Whisky Tips

[drew]

I am not a regular whisky drinker, but do enjoy the odd glass in the evening at this time of year.

I am wondering if anyone can recommend some excellent single malk whiskys - I am not really into the smokey types, and much prefer the smooth but complex whiskys.

Cheers.

[Loz]

If you don't like the smokey types, steer clear of any of the Islay whiskies.

[maxxi]

Dalwhinnie 15yr old - http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/public/4hI_0qIWw1qwqJN3rbR6BeLv4GGA2Rl0OWzhzGNBkUFedKXsa1lvtyuOfGJrC5rnD2Zj2VLQ9pbcJTSNfSq3oXZxOo4Qkog2JItlPLK0J0Nbbos6GhCFk4Nz7cPEWhyrPWizUCF-qOb8URmNmzeTRFhCKbB0AGW0akU_e5BmeEU=s90-c - a little smoke but wonderfully nutty and caramel flavour with honey notes.

*honey note - "Honey, your dinner's in the oven"*

[nashoi]

It always surprises me how popular the islays are whenever this comes up on here. Personally I'm more of a speyside fan, my favourite of which so far, is a 16 year old Ben Riach matured in Sauturnes barrels.

[randombloke]

Speyside malts are your Scotches of choice. Probably The Glenlivet or The Macallan. Try Glemorangie (rhymes with Orangey) Madeira or Sherry cask too. Just a teensy dab of Speyside mineral water too. NO ice...

[Marmora Man]

Several recommendations as I sit here sipping a Talisker from Skye, spicy @ woody with some vanilla notes.

Highland Park is always a good bet - and if you can lay hands on some 30 year old is superb.

More unusually a Glenfiddich matured in. Urban rum barrels is a unique and "not quite whisky" whisky.

The Singleton is always a safe bet. Dalwhinnie, Glenmorangie and Macallan are always reliable.

Joining the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a good place to start exploring - over 300 different malts (different years, maturation lengths and styles) available by the dram in their London & Leith clubhouses.

[The Minkey]

I think they do whiskey tasting sessions at the Whiskey Exchange, in the Vinopolis building down by Borough Market, wonderful choice of whiskeys and very helpful staff.

[drew]

Thanks everyone - this has been very useful indeed!

[Alan Medic]

The Minkey obviously has good taste plumping for Irish whiskey (I think).