Scotch Whiskey that can compete with Blue Label?

[slackerinabox]

Firstly, I'm a completely neophyte and completely get that Johnnie Walker Blue is probably over rated, and that true scotch connoisseur know better- that's why I'm asking here

I really don't drink often at all, the last time I had a sip of alcohol was months ago. But Johnnie Walker Blue had a smooth drinkability that I love - it's warm and delicious. I think I may buy a 200ml bottle for fun (I know that's tiny, but I don't want to buy a $180 bottle!).. Is there anything else I should try?

 

[ChanHo78]

aren't Indians supposed to know about alcohol?

 

[scott916]

Macallan 18 year? There are a ton of good scotches in that price range, I know wine spectator has reviews on spirits. Check bevmo.com if you have one in your area, you can usually sort by rating.

 

[slackerinabox]

aren't Indians supposed to know about alcohol?

Ha! My parents aren't regular indian, they're CHRISTIAN indians, so they don't drink or smoke (or eat pork, which doesn't really make sense). I didn't grow up around alcohol and, once I was out on my own, drank PBR and Stella (or Sparks).. Not exactly premium stuff

 

[lxskllr]

Why not buy a 750ml bottle of something cheaper? For $60 and less there's an almost limitless selection of excellent scotches. Here's a few no particular order...

Highland Park 12yr
Dalmore any variety
Talisker
Balvenie Doublewood
Aberlour Abunadh(sp?)

 

[slackerinabox]

Why not buy a 750ml bottle of something cheaper? For $60 and less there's an almost limitless selection of excellent scotches. Here's a few no particular order...

Highland Park 12yr
Dalmore any variety
Talisker
Balvenie Doublewood
Aberlour Abunadh(sp?)

I just might do that! Thanks so much for the list - which would you say is the smoothest of the bunch?

 

[DingDingDao]

Why not buy a 750ml bottle of something cheaper? For $60 and less there's an almost limitless selection of excellent scotches. Here's a few no particular order...

Highland Park 12yr
Dalmore any variety
Talisker
Balvenie Doublewood
Aberlour Abunadh(sp?)

I'll second the Doublewood, it's an excellent scotch at a really great price (i think $34 at Trader Joe's).

Try also:

The Macallan 15 y/o Fine Oak
The Macallan Cask Strength (needs a little dilution but drinks really well)

 

[Platypus]

Blue Label isn't single malt and there are very different taste distinctions. Don't look at price so much as where it's distilled and how it's distilled until you find a taste you're after.. then start spending more $ for a better scotch.

That said, some people prefer the blended varieties and there's nothing wrong with that either. Personally I'm a single malt guy.

I would buy a lower end (12 year ish) single malt in both categories of Scotch.. Islay and Speyside, then from there you can narrow it down even further but that's a totally subjective thing.

I recommend a Macallan 12 year for the Speyside and a Lagavulin or Laphroaig for Islay. The latter will be very peaty and full bodied. These are good examples of the distinctions but not necessarily my favorites. They provide a good jumping point.

Honestly I'm vastly oversimplifying things but that is a good starting ground.

 

[Platypus]

I'll second the Doublewood, it's an excellent scotch at a really great price (i think $34 at Trader Joe's).

Try also:

The Macallan 15 y/o Fine Oak
The Macallan Cask Strength (needs a little dilution but drinks really well)

Have to third the doublewood.. stupid good for the price. The Macallan 15 is great considering its bourbon cask treatment.. very interesting depths of flavor in this one

 

[HybridSquirrel]

Macallan 18 year

probably my fav, i prefer it to johnny walker because of the price but since im broke i cant afford anything but black velvet.

also chivas is pretty decent.

 

[lxskllr]

I just might do that! Thanks so much for the list - which would you say is the smoothest of the bunch?

Highland Park, Balvenie, and Dalmore are all pretty smooth. I /think/ I might go with the Highland Park, but it's very close between them all.

The Aberlour's a cask strength, so it'll take your head off if you try drinking it straight :^D It has a great flavor though, and when you had some water it really mellows to nice toffeeish flavor. You could think of that as a scotch concentrate, as it would last longer due to the high proof.

The Talisker is very bold, and a bit stronger than average. That might be one to wait on for awhile until you get your scotch legs.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

probably my fav, i prefer it to johnny walker because of the price but since im broke i cant afford anything but black velvet.

also chivas is pretty decent.

JW Blue is not over rated and its tough to compare a blend with a single malt.

