Islay Scotch - A Beginner's Guide and Best First Bottle

[@brownsugarshaquilleoatmeal8719]

This is the first video of seen of this guy, but I like him. His voice is as smooth as a nice whiskey, and for some reason I get the sense that he is just a nice guy. Will be watching more video from now on.

[@Dewey_Andreas]

I feel the same way, I feel like he's someone I could be friends with.

[@tommyharrison5515]

instablaster...

[@Kvs-vf9nt]

@@Dewey_Andreas Same.

[@alandoyle3442]

Gay

[@Bc-nw9qk]

Was never a whiskey fan. Never understood how to properly appreciate whiskey. Always downed it without a second thought. Tried ardbeg uigeadail on a cruise and now I only like smoky peaty scotch. Huge fan of Islay scotch and now I take the time to taste and enjoy it properly!

[@samuraisoul2]

The Lagavulin 16 was my first introduction to Islay scotch. It was suggested by a bartender on a Caribbean cruise and I am forever grateful to him to suggesting it! It was wonderful. After we got back, I have tried the Ardbeg 10 which was fantastic! The Laphroaig 10 is on my short list to try next! I've become a big Islay fan! Famous Grouce Smoky Black was also excellent!! I am definitely a smoky, peaty fan!

[@stuffforwork]

I am an Islay lover. For starter Islay, I would actually steer people toward Caol Ila 12. It has some sherry barrels in the mix which gives it some of the sweeter notes of the Famous Grouse but with more true Islay character. Talisker is one of my favorite distilleries, and a good inclusion here even though it from a different region. They have the right blend of all the components for me. I personally love the 18 and then the Storm. The 10 is very good, but I will choose the other two first. The 18 has all the notes in perfect harmony and the Storm is more smoke forward with some youthful bite, similar to the Lagavulin 8. For sweet and not so robust, you can also try Highland Park 12. It is highland (Island of Orkney) and has a very different peat character. It also has sherry barrels in the mix so the fruity sweetness comes through. The one caution I will add with HP12 is that it is at 40% ABV and for me it makes the mid-palate a bit flat. Lagavulin 16 is a very different animal than Lagavulin 8. If is hard to think of two core-range age-stated bottlings from one distillery that are more different. The 8, for me is light, with some fruity and lemony character, while the 16 is much more robust (despite its lower abv (43%)) with flavors of canned fish and smoked meats. It can be had here in VA for $90 when ABC has it on sale ($100 normally), and less out of state. I would recommend getting a bottle if you have interest in peated whisky. It is a benchmark. Even if you don't love it, it is a great experience to have and to be able to relate to other peated scotches.

[@stuffforwork]

Another random note, Bunnahabhain is an Islay distillery whose main offerings are unpeated. Bunn12 is a great scotch intro for bourbon drinkers. It gives the Islay oily, seaside character without the smoke, which some of my friends found very appealing as they started to explore scotch after being bourbon drinkers.

[@aaronraynor7703]

I hope everyone reads this comment. Absolutely spot on. I’m an Islay Scotch lover as well.

[@SuperAaronbennett]

Sorry for your loss brother. (Holding up my drink) Cheers!

[@corporalmcna5ty734]

I love that you do everything blind, literally just now subscribed bcuz you dont play favorites and keep it honest.

[@WhiskeyRow]

I try my best to be impartial as I can. Sometimes I recognize the flavors as being a particular bottle, but still try to be impartial

[@tylerdeputy1463]

I have to admit that whenever a Michters is involved I expect it to win.

[@ThreeToesofFury]

THIS! totall agree

[@steelie4478]

Same

[@koskey06]

Ummm....he cheats the blind!! Sto he looks good.... very self conscious

[@JaniMullen]

You should as well try Caol Ila. One of my favourite distilleries. From Caol Ila‘s there are many very interesting fillings from independent bottlers. Lagavulin 16 would be my personal goto Islay standard whisky.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Based on recommendations I did pick up a Caol Ila... L16 is on my list, but hesitant to pull the trigger since I been buying a lot of expensive bourbons lately

[@saschaeggert2148]

@@WhiskeyRow Try the 12 yrs, it's excellent and not too expensive, here it's around 40 €.

[@shadmo8629]

Absolutely. Caol Ila 12 is just superb. Smooth, smoky and relatively cheap. If you like it smoky/peaty then Talisker 10 and Ledaig 10 are delicious and relatively inexpensive islay 'styles' too.

[@Kvs-vf9nt]

Caol ila 12 years indeed is a good one imo too

[@Glock2201]

@@WhiskeyRow You need to keep Jamie out of the speak easy and the expensive bourbons would last longer.

[@wiscowhiskeyreview]

Nice video! There's an Islay scotch called Bunnahabain that isn't smokey at all and the 12-year is absolutely fantastic. Also, as far as I understand it, the water doesn't come into play with the peatiness at all...that's just an old wives' tale. Any and all peat flavor is gonna come from the actual peat smoke during the malt-drying process. I have yet to crack open my Ardbeg 10, but I've had Laphroaig 10 and Talisker Storm. I really also like Highland Park (a Highland scotch) because it's only slightly peaty but also sweet and fruity. Cheers!

[@davidleamore8074]

Highland Park is not a highland whisky. It is an Orcadian scotch (from the Orkney Islands in the far north of Scotland).

[@wiscowhiskeyreview]

The Orkney Islands generally fall into the Highland region though, according to most sources, including the Scotch Whisky Association. @@davidleamore8074

[@apex.amatuer]

Good review but I'm suprised I didn't see any top comments pointing out that single malt does not mean only malt. It means single distillery, at least 50% malt barley, can come from a blend of different barrels and batches even. "Regarding what is Single Malt Scotch Whisky, there are a few regulations within Scotland’s and international law that define a Single Malt Scotch. For a Whisky to have this denomination, it It has to be produced and aged in Scotland; Malted Barley has to be the cereal base of this spirit; The spirit must be mixed or distilled in a single distillery; The alcohol volume has a minimum of 40% ABV The maturation must take in oak barrels; It has to age for, at least, 3 years." It is a common misconception, there are many websites that say the wrong thing.

[@fourcubed47]

I'm almost exclusively an American whiskey and bourbon drinker, but on a whim I bought a couple bottles of Scotch that I haven't had the temerity to open yet (a Famous Grouse and a Laphroig 10). The perfect time to open the Famous Grouse tonight and drink a toast to your late friend. Cheers.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Good for you branching out! I'm a bourbon guy too, but it is fun from time to time to try new things

[@Christopherogley]

Sell the grouse. Buy more laiphroiag

[@jakobchristensen2845]

You need to try the Lagavulin 16 😊👍

[@WhiskeyRow]

It's on my list! I've heard good things and if I see it will grab a bottle

[@jakobchristensen2845]

@@WhiskeyRow It is one of my favorit Islay whisky 😊👍!

[@jenmac287]

The very best..

[@MrFurious176]

Before I started drinking bourbon, I was drinking almost exclusively Highland Scotch and Irish Whiskey. The first time I tried Ardbeg, I almost spit it out it was so different. Now that I've pretty much switched to bourbon for the last year or 2, I'm thinking of giving the smokey scotches a try again.

[@WhiskeyRow]

It's very different t and I get why people don't like it. I only go to it when I'm in the mood, but do enjoy when I'm feeling it

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Bought my first bottle today. Life changer. I have never had anything that tastes like this . Very lively. Still need to decide if I like it. SO different. All smoke. No sweet. And pepper. Very very cool. Nothing like bourbon at all. An acquired taste? We'll see. Very very cool. I tried Shieldaig. Remarkable.

[@johnk7093]

Have done a blind like this as well, but with Ard 10, Laph 10, Laga 16, Caol Lila 12, Compass Box Peat Monster... Mine was Laga, Peat, Caol, Laph, Ard... Bruichladdich Port Charlotte and Clynelish 14 are amazing too... have not had Talisker 10 yet. Great Vid, not sure how I missed it.

[@wet-read]

I didn't care for the Ardbeg 10, but I did love the Uigeadail and Corryvreckan. Both are more robust and flavorful. Highly recommend them. And I second the Bruichladdich PC 10! That distillery's non-peated offerings are good as well.

[@aaronraynor7703]

Port Charlotte is absolutely superb as well, and Johnny Walker Green label is a blended scotch that I quite enjoy that has a lot of smokiness too. It is my favorite JW offering.

[@DLK262]

Thank you so much. I’m actually just now getting into Scotches. I actually just had Auchentoshan 12 year single malt. It was good very surprised.

[@WhiskeyRow]

I'll have to look out for that one. I just picked up a Caol Ila on the recommendation from viewers

[@richardmcgrath61]

If you ever get the chance, visit Islay. It's a wonderful experience. Lagavulin 16 is my favourite Islay Scotch, but you can't go wrong with the Ardbeg 10.

[@Glock2201]

Good video. I have an Ardbeg 10 going right now. It is a little too smokey for my flavor but it is starting to grow on me and tastes better during cold weather. If it is not gone by late spring I think I will put it away until next fall. I am glad it ended up on top because it is less money than the 3 other single malts in the blind. Hopefully I will get a chance to try the other ones and see which one I like the best and keep a bottle on hand.

[@criststevenson722]

I recently tried both Lagavulin 8 and Lagavulin 12 because the 16 was not available. (Christmas gifts from my wife). Both were excellent and better than Laphroaig and Ardbeg. Talisker is a good Scotch, but I am not a fan of Famous Grouse. Lagavulin 16 is clearly my favorite.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Going to have to get the better Lagavulin based on so many comments as well as the Caol Ila

[@Kvs-vf9nt]

The 12 and the 16. And you prefer the 16??? Damn give me the 12 everytime. For me it's the best one I drank. I had the 8, 9, 12 and the 16. Now here I only have the 8 new bottle and an almost empty one. And the ardbeg 5 half bottle. But I ordered port charlotte 10y 1L bottle. And the Laphroaig 10 cask strength bottle. I really have to refill my ardbeg 10 too.

[@willreynolds6213]

Good video! I recently went to a bar where I had a drink that had Islay scotch in it. The bartender said the scotch was pretty smoky, I said that was fine, but really didn't know what he meant lol. Ended up really enjoying it, and now looking to get into scotch more. This was very helpful!

[@robbiedaniels2164]

Mentioned in an earlier video but check out Longrow Peated. Also, Caol Ila is delicious. As is most stuff from Bruichladdich/Port Charlotte.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Someone else mentioned the Caol Ila... it's now on my list

[@pherzb]

Bruichladdich has some fantastic expressions. I had the 8 year old fairly recently, it was light and crisp almost like a (much more expensive) Japanese whisky in a way, just really good. Also the Octomore. I had a taste of that that was like sitting on a beach at night next to a bonfire, lovely.

[@pherzb]

Longrow is Campbelltown, by the way, but it's great. It somehow manages to be intensely sweet and intensely smoky at the same time. When Whiskey Row does Campbelltown, he's in for a treat. Kilkerran in particular is top notch.

[@Bob-wh2cr]

Love Caol Ila and Classic Laddie.

[@whamsdram]

I'm from Scotland - I like your honest straightforward simple review - so many whisky reviews are pretentious -" I'm getting citrus - barley - biscuit - oak - sherry - leather -petrol - tobacco - my mother's foot up my backside " - anyone I've ever known when describing a good malt just repeats what's on the the last review they read - mybudget makes me in the mid level whiskies - whisky in scotand is very expesive - 70% tax - I mean really tax at 70% in the country it's made - come on - no wonder there is a demand for independence from england! Back to whisky - Ardeg is so good - if it's available where you are try Arran 10 NCF NC - no peat - a beautiful light whisky - Bunnahabain 12 - maybe my favourite - but if I'm sitting down with a couple of pals to have a glass or two of the good stuff - while we wai for a few wee glasses to take the air - start off with a Jameson or Bushmill - so smooth - just superb to warm your throat - no insult to Irish whiskeys - they are the smoothest easiest sipping drinks to start a wee night in - might have one now - great review - John67

[@Christopherogley]

Big up scotch nationalism ....

[@danielbrinlee9939]

Love the honesty. Loved the video.

[@011humphrey]

To me it was 1 to 6 Arbeg 10, Laphroaig select, Caol ila, Bowmore 12, Talisker port Ruighe, Finlaggan (but i am curious about the Finlaggan cask strenght)

[@ThreeToesofFury]

Suggestion for those new to Islay...its worth shopping around a little. Ive noticed in the last 5 months that most Islays (and i suppose, by default, most Scotches) have had a substantial mark up in a LOT of stores. the Laphroig and Ardbeg 10's both went from low 50s to high 60s...almost a $20 mark up. I think it ties into tarrifs or whatnot but its substantial. However some places still have original pricing. At that markup its worth looking around some.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Yes, I've heard it is tied to the tariffs, but not sure. Islay has such a different flavor I think it is intimidating to start finding your preferences

[@PLaTerra]

I give you credit..... I like Scotch. My favs are the Balvenie, talisker, glenlivet, oban to name a few. I have a bottle of Laphroiag but just can’t drink it. Thanks so much for your perspective

[@WhiskeyRow]

It's funny as I liked the Laphroig at first, but as I got others it has fallen down the list 🤷‍♂️

[@brentons857]

So glad you did this video!

[@WhiskeyRow]

Thank you! I get nervous doing scotch vids because they generally don't do well as most folks that watch prefer bourbon and rye content, but I is it interesting to branch out 🤷‍♂️

[@charlesrockwell3923]

Something about scotch is that the same bottle can taste distinctly different each time I taste it. Helps to keep the game interesting....

[@johnadams3418]

For anyone who hasn't had scotch. Start with something like Monkey Shoulder, Glenlivet 12, Balvanie double oak or Balvanie Caribbean cask 14. Macallan is fine as well but for the price mark-up it's name commands, it is not worth it. Moving more into peat try the Talisker 10 or the Highland Park 12. If that doesn't derail you, then try Lagavulin 16, Ardbeg 10 or the Ardbeg Uigedail.

[@odiamonds1961]

Some good advice John, and the order is spot on. I would put possibly Redbreast in there also, early in the pecking order although not from Scotland. Cheers

[@marceljohnson2215]

@@odiamonds1961 red breast is just an all around great Irish. Heck maybe the greatest Irish whiskey. For scotch entry at the price I’d recommended glenmorangie 10 though monkey shoulder is over hyped imo

[@odiamonds1961]

@@marceljohnson2215 Glenmorangie is a nice pour! Heading today to pick up a bottle of Glendronach 12. I hear good things about that one as well. Cheers

[@andylang5884]

Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, and Lag 8 were the first 3 islays I tried. did a blind tasking and picked Ardbeg, then Lag then Laph. really liked them all, but even after finishing the bottle of Laph, I haven't purchased another bottle. somewhat undecided about the stronger medicinal notes.

[@xiamengbaby]

A very delicious Islay single malt that is not peated is Bunnahabhain 12 year old. It is a sherryed malt whisky. Bunnahabhain does make some peated releases, but the 12 is not. Caol Ila and Bowmore I believe are lighter in peat than Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin.

[@WhiskeyRow]

So many options to keep looking for! Thank you!

[@mikeclark3013]

Enjoyed your review! My experience with Scotch is so far limited to Glenmorangie. I like it, but I’ve wanted to try one of the more peaty drams. Think I’ll give Ardbeg a try.

[@WhiskeyRow]

It's a good choice, can't fault that !

