Whisky Forum - Single malts with character

Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

The recent discussion on the core range of Glenlivet and Glenfiddich got me thinking - which distilleries would you say produce really characterful whiskies? I'm excluding the obvious answers, like the big hitters from Islay, Talisker, old single cask bottlings, sherry bombs from Glenfarclas or Glendronach, so let's get a bit more imaginative than that!

I'm going to get the ball rolling with Benromach (as mentioned by William in another thread), who I think produce one of the best entry-level bottlings bar none in the 10 year-old.

Also Glen Garioch - I have a bottle of the Founders Reserve and 12 year-old on the go, I wouldn't count either among my very favourite whiskies, but they always put a smile on my face with their individuality.

And finally, Balblair, a distillery I hadn't tried until recently, when I was completely bowled over by the 1995 vintage in a tasting.

What are your suggestions?

Calder · Master Of Malts Joined: 13 Nov 2008 Posts: 691

I would say Benriach offer a good range of characterful whisky.

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

Mortlach at least used to. I've not tried the new stuff so can't comment.

Seconded on Balblair I love the stuff

Quaich1 · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 7:27 pm Post subject:

I'm partial to the Tomintoul expressions which are quite distinctive and full of character.
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djmaxliving · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 8:02 pm Post subject:

Aberlour, they don't get much praise in my eyes, but you can't go wrong and very affordable, quality drams.

Keith · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 10:37 pm Post subject:

bifter · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 10:52 pm Post subject:

Tomatin is perhaps a little unsung?
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GBrough · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 11:48 pm Post subject:

Since my taste go towards coastal, I am going to say Bunna 12. A very good dram, maybe not affordable but at the same time it is a very good quality malt, other than that from the non islay side I would put Glenmorangie 10 up.
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Samson · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 3:07 am Post subject:

Bookie · Master Of Malts Joined: 15 Sep 2008 Posts: 945

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

Tomintoul then appears to be quite a popular choice here. I've only had the 16 which I quite liked - has anyone tried the 33 year-old? I see it's a bargain compared to other whiskies of a similar age.

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

McKay · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 1:19 pm Post subject:

Away from the big Glen's i would say Benromach, Tomintoul and Benriach all have a great range of whisky worth exploring.

Alexppp, the Tomiintoul 33 is outstanding, a lovely sweet, fruity and a bit spicy Speysider and a great price, they even do a miniature so you can try before splashing out on the full size bottle.