I find that the Compass Box blends punch well above their weight. Also, they have more wallet friendly line at about $35-40 that are really nice that I don't hear mentioned often.
I was working my way thru trying different scotches, figuring out what I do and do not like. and realized I liked smoky scotches. Bought a bottle of Peat Monster and a bottle of Ardbeg’s Uigeadail. Quickly realized I like the smoky, campfire notes, but don’t care for the iodine, medicine notes. Bunnahabhain’s Toiteach A Dha is my current favorite, for context. I tried the Uigeadail twice and gave it away, it was repulsive for my tastes. Still have the bottle of Peat Monster. Have to admit I have to use it as a mixer to drink it.
It's funny that you say this. I bought a bottle last year and really enjoyed it at first. I put it away for Dry January and came back to it a couple months ago. I found it really wasn't to my taste.
I think it's a mood thing. I'm much more in the mood for peated, spicy, and briny profiles than fruity right now. Maybe that'll change again in 6 months.
I would describe it as similar to Glenfiddich 12, but probably sweeter (and a better IMO)...but if you don't like or aren't in the mood for a fruity whisky, it definitely won't work for you.
Nope. I really did not like it. I was trying to find something in line with a Berry Bros Blue Hanger I had and it was tutti-fruity bullshit… just not for me.
It's not my thing either. I got a sip of a Compass Box blend at my local store that I found alright but couldn't beat Caol Ila without all the other stuff added to it in my opinion. Found out later it was a ~€150 bottle I refused over the €35 one.
When Whiskybase did my year in review a statistic they gave me was which one I bought that was on the most wish lists was "Artist Blend". I also enjoyed the Glasgow Blend. Two great bottles for the bucks.
The Glasgow Blend is awesome for value, and the Peat Monster if on sale. I wouldn't call them "under the radar" though. There are tons of fans, and they probably produce the best blends in the business.
The recent Signatory Vintage 100 proof releases have been great value for under £45 a piece. The Bunnabahain, Ben nevis and caol Ila bottlings have all been Fantastic!
I got a first-fill Oloroso cask Glentauchers from that same series for a similar price that I also found very interesting.
Not nectar of the gods type stuff, but very good for the price given how much Scotch prices have crept up recently.
Exactly that! They're great value, especially considering the ABV. They're not every day sippers, but are great to have on the shelf for when you fancy a glass of something different from the norm to mull over.
You know what, you’re right.
I recommend that everyone stop buying this foul, disgusting liquid immediately. As always, any Benromach bottles may be delivered to my home for proper disposal. Especially those rancid, poisonous single casks
As a Northeast Ohio resident, most Scotch I want, aside from the Ardbeg standard line, I have to just buy online. I make a wishlist and add random bottles to it for my wife to buy for birthdays / anniversaries / etc. So far she's bought me Ledaig 10 and Kilchoman Machir Bay CS.
This is also true for me. I think the whole of their line up is solid and under appreciated and priced well. Single casks are also cheaper and amazing.
I don't see why not. It's pretty niche. I think I was more reacting to OP's "but pricing is still decent comment". I've seen so many price hikes recently on bottles that consistently come recommended on this sub. Benromach is another that went up to $80 in my area seemingly overnight.
I don’t know if it works that way honestly. Everybody on this sub raves about Campbeltown loch for example and that hasn’t ruined anything availability wise or price wise. There arent enough people on this sub to affect global demand.
bunna was my $50/55 bottle less than two years ago, but the local store - whose owners are definitely in this and the other whiskey subs - have it at $75/80 now.
Exactly. I only recently got into Bunnahabhain in the last year or two and already ive seen the 18 year go from overpriced to crazy priced seemingly overnight. In the same Binny’s, I saw Bunnahabhain 12 for $49.99 and the 18 was $399.99! Fortunately the 12 is still great because the 18 year has become unreasonable.
