Reccomendation for a good single malt Scotch

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

You'll discover that the bottle in your bottom draw is for YOU when things get crazy at work, you have to miss your softball game/dinner/whatever, and your best client relationship is on the line, and you need a little nip to keep motivated working even though it's past 7PM.

So buy a bottle for yourself, not to impress the ladies at the office.

I like small batch BOURBON myself, like Knob Creek or Woodforrd reserve.

Your originality will score you some points when it does come time to share...

If I must drink scotch, Glenmorangie is better than most, though...

 

[Dioltach]

If you're relatively new to whisky, try some of the gentler stuff. Personally, I have a great fondness for Irish single malts -- somewhat buttery in flavour, smoother than most Scotch, because they're triple-distilled. If you can find a Bushmills 10 y.o. or a Redbreast (or even a Bushmills 16 y.o., in the more expensive range), you'll never look back. Although to be fair, one of the nicest whiskeys I have is a blend: the Midleton Very Rare.

If you want to stick with Scoth, though, bear in mind that the further north you go, the stronger and peatier the whiskies are. Lowlands (Auchentoshan, Littlemill, Glenkinchie, for example) are generally smoother and frutier than other Scotches. Of the Highlands, my favourite is Strathisla: full, smooth, buttery. The Islays and Speysides are definitely an acquired taste.

Be wary of buying an impressive-looking bottle that says 'cask strength': these generally contain around 60% alcohol, and should definitely be taken with water. Like Chimera said, keep a bottle of spring water handy, and if you have one, a pipette. Many whiskies (and whiskeys) taste much better with two or three drops of good water in them to loosen the nose and the flavour.

Also remember that single malts are not by definition better than blends. Like I said, the Midleton Very Rare is a dream (but it will probably set you back around $200 in the States), but I also like the White Horse, which puts many a cheap malt to shame.

Whatever you end up buying, enjoy it, explore its scent and its flavour, savour it ... and try another one next time round. There are hundreds of fine whiskies out there, and each one tastes different.

 

[Ashen-Shugar]

Personally I like Talisker and Ardbeg, with just a little drop of lightly chilled spring water to bring out the nose.

Yep, Ardberg is also my Favourite. However, i bought a bottle of "Isle of Jura - Superstition" last time I was at Heathrow. That Bootle looks very nice and impressive, when you fetch it out of the Cupboard.

 

[Goblyns Hoard]

Personally I like Talisker and Ardbeg, with just a little drop of lightly chilled spring water to bring out the nose.

A man after me own tastes... the 2 finest whiskeys there are and both needing just a touch of water to bring out the full flavour.

These two are both on the peaty end which may not be for you if you're just getting into your malts but I would recommend them both. To start with go with the Ardbeg - it's a touch smoother than Talisker so easier going if you're not a fan of the peat.

 

[diaglo]

I would suggest going to Beltway Liquers on Loch Raven Blvd (just off the exit from 695). They have a huge selection (it's the size of a normal supermarket) and typically have a free wine/spirits guide at the doorway that will give you ratings from various magazines which may lead you to a good one as well. Their staff is usually pretty knowledgable too. Anything that rates 90+ in Wine Enthusiest or what not will probably yeild a good decision. The really high ratings will be mentioned in the free guide or on the shelf labels.

Finding a *good* place to try scotch in Baltimore is not the easiest, but I know they do exist. A friend of mine is a big scotch fan. I'll ask him for more info when I get home from work.

i used to go to a place near where they built Oriole Park at Camden Yards. i can't remember the name of it now.

i'm sure you can find a good watering hole on Water Street.