Having spent a fair old bit of time in the Scottish Highlands, I have been able to sample a wide selection of single malts. Two of the best in my opinion are Highland Park which is certainly widely available here in the UK and also Cardhu which was a distillery that all but disappeared but is now up and running for sure. Cardhu comes in a really lovely retro styled bottle - delicious.

 

I'm a big fan of Highland Park, was introduced by my grandfather who basically inhales the stuff. However, I've never heard of Cardhu. I need to see if its available here in the U.S.

 

I have also never heard of Cardhu, going to have to start looking...

 

Most of my favorites are the Islay whiskies, particularly Laphroaig and Lagavulin. One whiff and I see tartan, hear the pipes and feel the cold salt spay of the sea in my face.

 

Lagavulin is one of my favs as well. Does anybody have any thoughts on Oban? Haven't tried it, but I've seen some good reviews.

 

Oban is lovely. It has, among the many whiskeys I've tasted, one of the best balances of peat, heather, honey, etc. Not a bad bottle to use when turning on a newbie to single malt.

 

Wow that Lagavulin is smokey, I couldn't believe it! Certainly need to be in the mood for peat on that.

Oban is quite good, not inexpensive though. Lately I've been finding real value in the Balvenie line as well as Glenfarclas.

 

I've had a couple of the Glenfarclas products, fantastic. Balvenie is my whisky of choice when turning women onto scotch.

Although I love Lagavulin, when I smell it I can't help but be reminded of the smell in the air in lower Manhattan on 9/11/01......like the whole place had been burnt to the ground.

 

You've completely ruined Lagavulin for me, thanks!

 

I still think it's delicious.