I just got into Scotch myself two weeks ago thanks to these alcohol threads on here, and have already managed to pick up 6 bottles of Scotch. The first bottle kinda broke the ice on how much these things cost...was in shock at first over how much it was, but kinda numb to it now.
So far I have:
Johnnie Walker Black
Johnnie Walker Blue (small bottle only!!!)
Balvenie 15
Macallan 12 triangle
Glenmorangie 10
Lagavulin 16
I purposely tried to hit ones that Tyson liked (THANK YOU for the awesome comprehensive list BTW) that my local store actually carried.
I'm not experienced to go into detail yet on flavors, but so far the JW Black is a great bang for the buck...surprisingly complex in flavor for its low price. Also tried the Chevas Regal 12 and it was rather flat compared to the JW Black. If I need Scotch that I can drink without thinking about the price tag, JW Black is definitely what I'm gonna go with.
The Balvenie 15 was actually my first Scotch, recommended to me by the shop owner. There's a really interesting story to go with this...but I basically walked in with the intent to buy JW Black as a Scotch starter and ended up walking out with this. It's interesting in that it's both sweet and also has a sharp attack in flavor. Not bad, but a little overpriced I think. It's like a mix of the Macallan 12 with the Glenmorangie 10, and I would probably now buy a bottle of Macallan 12 before this.
The Glenmorangie 10 was a little underwhelming, primarily has a really sharp initial attack but doesn't seem very complicated in flavor.
Lagavulin 16 certainly lives up to its reputation, huge amounts of peat with a very strong aftertaste that goes on well after you're done with it. I can definitely see how you either like it or hate it. I think for me it's more a "I don't mind it" than a "I like it".
The Macallan 12 triangle is probably the best bang for the buck out of all these to me, it's on the sweeter side, very smooth on the tongue with no harsh bites, and has nice layers of flavors. One of the expensive ones I'd consider buying again.
The JW Blue I don't even know where to begin with as it's so complex in flavors, it's really expensive but also REALLY FREAKING GOOD!!! The only way I was even able to try this though was by buying the small bottle of it, a large bottle runs for $250+.
The liquor shop owner also showed off to me his bottle of Macallan 30...$899.
Johnnie Walker Black
Johnnie Walker Blue (small bottle only!!!)
Balvenie 15
Macallan 12 triangle
Glenmorangie 10
Lagavulin 16
I purposely tried to hit ones that Tyson liked (THANK YOU for the awesome comprehensive list BTW) that my local store actually carried.
I'm not experienced to go into detail yet on flavors, but so far the JW Black is a great bang for the buck...surprisingly complex in flavor for its low price. Also tried the Chevas Regal 12 and it was rather flat compared to the JW Black. If I need Scotch that I can drink without thinking about the price tag, JW Black is definitely what I'm gonna go with.
The Balvenie 15 was actually my first Scotch, recommended to me by the shop owner. There's a really interesting story to go with this...but I basically walked in with the intent to buy JW Black as a Scotch starter and ended up walking out with this. It's interesting in that it's both sweet and also has a sharp attack in flavor. Not bad, but a little overpriced I think. It's like a mix of the Macallan 12 with the Glenmorangie 10, and I would probably now buy a bottle of Macallan 12 before this.
The Glenmorangie 10 was a little underwhelming, primarily has a really sharp initial attack but doesn't seem very complicated in flavor.
Lagavulin 16 certainly lives up to its reputation, huge amounts of peat with a very strong aftertaste that goes on well after you're done with it. I can definitely see how you either like it or hate it. I think for me it's more a "I don't mind it" than a "I like it".
The Macallan 12 triangle is probably the best bang for the buck out of all these to me, it's on the sweeter side, very smooth on the tongue with no harsh bites, and has nice layers of flavors. One of the expensive ones I'd consider buying again.
The JW Blue I don't even know where to begin with as it's so complex in flavors, it's really expensive but also REALLY FREAKING GOOD!!! The only way I was even able to try this though was by buying the small bottle of it, a large bottle runs for $250+.
The liquor shop owner also showed off to me his bottle of Macallan 30...$899.