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Being a Scot (complete with kilt for appropriate occasions) I will add that a small splash, 1-2 teaspoons of water is added to fully release all the flavors of and aromas of the beverage. At least that is what is claimed by the "expert" that taught a couple of Scotch tasting seminars that I have attended.The gentleman running the seminar claimed that the addition of the small amount of water (don't drown it) releases additional aromas of the scotch. Now I can smell a difference before and after the splash is added, but then I can also hear a difference in cables . And since all good Scots want full value for the money spent, I always add the splash to my scotch.Walt
Thanks, glad to help If you like Islay's, you have to try Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist - it's a new bottling, it's got the same punch and profile as the 10 year old, but is more viscous compared to the drier 10 y.o profile. Probably the best Ardbeg I've had outside of the 1977.
I just finished off my first ever bottle of Scotch. It was The Balvenie DoubleWood 12. I typically drank it with 2-3 splashes of distilled water. Being the first and only single malt Scotch, I don't feel I can really say much about it. I'm going to try the Macallan 12 (sherry cask) next. Looking back at Tyson's tasting notes, I can agree that I found The Balvenie to lack some smoothness. After the Macallan 12, I'll probably try the Laphroaig 10. Kevin T
EDS,I'd say since you like Islay's and the HP so much, some other semi-peated scotches are in order - Clynelish, Caol Ila, Springbank 15, and the latest Ardmore (no age statement, distillery bottling). All will give you some additional flavors, while maintaining some of the things you like about the Islay's.Most people grow to appreciate Islay's, but they usually don't start off loving them (or even liking them). You are unusual, but then again, so was I when I got started, so you're not alone Laphroaig tastes more peaty because it's less dry than the ardbeg 10. Try the "Beast" and let me know what you think about the laphroaig/ardbeg profiles after that
The Big three Islay scotches really do it for me. It's illogical that flavors/noses reminiscent of or described as iodine, phenol, peat, sea-salt etc. can be so wonderful.*Also is it "normal" for a noob-serious-scotch-drinker to like Islays much more than the other regions? The guy at my fav. liquor store tells me it is fairly unusual.
A thumbs up for the Springbank 15. I did some work for Tyson and he paid me with a bottle of this. I had some of the 10 yo and while it was good I wouldn't rate it as great. The 15 however is excellent and I see why it's so highly rated. I find letting it air out for 15-20 minutes makes it even better, especially if I hold the glass and let it warm to body temperature. So much more complexity and aroma and it just massages my palate. Very nice.