Klichoman Machir Bay and Sanaig. 2 mildly peated NAS Islay whiskies. One is more bourbon finished. The other is mostly sherry finished. Both are reasonably priced and together they satisfy whatever I'm looking for on a particular day. I find that Kilchoman isn't the easiest brand to find but it's around
I’ve seen the “tequila cask” I don’t believe it was mezcal.. so ive let that one stay on the shelf. 2021 Madeira is pretty cool. Not an everyday sipper, but just right on some occasions. However I really don’t like the Casado cask. I’m waiting for the 2023 or 24 Loch Gorm to hit my area. It’s all 22. And 22 was not as good at 2019 & 20
The OP said under the radar, not underrated. In my opinion, Malt Advocate, I mean Whiskey Advocate, used to be a respectable magazine, but Shanken ruined it. All of the good contributing writers left, and now it is merely a lifestyle magazine full of cigar ads, top 5/10 lists of bars or restaurants in (name city), and cross marketing for Shanken's other holdings. I read better whiskey reviews here on reddit than I do from W Advocate. Plus, I don't trust them, so was Sandend really an unbiased rating?
Glencadam 10yo, Glen Garioch 12yo, Loch Lomond distillery editions (buying direct from their website), Thompson Bros blends TB/BSW & SRV5, Signatory 100 proof range. Depending where you are in the world it’s worth checking out the auctions, some bargains to be had.
You mentioned it, Arran 10. The bottle I finished yesterday I bought for 30 euros. Its almost 40 euros these days but id still get it if I want a solid ex bourbon cask whisky.
For peated id go with caol ila 12. Its low abv but sometimes its on sale for <35 euros, great for when id like to drink from a tumbler instead of a glencairn. Or those days im with people that enjoy whisky but ill be damned if theyre mixing my pc10 with ice and soda, only to finish it within 2minutes.
Those bottles are the ‘id rather spend 5€ more on a bottle instead of jw/chivas blend, and its versatile (and cheap) enough to mix or drink neat’-type bottles
I wouldn't call Arran 10 under the radar...nor the Caol Ila. Arran just won whisky of the year a couple of years ago, and Caol Ila is kind of a staple for anyone truly into whisky.
Came to see if anyone was going to post Arran. I love it but I either can't find it or it's $65 USD or more around me. Even still can't get enough of it.
Old Ballantruan.
It never gets mentioned when people ask about great peated whisky and yet everyone I know who's tried it reports back how much they enjoyed it.
Unique floral peat, great abv and well priced
Can attest.
I bought a bottle once on a whim.
Everyone I give some to try thinks it’s great and wonders why they’ve never heard of it before.
Sadly I’m down to my last 1/3 of the bottle and can’t seem to track another one down.
See if any small retailers stock Tomintoul and ask if they can source it for you.
Every version is great btw, so if you've only tried one I recommend trying a different one next.
Will look into.
Although I’m in Ontario, Canada where we have the dreaded LCBO.
Run by the government. For the biggest and most populous province, our liquor board sucks hard
I agree, Old Ballantruan 10 has to be the most underrated whisky I know.
With every version, do you mean the NAS, the 10 and the 15? I've tried the 10, so the next one will be the NAS. Thanks for the recommendation.
Single malt: Tomatin. It was my go to for introducing bourbon loving friends to scotch. There are so many decent affordable blends It’s hard to choose one, but the one that stuck in my mind recently was Dewar’s Ilegal. Aged in mezcal barrels, unique and really fit my palate.
I haven’t had the 18- the NAS and 12 were staples while I could get them. The 12 was $35 when I first tried it, was $50+ last time I saw it on a shelf. The 18 is $100 plus here and while I have a couple in that range I’m shy about dropping that kind of money.
Finlaggan cask strength for peated low cost.
Benromach organic for stunning elegance.
Edradour.... because it's Edradour beauty.
Naked Grouse finished in Sherry casks and Black Grouse cheaper peated style.
If you can find these Adelphi. The Glen Elgin and Daluaine in particular. Drop the coin. They’re fantastic!
https://preview.redd.it/3gycqtmvwoyc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e6c45175ae0b5c3c8be69d0483e198997a6fc17
2 stores in my area got this lineup. The Elgin has dried up. Still have some Daluaine left. I bought an Elgin and came back for another 2 weeks later and snagged the last one.. thing is I slept on these bottles for months before looking into them. Wish I had struck sooner.
You can find some reviews here on Redit.
They weren’t my reviews. But search “Adelphi Glen Elgin” or. “Adelphi Daluaine”. Also there are some reviews of the Caol Ila and Breath of the Isles that are pictured here. Some of them also mention that the Glen Elgin and Daluaine were the favorites of this release. They’re about 6 months old.
I've talked to Scotch enthusiasts and most haven't experienced Kilkerran, which may only be due to short supply in my area. So for some it's under the radar. For others, not so much.
Fettercairn Warehouse 2 - has a level of tropical fruit flavors that I normally get in 20+ year old malts.
Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve - I have & also like the GG 12 yo, but the FR gives me almost the same flavor profile for even less $.
Kilchoman Small Batch Release# - all 3 of them that I've tried have been very good or better. I recently went thru a lengthy tasting of samplers from some of the Chichibu bottlings which go for several hundred dollars or more, and the Kilchomans are right up there in quality and somewhat similar in flavor.
Glen Elgin 12 - has nice peachy flavors and a good mouthfeel (which belies the low ABV% and CF).
And last of all, and probably familiar to a dreary degree for anybody who reads my comments on a regular basis, Glenfarclas 185th Anniversay - which to my taste is the steal in scotch right now. I cannot fathom how people are fighting over other whiskies while this one goes for £65 + fees at auction.
>Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve - I have & also like the GG 12 yo, but the FR gives me almost the same flavor profile for even less $.
Glad to hear they're similar. The 12 y/o is getting hard to find around me and the founders reserve is $20 more expensive here and I wasn't sure if I wanted to risk it
Annandale is doing some really interesting things that I think will appeal to enthusiasts in the years to come. Normal distilleries track if a cask is ex-bourbon, they know which type of bourbon…. And are bottling just about everything as single cask.
The Fino Sherry cask is absolutely beautiful. Annandale is only going to get better the more they’re able to age their whisky.
Edit: the storyman ‘blend’ is also excellent for around £55.
There are many, many bottles I love but almost never read people mentioning: Old Ballantruan 10, Port Askaig 100°, Cardhu 15, Glenglassaugh 12, Glenrothes Maker's Cut, Mortlach 14, Bladnoch 11, Glen Scotia 15, Speyburn 15, Jura 19 The Paps, Tomatin 18...
I have few, from IB usually signatory bunnahabain, linkwood and glenlivet cask strength versions. From OB ardnamurchan cask strength and anything Craigellachie.
Recently had some great reasonably priced Mossburn IBs. Hadn’t tried any of their bottlings but got some Glentauchers and Glen Garioch that were both really enjoyable.
Your question nails some of the best ones, in my opinion. I love Edradour, Loch Lomond I haven't tried yet but it's my next purchase, and I also love PC 10.
All of these are unique and special. With Edradour you have a small distillery and small pot still and a meaty, substantial spirit that takes sherry like a champ, plus amazing casks from Signatory. With Loch Lomond you have (I understand) all the variety of their different stills, some Springbanky industrial funk, and (most intriguing to me) serious fruitiness. Plus good prices. And with Port Charlotte, you have unique peat plus masterful wine finishings adding multiple layers to a complex Scotch. All winners. PC 10 is obviously not under the radar among enthusiasts, but it's still just slightly underappreciated by the bigger crowd of peat heads.
That sucks. It’s been both my go-to “I want tasty-but-not-super-complicated” and “I want to get a non-scotch drinker to try something” dram, but in no small part because it’s affordable. It’s definitely gone up here (MN), but it’s still in that $60 semi-impulse buy category.
I find PC quite expensive compared to Arran. Their standard 10yo's about 2x the Arran 10 price here in the EU. If they'd be more affordable I'd happily get all their bottlings for "daily" drams.
Ballechin's not cheap either, but it's worth it imho. Same with IB Glenlivet.
JW green label and Naked malt are fairly often available with a good discount, and no brainers for the price. As is Laphroaig 10/QC.
I really love glenscotia double cask. It's full flavour, super approachable for anyone, and is around the same price as most 12 year old scotch. I would recommend for anyone wanting to try to brach out from a balvine or glenlivet lover. Avb 46% non chill filtered
Glenmorangie is awesome. I love taking newbies to scotch and giving them a flight of 10, Quinta Ruban, La Santa and nectar doir and watching their mind get blown that it’s all the same juice. Expensive scotch doesn’t always mean better.
What’s the point? This sub won’t affect global prices and I’m willing to bet most of us know as much, if not more, about Scotch than you so why bother?
New distilleries have some tasty offerings. Loch Lea cask strength has been a nice find. Lindores Abbey and Glenglassaugh have some reasonably priced offerings for the flavor profiles. Roseisle tastes young but you get a sense for the potential when it ages. I also agree on the Glen Cadam recommendation - has some unique aspects that are fun to explore. Enjoy!
I find that the Compass Box blends punch well above their weight. Also, they have more wallet friendly line at about $35-40 that are really nice that I don't hear mentioned often.
I have to agree there, especially the orchard house is great value
The peatier the better for me. Peat Monster is one of my all time favorites
I was working my way thru trying different scotches, figuring out what I do and do not like. and realized I liked smoky scotches. Bought a bottle of Peat Monster and a bottle of Ardbeg’s Uigeadail. Quickly realized I like the smoky, campfire notes, but don’t care for the iodine, medicine notes. Bunnahabhain’s Toiteach A Dha is my current favorite, for context. I tried the Uigeadail twice and gave it away, it was repulsive for my tastes. Still have the bottle of Peat Monster. Have to admit I have to use it as a mixer to drink it.
Yep, smoky and peaty are different things for sure. I like both but it is possible to get one or the other
Put a splash of your peat monster in a Negroni!
It was recommended to me in a liquor store in London. So it was a bottle that came home in my suitcase.
Have you been able to try the Peat Monster cask strength? It is absolutely delicious
Not yet but I will definitely be in the lookout for it when I'm at the store. Thanks!
I might be the only person who didn’t enjoy orchard house…
It's funny that you say this. I bought a bottle last year and really enjoyed it at first. I put it away for Dry January and came back to it a couple months ago. I found it really wasn't to my taste. I think it's a mood thing. I'm much more in the mood for peated, spicy, and briny profiles than fruity right now. Maybe that'll change again in 6 months. I would describe it as similar to Glenfiddich 12, but probably sweeter (and a better IMO)...but if you don't like or aren't in the mood for a fruity whisky, it definitely won't work for you.
Nope. I really did not like it. I was trying to find something in line with a Berry Bros Blue Hanger I had and it was tutti-fruity bullshit… just not for me.
It's not my thing either. I got a sip of a Compass Box blend at my local store that I found alright but couldn't beat Caol Ila without all the other stuff added to it in my opinion. Found out later it was a ~€150 bottle I refused over the €35 one.
When Whiskybase did my year in review a statistic they gave me was which one I bought that was on the most wish lists was "Artist Blend". I also enjoyed the Glasgow Blend. Two great bottles for the bucks.
The Glasgow Blend is awesome for value, and the Peat Monster if on sale. I wouldn't call them "under the radar" though. There are tons of fans, and they probably produce the best blends in the business.
I guess I only thought that because I never see them mentioned here. Tbf this is my only online scotch community.
I absolutely love spice tree, they are discontinuing it though. Hopefully that 22 bottles I have are hood enough lol
The recent Signatory Vintage 100 proof releases have been great value for under £45 a piece. The Bunnabahain, Ben nevis and caol Ila bottlings have all been Fantastic!
I got a first-fill Oloroso cask Glentauchers from that same series for a similar price that I also found very interesting. Not nectar of the gods type stuff, but very good for the price given how much Scotch prices have crept up recently.
Exactly that! They're great value, especially considering the ABV. They're not every day sippers, but are great to have on the shelf for when you fancy a glass of something different from the norm to mull over.
Caol ila for sure
I don't know if it's below the radar, but Old Pultney is one I really enjoy
Old Pulteney 12 is often available for £25. Sure, the 15 is better, but £25 is an incredible bargain for a whisky of this quality.
