Most complete cabinet

Hi @Kutter nice thread! I second your idea that a complete cabinet should contain a broad spectrum of expression which hail from each whisky region of the world. I think however that a hypothetical ideal cabinet should contain at least two highlanders and two malts from the islands. This leads me to think that I've still some work on my cabinet ;).

I would also put in a couple of good examples of vatted malts, for comparison, probably Johhy Walker Green for one, I am not sure of a second one... It would be nice to have an example of a good Port finished, and a sherry monster for comparison as well...

@Peatpete Yes, a good vatted malt is a nice to have. I have the Big Peat, which is a vatted malt from Islay, which is ok, but I would like a better one. Green label is a good choice. For the finish, you are right. I think it takes more than 2 speysiders, but with different finish.

I have 11 Islay expressions, from 5 of the 8 distilleries, a blended (JW Black), 2 Irish, a Canadian , two Tennessee s, 6 Ryes and 13 Bourbons, and I feel pretty good about it. I'd like a few more Canadians and an Indian and/or Japanese, mostly interested in peat...

I suggest Springbank for the Campbeltown slot. I have the 10yr.

@MagneticField Yes, Springbank 10 looks like the best quality/price deal for Campbeltown. It is not sold here in Quebec, so I wait to find it on a business trip or vacations to fill my Campbeltown spot. Also, the Red Breast 12 is on my list for my Irish Whisky spot...

@Kutter If I may, I didnt see that you have a Rye yet. Contemplate a (R1) 1 or Rittenhouse Rye 100 (In my opinion the best rye available and it happens to be one of the least expensive). Russel Reserve Rye 6 yo is great too. You will not go wrong with any of these to "fill" the versatility of your cabinet. Also, don't forget about American grain...there are some great whiskey's in this category.

A great selection for Irish is Tyrconnell SM. It too also happens to be the least expensive expression of Tyrconnell and is excellent. Other than that it may sound boring but Jameson 12 is a great Irish Whiskey.

@Zigman Thanks. No I don't have a Rye yet and I will take your suggestions with me when I will be looking for buying one. When you are saying American grain whisky, do you differentiate a bourbon from an American grain ? I used to have the Jameson 12, but is not empty. It is very good for its price indeed.

@Kutter, yea, sorry could have been more clear on the "American" grain whiskey (my term). Actually anything other than a classification of a bourbon, or a malted, whiskey made here. There is a vast outcrop of these whiskey's in the U.S. especially at the micro-distillery level. Never gets boring.

I would add a "Nikka From The Barrel" to show that blends can also be excellent.

I would probably have something from each region, plus a few extra favorites.

@Kutter I guess I "get" the conceptual goal you're trying to reach, but I have a different take.

Bladnoch (most likely from an independent bottler) would blow away your 'tochan.

And then there's this "One highland" idea that really limits your options. Glenmorangie Astar might be my favorite Highlander, but then I'm a sucker for unpeated American oak stuff.

Of the Islay distilleries that begin with a "B", you've already got my least favorite. And as for the 'laddie, if you limit yourself to one, your cabinet isn't representative of Jim's creativity--the contrast between Octomore and the 12 years old 2nd Edition (or any other pair of 'laddies) is huge.

Then there are the other islands. HP 18 is ok, but if you're a peat freak, your options are far wider than one bottle could satisfy. Talisker (any) betters HP 18. Jura's Prophecy is mighty tasty. Ledaig 10 (like being at the strip, and the dragsters are fueled with diesel) is most unusual.

Perhaps, instead of plotting purchases on a map, pick flavors you like and fill your shelves with whiskys you enjoy the most.

A different view.