5 Best Scotch Whiskys For Your Money - UNDERRATED AND DELICOUS?

Suggested quantities are just that, suggestions. Feel free to increase or decrease quantities in order to cater to your personal tastes. Enjoy!
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CONTENT:
0:00 Intro
0:54 Like & Subscribe
1:11 Bottle #1
2:12 Bottle #2
3:18 Bottle #3
3:55 Bottle #4
4:52 Bottle #5
6:05 Outro
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[@claverhouse1]

I live in the Cairngorms in Scotland, I am surrounded by distilleries and have been drinking single malt since I was 16 ... almost 40 years ago! Whilst I would never refuse one of the daftly expensive bottles, all of the whisky you mention and many other "standard" bottles are superior buys, spending hundreds on a bottle of 30 or 40 year old instead of a 10 or 12 is ridiculous. No-one can tell the difference after a couple of sips anyway. My own favourites include the Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich but Talisker, Highland Park, Lagavulin and Laphroaig are my usuals. Good effort on the pronounciation btw. Slainté!

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you sir! Pronunciations of scotch is not an easy task but I sincerely want to do it justice. Thank you so much for your input here. I am truly somewhat of a beginner in the single malt world and there is so much to learn. I absolutely appreciate your knowledge and will look forward to anything else you would like to bring to this channel. Thanks so much again!

[@thanislausm4288]

I AM FROM MADRAS FROM END SOUTHERN PART OF INDIA. I READ YOUR VIEWS WITH REVITTING EYES.. THANKS. I APPRECIATE YOUR FRANKNESS AND RICH TASTE OF GOOD.SPIRITS. BUT NONE OF YOUR FAVOURITES IS NOT AVAILABLE IN MY AREA. I WISH YOU GOOD HEALTH.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you my friend! Please watch the video today. I include an amazing Indian single malt. Please let me know if I pronounce the name correctly. Blessings to you and your family!

[@gg70000]

Spot on recommendations. Love your presentation and appreciation of fine whisky. Subscribed!

[@bigali1963]

Glenfarclas, Aberlour, MacAllan love The Laddie there are no bad Whiskies… as. Rabbie said Whisky an Freedom gang th gither tak aff yer Dram 🌍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

[@hollyjhj3732]

I always keep a few good, but not overly expensive Scotches in our home bar, and you have given me some great new ideas! Love your videos, Kurt!

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you!

[@jackreeves3001]

I love your reviews. No BS just the results in a very humorous and knowledgeable way. Thanks for sharing your time! KANSAS

[@slbdrinks]

Appreciate it thank you. I respect the professionals for sure but I grow tired of the long winded descriptions. Can you really taste and smell 7-10 different things?? Maybe they can but I sure can’t lol. Is it good, average, or bad? That’s what I want to know.

[@txkevin3467]

Great video. I am an occasional drinker and started drinking Scotch in college. It was the only thing I could have out at a party and NO ONE else would drink it! A buddy of mine gives me bottles of Scotch for special occasions although they take me forever to drink. He once gave me a Macallen 10 year old which I now understand they stopped making. When he gave it to me I opened it, smelled it ...maybe poured a taste of about 1/4 oz to tell him how much I enjoyed it (of course). He told me that unopened it is now highly sought after. Go figure......

[@slbdrinks]

Ha! Great story, laughed out loud!

[@jd-bourbonapproach3036]

I usually change Scotch profiles every 6 months but your 5 scotch are spot on if I was back on the west coast since I am currently in Europe. My current scotch list for the last 3 months has been Glengoyne 12, Glen Scotia Double Cask, Edradour 10 Heavily Peated, Hazelburn 10 and Glendronach 12. Keep the content coming. Cheers

[@slbdrinks]

Some great suggestions on your list! Thank you

[@budj13]

I agree across the board! This is a hall of greats in terms of value and quality. Every one of these is a treat. Well done!

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks so much!

[@user-itschad1954]

My dear friend, I really appreciate your angle on single malt whisky. I'm from London and have been a whisky for over 50 years, as I type this message I'm necking whisky. Single malt whisky is a complex drink. Firstly pour a good single malt into a GOOD glass, nose it, spin it around and then slowly nose it, take a mental note of the aromas emanating from the glass, then add clear pure distilled water JUST A DASH, a little less than a capful, then nose it again and see the oils separate and give you a completely different experience. NEVER never add ice.

[@slbdrinks]

I absolutely appreciate your insight here. I am but a newbie in the world of scotch and love hearing from those like you who have a lifetime of experience! As you mentioned, I never pour scotch over ice. However, only rarely have I added water and never has it been pure distilled water. I will definitely give this a go! I appreciate your kindness sir in taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@user-itschad1954]

@@slbdrinks My dear fellow, I am one that spent £300 on a bottle of scotch and at that point you begin to appreciate the complexities of scotch. Naturally one cannot financially afford to swallow single malt every day so therefore I'd recommend J&B whisky. I love it when one appreciates good whisky. Thank you.