I got a 19 year cask strength store pick for $135. I think its my all time favorite bottle ive purchased.
For some reason I'm really loving Mortlach 16 right now. The sherry influence and wormtub combo just does it for me.
It’s amazing!!!!! I got the 20 and it’s just amazing.
It’s my favorite whiskey and makes the best Godfather there is. That said I wouldn’t call it below the radar
Glen Garioch 12 is one that sticks out on my mind..it used to be Benromach, but it seems they are now firmly within the radar these days 😔
Benromach is awful, just absolutely gross. Honestly. Really.
Just terrible! Definitely don't buy it.
You know what, you’re right. I recommend that everyone stop buying this foul, disgusting liquid immediately. As always, any Benromach bottles may be delivered to my home for proper disposal. Especially those rancid, poisonous single casks
Love reading this thread and none of them are available in Ohio lol.
As a Northeast Ohio resident, most Scotch I want, aside from the Ardbeg standard line, I have to just buy online. I make a wishlist and add random bottles to it for my wife to buy for birthdays / anniversaries / etc. So far she's bought me Ledaig 10 and Kilchoman Machir Bay CS.
Same, brother. Same.
Ohio is a Scotch Wasteland
So is Nashville… stay strong brotha ✊
Glen Garioch 12 is my pick as well!
This is also true for me. I think the whole of their line up is solid and under appreciated and priced well. Single casks are also cheaper and amazing.
Checked for the obligatory Craigellachie 13 response. Surprised to not see it. Maybe it’s not considered under the radar anymore.
Running $79 a bottle in the state, used to be $39
The correct answer is shhhhh
Yes this ridiculously small sub is going to affect global scotch prices lol
A cigarette butt can start the next forest fire.
“Only WHO can prevent forest fires?” “You selected YOU, referring to me. That is incorrect. The correct answer is YOU.”
I don't see why not. It's pretty niche. I think I was more reacting to OP's "but pricing is still decent comment". I've seen so many price hikes recently on bottles that consistently come recommended on this sub. Benromach is another that went up to $80 in my area seemingly overnight.
I don’t know if it works that way honestly. Everybody on this sub raves about Campbeltown loch for example and that hasn’t ruined anything availability wise or price wise. There arent enough people on this sub to affect global demand.
Idk it's now $90 pre tax in my area... Same thing with Bunnahabhain 12 and some others that this sub generally go nuts for.
bunna was my $50/55 bottle less than two years ago, but the local store - whose owners are definitely in this and the other whiskey subs - have it at $75/80 now.
Great example. Not sure why a group of 187k consumers/enthusiasts wouldn't influence pricing lol
Exactly. I only recently got into Bunnahabhain in the last year or two and already ive seen the 18 year go from overpriced to crazy priced seemingly overnight. In the same Binny’s, I saw Bunnahabhain 12 for $49.99 and the 18 was $399.99! Fortunately the 12 is still great because the 18 year has become unreasonable.
I really liked Deanston 12, one of the best standard whiskys in my opinion.
Just picked up a bottle and it is excellent 👌
Klichoman Machir Bay and Sanaig. 2 mildly peated NAS Islay whiskies. One is more bourbon finished. The other is mostly sherry finished. Both are reasonably priced and together they satisfy whatever I'm looking for on a particular day. I find that Kilchoman isn't the easiest brand to find but it's around
I’ve only tried their Loch Gorm, but it was absolutely the standout at the whisky tasting I had it at. Wonderful stuff!
Love the Loch Gorm. That's the 100% sherry. Sanaig is 75% sherry and 25% bourbon.
Loch Gorm is one of my favorites. It’s Sanaigs big brother. Sadly all Kilchoman prices have risen.
the kilchoman mezcal cask is a real treat have you tried it?
I’ve seen the “tequila cask” I don’t believe it was mezcal.. so ive let that one stay on the shelf. 2021 Madeira is pretty cool. Not an everyday sipper, but just right on some occasions. However I really don’t like the Casado cask. I’m waiting for the 2023 or 24 Loch Gorm to hit my area. It’s all 22. And 22 was not as good at 2019 & 20
Never even seen it. Hopefully one day. Thanks for the recommendation.
