Young Tongue

Some extra background info would help for recommendations, but if your cabinet is indicative of what you've had, then I'd say you're in clear need of something a little more adventurous. Most things in your cabinet seem pretty "safe." Try some Springbank, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, or Kilchoman. Sorry I didn't pick just one!

I think some decent beginner single malts would be the Ancnoc 12 yr, Old Pulteney 12 yr, Balvenie Double Wood 12 yr, Dalwhinnie 15 yr, Glenmorangie 10 yr, Aberlour 12 yr, and the Jura 10 yr.

All the above have good flavor, and aren't too overwhelming...IMHO stay away from the Glenlivet 12 yr, and the Auchentoshans both Classic, and 12 yr.

Now if I had to pick just 1 from the above?.....I'd go with the Ancnoc 12 yr.

I'm going to recommend Caol Ila !2 for a taste of Islay. Another very decent and very reasonably priced peated dram is Ardmore Traditional cask a highland malt used in Teachers Highland Cream. I don't think you could go wrong with either. Jonesz

@Jonesz: +1 the Caol Ila and Ardmore Traditional - What a great place to start a serious Whisky journey; with 'Old School' quality drams, you will have, not only great Whisky but a yardstick experience that will serve you well!

@valuewhisky You are correct most of my whiskey I have purchased have been safe. Of all the flavors I really enjoy the auchentoshan 3 wood. Thanks for the advise I will purchase a new bottle soon and post it in my cabinet!

@Jonesz Thank you for your suggestions, I will add them to my list to try!

This is a choice that's as safe as it gets, but I recommend Laphroaig Quarter Cask to any whisky neophyte. You'll quickly learn whether you're into big, bold peat flavours.

@A'bunadhman wow never even heard of the "Caol Ila" shows how green I am! I shall put it on my list and thank you for your suggestion.

@HeartlessNinny how does Laphroaig Quarter cask stack up against the lagavulin 16? I ask because the only Islay whisky I have tried were Lagavulin 16, Finlaggen OR, and Islay Mist. I really enjoy the peaty flavor but was told by one friend not to turn into a "Peat Snob" after telling him how much I enjoyed Islay whisky

Awesome I second @FMichael's list in every way. If I had to pick just one I would also go with anCnoc 12yr. Hope this was helpful :)

@jeffilli don't worry about being a peat snob except that ur wallet will get much lighter if u develop the affinity for peat. If u like peat Laphroaig quarter cask is sweet peat at its very finest.

Thank you everyone for your input. I was recommended 14 new whiskies for future enjoyment. I will spend some time researching all of your selections and on Friday purchase a bottle of something a little more "dangerous" than what I am used to. Thanks again and good day.

@jeffilli There's no shame in not having heard of Caol Ila — they're not a small distillery, but most of what they make goes into blends like Johnnie Walker. So it's not exactly a famous name, even among whisky nerd circles. I'll vouch for them as well, by the way. It's a fine distillery and probably doesn't get enough acclaim.

As for the Laphroaig, I'd say it stacks up rather favourably against the Lagavulin 16. It's certainly a lot easier on the wallet if nothing else. And if you like peat, there's really no reason not to try it. Don't worry about silly labels like 'peat snob'. Just enjoy the whisky and never mind the rest. :)

I'm fairly new to "this" as well but I was recently really impressed with the Connemara Cask Strength. Just a fantastic Whiskey. I've found I really like the 'Peated' drinks myself and if that makes me a 'peat snob', so be it. I like what I like.

@HeartlessNinny I think the quarter cask will be my next purchase for sure. I have been doing a lot of research (watching reviews etc.) and I have heard mostly great things. Its $54.99 at my local Hitime Wine Cellar so its within budget somewhat (as long as I tell my wife it was $40) haha just kidding. Anyway I added a lot of the suggested bottles to my "wish list" so I can keep track.

as for the "peat snob" label. How that came about is a friends dad heard I was into scotch and had me over for a night of tasting. I sampled about 16 bottles of some of his favorite scotch and I was really liking the islay flavors. he told me to be careful because If I get too hung up on the peaty whisky that it is all I will like and will miss out on a world of different flavors. Though I am not too worried about!

@jeffilli I would definitely not worry about it. I really, really love peat, but it's certainly not all I like. In fact I wouldn't want to drink peaty scotches every day — you want to keep it special, not make it routine.

@HeartlessNinny Just finished my first glass of Laphroaig Quarter Cask and let me say I really enjoyed it! You guy's def. put me in the right direction, I am looking forward to crossing off more from my wish list! Maybe ne day I will have enough of a pallet to post an interesting review. Till then, thank you!

@jeffilli Glad to hear it!

Glenmorangie Original 10 yr, Balvenie Doublewood 12 yr, , and Glenlivet 12 yr are all a good place to start. If you want to start with an Islay whisky then I would start with Caol Ila 12.

Glengoyne 17 year; it's inexpensive for what you get! K&L in California is selling it for $49.99. But hurry. That year has been discontinued.

K&L has Ardbeg Uigeadale for $58.99. Another must try. But don't forget to a little add water! If you are inexperienced, it will hit you hard at first.

A great vatting for you would be: two parts Highland Park 12 and one part Caol Ila 12. Let the two intermingle for a day or so before drinking. You might consider adding a sprinkle of water in the vatting as they marry, as well.