[@treytison1444]

Glenmorangie is pretty good but very tame compared to Ardbeg. If you're willing to spend extra the Ardbeg Uigeadail is on the sweeter more balanced side, but I also really like the 5 year, 10 year, and An Oa.

[@fredtremblay9530]

Bowmore is also a decent cheaper option to get into the ilays...it's not overly bold either so it's a nice bridge from the maltier non-ilays

[@printnewb]

Another nice review David! Many Scotches outside of Islay has peaty characteristics like one of my favorites Highland Park 12, which is a highland scotch with a sweet peat note. A fantastic one you have to try is Compass Box Peat Monster.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Thanks for the tip, heard others recommend Highland Park so will need to get on find one lol

[@colemontsandy3424]

I love the ardbeg 10

[@ThreeToesofFury]

THANKS DUDE! Im new-ish to Scotch as well and realllly connect with Islay. Im not sure why, but i see it referenced enough in other bourbon channels that i think there must be some reason we bourbon/rye fans gravitate to Islay??? I guess we dig on the peat!!

[@WhiskeyRow]

It is so different from bourbon, but I think you are right

[@andrewmainprice2179]

Talisker 10 is a fantastic whisky especially for £33 in the UK

[@alekseymel7852]

82$ here in Miami. Crazy

[@andrewmainprice2179]

@@alekseymel7852 wow that is expensive

[@alekseymel7852]

@@andrewmainprice2179 i guess due to tariffs but even then it is way overpriced

[@MrPlainPizzaGAMING]

great video...I am getting into Islay scotches - Subscribed...

[@mjardeen]

Talisker 10 is an amazing drink -- spicy and light smoke. If you like it also try Highland Park (the most northern distillery in Scotland). Though listed as Highland most people think the Island Scotches deserve to be seen as their own place. 'Famous Grouse' is the #1 Whiskey in the UK by volume of sales.

[@sonofmogh]

Love Laphroaig 10! I came from gin and rye, so this is new for me, too. Just tried Wee Beastie, and don't like it as much ( I'm past the neck pour ).

[@WhiskeyRow]

I've not had the beastie... I think the 10 is probably better rounded with the additional age, but that is a supposition

[@sonofmogh]

@@WhiskeyRow looking forward to the Ardbeg 10 next.

[@Kvs-vf9nt]

@@WhiskeyRow You would be surprised the wee beastie is very good imo.

[@nickpal4037]

I have found that Laphoaig 10 can be inconsistent from bottle to bottle. Lagavulin 16 is my favorite.

[@WhiskeyRow]

That is good to know about Laphroig, thanks!

[@BourbonOfTheWeek]

I havent dove much into the scotch world. Ive had a few that ive enjoyed but dont really know much about it This was a nice variety of stuff so I learned a lot. Great episode (as always). Cheers.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback. Great job your bracket series of videos going on now, I'm enjoying them!

[@BourbonOfTheWeek]

@@WhiskeyRow appreciate that!

[@shawnmorgan5221]

I might have missed it - what was the abv on the Laphroig? I know different markets vary....

[@dougo891]

First Islay malt I tried was 16 year old Lagavulin I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT BEST WHEN MIXED WITH A FEW OUNCES OF DISTILLED WATER. Otherwise it would burn out my tastebuds.😎🤩

[@RooStephan]

I found it interesting that your top 2 picks looked the lightest in the glass. I wonder how that's related to the flavor

[@WhiskeyRow]

I noticed that too and think it may be related to the sweetness, but not sure. Anyone have any ideas?

[@xiamengbaby]

Scotch whisky producers are allowed to add artificial coloring to the batch. Some add a minimal amount to keep consistency of color from one batch to the next while others use it to make the whisky look more mature than it really is. In recent years as whisky drinkers have become more knowledgeable and sophisticated about what they are drinking, there has been a demand for more natural presentation. Therefore, more and more distilleries are producing whisky with little to no coloring. So before you compare whiskies by their color, see if you can determine whether one or both have added coloring (I think the common caramel coloring additive is known as E150). Often the lighter colored whisky has more integrity as it has no coloring added. Another common process is chill filtration that makes the whisky more crystal clear looking and prevents fog up of your drink if it is cold or if water is added. More distillers now are no longer chill filtering because it takes away from the overall flavor. So, if you see a bottle that says non chill-filtered, natural color (and also bottled at at least 46% abv), that is a good start towards it probably being a pretty decent bottle, because they show integrity. But to your question, if natural colored, lighter would typically mean it is a younger age, and thus less barrel influence. If it were aged in sherry barrels, however, it would be darker than a bourbon barrel aged scotch whisky, given the same age. The other variable is, since scotch whisky is aged in barrels previously used to age other whisk(e)y, the barrel influence can vary, based on how many previous times the barrels were already used. It's complicated!

[@adamseaman7306]

Great review! When I’m in the mood for scotch, I grab a peaty one. Highland Park 18 Viking Pride is delicious. Great with a cigar. Cheers!

[@WhiskeyRow]

What about the Highland Park do you like... what would you compare it to, never had it

[@adamseaman7306]

@@WhiskeyRow Honey, floral citrus taste with a good full Smokey peat, but not overpowering that it crushes your pallet. Great on a hot summer day or night.

[@pherzb]

@@WhiskeyRow Highland Park brings out a new expression probably a bit too often, but the core is fine and some of the special releases in are, well, special. The 12 year old is solid and the Dragon Legend is peaty in a style that is good to introduce people to peat. The bottles are always nice, too.

[@gaylemcgee2221]

Now you have to compare Speyside Scottish whiskeys!!! That's more my style. Nice video and I'm sorry about you losing your friend. Hugs.

[@Bob-wh2cr]

Try the Talisker Distiller’s Edition. Amazing pour

[@WhiskeyRow]

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll add it to the list! I really like the talisker 10 though

[@brianforrester9670]

I never liked any whisk(e)y until I tried Laphroaig 10. Whiskey, to me, was Jack/SoCo/Jim Beam, which I absolutely hated.

[@andybuchan9362]

For the real Lagavulin flavour, you need to go for the 16. The 8 just tastes watered down. Port Charlotte 10 is also a great Islay whisky (there's no "e" in Scotch whisky, by the way. Also, if you're going to go for a blend, try Peat Monster, absolutely gorgeous.

[@kevinwillson341]

My favorite so far has been the Talisker but I love the Ardbeg too! I haven't tried the others but I'm sure Id enjoy them, it's hard to go wrong with Islay whisky. Thanks for the great content!

[@WhiskeyRow]

Appreciate it! I picked up a Caol Isla and it t is really good too

[@Kvs-vf9nt]

Lagavulin 8 is better than the 16 imo. But the best lagavulin that's not crazy priced I mean is the 12. Defenitly try the 12! Also if you like ardbeg. I'm drinking the 5 wee beastie now. It's enjoyable👍

[@doc4804]

Good review

[@bryanwalker1737]

Well done, sir!

[@WhiskeyRow]

Thank you! Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment

[@TimSnead223]

Great video!!! May have to try one of those out. Hard to set aside Macallan. I have no idea what region of Scotland it’s made, not the connoisseur like you are!

[@WhiskeyRow]

I had to look it up, but Macallan is a Speyside. I'm so new to scotch that almost all of you know more than me!!!

[@TimSnead223]

@@WhiskeyRow I’m pretty new to the wonderful world of spirts. I used to just drink to get drunk, but as I’ve gotten older (I’m 38) I wanted to expand my taste buds. The same uncle that send me the Hibiki got me to try The Macallan and I’m so happy that he did. I’ve only had the 12yr. sherry cask. I did buy a bottle of the 18yr variety, but I’m gonna hold on to it for when my son turns 21 and open it up then.

[@marceljohnson2215]

@@WhiskeyRow it’s actually a highland like Glenmorangie just tastes a lot like a speyside

[@trojanpony]

“The Laphraoig didn’t taste right to me tonight, something was wrong with it.” lol yeah, you drank it after your palate was assaulted by four other scotches. 😂 great video though. Love the pedestals.

[@jonathanheidenreich8565]

"All Islay is peated" *Bunnahabhain has entered the chat* Great vid, tho. Peat (and Ardbeg especially) is life. Welcome to the cult!

[@steelie4478]

Have you been able to try Frey Ranch bourbon yet?

[@biguy525]

Never had much scotch, I am a bourbon guy. A friend gave me a bottle and didn't care much for it so I put it on the shelf. Was probably 7 or 8 months later I tried it again and must have went bad in the bottle, cause it was flat awful. Had my friend try it and he said it was bad for sure. He said he had never seen a scotch go bad, but this one was bad. I am sticking with my bourbon for now.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Bourbon is my first love too, but I do like branching out from time to time

[@tylerdeputy1463]

I’m a straight bourbon guy and probably always will be, but as a fan of the channel each video will have my viewership. I’d also encourage others to have an open mind when it comes to the non-bourbon videos. Maybe there is something out there we have yet to discover that will enhance our overall whiskey journey.

[@WhiskeyRow]

I appreciate that. I talk about stuff I'm interested in and hope other will be too. That said scotch videos tend to not do as well as bourbon and rye vids. I'll still throw them in occasionally, but have to do it sparingly 😂

[@stuffforwork]

Tyler, if you want to try scotch that has some similar notes to bourbon, I would recommend Glenmorangie Lasanta. It is matured in bourbon barrels then finished in sherry. This gives it some fruity sweetness like you will get on 6-8 yr bourbons with some of the familiar vanilla as well. If you are a barrel-proof guy but that description sounds like something you would enjoy then check out the Aberlour A'Bunadh. It is a hitter. If you want to challenge yourself with something different, I recommend the Talisker Storm. It is peated, but well balanced and there are a lot of flavors you can explore. They might not be for you, but the journey is where a lot of the fun comes from.

[@tylerdeputy1463]

@@stuffforwork Thank you, sir, for the suggestions. I have noted these various names.

[@michaelk1714]

I'm new to this but just don't make much sense to start like we going to talk about the Islay Scotch whiskey and by the way this one is not from Islay but taste similar so we gonna add it here seriously?? Bunnahabhain is one of my favorite whiskies so far... All the best

[@MarshallWebbJr]

I think the Lagavulin 16 is best to start on. The extra age rounds off the sharp edges, and adds complexity beyond simple peat flavors in the other bottles. Yes its the most expensive, but its the “smoothest” aka beginner friendly

[@WhiskeyRow]

From an experience and flavor standpoint you are probably 100% right, but the price tag is rough if you end up not liking scotch as much

[@saschaeggert2148]

I think it's too advanced for most Islay beginners, I can only recommend Caol Ila 12 yrs. Proper aging, not too peaty, sweet, gentle and oily textured. I always go back to this one, although I love the Lagavulin 16.

[@jan-paulvanderhoeven1639]

Single Malt means basically: malt whisky from only one distillery.

[@randydublo6611]

You might like Bastille single malt.

[@Qualityguppies]

I'm curious if your friend who passed happened to be my cousin Jason Mousseau.

[@Christopherogley]

Just got back from the local shop .. Laphroaig 10..28 pounds sterling. ..Best budget branded Islay. But laiphroiag are sending the spare non blended barrels to one of our large supermarkets...Aldi German store. It's laophroaig. 10. 17 pounds. . They sold out. Go figure ..Peat rules for con you sirs. No really Edit. If you can find Glen Marnoch Islay. Buy it. It's punching WAY ABOVE ITS WEIGHT. . online???Aldi stores UK...its laiphroiag im sure. The whiskey exchange has bought it all up .. allegedly....half price of laiphroiag..same great taste folks. .im going to crate up when it comes back in store. Soon i hope ..