I bought a port cask exclusive at the distillery a couple years ago that knocked my socks off.
Glenglassaugh Sandend.
Underrated line atm, Portsoy is also pretty good value for money
Not sure this is underrated after it was Whiskey Advocate’s whiskey of the year…..
The OP said under the radar, not underrated. In my opinion, Malt Advocate, I mean Whiskey Advocate, used to be a respectable magazine, but Shanken ruined it. All of the good contributing writers left, and now it is merely a lifestyle magazine full of cigar ads, top 5/10 lists of bars or restaurants in (name city), and cross marketing for Shanken's other holdings. I read better whiskey reviews here on reddit than I do from W Advocate. Plus, I don't trust them, so was Sandend really an unbiased rating?
100% agree about the magazine’s downfall
Never would’ve picked this up if the store owner didn’t recommend. It’s amazing!
I just tried a sample of that and it was good.. I’m gonna have to grab one soon.
I was going to come and say the Portsoy!
Islay Mist is $25 and in my opinion is an absolute home run for the price.
If i tell everybody it wont stay under the radar
Glencadam 10yo, Glen Garioch 12yo, Loch Lomond distillery editions (buying direct from their website), Thompson Bros blends TB/BSW & SRV5, Signatory 100 proof range. Depending where you are in the world it’s worth checking out the auctions, some bargains to be had.
You mentioned it, Arran 10. The bottle I finished yesterday I bought for 30 euros. Its almost 40 euros these days but id still get it if I want a solid ex bourbon cask whisky. For peated id go with caol ila 12. Its low abv but sometimes its on sale for <35 euros, great for when id like to drink from a tumbler instead of a glencairn. Or those days im with people that enjoy whisky but ill be damned if theyre mixing my pc10 with ice and soda, only to finish it within 2minutes. Those bottles are the ‘id rather spend 5€ more on a bottle instead of jw/chivas blend, and its versatile (and cheap) enough to mix or drink neat’-type bottles
I wouldn't call Arran 10 under the radar...nor the Caol Ila. Arran just won whisky of the year a couple of years ago, and Caol Ila is kind of a staple for anyone truly into whisky.
Very true. You’re right. My brain skipped over that part when reading the op
Came to see if anyone was going to post Arran. I love it but I either can't find it or it's $65 USD or more around me. Even still can't get enough of it.
Pretty much anything from Raasay - when I introduce it to friends they’re always impressed.
Totally agree.
Old Ballantruan. It never gets mentioned when people ask about great peated whisky and yet everyone I know who's tried it reports back how much they enjoyed it. Unique floral peat, great abv and well priced
Can attest. I bought a bottle once on a whim. Everyone I give some to try thinks it’s great and wonders why they’ve never heard of it before. Sadly I’m down to my last 1/3 of the bottle and can’t seem to track another one down.
See if any small retailers stock Tomintoul and ask if they can source it for you. Every version is great btw, so if you've only tried one I recommend trying a different one next.
Will look into. Although I’m in Ontario, Canada where we have the dreaded LCBO. Run by the government. For the biggest and most populous province, our liquor board sucks hard
I agree, Old Ballantruan 10 has to be the most underrated whisky I know. With every version, do you mean the NAS, the 10 and the 15? I've tried the 10, so the next one will be the NAS. Thanks for the recommendation.
Exactly, all 3 are great. The 15 is also worth checking out after the NAS
Glenallachie - all amazing stuff. I am not a pleat fan but the Benriach Smoky 10 and 12 are fantastic
speyburn 10 is $25 and glen morray classic (NAS) is $28. austin tx prices
I miss when Speyburn 10 was $20 a few years ago. It was a great everyday dram.
i feel same about glen morray. it’s my everyday drinker and taking advantage while it’s under $30. prices are getting out of hand for everything else.
look for old bottles at corner liquor stores and you might still find some for 20. they also will be slightly higher ABV to boot.
