Can a scotch expert chime in?

[dpodblood]

Tomorrow I am going to pick up a single malt scotch, and I am considering picking up either Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 because I am interested in trying out a peatey/smokey scotch. Problem is that I've read in some tasting notes that it has a seawater and fried fish taste. Since I am allergic to fish and shell fish this has gotten me paranoid about these scotches. Can anyone confirm that this is safe to drink and that there is no risk of actual fish product or contamination in the bottle? I know this is probably just paranoia, but I figured better safe than sorry. :\

 

[lxskllr]

No fish. It picks up ocean notes because it's made/aged by the sea.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Tastes like fish isn't the same as "contains fish." I think you'll be fine. Then again, I'm not a doctor, so take that for what it's worth.

 

[dpodblood]

No fish. It picks up ocean notes because it's made/aged by the sea.

Thanks. That's exactly what I thought, but I can never be too careful about these things. Still kinda concerned it will detract from my enjoyment since that's a flavor I've taught myself to stay away from for my whole life.

 

[lxskllr]

The fishiness is very abstract, and only hinted at. It's not like baked salmon or anything like that.

 

[dpodblood]

The fishiness is very abstract, and only hinted at. It's not like baked salmon or anything like that.

This will only be my 4th single malt, so there is a very good chance I may not notice it at all. Still working on maturing the palate and all that.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

I've had the Laphroaig, and I wouldn't say it was fishy. It's very peaty and smoky, and there's some saltiness that makes it taste like seawater, not to mention strong oak notes, but no fish. Good stuff, but it really grabs you by the short hairs if you don't like peat.

 

[shortylickens]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2UVmcrp3Nk

 

[CrimsonWolf]

Yep, no fish. I drink the Laphroaig 10 every now and then and don't think I've ever noticed a fish taste. Salty though, yes. Smells like you're on the ocean. And very peaty of course. It's great stuff. I have a bottle of one of the older Ardbeg's but haven't had the 10. Probably can't go wrong either way.

 

[dpodblood]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2UVmcrp3Nk

Just watched this video yesterday.

 

[Uppsala9496]

I have both and have never noticed any fish notes. Might have to taste test them now...

 

[Skeeedunt]

Ignore these fools, it's definitely made with fish. And salt water.

What other single malts have you tried?

 

[dpodblood]

I've had HP12, Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12. Also had JW Black blend.

 

[fstime]

I don't think you have anything to worry about other than it tasting like burnt electronic components.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

I don't think you have anything to worry about other than it tasting like burnt electronic components.

We warned you not to build that computer out of peat.

 

[brianmanahan]

an he be all like, scotch scotch!

 

[brianmanahan]

We warned you not to build that computer out of peat.

would you rather sleep on loam or peat?

 

[Carson Dyle]

This will only be my 4th single malt, so there is a very good chance I may not notice it at all. Still working on maturing the palate and all that.

You may not like it, either. They have bars in Halifax, I presume. Go sit at one and have a glass. Cheaper and more fun that buying a bottle of something you may not like.

I've been drinking spirits for over 30 years and never developed a taste for Scotch. I enjoy bourbon, rye, Irish whiskies, well-aged tequila, and occasionally gin, but not Scotch.

 

[Tiamat]

You are brave for trying those two first. They are quite dominant and forward in the Islay flavors. They are good on their own right but if you are new to it, I would highly recommend going to a bar of a great restaurant and ordering a flight of those scotches as well as lighter islays like lagavulin before you buy an entire bottle. None of these are inexpensive...

 

[andylawcc]

^^ ya, when I first tasted the Laphroaig i was like wtf is this shit.
but later it grew on me (partially because i didn't want to throw away a whole bottle of scotch).
anyway, no fish is harmed in making of this delicious beverage.

 

[dpodblood]

Wanted to try lagavulin, but they do not have the 12 year available here. Only the 15 year which is over $100 a bottle.

 

[Skeeedunt]

What those guys said. The Highland Park game you a light to middlin introduction to peat, the Laproiag will turn it up to 11. Or maybe 9. If you don't mind dropping 40 Canadabucks to experiment go for it, but it wouldn't hurt to try it at a bar/restaurant to see what you're getting into (not sure how hard it is to find up there, around here it's not exactly common, but some bars and higher end restaurants will stock a decent scotch selection).

There's also something to be said for forcing yourself to drink half a bottle cause you paid for it, as these things can be a bit of an acquired taste.

 

[Tiamat]

Wanted to try lagavulin, but they do not have the 12 year available here. Only the 15 year which is over $100 a bottle.

I believe lagavulin only comes in 16 and 21. Darn your prices not good $55-75$ is normal around here :/

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Wanted to try lagavulin, but they do not have the 12 year available here. Only the 15 year which is over $100 a bottle.

Lagavulin's primary offering is a 16 year. Apparently they have frequent release of a 12 year, but I've never seen it, and they have some 20+ year offerings which are quite spendy. The 16 year is, bar none, the best scotch I've ever had. It's actually a great introduction to Islay scotch, because the peatiness is bold, but not "punch out your grandmother and shave her cat" bold. It's such a complex mix of subtle flavors... it's really hard to top. Laphroaig ends up feeling like a poor man's imitation of Lagavulin, though I mean that in the nicest way possible. It's like saying an Aston Martin feels like a poor man's Ferrari; they're both excellent, it's just one is the pinnacle and the other is merely great.

 

[dpodblood]

Do you guys have any other recommendations for "starter" peated scotches? I really enjoy the smokey taste in the HP12 so I am headed that direction. I specifically want to try an Islay scotch.