A confusing pallete

[Baron Lasker]

Hi all,

I have a little experience of single malts and am trying to discover my palette. I've scoured forums for recommendations and tried to corroborate these with the various flavour maps out there - but I get more and more confused because I seem really inconsistent. I'll share some of the single malts I've tried so far and perhaps you good folk could help me to start unravelling what the blink is going on with my buds and nose!

Like:
Talisker Skye - smoky without being too peaty or medicinal.
Jura 10 - just easy going and I liked the bit of the darker sweetness.
Balvenie Doublewood 10 - I am actually only 50-70% sure it was this one actually (hazy memory!), but it was certainly sweeter than Jura but also lighter.

Dislike:
Laphroiag 10 - overly peaty, really yukky.
Glen Livet 12 - too meek and bit medicinal, this is one I got from a recommendation that didn't work out.

Meh:
Highland Park 12 - wasn't offensive but also didn't do anything for me. Not as smoky as I expected. Again this came as a suggestion from reading forums and looking at the maps and seemed like it would be perfect for me based on what I already like.
Glen Maroch - an Aldi whisky, was fine but I wouldn't go out of my way to pick it up again Can't remember if it was the Highland, Islay or Speyside one.

To me at least I appear pretty inconsistent which makes picking new things to try rather pot luck, but I am hoping your more experienced folk will have some insights!

[Quaich1]

Hi Baron. The smell and taste of single malts is a personal thing of course and one man's taste treasure can be another's old boot. However, here are a few of my suggestions that may suit based on your likes and dislikes you provided:

Oban 14: This single malt from the Highlands region offers a smooth and balanced profile. It has a light smoke along with flavors of honey, toffee, citrus, and a subtle brininess.

Glen Scotia 15: From the Campbeltown region, Glen Scotia 15 has a moderate smokiness complemented by fruity and coastal notes. You might find hints of ripe fruits, vanilla, sea salt, and a touch of spice.

Good Luck!
_________________
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[ralfy legend]

Hi, your palette will grow in time, it just gets better and better, the highland park and glenlivit are a good starting point but sadly they are not a patch on what they was just a few years ago, try picking up a dalwhinnie 15 or the Cotswold or arran 10 and deanston 12 , all are cheap ish and a better cleaner whisky which should give you more taste,