[@slbdrinks]

I have never tried J&B but will gladly put it on my list to try! Thanks so much!

[@robertwilson2835]

Hey Kurt , I don't drink Scotch but I wanna say what a nice presentation your show is. Like your passion.

[@butchpedit4871]

I like your videos because you get to the meat without a lot of fluff. I do wish you could hold the front label of each bottle up for a clear shot. It helps me to remember what I am looking for when lost in the liquor store. Thanks for your lists.

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks for your input! Much appreciated!

[@23Robusto]

@@slbdrinks Yes, we can't see the bottle! Some production help would make your channel so much more informative

[@richardgrier8968]

I heartily agree.

[@ldchappell1]

Even though I stopped drinking 23 years ago, I still enjoy watching your channel. It's always a pleasure to listen to someone who knows what they're talking about.

[@slbdrinks]

Certainly appreciate your kind words! I am in full support of your sobriety and I congratulate you on your success!

[@Benswerts]

Same here, but for me its 2 years ago :)

[@aagguujjaa]

I have tried 3 of the lineup, and I fully agree. They are some of my favorites as well.

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks for spending your time with us!

[@homunculusprime647]

My favorite for the money is Highland Park 12. In my opinion it is perfectly balanced between the sweet and savory peat (the peat its self also has a somewhat unique and softer quality) notes and is just old enough to have a really good mouth feel and overall complexity. I get them for $45 where I live. Dalmore 12 is a close second. I think Its about $65 where I am and the sherry cask finish gives it a wonderful deep and rich dark chocolate cherry note that is to die for.

[@slbdrinks]

Do not have the HP 12 but sounds delicious! I do have the Dalmore 12 and agree with your review. Well done!

[@31446963048]

HP 15 is still available in the smaller shops if you look hard.

[@all4senna]

HP 12 is my go to, it is just such a wonderfully, balanced, enjoyable whisky!

[@mimaroo1431]

This is one of my husband's go to scotch drinks as well!! He is also fond of the Auchentoshan American Oak as well. They are both reasonably priced go to's for him.

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

HP12 is the the best whiskey I have ever bought by accident. Picked it up for a wedding and its so smooth, tastes like honey, there is zero alcohol taste. Not the most expensive bottle I have had but certainly the best for the price.

[@VileHearts]

Great video. As a fellow whiskey collector, I love the passion

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks so much!

[@maverick8689]

Love the list! I would put Talisker 10 on my top 5 for the money. I can't get enough of that stuff. Love the Laddie, Balvenie, and Ardbeg as well, those would be on my list too!!! Great list!

[@slbdrinks]

Love the Talisker 10!

[@BillMcGirr]

Very good stuff. 👍🥃

[@emilyalice1]

I love Talisker

[@dong8307]

Roger that. Love the Talisker 10.

[@slbdrinks]

Great bottle!

[@brokenhatemachine9]

I am a beer manager at a liquor store on the East Coast. I really do not know much about bourbon, scotch and spirits because beer is my specialty. I do know enough information to fake it, though. I really appreciate these videos - they are going to help me out tremendously by not having myself sound like a clueless manager when a customer asks me questions about these spirits. I am definitely going to be recommending the Ardbeg when a customer is looking for a peaty scotch with a nice price tag. Thanks so much!

[@slbdrinks]

Appreciate you checking in! You and my brother should get together. He is a big beer fan!

[@jasonbrandt4173]

Great video Kurt, the Bunn 12 is amazing.

[@greekforce1698]

Great list! Love the Balvenie American Oak. I would also add their Caribbean cask as well!

[@slbdrinks]

I have that also and it is delish!

[@bradbankes8137]

I gotta agree. Now I have to locate the Caribbean cask variety.

[@metalbrock57]

Thanks for the recommendations! I just added three of them to my wish list of scotches. Love the Balvenie you suggest! I would add that Glenfiddich 15 year Solera is my all-time favorite single malt and comes in at a very reasonable $60.

[@slbdrinks]

Ya that is a decent price and for a 15 yr as well!

[@grapesodapopinski571]

i like the GF 15 solera too, the 80 proof detracts from the value tho imo

[@duncanbirnie4158]

If you like the fiddich 15 then the 18 will blow you away well worth the extra buck 👍

[@jeffcameron7853]

You had me worried up till the last bottle. I Love Ardbeg! Great list! I have tried The Balvenie, Bunnahabhain, and Ardbeg but not the Arran or Bruichladdich. They are on my list, thanks

[@slbdrinks]

Your welcome! Thanks for checking in!

[@gnosis555]

Very helpful videos. Thank you for respecting your audience and sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@slbdrinks]

Appreciate that thank you!

[@itsmealex9290]

Thank you for this Video👍 It’s all ways interesting to see which Whiskys are preferred by others. This 5 bottles are a good choice! One of my favorites are the Balvenie Triple Cask 16. Unfortunately it gets more and more expensive. But I got my bottle for

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you Alex for your input! I will have to see if I can find that triple cask.

[@duncanbirnie4158]

The Balvenie Triple Cask with the blue label is a killer,unfortunately getting a bit expensive 👍

[@heinerlauter1211]

The Balvenie Doublewood brought more people to Whisky than the devil🤣

[@slbdrinks]

Lol, had my first pour of the double wood last week at a restaurant. So good!

[@joshuauhrich9891]

Myself included. 😂🥃

[@davidabreu-pm5wh]

I’m drinking Balvenie Doublewood as I read the comment

[@GMoneyMacTao]

Thanks! Great channel and great recommendations 😊

[@MichaelCurrie71]

All excellent choices.

[@judeirwin2222]

I would just add that a good, clean Speyside is worth including in any selection as a contrast to the rather sweet and cloying choices of many Yanks. Something like a Tormore 12 year old with its hint of granite and heather. It’s a truly beautifully designed modern distillery, too. I loved the clock tower chimes.

[@dougdavis8986]

What does granite taste like? What a dork!

[@alanthomson1227]

Love Cragganmore

[@TimFitzpatrick1968]

Excellent choices, sir, though I prefer the Balvenie DoubleWood. The Ardbeg Wee Beastie is even better value than the 10 here in the UK, but I love both. If you like finishes, Talisker Skye is well worth a sip

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks for the suggestions! Never tried the wee beastie but I think my brother does have it. Need to try that soon!

[@timsavage2000]

Balvenie Doublewood is my favourite too!

[@tercelfan]

The Balvenie DoubleWood has been my go to for years. Supply chain issues have made it next to impossible to find in Saskatchewan, but my daughter found 2 bottles for my Christmas gift in a small city.

[@slbdrinks]

That’s awesome! What a great gift!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Excellent choices. I particularly like the Bunna. It’s very very good.

[@lesliepless2939]

Added the Arran to my list. Thank you!

[@evilmcnasty69]

Bunnahabhain 12 is my favorite everyday single malt followed closely by Clynelish 14 with it lovely waxy funk. Bunnahabhain 12 is spectacularly complex for a 12 year old with lovely dark fruits and earthiness. Bruichladdich is great and I always have it in my bar.

[@slbdrinks]

Absolutely! 100% agree

[@michaelrehn]

New to Scotch (started Feb ‘20) and I just grabbed a replacement bottle of Bunna 12. I think this will be a bar staple. With the changes at GlenDronach, not sure if I’m going to stick with their 12/15 or try someone else.

[@billsze3947]

Clynelish 14 is one of my favorites.

[@slbdrinks]

You and many others have recommended this bottle as well. Must be good!

[@Mark-xg8ug]

I Enjoy your channel very much. Bunna 12 and Kilkerran 12 are my favourites. Cheers

[@painless465]

I would say Caol Ila is an Islay that might be less peaty than Bunnahabain. Glad you mentioned Ardbeg,my favorite! I also live Talisker,from the Isle of Skyy

[@slbdrinks]

Yes all good choices!

[@Lutherson1962]

Their 15 yr unpeated cask strength 👍👍👍👍

[@markrees6792]

Love bunnahabhain 12. Gonna have to give the 'classic ladie' a try as it's the only one I haven't on that line up. Good video 👍

[@DavidMontgomery1]

Great picks. I like em, as usual. I really enjoy your work. I know this can be kind of unrewarding, but I hope you keep it up.

[@slbdrinks]

Appreciate your kind words, thank you!

[@retiredarchitect3462]

I've been a big fan of Lagavullin for years - never cared for the Arbeg in comparison - but found a wonderful very inexpensive very smooth and very peaty Isla alternative to my favorite - Scarabus for around $30 a bottle!

[@slbdrinks]

Huh, have not heard of this one. For 30.00 gonna have to give it a try! Lagavulin by the way is awesome!

[@robinknox3569]

Great selection. I stay very close to the Isle of Arran, so I have a leaning towards their products. The Amarone Cask finish or the Sherry cask finish are excellent.

[@slbdrinks]

Does sound delicious!

[@warrenhicks6120]

Its impressive that three of your choices are from Islay. I did a tour of the island a few years ago, and I fell in love with Islay. I have all those drams in my collection, as well as a few more expensive ones such as the Octomore, Lagavulin 16 Distillers, and others. The Classic laddie would qualify as the least peated malt on Islay, as it does not use peated barley, The Beni-hana (our inside joke for Bunnihabain sp.) is nice. Favorite distillary was Bruichladdich, as they do a beautful gin on site (Botanist) as well as the Port Charlotte and Octomore (heavily peated ) offerings. Cheers.

[@slbdrinks]

Very nice! Maybe one day post Covid I will be able to take a trip to see these impressive destinations. LOVE Lagavulin 16! Thanks for your input!

[@hanqb10]

Awesome list! Wish I could find more of the Arrans around me. I know it’s about $20 more expensive, but I think port Charlotte 10 is the best Islay value. I like Ardbeg, but PC10 packs just that much more malty richness along with the smoke.

[@slbdrinks]

The PC 10 is def on my list now after comment after comment with this recommendation. Thank you

[@SaltyCuban]

Yeah there might be something there for a little more money for someone else’s taste. But as far as value ardbeg 10 is the one. I’d have Bladnoch 10 as awesome value for a daily dram ($50). But alas , it has been discontinued. For $30 or less? Eagle Rare 10, Glenmorangie 10, Cutty Sark Prohibition, JW Black , Paddy are some examples to add.

[@TheChiefEng]

If you like the Ardbeg, try the Lagavulin 12 year old 2017, 2019 or 2020 at 56.5% if you get a chance. Get a Cairn type glass, pour a dram, add 5 ml of spring water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes and enjoy sipping.

[@slbdrinks]

Will do for sure! Thank you!

[@fellipemartins4730]

Hi Curt! I love your channel, all solid picks! Have you tried Laphroaig Lore? If you like heavily peated, Lore has that classic Laphroaig profile plus some surprising sweet tones. Extremely rounded expression and a pleasure every time.

[@slbdrinks]

I do have Laphroig Lore and find it very very good!

[@jasonolyver6430]

Just yes, to any beginner who is slowly looking for the good stuff, I recommend this video, none of these will disappoint you, you're getting some of the best without going into the high years and high prices, you can try Lagavulin 16 for a bit more money to quench your thirst for the celebrity whisky but for the love of God, stay away from Macallan and especially Blue label from Johnnie Walker.

[@CDD1992AB]

Great suggestions, greatly appreciated, thanks. Cheers.

[@Greedman456]

As an Islay lover I am glad to see the island represented in 3/5 🙂. Nice video, I prefer the port Charlotte from bruichladich though.

[@slbdrinks]

Not the only one to suggest the Port Charlotte. I have to get one!

[@31446963048]

The Classic Laddie is a great drink while barbecuing. Also great for an evening on the cusp of Fall when the temps are just starting to drop.

[@PolPotsPieHole]

Laphroaig 25 year is the nectar of the Gods IMO, I'm on my second bottle. I dont drink much but so a bottle last forever A cheaper option I love is the 10 year Sherry Oak aged Laphroaig, it has a lot of the same goodness that the 25 year has

[@slbdrinks]

The 25 is fabulous! I just got the Sherry oak so I need to get into that one.

[@PolPotsPieHole]

@@slbdrinks Youll love it Just crossed your channel, glad I did us whisky drinkers must stick together

[@rboysinmt]

Love my Ardbeg, my son says, "It tastes like I'm chewing on a charcoal log." LoL but I would say that it's my special occasion Scotch. Good memories just sipping it.

[@slbdrinks]

My son says roughly the same thing but they don’t know what they are missing!

[@jamesnorwood4084]

Yes and Ardbeg process will inform you as to why the price point. A lot of work goes into that bottle. And for those uninitiated I suggest you look into that process. One of the world's great whiskies. Here in sunny Florida though, I like a dram of it during those occasional cold winter nights. Rare, but they do occasionally happen. Better than ah furnace Ardbeg is!

[@slimysmiles8979]

Balvenie has delighted me every time. Around $100 a bottle to start where I live, but worth every red cent. Has anyone had the pleasure of trying their rum cast 12 year?

[@slbdrinks]

I just purchased this bottle a few weeks ago. Haven’t had the time to really dig into it yet. Do you have thoughts?

[@mikeblue385]

yessir. most excellent.

[@JR-playlists]

Close-ups of the labels would be helpful, thanks.

[@slbdrinks]

👍

[@TMats100]

Appreciate this one. My experience with Scotch is very limited, but a trip to Scotland last April certainly kindled a desire to learn more. FWIW, my favorite thus far is Oban 14.

[@kellydrover1994]

Omg what a great lineup !

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks so much!

[@Halidair]

Lagavulin 16 or the distillers edition if you liked peat

[@slbdrinks]

I have both. Excellent choices!

[@adamwright4262]

Excellent list. Any of the Ardbeg core expressions, from Wee Beastie to Corryvreckan, would be a great value. The Dalmore 12 and Highland Park 12 are also good values, and good entry points into Scotch for bourbon drinkers.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you for your thoughts. Great suggestions!

[@mknewlan67]

Dalmore 12 and Highland Park 12 are staples in my bar

[@slbdrinks]

Just purchased the HP 12 due to all the suggestions. Very good! Thank you

[@mknewlan67]

@@slbdrinks it’s definitely one of my favorites. Dalmore 12 is my favorite hands down. At least for now

[@mudgunner49]

Highland Park never disappoints with any of their expressions (at least the one's that I've tried), and the Dalmore 12 is excellent - my favorite Dalmore though is their Cigar Malt. Absolutely stellar...

[@ricklence3308]

I am with you on The Ardbeg 10! I just got the Classic Laddie! Great show!

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks so much!

[@m47t41]

gem of a video right here. peace from the Caribbean.

[@radamus210]

Love your selection. The Classic is hard for me to find as is the Arran. Ardbeg 10 is an obvious because you have to have a heavy Isla in there. But the star of this group for me is the Bunna 12, it really is a nice choice. Sure there's a hundred other opinions and options but at least these are good pours.

[@slbdrinks]

Completely agree on the Bunnahabhain 12! A beautiful pour at a fair price! Thank you!

[@judeirwin2222]

It’s Islay, not Isla. I would choose Lagavulin myself.

[@richardschaefer315]

@@judeirwin2222 Pronounce I-Luh

[@TonyClarkGuitar]

Great review. I agree on the Ardbeg. It’s amazing, but a few is enough. Have you reviewed Highland Park?

[@slbdrinks]

I have not on the channel but I do have a few in the bar. Good idea!

[@TonyClarkGuitar]

@@slbdrinks - Please do. It's one of my favorites, but I'd like to hear your take. Also, I am going to try that bloody mary mix you shared in another video. Looks amazing.

[@slbdrinks]

I love it honestly. Hope you like it.

[@christopherSteidinger]

I enjoy watching this channel very knowledgeable keep making reviews

[@MikeOchtman]

You never forget your first dram of Ardbeg 10. Still my favorite.

[@slbdrinks]

Extremely solid! You are right. I will not forget and that was the exact bottle that I had my first pour of a heavily peated whisky.

[@yourdrinkingbuddy]

Scotch is far harder to get into than Bourbon. For every scotch I like there are five that I find either bad or too expensive. This was a nice list to help sort it out.

[@steveno7058]

The good thing about Scotch is so much variety. The bad thing is so much variety. Because there are so many flavor profiles in Scotch it is more common to buy a bottle that doesn’t fit personal preferences. Unlike Bourbon which has a more narrow range so almost all Bourbon will at least have the classic notes of brown sugar, vanilla, oak, ect.

[@kirbyculp3449]

Bottled-in-Bond bourbon is currently my preferred category in whiskey. Less cost and more flavor than most scotch offerings.

[@31446963048]

Well the tarriff jacked prices up 25% (that was under Trump and in response the ECU). Current inventories in many stores didn't go up but all new inventory pricing has been hit with it. Take advantage of the discrepancies where you can find them.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Try Speyburn 10 at $30

[@cloudbudget]

Love the theme, "Best Bang for the Buck!!!!" Thanks so much!! Couldn't agree with you more!! What about "Best Bang for the Buck" blended whiskies?

[@slbdrinks]

I like that idea! Lots of people poo poo blends but my take is if it tastes good it’s good!

[@barrysmale8060]

Very good suggestions. I would also throw in Highland Park, Dalmore and Caol Isla for value for money too. Everyone should drink whisky!

[@slbdrinks]

Great suggestions!

[@dksculpture]

Again, excellent choices! Subscribed! I’ve drunk several bottles of them all except that particular Arran and Balvenue. The regular Arran 10yo is very good and the Balvenie 15 SB sherry cask, while pricey, may be my favorite pricey (for me) but not insane Scotch bar none!

[@slbdrinks]

I don’t believe I have the Balvenie 15 Sherry cask but sounds delicious! Good picks!

[@dksculpture]

@@slbdrinks It's VERY good.

[@LadyToni7777]

I think whiskey would solve some of my health problems. The only experience that I have had is my parents melting my Christmas candy canes in Jim Beam and that was used as my cough syrup for the year. I can smell a glass of that from 20 feet away and I start to gag and run the other way. What would you suggest for a first time? I am a bus driver and I can only have a small drink on Friday and Saturday nights.

[@slbdrinks]

For bourbon I would suggest Early Times bottle in bond if you can find it. For something inexpensive that Benchmark 8 is pretty tasty. If scotch is what your looking for try Glenmorangie 10 yr.