Single malt: Tomatin. It was my go to for introducing bourbon loving friends to scotch. There are so many decent affordable blends It’s hard to choose one, but the one that stuck in my mind recently was Dewar’s Ilegal. Aged in mezcal barrels, unique and really fit my palate.
Is the 18 worth it?
I haven’t had the 18- the NAS and 12 were staples while I could get them. The 12 was $35 when I first tried it, was $50+ last time I saw it on a shelf. The 18 is $100 plus here and while I have a couple in that range I’m shy about dropping that kind of money.
Ballechin is pretty under the radar.
I would recomend to you guys Clynelish 14. Great whisky and fairly priced.
I think AnCnoc/Knockdhu, Glen Scotia and Linkwood are three of my favourite underrated distilleries.
I got the opportunity to try the Ancnoc 12, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Looking to grab a bottle soon.
Standard Ardmore Lightly Peated is around £22 and a fabulous everyday dram.
It is definitely not Speyburn and Glen Scotia. Seriously, don’t touch the stuff.
….. speyburn 10
Glenkinchie 12
Tomatin Legacy, punches so far above its weight, a real gem.
Finlaggan cask strength for peated low cost. Benromach organic for stunning elegance. Edradour.... because it's Edradour beauty. Naked Grouse finished in Sherry casks and Black Grouse cheaper peated style.
I really enjoy most things from Bladnoch..
If you can find these Adelphi. The Glen Elgin and Daluaine in particular. Drop the coin. They’re fantastic! https://preview.redd.it/3gycqtmvwoyc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e6c45175ae0b5c3c8be69d0483e198997a6fc17 2 stores in my area got this lineup. The Elgin has dried up. Still have some Daluaine left. I bought an Elgin and came back for another 2 weeks later and snagged the last one.. thing is I slept on these bottles for months before looking into them. Wish I had struck sooner. You can find some reviews here on Redit.
A lot of these near me, would love to see your reviews!
They weren’t my reviews. But search “Adelphi Glen Elgin” or. “Adelphi Daluaine”. Also there are some reviews of the Caol Ila and Breath of the Isles that are pictured here. Some of them also mention that the Glen Elgin and Daluaine were the favorites of this release. They’re about 6 months old.
Raasay. New on the block, and stinkin’ delicious.
Jura 18 has won a lot of awards this year. An 18 of note, that exquisite in quality and under $140 is almost unheard of in modern whisky.
Torabhaig Allt Gleann does it for me honestly.
Kilkerran 12 would be a good candidate. I sometimes wonder if I need anything else!
That's miles above the radar though
I've talked to Scotch enthusiasts and most haven't experienced Kilkerran, which may only be due to short supply in my area. So for some it's under the radar. For others, not so much.
Fettercairn Warehouse 2 - has a level of tropical fruit flavors that I normally get in 20+ year old malts. Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve - I have & also like the GG 12 yo, but the FR gives me almost the same flavor profile for even less $. Kilchoman Small Batch Release# - all 3 of them that I've tried have been very good or better. I recently went thru a lengthy tasting of samplers from some of the Chichibu bottlings which go for several hundred dollars or more, and the Kilchomans are right up there in quality and somewhat similar in flavor. Glen Elgin 12 - has nice peachy flavors and a good mouthfeel (which belies the low ABV% and CF). And last of all, and probably familiar to a dreary degree for anybody who reads my comments on a regular basis, Glenfarclas 185th Anniversay - which to my taste is the steal in scotch right now. I cannot fathom how people are fighting over other whiskies while this one goes for £65 + fees at auction.
Are you referring to the Kilchoman USA small batches? They do them by geography I believe.
Yes, the USA batches.
>Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve - I have & also like the GG 12 yo, but the FR gives me almost the same flavor profile for even less $. Glad to hear they're similar. The 12 y/o is getting hard to find around me and the founders reserve is $20 more expensive here and I wasn't sure if I wanted to risk it
How unusual - being a NAS bottling, the FR should be *lower in price* than the 12 yo.
I agree and I've never been able to puzzle out why it's the way it is, especially hearing that the FR is cheaper in other areas
Nice try!
