Not being much of a spirits drinker,I found myself with a christmas present of a selection of Scottish Single Malt Whiskys.
Well…I must say that mixed with a little water this has definately improved my whistleing.
I’m hooked.
There must be another level that single malts take you to,I have just recently finished a track for the new CD that was somewhat Scottish in flavour (US flavor)and it and the whisky went down a treat.
I have my mate Chris to thank for introducing me to the single malt and may his life be a long,forfilled and happy one.
Am I alone in this?.
Phil.
No, you’re not alone.
I’m particularly fond of Islay malts - Laphroig, Lagavulin, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, (still need to try Port Ellen, Caol Ila, & Bunnahabhain).
I’m particularly fond of Steven Brust’s comment that Laphroig tastes like a bagpipe (GHB) sounds.
But I’d never claim that it makes my playing better. 
Yes Sir,I have tried the Laphoig and found it out on it’s own for flavour (US flavor)
My current fav is Tobermoray,it just grabbed me as soon as it hit.
Saying that I have just invested $30 in a bottle of Speyside…mmmm.
Phil.
Bunnahabhainn is a joy. I’m an Islay fan too.
Slainte!
Aaron
Yes,I’m partial to Islay malts,and also west Highland Malts too-I’m quite a fan of a drop of the ‘Oban’,though I very rarely drink spirits these days,in favour of ‘Real Ales’.
I got my friend a bottle of MacCallan’s for Christmas that is already being whittled away during these cold days.
I too like Oban. I find straight Laphroig a little too peaty for my taste but that changes with the addition of ice. It causes a definite change in character.
By the way, kevin, what are “Real Ales”?
Phil,
Islay malts are definitely the way to go - the most complex (i.e. yummy) single malts going, if you like the smoky/peat flavor. Ardbeg 17 yr. old is my absolute favorite (but pricey): the peatiness isn’t overpowering, and is smoothness has to be tasted to be believed. The Ardbeg 10 yr. old is no slouch either. Laphraoig 10 yr. old struck me as a bit medicinal, but I’ve not had the older stuff.
Tried Caol Isla recently, also highly recommended, comparable to my memory of Lagavulin but smoother. However, their sales pitch is “one of the rarest Islay malts”, so good luck finding a bottle. Or, duh, was that just a sales pitch?
Of the Speyside malts, I’ve not tried many but Cragganmore is a keeper.
Welcome to the world of Scotch Snobs. Wild Turkey anyone?
Mark
I have a Speyside at home called Longmorn that’s very nice.
Ardbeg is next on my list.
Cheers,
Aaron
You people are out of my league! I enjoy a good bottle of Thunderbird with the boys on a Friday night! Served in a paper bag of course!
I love single malt whisky, and I’m probably one of the youngest whisky fans here at age of 18, not many people in my age that enjoys it. I can’t really say that I have an absolute favurite though, can’t decide. What I currently stock at home is a 10y.o. Aberlour (Speyside) which I like, other great Speysides I have tried includes The Macallans, Tamnavulin and The Glenlivet (my favurite Speyside). I also tried a wonderful Bowmore a while ago and also Laphraoig 10y.o cask strengh which was very nice but really powerful. I try to taste a little of as many as I can and I’m really lucky because my uncle is a big fan of whisky and he usually keeps 10+ different bottles at home so sometimes I get to try a few.
ahhhhhhhhhh, single malt whiskies, there is simply no better drink. 
Better than root beer and milk?
Amazing.
Best wishes,
Jerry
First, I want to compliment Aaron Malcomb on his snazzy (new?) avatar. Very celtic. And should be, for a piper.
I have consumed, several years ago, a few bottles of Glenfiddich. Is this brand a single malt ? How does it compare to the others mentioned ? I judged it quite OK then, but there are few scotch whiskies I don’t like.
Yes, Glenfiddich is a single malt.
Not my favorite, but quite decent (a bit light bodied for my taste). You might want to try The Glenlivet (similar style, but better IMHO), The Macallan, or Glenmorangie - all good.
If you find you like the smoky/peaty/full bodied style, try some of the Islays we’ve been discussing, or Talisker (a Skye whisky, but very similar to the Islays).
Oddly, though I really like blended Irish Whiskeys (Bushmills, Jameson’s, Tullamore Dew) I don’t care for blended Scotch - in Scotch, it’s malt or nothing.
You know what they say…the smoker you drink the player you get.
I see it has definitely improved your spelling too. Heck…when I start tipping back the single-malt not only does my whistle playing improve but it makes me more handsome and intelligent as well. It also enhances my charm and wit. Just ask anyone I’ve thrown up on. Hey…I’m hooked too!
Cheers (hic),
David
Ah…I’ll have to say I’ll be sticking to my good cheap Tennessee and Kentucky bourbon whiskeys. Good, cheap, and gets the job done.
Just like most of my whistles.
Ahhh, the waters of life.
Any fan of single/double malts would enjoy the book
Proof
by Dick Francis
one of my favorites that I’ve read many times.
this was also a very interesting book to read: Bad Whisky, by Edward Burns
A unique insight into the scandal that raged at the turn of the twentith century surrounding the adulteration of whisky in public houses throughout the UK. Returning to contemporary press reports and Hansard, the author masterfully unravels the scandal which eventaully resulted in laws being passed to create safeguards for what is now known the world over as Scotch. The extent of adulteration was widespread with additives such as meths, shellac gum, sulphuric acid, and boot polish. The North British Daily Mail took up the fight against the practice when, out of 30 samples of ‘whisky’ taken out of public hoiuses, only 2 were found to be whisky. With some of the most prominent figures in Scottish public life joining the fray, the battle was on to clear up Scotch.
Speyburn and Glenmorangie for me 
Thanks. I was futtering about trying to design a cool monogram and le voila! I think I’ve had it for a few months.
You had cask strengh Laphroaig, Henke? Yikes! I tried cask strength Macallan and that was a mighty drink. When I was 18, Henke I crudely initiated myself into the world of single malt whisky. I think it was 15 year Glenmorangie.
If you’re ever after a blended malt, The Famous Grouse is the best.
Cheers,
Aaron