[@UncleWally3]

A decade or so ago my favorite “cheap” purchase was a 15 year old Longmorn. Here in Canada we could pick up a bottle for under $40. Happily, over time I bought cases; sadly, over time I finished cases. Now, even in Scotland, it’s difficult to find an original batch bottle under $150 - $200. I’m sure there’s a metaphor in there somewhere, if anybody finds it could you please let me know?

[@slbdrinks]

Never heard of it. Sorry your having difficulty finding it at this point.

[@yehoshua77]

Glenmorangie is my fave daily drinker and Caol Ila is a really overlooked Islay whisky.

[@irahartoch1075]

Excellent video with a wide range of Whisky to suit various tastes. The Balvenie is my favorite distillery and I have had a number of their offerings, but I was unfamiliar with this one. I will have to give it a try!. One thing. A Scotsman once corrected me on the pronunciation of Balvenie. The middle syllable has a "short e" like in "ten" as opposed to a "long e" like in "see".

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks for the correction. So many things to learn when dealing with Scotch but yet it is so much fun!

[@dennismhac23]

What do you think of Lagavulin 16? It's my go to if I want to impress friends with an Islay bottle.

[@slbdrinks]

In all honesty I tell people it’s the prince of Islay whiskey! I love that bottle!

[@dennismhac23]

@@slbdrinks Thank you for the response. Ever since you've started doing Whiskey reviews....I've got to see what you think about the bottles you've had. So far, I'm finding we have the same flavor profile. You've given me a list of bottles I've got to try I've gone past in the liquor isles. Thank you. Big fan!!!!!!!!!

[@BillMcGirr]

Absolutely my favorite Islay. Can’t be beat for me. Good stuff.😊👍🤣

[@socemdogbrewingandgastropu8288]

This is the first single malt scotch that I ever bought. Heard of it on the AMC series Rubicon. I’ve drank about 6 bottles since and have one open and a spare in the cabinet.

[@twontonamo]

Just found your channel, great stuff! Subbed! Absolutely love that Classic Laddie. Bruichladdich is one of my favorite distilleries, their Port Charlotte 10 is something special. Ardbeg is definitely a favorite of mine too. Surprised no mention of Monkey Shoulder though, such an underrated dram IMO.

[@slbdrinks]

So many have suggested the port Charlotte 10 I have to get that on my list! Monkey Shoulder is a staple in my bar! Great mixer and / or sipper! Thanks for your input!

[@jpgsf1978]

If you have the $$$ try the Octomore and Black Art.

[@slbdrinks]

I do have a bottle of both but don’t remember details on the releases. Both are ridiculously good! Maybe a future show??

[@josephmyatt2412]

Monkey Shoulderis soooo gooood !

[@gazza9463]

I lived in Scotland for 15 years and already had a taste for scotch. But one thing I have always remembered when a landlord of a pub I frequented asked me, what do you add to malt whisky? I couldn't answer him. More malt was his reply.

[@slbdrinks]

Ha! I love that! Would hope at some point of my life I will be able to visit Scotland.

[@leightonsmith4676]

Peat

[@davidabreu-pm5wh]

I think the glendronach 12 deserves a spot up here

[@psychofruit]

Glenfarclas 10 is also fantastic. $50 might be at the high end for "budget", though

[@slbdrinks]

Glen far lad has a great lineup!

[@SarawakPollster]

for me best value: clynelish 14(highland), lagavulin 16(islay), arran 10(islands), kilkerran 12(campbeltown), glenallachie 12(speyside) ardbeg 10 and Bunnahabhain 12 are some of my faves also :)

[@slbdrinks]

Excellent list! I have got to get on the Clynelish 14 bandwagon. So many people have that bottle on their list. Thank you

[@SarawakPollster]

@@slbdrinks its a chameleon whisky and maybe not for beginners... ive gone from liking it to not liking it then back to liking it again. (all in the same bottle over a 6mo period) There may be more obvious and easier drinking highlands but never a dull moment with the Clynelish 14 :)

[@GreybeardMO]

Islay fan, are you :D Me too... but you left out my favorites. When it comes to best for the price, try Bowmore's 12. Oh, and I prefer Balvenie's Caribbean Cask to their American Oak. Leaving Islay, every try GlenDronach's 15? Sherry cask aged, and some of the tastiest stuff I've ever had the pleasure of tasting :D Love the video!

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks for your recommendations! All are fantastic! I am 💯 with you on the Glendronach!

[@pumagutten]

Very pleasant presentation. I'll be back for more from SLB Drinks. Greetings from Norway!

[@slbdrinks]

Wow what a privilege to meet you all the way from Norway!

[@bill-qv3er]

All good choices for sure. I also love the Lagavulin 16 which is the first peated whiskey I tried. The Bunnahabin is great stuff especially the 21. And don't forget the Springbank, a great dram!!

