Regions/ Regionen:
Isla(y)
Generally characterised by
their peaty, phenolic, medicinal taste.
Probably not the
easiest, love them or hate them, definitely an
acquired taste
Bowmore
I've tasted Black Bowmore. This is it- I had one glass, in the pub in Bowmore after a fine platter of seafood. I will never, ever, be able to afford a bottle. Unforgettable. Specially chosen barrel, matured next to Loch Indaal, salt, seaweed, fruity, treacle, everything.Caol Ila
the 18 year old has full peaty flavour.Lagavulin
Standard 16 Yr old. phenolic, medicinal, great. My comments could equally apply toLaphroaig
although the latest standard 40% is not up to the taste of the 43% of a few years ago.Then there's Ardbeg, Ardnahoe, Bruichladdich, Bunnahbhain, Kilchoman, Port Charlotte and Port Ellen all also producing excellent whisky.
Speyside and Moray
The Macallan
Extremely refined even at the standard 12 year old. Very enjoyable but still not my number one.Benromach
Re-opened under new ownership by Gordon and McPhail, who until recently were involved in the whisky business as independent bottlers. The old stuff was ok, looking forward to trying the new stuff. Good for visiting, refurbished in the traditional manner.Highland
Dalwhinne
The highest distillery in ScotlandGlenmorangie
North Highlands, past Inverness, one of the most consistently well-liked drams.Lowland
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North.Islands
Hebrides- apart from Isla(y)
plus Orkney and Shetland
Highland Park
Talisker
Campbelltown
At the southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre. Home of the independent bottlers Cadenhead's.
Springbank
Another whisky that should be on your 'bucket list'. Very balanced. A classic. About time I bought a bottle again.Other
Irish Malts- there are several decent ones available.
Japanese whiskies are worth a try.
I had a bottle of Lammerlaw once. Was pleasant with a banana note! Some still in store, but the distillery has been demolished, so the prices will rise and when it's gone, that's it.
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