What is the Scotch equivelant?

[tundramanq]

David you are right. I just looked at my current bottle. It says single malt. I was thinking of the Glenfiddich that I was buying in the 80s. Then it just had the pure malt label and no age statement. I don't know if that one is still put out or not.

[Starhunter451]

I have tried Bushmills and was of the thought, eh!

But the dram of Glenlivette was good. How does that compare on the smokey/peat scale?

[thescot]

I have tried Bushmills and was of the thought, eh!

But the dram of Glenlivette was good. How does that compare on the smokey/peat scale?

Not very smoky/peaty at all.

[mookien]

I have tried Bushmills and was of the thought, eh!

But the dram of Glenlivette was good. How does that compare on the smokey/peat scale?

As Jim stated, Glenlivet has little or no peat in any of the more popular distillations - the 12, 15, 18, or 21. I regard the 12 as malty, fruity, and sweet. Reminds me a bit of apples and is very good.

You should try a peaty scotch just to see if you like the aroma and the taste. An inexpensive bottle of very peaty blended malt is Hogshead. Or, better yet, find a good pub with a knowledgeable bartender and malt selection. Ask for a dram of one, or more, of the peated malts mentioned above and/or let the bartender advise you.

Full disclosure: I generally do not like peated malts. To me the phenol (carbolic acid) in the peat imparts an unpleasant "rubber tire" nose and flavor to the malt. My wife likens it to the smell of the air one lets out of a bicycle tire. But, not everyone smells/tastes it that way.

There are a few exceptions in which the peat is "corralled" or compensated. An example of "corralling" peat may be found in Auchentoshan's excellent "Three Wood", which I like very much. The three wood finishing during ageing diminishes the peaty aspect, but still allows it to be detected. Another peaty malt that I like is Bowmore 18. It is incredibly smooth, but has a rather unpleasant peaty finish that I tolerate for the rest of the sipping experience.

Let us know your verdict on peaty malts.

[Starhunter451]

Thank you for the responses. Everyone was helpful. Going to Peach Street Distillery and Peach Street Brewery for tasting experiences. Not on the same night or weekend. Like to keep my stomach in one piece.

[mookien]

Thank you for the responses. Everyone was helpful. Going to Peach Street Distillery and Peach Street Brewery for tasting experiences. Not on the same night or weekend. Like to keep my stomach in one piece.

Sounds like a good plan to me. Let us know how it goes. You might even take some notes as you sample in case you forget the "details" by the next morning.

[Liam]

My son treated me to a wee dram of "Ardbog" a couple of days ago. A very interesting concoction of traditional Islay peat with fruitiness from what I would generally find in a Speyside... a complex dram that I enjoyed very much.

[mookien]

My son treated me to a wee dram of "Ardbog" a couple of days ago. A very interesting concoction of traditional Islay peat with fruitiness from what I would generally find in a Speyside... a complex dram that I enjoyed very much. ...

Ardbog may be the Ardbeg distillery's attempt to penetrate the "younger" market.

A number of distilleries, especially on Islay, whose peaty whiskys generally appeal to the more experienced (older) malt drinker, have recently (in the past few years) "designed" fruitier/sweeter malts that they hope will be taken up by less experienced tipplers. Bruichladdich's entry in this category (or their first one, anyway) was ROCKS.

Of course, that doesn't mean that us old guys can't drink them or won't like them. I drink and like ROCKS. It's just a bit pricey for me.

[PiperChick]

I have tried Bushmills and was of the thought, eh!

But the dram of Glenlivette was good. How does that compare on the smokey/peat scale?

I started with Bushmills, then moved to single malt Scotch. Glenlivet is my standard when I'm out, mainly because I can find it most restaurants and pubs I go to. I get all kinds of excited when I find somewhere with a good selection.

There are some good maps online that might help. For example, if you like Glenlivet, then maybe try something else from that region, like Auchentoshan (a favorite of mine). Here's one that might help: http://www.malts.com/index.php/en_us...ky-Flavour-Map

Laphroaig is honestly a bit much for me, maybe because I started with the simpler Irish flavors. It's more of a kick-you-in-the-head flavor. Nothing delicate about it. I'd suggest a whisky tasting, if a liquor store in your area has one. You'll be able to find one or two that you like, and then you can move from there.