every sniff whilst taking a wee dram , one is whisk'd awa to the land of Burns, where me heart is in the Highlands achasin' the deer.
If you assume I drink it 'neat', you'd be correct, sir.

I always take my first drink neat, then will usually switch to on the rocks.

...What ever I can afford...
If you assume I drink it 'neat', you'd be correct, sir. Originally Posted by Bushjumper

The 'afford' bit is a part of the reason I started the thread. Good Scotch is not inexpensive, and it can be aggravating to drop $$ on a bottle only to find out you don't like that particular Brand or vintage's taste...And yes, Scotch is meant to be consumed neat (although I must admit to adding a small rock or too for the less-refined ones such as the Glenlivet 12, just to take away the small bite they have ).

Several years ago, I had a friend who had never tasted Scotch. All he had ever had was cheap whiskey. We were at a local establishment, and I bought him a round of Dalwhinnie. I told him NOT to down it, but to sip it.
He took a sip, and then said "Now I understand what I've seen in the movies when people sip their drinks...I always thought it was made-up BS, since I've always had to down the stuff I drink because of the burn...This stuff is GOOD !!!"


Thanks to each of you for your input.

Oban
One of the San Antonio gals turned me on to that.

Also usually have
Glenfiddich & Glenlivit
on the rack. Need to go shopping to fill an empty spot.

A lot of guests work on Jameson. I have a few of those that's been given to me as gifts.

My go to is Lagavulin... smooth and gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

I'm seeing a lot of really good scotch named here. I'll add a name, but also point you to a great reference book which really opened my tastebuds!

The scotch: Auchentoshan Three Wood. Reasonably priced, and very smooth.

The book: Broom's World Atlas of Whisky. This book and its flavor map really opened up my mind to the possibilities out there. I went and bought four distinctive scotches from the map and was amazed at the flavors I encountered.

I'm seeing a lot of really good scotch named here. I'll add a name, but also point you to a great reference book which really opened my tastebuds!

The scotch: Auchentoshan Three Wood. Reasonably priced, and very smooth.

The book: Broom's World Atlas of Whisky. This book and its flavor map really opened up my mind to the possibilities out there. I went and bought four distinctive scotches from the map and was amazed at the flavors I encountered. Originally Posted by McHappy

I've never heard of either one, but now you have my curiosity up!!! The book should be easy to find (Amazon, here I come). However, where would I find the Auchentoshan? I've never seen it on a shelf anywhere, and in Texas you can't legally buy liquor on-line.

PS: I'm pleasantly surprised at the number of Scotch lovers here...

I'm sure many of you have SO's that do wine-tasting parties, with wines, cheese, etc. Too bad they won't let us do Scotch-tasting parties, with fine single-malts, cigars, sports on the big-screen, and providers all around...

I've never heard of either one, but now you have my curiosity up!!! The book should be easy to find (Amazon, here I come). However, where would I find the Auchentoshan? I've never seen it on a shelf anywhere, and in Texas you can't legally buy liquor on-line.

Originally Posted by hotindallas

Psst.. you can buy liquor online in Ohio-- and I may know an Ohio lady that you might meet along the way

I swear by Old Pultney. Its a fucking amazing single malt

https://www.oldpulteney.com/#

Balvenie Caribbean Cask

I would also like to mention a single malt from Japan not Scotland. If you get a chance to try or to buy Yamazaki single malt - either the 12 year or the 18 year - do so as it gets harder and harder to find. It has a unique taste due to Japanese Oak used in the barrels for aging. Its an excellent distillery and award winning single malt.
And yes, I drink my single malts and bourbons neat.

I love Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare. Decent price as well