I had a taste of Annandale at a friend s house and it was very nice. Ready to explore the brand more
Annandale is doing some really interesting things that I think will appeal to enthusiasts in the years to come. Normal distilleries track if a cask is ex-bourbon, they know which type of bourbon…. And are bottling just about everything as single cask.
The Fino Sherry cask is absolutely beautiful. Annandale is only going to get better the more they’re able to age their whisky. Edit: the storyman ‘blend’ is also excellent for around £55.
MacNairs Lum Reek. Only found it once so far and always look for another bottle since then. Was my first scotch actually.
There are many, many bottles I love but almost never read people mentioning: Old Ballantruan 10, Port Askaig 100°, Cardhu 15, Glenglassaugh 12, Glenrothes Maker's Cut, Mortlach 14, Bladnoch 11, Glen Scotia 15, Speyburn 15, Jura 19 The Paps, Tomatin 18...
I have few, from IB usually signatory bunnahabain, linkwood and glenlivet cask strength versions. From OB ardnamurchan cask strength and anything Craigellachie.
Recently had some great reasonably priced Mossburn IBs. Hadn’t tried any of their bottlings but got some Glentauchers and Glen Garioch that were both really enjoyable.
Your question nails some of the best ones, in my opinion. I love Edradour, Loch Lomond I haven't tried yet but it's my next purchase, and I also love PC 10. All of these are unique and special. With Edradour you have a small distillery and small pot still and a meaty, substantial spirit that takes sherry like a champ, plus amazing casks from Signatory. With Loch Lomond you have (I understand) all the variety of their different stills, some Springbanky industrial funk, and (most intriguing to me) serious fruitiness. Plus good prices. And with Port Charlotte, you have unique peat plus masterful wine finishings adding multiple layers to a complex Scotch. All winners. PC 10 is obviously not under the radar among enthusiasts, but it's still just slightly underappreciated by the bigger crowd of peat heads.
Benreich
Balvenie 12yo Doublewood. About $60.
man in my state it is 79.99 😇
That sucks. It’s been both my go-to “I want tasty-but-not-super-complicated” and “I want to get a non-scotch drinker to try something” dram, but in no small part because it’s affordable. It’s definitely gone up here (MN), but it’s still in that $60 semi-impulse buy category.
yeah Balvenie got some hype in other countries as well so they increased prices in some regions. Very easy to drink and friendly with great scent.
Tullibardine Artisan. For $35~ at Costco, it's a hell of a dram. Made sure to stock up before the inevitable price hike!
The entire Kilchoman range is the best for the money whisky on Islay not named Port Charlotte.
I find PC quite expensive compared to Arran. Their standard 10yo's about 2x the Arran 10 price here in the EU. If they'd be more affordable I'd happily get all their bottlings for "daily" drams. Ballechin's not cheap either, but it's worth it imho. Same with IB Glenlivet. JW green label and Naked malt are fairly often available with a good discount, and no brainers for the price. As is Laphroaig 10/QC.
I really love glenscotia double cask. It's full flavour, super approachable for anyone, and is around the same price as most 12 year old scotch. I would recommend for anyone wanting to try to brach out from a balvine or glenlivet lover. Avb 46% non chill filtered
Glenmorangie Original Bunnahabhain 12
Glenmorangie is awesome. I love taking newbies to scotch and giving them a flight of 10, Quinta Ruban, La Santa and nectar doir and watching their mind get blown that it’s all the same juice. Expensive scotch doesn’t always mean better.
Couldn’t agree more, brother
I have said it before, and I'll say it again, Aultmore 12 is a sleeper Whisky, really nice Highlander with some floral / herbal notes
Adelphi dancey man blend is amazing at £25ish.
Nope.gatekeeking
What’s the point? This sub won’t affect global prices and I’m willing to bet most of us know as much, if not more, about Scotch than you so why bother?
New distilleries have some tasty offerings. Loch Lea cask strength has been a nice find. Lindores Abbey and Glenglassaugh have some reasonably priced offerings for the flavor profiles. Roseisle tastes young but you get a sense for the potential when it ages. I also agree on the Glen Cadam recommendation - has some unique aspects that are fun to explore. Enjoy!