New Member Intro

[Ihasadram]

As a new member, I looked for a new member section, but did not find one. If I missed it, I apologize.

I'm over in the States. Sorry about that tea party thing. Please don't hold that against me.

I have a few questions I would like to ask, but I think it might help to provide some background.

I first tasted scotch a few decades ago, but my scotch experience is fairly limited. I started on Glenmorangie and that is where I stayed for many years. I tried some blends, but did not like any of them. I also tried all of the portwood etc. finished Glenmorangie varieties, but I did not care for those. I tried MacCallan and did not prefer it over Glenmorangie. I tried the Glenmorangie 18 and also did not prefer it over the 10 year Glenmorangie. I tried Laphroaig also and did not like it at all. This was all quite some time ago.

I finally found another scotch I liked when I tried Ardbeg about a decade ago. At first, it was almost like drinking horseradish or hot mustard, but it changed at some point. I tried it on the rocks and discovered the sweetness, and developed a taste for it. SO I drank Glenmorangie 10 neat and Ardbeg 10 on the rocks for several years, depending on my mood.

Last year, we got a couple of liquor super stores in our area, and my choices increased greatly. I've tried dozens of single malt scotches priced up to about $100 US, and three have really stood out for me. My favorites now are Highland Park 18, Ardbeg Corryvrecken, and Tobermory 15. I know that's quite a variety, but I'm wondering if there is any way to predict other scotches I might like based on my preferences. I'd love to find something I like as much but that is not so pricey.

Also, I have become concerned about some seemingly allergic reactions I have had while drinking some scotches. I thought it was a phenol allergy, which led me to go on a quest to find an unpeated scotch I like, which is how I found the Tobermory 15, but then I had another reaction while sampling Auchentoshan 18. The other scotch to which I strongly reacted was McClelland Islay (which wound up in the trash, btw). I know I have allergies to wheat and rye, but there shouldn't be any wheat or rye in a single malt, right? Any ideas what it could be, besides alcohol flush syndrome?

Finally, I am on a low carb diet, and I am concerned about the carb content of the Tobermory 15 because it has such a pronounced sweetness and maple flavor. Does anyone know if the carb content of this single malt is higher than that of other scotches?

Thanks for reading.

[Big Mac]

Welcome to the forum, There is no new member section, all new members are all very welcome to start there own thread to introduce themself.

The Glenmorangie 10 year old is one of the best entry level single malts you will find from any distillery, it has been a favorite of mine for many years.

If you like Glenmorangie have you tried Balblair or Glen Garioch.

Another i would suggest you may like is Talisker 10 and/or 18 year old.

All Scotch single malt whiskies are made with barley, absolutely no wheat or rye is used. As far as i am aware because whisky is distilled it has no carbohydrates they do not make it through the distillation process but whisky does contain calories although not many, you would have to drink an awful lot i think to effect your weight.

No idea what your allergic reactions could be, possibly the alcohol, i have never heard of anyone be allergic to Scotch whisky.

[Quaich1]

[Bookie]

Welcome to the forum.

Have you tried Laphroaig?

[GBrough]

Welcome, I am also from the states. I find when I enjoy a dram at home I have the urge to use the bathroom but nothing like what you describe.

Ardbeg 10 and the Vreccken are my favorite whiskies next to Port Charlotte from Bruichladdich and of course Glenmo 10. I am happy another is here from the states, pull up a chair and relax everyone here is very helpful.
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The Laga 16.

It even tastes like an ashtray-WM

[Cuba]

Welcome Ihasadram, the calories in a measure of whisky varies slightly from one whisky to another, the higher the abv the higher the calories but not much higher. A standard measure of 25ml at 40%abv has around 55-60 calories.

Have you tried Glenfiddich and the Glenlivets range of whiskies. Glenfiddich 15 and 18 and the Glenlivet 18 are all very good.

As you like Ardbeg then Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Port Charlotte are worth checking out and the less peaty Caol ila is very good also.

[opelfruit]

Many people have an intolerance to various 'E' numbers, mainly in the e100 range. It's also possible to be allergic to them.

Many whiskies have added colouring via e150 which is a natural brown food colouring. It's added, basically, by the corrupt distilleries to make their whisky look older and therefore better and more valuable than it actually is (I'm a hater). You may have a reaction to this. Try something that states 'natural colour', this will be free of any nasties.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[GBrough]

Try Bunnahbhain 12, it is pleasant with natural coloring.
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The Laga 16.

It even tastes like an ashtray-WM

[James T]

Welcome to the SMW forum.

Glenfiddich 15 is a superb everyday and occasion whisky, Talisker 10 or the more refined 18 are also superb and the cask strength Talisker 57 North is brilliant.

Laphroaig 10 and Quarter Cask are also excellent.

Glen Garioch 12 or Od Pulteney 12 or 17, Bunnahbhain 12 or 18 are others you may like.

[Ihasadram]

Thanks for the welcome!

So far, I have the following suggestions:

Balblair
Glen Garioch 12/Founder's Reserve
Talisker 10/18/57 North
Lagavulin 16
Port Charlotte form Buichladdich
Glenfiddich 15/18
Glenlivet 18
Od Pulteney 12/17
Laphroaig 10/Quarter Cask
Bunnahbhain 12/18

Of those, I've tried Laphroaig and Bunnahbhain. I'm not sure which Laphroaig I tried, as it was long ago and I bought one dram in a bar, so I presume it was the 10. I will visit the local liquor superstore tomorrow and see which ones they have available. It looks like I have my work cut out for me over the next few weeks

[Ihasadram]

Well I made it to the superstore today and picked up the Talllisker 18 and another Tobermory 15.

I really do like the Tallisker 18! It seems kind of similar to the Tobermory 15 in many respects, but with significant spice notes added. It is definitely going to become a regular bottle in my cabinet. Thanks for recommending it. Now I can't wait to try all of the other suggestions. I want to try Laphroaig again, also, because I think my tastes have changed since I tried it the first time.

[Alexppp]

Just out of curiosity, how much is the Talisker 18 in your part of the world?

[Ihasadram]

[GBrough]

That is a great deal, I have Talisker Distillers and find it to be good except for the weird olive note that I get.
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The Laga 16.

It even tastes like an ashtray-WM

[Ihasadram]

Is it just me, or does Auchentoshan 18 make really good Irish coffee? Or do I have to all it Scottish coffee?