Single Malt Scotch -- is it just my tastebuds?

[ammo]

I decided to branch out beyond rum, and scotch is the only other drink that piques my interest. I have tried two single malts that are reputed to be less challenging to scotch novices -- Glenmorangie Port Wood and Balvenie 12 Year Double Wood.

The taste is obviously dramatically different than rum. I generally like the flavor, but in both instances I was repulsed by an odd background flavor. I would describe it as soapy. It reminded me of when mom would wash my mouth out with soap (think of Ralphie in A Christmas Story!).

So does this make sense? Am I tasting something that others enjoy and, more importantly, should I just stop after two attempts and give up on scotch? I'm more than happy to stick with rum, but I don't want to miss out if there is an outstanding (and affordable) scotch out there.

Thanks, Tony.

[Jamie76]

I wouldn't give up after trying just two. The "soapy" taste might be some floral flavors you picked up on.

Perhaps you might want to start out with a good bourbon that might be more transitional from rum (though just my opinion).

[ammo]

Thanks for the recommendation. Bourbon was actually my first drink before moving to rum. I agree that it is a smaller step than going to a single malt. Perhaps I should try a blended scotch.

[gatomalo]

I'm not sure I know what you mean by "soapy flavour".

Having myself moved to Single Malts from rum, I found that I immediately favoured the sherry cask malts over others (such as the Macallan Sherry Cask Malt, over their Fine Oak Malt). These sherry cask malts were much sweeter than peaty/oaky/firey flavoured malts (Talisker, etc).

There is great variety in Single Malts, just as there is in rum. First you should identify the style you prefer, and then go from there. I would suggest you first seek out the sweeter sherry cask malts as I did, or one of the floral malts such as Dalwhinnie 15 yr, which I think would be an excellent introduction.

Whisky is like any other alcoholic beverage though - it can be an acquired taste. I didnt much like whisky at first, but then again I didn't much like my first rums either!

[Jolipapa]

The Bourbon option is a good idea, Green Jim Beam espacially. You can also test Abunadh, it's matured in a sherry cask and is very different of rum, but very enjoyable. Same applies to Macallan I agree.
Both are Speyside, don't venture in the Islands or you could regret it unless you like smoke and peat!

Have also a go to blended like gold (or black if money counts) Johnny Walker.

[ammo]

Good ideas. I'll definitely try to taste an Islay before venturing to buy a bottle.

[Don Piero]

The 18yo Bowmore has what I call a soapy/bubble-gum note (not a dominant taste), that to me adds to its Islay complexity, along with its peatiness.

[Count Silvio]

I hate Jim Beam. Not only does it not taste very good but it doesn't make me feel very well either and that last part is something I can't say from a lot of spirits.

I recently sampled Ardbeg Corryvreckan, which is a rather young single malt, and I thought it was very intriguing. It has got a wide spectrum of flavours ranging from smoky peat to pineapple and other fruits! I thought it was very unusual but interesting nevertheless. I will be posting a review of this and two other single malts, hopefully tonight!

For blended scotch, I could recommend Johnnie Walker Green Label (http://www.refinedvices.com/johnnie-walker-green-label-15-years), which slightly reminds me of Clément Rhum Vieux. (http://www.refinedvices.com/clement-rhum-vieux-vsop)

For some more whisky ideas check out the forums at RV. (http://www.refinedvices.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=5&sid=73f513e62c22d4b5ccf1553adeecd161)

And if you don't want to spend too much on just one whisky I recommend Drinks by the Dram (http://www.masterofmalt.com/), who make inexpensive small samples of most whiskies they sell. Can save you a small fortune if you decide you do not like a particular whisky afterall!

[ammo]

Thanks for the recommendations and the link to drinks by the dram -- a brilliant business idea.

I am traveling and found a small bar with a better scotch selection than back home, so I gave Laphroaig 10 Year a try. It is fantastic. My brother had a sip and then couldn't taste his beer afterwards. So my faith in single malts is renewed. I'll keep sampling and see what I like.

[Count Silvio]

Here are three whisky reviews if you're still looking: http://www.refinedvices.com/drinks-by-the-dram

These were really interesting especially the last one.

[ammo]

It was definitely worth sticking with the scotch. The Glenmorangie has become addictive and the Macallan 12 Year may be my favorite so far. I am also enjoying two Islays - Laphroaig and Ardbeg. This is turning into an expensive habit!

[Kperess]

I just joined this forum and I'm a scotch/bourbon drinker. Would recommend the following for a new scotch drinker:

Aberlour A'Bunadh -- sherry finish, cask strength -- one that I always come back to and one that has always received a very positive reaction from scotch drinking friends

Bruchhlaidich Islay Barley -- a new bottling that is not peated and has a very interesting peppery middle taste. Very mild. Another Bruchhlaidich that may be of interest is the new Organic bottling

I prefer wheated bourbons and particularly like the Weller bourbons. One in particular -- the Centennial W.L.Weller -- has a "berry-like" taste to it -- I think this is a 13 yr old. If you can find a William Larue Weller bottling (typically bottled at 120+ proof) I'd get it -- it's a bit strong but wonderfully sweet (once you get past the burn).

Buffalo Trace is a very good and fairly complex inexpensive everyday bourbon.

Hope this helps -- let us know what you think of the suggestions given to you