What was your favourite Whisky of 2012?

@Jonhelmkamp no, they're certainly from the same side of the spectrum, though there is certainly some distance between them, with laga being closer to the outer edge of the peat side than the SB

@A'bunadhman Thanks for the recommendations! I like the idea of cask strength Lagavulin. Should I go for the Lagavulin 12yo over the 16yo?

@Jonhelmkamp ...your 2nd post from 5/1/13 is where I get my greatest joy from the whisky journey...meeting someone who shares their passion for whisky with you, while being open to being a knowledge resource for you.

My first whisky experience was at a food/wine show three years ago where I just started asking a ton of 'beginner' questions to the rep who was dispensing whisky samples. He patiently answered all of my questions, while guiding me on how to taste and observe three samples of whisky. As with all alcohol samples at the show, I paid for each sample quite happily as I was quite appreciative of him taking the time to educate me during a very busy show. He then surprised me by pouring me (for free!!) a sample of the most expensive bottle at the show (I think it was Macallan 18 (a $250 bottle in Ontario!), but I unfortunately do not remember for sure). He explained that he did this as he appreciated my enthusiasm for learning about whisky. While I did not go 'hardcore' into whisky for another year, this positive experience propelled me in to a great hobby.

Sorry for the veer in the discussion...my favourite whiskies of 2012 were:

• George T. Stagg (2011) at 71.3%...4 parts whiskey/1 part water takes the sting out while showcasing some very luxurious notes (leather, tobacco, polished wood)
• Jameson 18 sampled at a bar in May...more tropical fruit notes than I had previously experienced in a whiskey.
• Yamazaki 18...a very full, varied, and all around unique profile created by the presence of the Japanese oak casks. Very lucky to have found a bottle of this, and extremely lucky to have found it for only US$90. -McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt...a slight cheat as I had sampled this previously in 2011, but I only acquired a bottle of it in May, 2012. A great effort from a craft distiller in Oregon that is not out of place in the Islay crowd. While showing it's youth slightly with a thin mouth feel, the taste/aroma profile is of very approachable peat, with a nice surprise appearance of barbeque sauce. A must try for anyone's tasting journey.

@Pudge72 ...d'oh another format fail...the McCarthy's should obviously be listed separately.

@MaltyMike: I would for the simple reason that the 16yo. is always available around these parts - They are both good, but Whiskies at proof have, for me, better structure and certainly better texture: And you'll be surprised how well the 12yo. cask opens up with the addition of a little spring water (drops).

@Pudge72 that truly was an amazing night that gave me much more appreciation for what this fine hobby is all about. Sharing stories, sharing the journey that a fine dram can take you on... I very thoroughly enjoyed it. His willingness to share and teach and help me in my exploration was incredibly kind!

All - just want to say thanks for a great discussion. Being new to whisky, it is nice to find a group who are very open to and supportive of all levels of experience. The stories are great to read while having a dram of Old Pulteney 12 Year.

This was my first full year in the World of Whisk(e)y. My favorite, hands down, was Glendronach 15 Revival.

@Pudge72 Nice story and good list for 2012 :)

And indeed a nice catch with the 90$-Yamazaki.

How do you drink your AA Batch 39? I had that one and had to add a larger-than-usual amount of water. The burn was so big that it was distracting. @cpstecroix