What is a good Scotch recommendation for someone used to Irish and bourbon?

CPL Brendan Hayes — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:31:59 -0500

Normally, I like moderate to good Irish whiskeys (Jameson's single malt as an example) or mid level bourbons (Woodford Reserve), but I want to give a good Scotch a try. What recommendations do you have for someone new to Scotch but not new to whiskey?

Response by LTC J. Lee Mudd made Jan 14 at 2016 10:44 PM

LTC J. Lee Mudd — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:44:48 -0500

I just tried the Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or recently; a tad sweeter than typical Scotch, and dead smooth.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Jan 14 at 2016 11:08 PM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:08:25 -0500

Dewars is mild but there is also Tullamore Dew, which is pretty good. I'm cracking open a bottle of Laphroag on the day I get my first paycheck (29th) so I'll let you know on that one. The malt is smoked from pert fires and it is supposed to have a smoky flavor. There are lots of good scotch whiskeys at the base shop. Dewars is cheap, but for a good bottle of Johnny Walker or one of the other brands - you're looking at at least $50. It's worth it though.

Response by MSgt E. W. Forbess made Jan 14 at 2016 11:15 PM

MSgt E. W. Forbess — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:15:22 -0500

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Bal venue Doublewood. It tastes great (especially with just 2-3 drops of pure water added to open up the flavor). In fact, try it straight, then add just a couple of drops of water to taste the difference! I've always been able to find it on base at the Class six store at a very good price, too -- added bonus. Let me know what you think if you try it... Sláinte!

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Jan 15 at 2016 11:41 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 11:41:15 -0500

I guess I"m looking for a nice balanced Scotch, noting too peaty or too sweet. A little bit of both. The Glen Livet 12 rates pretty highly. Would this be a good "gateway" bottle?

Response by SSG James Arlington made Jan 15 at 2016 2:43 PM

SSG James Arlington — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 14:43:33 -0500

Mcallan.

Response by A1C Sam Oetter made Aug 28 at 2016 4:23 AM

A1C Sam Oetter — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 04:23:51 -0400

If you like a good, smooth, charcoal/mellow taste without the "burn" of alcohol, then personally I recommend Johnnie Walker Double Black because, for the price, you get quite a bit of flavor.

However, there are (to no surprise) more higher-end Scotches with different flavor profiles; But it all ultimately comes down to your personal taste.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 4 at 2019 11:15 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 04 May 2019 23:15:56 -0400

CPL Brendan Hayes, without question, the best scotch for me is Usquaebach. It’s expensive. Many of the more famous scotches are single malts, which gives the them a very distinctive taste. Usquaebach is a blend, which makes for the smoothest scotch on the planet. If you’re going to start, start at the top!