Novice Reviews

[roboref]

This will be my first post/review on this section. After a run-in a few years ago with a tumbler of Laphroaig, I just wasn't ready for the overpowering strength of single malts, but after learning that I had started with a powerhouse. I decided to come back and try to learn scotches as I have been learning about cigars. I started reading AVB's reviews of the every day pours.

I tried the McClleland Highland and Islay, not bad but not really getting me going. Then I tried the Lismmore ($15, a speyside) much more to my liking, warm, smooth and comforting. Also on the bargain hunting trail (on my own) I tried a bottle of Trader Joes 10 yr old scotch ( bottled exclusively at Glem Grant distillery), suppose it is supposed to be the Glen Grant 10yr? I just did not like this at all. The nose was like putting your nose in a bottle of rubbing alcohol, and then the taste followed very closely, medicine, medicine medicine, I like Nyquil better. Maybe others would like this but not me.

I then was able to get in on the 2nd chance AVB scotch buy and chose the Glenfiddich Caoran Reserve ($75). Wow, what a differnce, warm but mellow, strong but not overwhelming, the nose is quite unimpressive, hardly any scent. Then with the first taste a warm, mellow, peaty, smoky glow comes through, with a nice medium finish. From other reviews of this type exactly what I would expect, just so smooth.

Then tonight I bought a minature of Glenfiddich 12yr. I tried the Lismore, Trader Joes, Glenfiddich 12yr and the Glenfiddich Caoran Reserve in a blind taste test administered by my wife. I had not had anything other than the trader joes in the last week. I was able to identify the 2 Glenfiddich products correctly and interchanged the Lismore and Trader Joes. I rated them

1. Glenfiddich Caoran Reserve

2. Glenfiddich 12yr (on sale $23.99)Big bold taste, salty and warm

3. Lismore

4. Trader Joes

I definately could tell a distinct difference between the two premium products and the two everyday pours.

Honestly couldn't really tell the difference on the 2 lower pours.

So, comes to the end my first attempt at reviewing. My wife will attest that I am not a real good taster of subtle flavors, but I still know what I like. I will definately rate the 2 Glenfiddich products very high on what I like. I would keep the Lismore around for everyday and certainly would not buy Trader Joes again.

 

[LilBastage]

Thanks for adding your experience to the site.

I'm sort of in the same boat as you are, but I gave up on the low, low end stuff quickly. I made the mistake of splurging (for me, anyway) on a bottle of Balvenie Double Wood 12 yo and a bottle of Glenfiddich Solera Reserve.

Unfortunately, these two selections have stopped my experimenting and my learning process! :laugh:

 

[AVB]

Nice reviews roboref, it is good to see that you enjoyed your order and I hope you will continue to try different drams.

I made the mistake of splurging (for me, anyway) on a bottle of Balvenie Double Wood 12 yo and a bottle of Glenfiddich Solera Reserve.

Unfortunately, these two selections have stopped my experimenting and my learning process! :laugh:

I hope that doesn't mean you're not going to try anything else.

 

[LilBastage]

Nice reviews roboref, it is good to see that you enjoyed your order and I hope you will continue to try different drams.

I made the mistake of splurging (for me, anyway) on a bottle of Balvenie Double Wood 12 yo and a bottle of Glenfiddich Solera Reserve.

Unfortunately, these two selections have stopped my experimenting and my learning process! :laugh:

I hope that doesn't mean you're not going to try anything else.

Not at all. As time and budget allow I'll be sampling other scotches. I was just having such bad luck with the really inexpensive stuff that I was really happy to discover these. I don't drink all that much, so these two bottles will last for quite some time.

I don't think I'd get away with compiling a collection of bottles like is tolerated with cigars. The bottles take up a lot more room! :laugh: