by Mike » Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:26 pm
I was a Scotch drinker before I was a bourbon drinker and Landrum's advice is spot on. For the money, in my opinion, the cask strength Scotchs from Macallan (116.8 proof), from Ardbeg (Uigeadail 108.4 proof) , and from Aberlour (a'bunadh 120 proof) are excellent buys. They are very rich and full flavored........ and you get to choose the proof by adding water. Nice to have a sip of them at around 95 proof. They are so different, but each is good in its own way.
Actually I like the Ardbeg at full proof. Still, as Landrum says, Highland Park strikes an almost perfect balance, you get an excellent example of the strengths of a malt whiskey (a round and deep sweetness with hints of honey), of a Scotch Whisky (the aromas and tastes of the Scottish Highland wilds and its vegetation, and the sea with its salt, its iodine, and its seaweed).
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas