Which is more satisfying to you, Nose or Palate of a dram?

[Quaich1]

After tasting many single malt scotches, I've noticed that I have yet to find one where the nose of the scotch has let me down. I can almost always find aromas that satisfy. Yet, occasionally, I find a dram with a great nose but to the palate, it is harsh and far less pleasant. So the question becomes, is it the nose or the palate of a single malt which is the most important or satisfying to you in the end, particularly when one stands out more than the other. What's your view?

[Fergie]

For a really outstanding dram for me it has to be a combination of nose, taste and the finish

[Alexppp]

I agree that it's the combination that matters most, but I see what you mean - I too have come across malts with great promise on the nose only for the palate to be a relative disappointment. That's why I'm not a huge fan of Aberlour 10, for example - I love the nose, it's a great balance of fruits and spices and sherry, but I find the palate harsh and not as smooth as I would expect. The Glenfiddich Rich Oak is another one - an interesting nose that's unlike any other Glenfiddich, but the palate is too dry for me and not what the nose sets it up for.

(That's not a criticism of these two whiskies, by the way, just my personal reaction - I love other expressions from the Glenfiddich and Aberlour ranges)

[James T]

I can happilly nose a whisky with a good nose for ages before drinking but i totally agre the best whisky is a combination of nose, taste and finish