[@davidbroughall3782]

Bunnahabhain 12 is not slightly peated. It is unpeated.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you for the correction. I went back to my research and found that I had looked up a 12 yr release that was slightly peated but the usual release is not. I feel terrible when I misstate a particular product so thank you. I always say I will take all the help I can get! Have a great day!

[@davidbroughall3782]

@@slbdrinks No problem. I wasn't aware of a 12 year peated release. I'll take a look for it.

[@slbdrinks]

I got my info from the Distiller app on my phone. The app has been very helpful to me in general when choosing whiskey to purchase.

[@davidbroughall3782]

@@slbdrinks Thanks for the tip.

[@user-cs2sm8sg9l]

Of course, ardbeg 10 y.o.

[@TheDanielHayes]

First time viewer of your videos and subscribed. Very balanced review. I'll have to try the Arran as this is my first time hearing about it, and I've been wanting to try The Balvenie...so your review just pushed that up on my list. I typically keep a little list in my wallet and try a dram or two at a bar/pub before I grab a bottle. Just updated my list. I look forward to watching more, thanks!

[@slbdrinks]

Appreciate your kind words! Thank you!

[@michaelakkerman407]

Belvidere is probably my favorite low cost Scotch. I absolutely love the 14 year Caribbean cask. I do love to try different brands and was stuck on The McCallum for awhile. I actually got to dive i to a couple drams of Johnny Walkers Blue label that changed my life...I have only been drinking Scotch for about 5 years now and if you have any brands you like would love some ideas...thanks.

[@slbdrinks]

Glenallachie 12 yr was probably my biggest surprise this year. So good!

[@rodroller6634]

Big fan of the Highland Park series.

[@slbdrinks]

Just got into HP not that long ago and agree with you!

[@Boxer1250RT]

4 out of 5 are excellent. Ardbeg 10 is like drinking Scotch and smelling a burnt tire at the same time. The smoak flavor stays in your system for hours and does not go away. It is an extreme example of the Peated Whisky. I would replace that one with $60 a bottle Red Breast (from Ireland). It is a Fri Night treat in my book.

[@slbdrinks]

He that’s all good by me! You cracked me up with your Ardbeg review. Heavily peated whisky is def not for everyone.

[@johnireland6301]

You do such a great job.

[@borgcutus5780]

I've never done much with Scotch whiskey (pretty much a bourbon and vodka guy), but I'll look for any of these to start my education. Since I live in PA under the dominating crush of the PLCB monopoly and it's lousy selection, I'm not overly hopeful I'll find any, but will try. Thanks Kurt!

[@slbdrinks]

Good luck my friend!

[@leskeen4104]

Interesting but just a note. You say you like the Ardbeck neat, will you will probably not agree with me but I learnt from a distiller that a good whisky is like a flower and it needs water to make it bloom. I was taught to add ' a teardrop of water ' to enhance a gentleman's measure of a good single malt. I does make a subtle difference.

[@slbdrinks]

I agree but I do not add water on every pour. I probably should start doing that for a while just to concentrate on the differences. Good point.

[@christinecamley]

Love these choices. I’m all Islay now!!

[@guyr7351]

Enjoyed this, although sadly your No2 choice i found only after my father died, when we went to the pub chat about him and come the end of the night we wanted to toast him with a malt as we would often have a malt when visiting him. This was the only whisky available that night in the pub, since then it's my special whisky to celebrate good times and sadly others that have passed away. Never had a bad Balvenie either.

[@slbdrinks]

Much love and respect to your father! I have so many find memories of my father as well. May I raise a glass in honor of your father tonight and say a prayer for you and your family. Blessings my friend.

[@robertmcdougall3166]

Oh man you must have Scottish blood. Solid excellent picks. I have tried so many over the years, some at outrageous prices, Bunnahabhain 12 yo is my favourite. That particular Balvenie is a good choice for Bourbon drinkers interested in Scotch as it has distinct vanilla notes. Bruichladdich is another excellent inexpensive choice. Arran whisky has become very popular, I have tried The Quarter Cask (about £50UK), stronger at 56%, lovely. Ardbeg is just superb, as you say can be bought inexpensively, if you want to get a ‘special occasion’ whisky spend twice as much and get Ardbeg Corryvreckan. However, please support Scottish owned distilleries and go for Bunnahabhain, Balvenie or Arran, the others are French multi-nationals, (I think). We need to protectour industry.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment! To be truthful I have not looked into ownerships of particular Scottish distilleries. I will start paying attention to that.

[@Zmann86]

Two you can certainly add to your list and both are cheaper than this current list is a Glenlivet 12 year or the Founder's Reserve, both are fantastic and also Aberfeldy 12. Both are remarkable for their price and will run you about $40-$45.

[@jonlouis2582]

Great video!

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks so much!

[@badatlife8793]

Dude you rule. Ardbeg is a fine whisky. Can't wait to try the others.

[@madpete6438]

Port Charlotte - same price as the Ardbeg - tastes wild... like sucking a fine ash tray, All the others - totally agree. To flesh out the top 10 add Port Askaig, Bruichladdich Islay Barley, Taliskers Port Rughie, Old Pultney 12 Year, and a classic speyside from SpringBank. Good on you - this is great content thanks.

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks so much! Others have suggested the Bruichladdich Islay Barley as well so I picked one up and it is fantastic!

[@jonnyfish76]

Solid picks.

[@NivlasNightcapNotes]

Your palate and mine must be so similar! All of these I love. Mind you I wish here in Australia I could purchase them for a similar price. Our duty and excise here makes some whiskies too expensive. I like your review. Thank you.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you for the kind words! I have had similar comments from my Australia friends and I sincerely feel bad about your whiskey pricing 🙁

[@bartrhodes7122]

Leaving for Scotland soon. This was VERY helpful!

[@slbdrinks]

Wow I’m jealous! Hope you have a great time!

[@makelikeatree1696]

Funny story…friend of mine decanted a bottle of the Famous Grouse and gave it to me as unlabeled. You know, it stood up to many single malts just fine. Neither he nor I are exactly amateur drinkers btw. For you that don’t know, Famous Grouse is a “rail” brand, like Jim Beam, Jameson or Seagrams 7.

[@slbdrinks]

I emptied a famous grouse not that long ago. I def agree. Excellent choice for the money!

[@ronstanton1511]

Yep I’m from Down Under & Famous Grouse is as good as any … incidentally was the choice of Princess Margaret so some its caused some historic scandal also..Cheers Arrjay

[@jshicke]

Once tried a Scotch and just could not get past that "Rubber Bandaid" aroma of peated malt, and so I stayed away after that.... until. A friend had me over to his house and we got to talking and I noticed he had a fairly full collection of various scotches. Glenmorangie, Dewar's, Glenfiddich, etc. I told him of my dislike of the aroma of "Scotch" and he opened my mind and palette to some of the other lightly peated and unpeated single malts. I kinda fell in love with the 10 yr Glenmorangie original single malt. I never knew you could get all those aromas and flavors into a whiskey.

[@slbdrinks]

Funny you should mention the Glenmorangie 10. A coworker of mine knew I was into bourbon but had a similar experience at the beginning with peated scotch. He told me to get the Glenmorangie 10 and start there. That bottle was the beginning of my infatuation with scotch.

[@MrBoazhorribilis]

Thanks. I am a collector of very few bottles. Lot's of casualties.

[@m6246kimo]

I like your review and I enjoy my Ardbeg 10 too.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you

[@ps-ri2qk]

Chuckling as I'm sipping the Ardbeg 10 watching your video, I'll have to sample the "Classic Laddie" when I can. The Bunne's I've had all seemed rather medicinal tasting - although I haven't had that specific type, met the distiller in Boston ~7 years ago at a tasting at Federal liquors on State st. Bang for the buck could probably use for a specific price point where these were all in the 50-60 USD range. I'd say Talisker 10, Lagavullin 16, Oban 14 and Macallan 12/15's are all in the running - dependent on your price point. Surely even more - too many good choices. Keep up the good work sir. There are five regions to checkout, and all of them offer great whiskies.

[@slbdrinks]

No doubt! All of of your choices are very solid!

[@JustGrillingandChilling.]

Great review… nice to see my fave, Ardbeg 10 makes your list. New to your channel, and have just (definitely) subscribed. I look forward to returning for more insight from your Basement Bourbon Bar.

[@slbdrinks]

Appreciate you joining us!

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Love ❤️ your video.

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks so much!

[@joshnaylor6182]

+1 on th Bunnihabbin- love it. Naked Grouse/naked Malt is a great blend matured in sherry casks. Under $40 if you can find it.

[@slbdrinks]

Both great choices!

[@ThomasTVP]

I bought a bottle each of Ardbeg and Laphroig 10 seven years ago. Poured a glass of each, never touched them since. The Bunnahabhain 12 is a safe recommendation though. It's a superb bang for the buck.

[@slbdrinks]

Yes it is! I understand the heavily peated whisky’s. It’s def a love them or hate them situation.

[@duncanbirnie4158]

Persevere 🙏peated whisky takes a while to get into but worth it 👍

[@joelsoon3219]

I just picked up a bottle of Bunnahabhain, and love it! Great recommendation sir.

[@duncanbirnie4158]

There a few Bunnahabain whiskeys which are not peaty and great value for money 👍