[@paulfitzpatrick6202]

I guess you know you screwed up the order. You have Lagavulin on the number 2 but in the list you have Laphroig as number 2. Never the less those three are very nice. All in all a nice revue. Thank you. Try the Port Charlotte.

[@mrb66427]

Are you sure those glasses were marked right?

[@WhiskeyRow]

Haha, I hope so! I try my best, but once I get into the glasses to deeply it can get a little sketchy lolol.

[@carlcameron3524]

I feel like a pirate every time I say ARDBEG🥃😂🤣

[@WhiskeyRow]

I kind of said it that way in the video on accident when I first introduced it 😂

[@kentuckybluegrass8695]

I’m surprised you went for the highest peated scotches usually glennfiddich 12 yr is a great entry level scotch.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Why has American whisky and burbon gotten so expensive?

[@StrudlePie]

Arrrrrrrrrrrdbeeeeeg

[@edwardrice146]

Not all Islay Scotch is peated. Bruchladdie makes a very nice non-peated bottle. Caol Ila and Bunnahabain also make non-peated offerings.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Fair enough, there are exceptions, but for most people they conflate Islam with peat

[@ChrisJoelSmith]

Woooo

[@Sepulkrum]

Not all Islay Whisky is peated. Not all peated whisky taste the same.

[@Sepulkrum]

Ardbeg BBQ would be your next step!

[@marceljohnson2215]

I tried the classic laddie, none peated islay and depending what you’re eating it could at second pour slightly past for a speyside to being completely briny

[@JO-kp6lk]

Just to let people know, Talisker 10 has changed, and not for the better. Anytime you see a consumable product that you have enjoyed for years, and the label has changed, beware. It most often means that the product has changed as well. This indicates that the company has been listening to their marketing dept. and their accountants. I almost decided not to buy it. I did anyway and all I had to do was take a sniff from the open bottle and I knew. The 'Kiss of the Sea' had become a kick in the face. After twenty plus years of enjoying my favorite, it was a deflating experience. Yep, I tried it. I guarantee that it was not purely psychological. The difference was definite. The version of the 10 you have in front of you is the old one and I can only assume that it was as wonderful as I remember. Important in the great cosmic scheme of things ? Perhaps not. But, it is sad, nonetheless.

[@robinrundqvist3013]

Started with bourbon because it was more widely available but once I started drinking scotch I never went back. Cant drink bourbon anymore, disgusting sweetness, I need to drink a forest fire to have a good time

[@bb4726-h5e]

I always cringe when I see a list of "beginner" scotch. As if life-long scotch lovers don't drink Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, or Lagavulin 8. I know what these lists are trying to achieve, don't get me wrong, but if "advanced" scotch is supposed to be better (whatever that means), then I'm pretty sure beginners would love it as well.

[@Christopherogley]

Talisker is on SKY MATE. not Islay.

[@jenmac287]

There is zero reason to have the blended famous grouce Into this video....rookie mistake

[@Boxer1250RT]

Ardbeg 10 is as disgusting as eating/drinking burnt plastic! Don't waste your money on that one.

[@WhiskeyRow]

😂😂😂 what is your favorite Islay?

[@koskey06]

Oh the cheater to make gon self look good in videos

[@johnadams3418]

I LOATHE the idea that a whiskey type MUST be made in a certain area. Most Japanese whiskys are every bit the scotch as McCallan or Glenlivet brands. Rules on mash bills, distillation proof, barreling proof, length of aging, water used to proof down the distillate/whisky, and type of barrel all make sense in the definition of what makes the drink the the drink. The location in which all of those things happen have very little to do with how that drink comes out. Sure there is a difference between aging something in Scotland vs Kentucky. But because there is not much difference between aging something in Scotland vs Ireland or Texas vs Arizona, the specific chunk of dirt is not as important as general climate. Therefore if the general climate in which the spirit is aged is included in the definition, that would make practical sense. But making sure it is done on dirt within an arbitrary border has no practical impact on the spirit. It reeks of the archaic thinking that the soil on which something happens is of significant importance.