The challenger: Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban.
The reigning champion: Oban 14
The everyday: Aberlour 12
I'm tasting at different times today (it's a bit early, even for me, to booze up this early in the morning), and I'll report later on what I think (I'll bet opinion changes during the day, depending on - dunno what).
For fun, I'll also get Mrs. CW to render an opinion. She's not a Scotch drinker, so she ought to have some pithy thoughts.
Update: first impressions.
Ok, the Quinta Ruban is indeed sweet/port like. The wife, whose palate is inexperienced, noticed immediately the sweetness, and clearly smelled the port. I thought it was a more complicated taste than, say, the Aberlour, but quite satisfying at that point where, at about a minute in to the taste, after it's swallowed, you sigh and go, "ah, that was good."
I didn't get chewy or thick, but I did think it was "thicker" than either of the other two. The nose certainly has a hint of caramel. Wait, lemme try another sniff/sip.
Yes, port/sweetness lessening slightly/caramel. Maybe that's what others are referring to as "cereal." Note, not a truly sweet sense, but more of a touch. It's absolutely a rich, flavorful Scotch, well worth the coin expended.
At this early point, I'd still give the nod to Oban 14, but the Quinta Ruban is definitely one to drink frequently, and would be a great choice on a rainy, blustery day.
Should be fun. Any opinions from the peanut gallery? Love to hear what everyone thinks of the single malt world.
A 12 year port aged Speyside against a 14 year double cask Speyside - the odds go for age.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites is a 12 year Balvenie Sherry cask aged. I have found a inexpensive blend as my everyday - Duggan's Dew.
I've visited Scotland on several occasions and tried more than a few. I'm partial to the very peaty Laphroaig. The smoky aroma reminds me of the pipe tobacco I smoked back in the 70's. I spent a lot of afternoons in Fort William staring out at the Nevis mountain range beyond Loch Linnhe while enjoying a dram or more
ReplyDeleteLike Tony I am quite fond of Balvenie. I fell in love with the 21yo, but can't afford that very often. I really liked the 15 year aged in a sherry cask, although I'm not finding that anymore. Balvenie 14 aged in a rum cask is quite good, and my usual everyday "candy" that I can afford is actually Macallan 12 aged in a port cask.
ReplyDeleteI am also a fan of peated Islay whiskies. A good peated Highland whisky is Ardmore and is fairly affordable. Happy tastings!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a fan of Islay whiskies. Current favorite is Bruichladdich "Laddie Eight". Nicely peated and vary smooth. The daughter gave it to me for my BD. He boss was visiting Scotland and she asked him to pick it up. I'd seen the distillery on an Amazon Prime Video "Whisky". A little overly dramatic, but a decent lesson on Islay Whisky's.
ReplyDeleteDo a taste test of Laphroaig, Highland Park and Old Pultenay. All very different, the Missus won't like the Laproaig, it's a man's scotch!
ReplyDeleteI've sampled Laphroaig. As you say, it's a man's Scotch for sure!
DeleteI'll stick with the Oban 14, of which I still have one bottle - which will be saved for a suitable occasion.
ReplyDeleteThose who prefer the more peaty single malts can have them with my blessing; I know where my tastes are best served, and will rest comfortably in their satisfaction.
Am reflecting on the most recent US presidential debate with a tall glass of Drambuie over ice, which for some reason is seeming most appropriate. Not terribly enamoured with The Donald, but Neverhillary.
I like Balvenies, Lagavulin 16, Bruichladdich. Glenmorangie also excellent. and of course Laphraoig but only if the outdoor temp is >60 F!! It is not for the feint of heart!
ReplyDeleteI like Balvenies, Lagavulin 16, Bruichladdich. Glenmorangie also excellent. and of course Laphraoig but only if the outdoor temp is >60 F!! It is not for the feint of heart!
ReplyDeleteLaphraoig, because there are none feint of heart here...
Delete"Work is the curse of the drinking class."-- Anon.
ReplyDeleteAll three will aid contemplation. A wee dram, taken while gazing into the fire before retiring for the evening will lead to sweet dreams of ginger freckle faced women, bagpipes skirling and rolling in the heather.
ReplyDeleteOk, then!
DeleteAs long as you shared a wee dram with Heather beforehand. It's only right.
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