 

[slackerinabox]

Blue Label isn't single malt and there are very different taste distinctions. Don't look at price so much as where it's distilled and how it's distilled until you find a taste you're after.. then start spending more $ for a better scotch.

That said, some people prefer the blended varieties and there's nothing wrong with that either. Personally I'm a single malt guy.

I would buy a lower end (12 year ish) single malt in both categories of Scotch.. Islay and Speyside, then from there you can narrow it down even further but that's a totally subjective thing.

I recommend a Macallan 12 year for the Speyside and a Lagavulin or Laphroaig for Islay. The latter will be very peaty and full bodied. These are good examples of the distinctions but not necessarily my favorites. They provide a good jumping point.

Honestly I'm vastly oversimplifying things but that is a good starting ground.

Really good information, I'll start with the Balvenie Doublewood, try the Macallan after that, then check into rehab

 

[lxskllr]

Just about anything over $25 per bottle is going to be good. It might not match your personal tastes, but you can be guaranteed of quality. There's good whisky below that price point, but it can be hit or miss, and I wouldn't recommend it unless you've tasted first. Famous Grouse is the best in the below $25 category imo. It tastes great straight, and it can be used for mixed drinks without breaking the bank.

 

[Ayrahvon]

Another for the Doublewood. It's personally not my favorite, but for what you are looking for it's a perfect match and I've always enjoyed it when I've had it.

If you really enjoy it and want to be adventurous with different regional scotches, I highly recommend a Laphroaig 10,15, or quarter cask or a Lagavulin 16. The Laphroaig and Lagavulin certainly do not have the smoothness as they are both from the Islay region (they tend to be very peaty in character).

 

[jiggahertz]

Wow, I'm surprised no one has jumped down the OP's throat yet for spelling whisky with an E when referring to scotch.

I would echo Platypus' recommendations. Start with 12 years from different regions, islay and speyside are so different it's hard to compare them. Laphroaig is still my favorite islay because of the value. It's < $40 here compared to $65 for Lagavulin. Macallan 12 is also one of my favorites and reminds me a lot of bourbon. Talisker 10 is a good choice if you want slightly less peat than found in the islays. If you're looking for smoothness I have found glenlivet 18 to be great, but I prefer to sample the 12 years from different distilleries and work your way up to the more mature scotches when you find what you like.

 

[effowe]

Glenmorangie, in particular the "Quinta Ruban." Best scotch I've had recently.

 

[Jadow]

I had three glasses of blue last week at a company christmas outing, it was awesome! The bar we were at only charged about 25 each too. I say Macallan 18 is about the closest you'll get.

 

[Gothgar]

Macallan is my staple, but I got some Glenmorangie and Glenlevit recently and loved both.

 

[Drako]

Glenmorangie, in particular the "Quinta Ruban." Best scotch I've had recently.

Another vote for Glenmorangie.

Also, if all else fails, you can't beat Sheep Dip.

 

[dullard]

Wow, I'm surprised no one has jumped down the OP's throat yet for spelling whisky with an E when referring to scotch.

Why beat up someone on our own side (ATOT reader who likes scotch) over a letter (even if that letter has historical connotations)? Sometimes people overreact over the most simple of things. I'm impressed that ATOT stood up and did things properly this time around.

I'm not a great scotch expert, but I do like to drink it. My favorite ever has been a Balvenie. Another vote there. Too bad I don't remember the specific version.

 

[slackerinabox]

Why beat up someone on our own side (ATOT reader who likes scotch) over a letter (even if that letter has historical connotations)? Sometimes people overreact over the most simple of things. I'm impressed that ATOT stood up and did things properly this time around.

I'm not a great scotch expert, but I do like to drink it. My favorite ever has been a Balvenie. Another vote there. Too bad I don't remember the specific version.

This thread has been completely civil and full of very useful information - it's so very appreciated!

Already put in an order (i.e. called my wife to pick some up) of the recommended Doublewood, but will print out the whole thread...A new bottle to try every few weeks sounds like fun!

 

[lxskllr]

One other thing... While not a scotch, you should give Black Bush a try. It's very smooth and sweet(for a whiskey), and highly drinkable. It's in my top 5 drinks regardless of style.

 

[slackerinabox]

One other thing... While not a scotch, you should give Black Bush a try. It's very smooth and sweet(for a whiskey), and highly drinkable. It's in my top 5 drinks regardless of style.

I'm always up for trying some black bush Jokes aside, added to my short list

 

[dank69]

JW Gold Label is smoother than Blue Label. While still expensive, it is considerably cheaper than Blue.