Advice for expanding palate

[havaska]

Hey guys. I've posted a bit here and have been a member for a while, but I must admit, I feel a bit of fraud with my (limited) whisky experience.

I got into whisky 3-4 years ago with Laphroaig 10 when a friend introduced me to it after a BBQ. It just clicked and since then I've been on a journey.

I ADORE smokey and peaty whiskies and I've been to Islay twice. I've got loads of Taliskers, Ledaigs etc too so not just Islay.

I've had Old Pulteney, which I really like the saltiness in, and Aberlour which I love for it's sweetness.

I also really like bourbon and American whiskey and have amassed a nice selection of those too.

But other than those mentioned, I've not really tried anything else and I'm quite limited.

My question is this; where should I go next? What taste profiles am I missing? I usually spend £40 a bottle so nothing crazy, so what should I be looking at to expand my palate?

[Mark]

There are a few very enjoyable quality single malts that sometimes get overlooked, have you tried any Highland malts, I would recommend Dalwhinnie 15, and Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition. Glencadam 10 & 18 year old, also check out some of the Balblair vintages.

A Speyside whisky with a peat influence you may like is Benriach, they offer a good selection, I have a Benriach Peated Cask Strength on the go the moment and can highly recommend it.

Also in Speyside check out Benromach, their 100 Proof is very good.

Highland Park is another to check out if you haven't already, their 12 and 18 year old are very good.

[dramblersanonymous]

Head to campbeltown and try springbank 10 and kilkerran 12. Both cracking drams for around £40

[deadz101]

Nikka from the barrel, you won’t regret it, hehe.

[Drame Blanche]

I find Edradour 12 Caledonia almost a flavor profile of its own. Something between, in terms of intensity, peated whiskies and sherry / red wine casks, being quite leather-y and tobacco-y, aristocratic and rich like few others I've tried, but without the peaty/medicinal punch.

Or maybe you can explore the world of flowery, lighter whiskies (Glenlivet 18, Dalwhinnie 15), or maybe the world of X'mas puddings (Cragganmore Distilers Edition, GlenDronach 12) or go full ripe fruit (Glenfiddich XX, Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask).

Like spices? Spice Tree and more GlenDronach. If you're a red wine / port fan, 'Fiddich 19, Balvenie 21 Port, Tomatin 14 Cabernet.

Lastly, as I recommended elsewhere, Dailuaine 16 Flora and Fauna is a lovely heavy sherried dram with a wee touch of smoke that you might enjoy.

P.s. I don't work in the whisky industry, all the above is recommended based on my taste buds alone :D

[havaska]

Cheers for the recommendations guys.

I've actually had Nikka from the Barrel and enjoyed it very much.

Looks like I've got some shopping to do :D

[Fergie]

Have you tried any Irish single pot still whiskey from Midleton yet, the Redbreast 12 is a good place to start if you haven't.

[havaska]