Fine Scotches

I drink scotch.  I will often have a glass (5-6 shots) or a half-glass (2-3 shots) of scotch after dinner, around 9 PM.  These are the current bottles I have in my cabinet and my reviews thereof, in no particular order:

• Glenlivet French Oak Reserve Single Malt (15yo): I try to keep a bottle of this in supply at all times.  Glenlivet, Glen Fiddich, and Glen Morangie are all similar and are excellent examples of a premium Scottish single malt, but I find that Glenlivet is bottled at the right strength, and the oak finish adds to the flavor and the aroma.  The 12yo is an okay substitute if the French Oak isn’t available.  I don’t notice much of a difference between the 15yo and the 18yo except for almost $30 at most liquor stores.  I’ve gotten the 15 for as cheap as $50 and as much as $79.
• Laphroaig  15: this is also a single malt and is distilled in Islay.  Most liquor stores do not carry Laphroaig as it is more popular in Europe than the U.S., which is a shame because this scotch has a very unique peaty finish and leaves less in your mouth than Glenlivet.  It smells fantastic.  It costs around $70.
• Jameson blended (12yo): I originally purchased Jameson because it is one of the options for the mid-tier bar selection at our wedding reception and I wanted to make an informed decision.  Of the blended scotches I’ve had it’s the most expensive (around $30 if I recall) but is also the best.  It tastes closer to the single malts than the other blendeds I’ve sampled and carries less of the signature blended scotch aroma.  If you want a decent scotch for less than $50, or if you prefer blended, this is not a bad choice.  The bottle is on the small side, though.
• Dewar’s White Label Blended (12yo): this is the cheapest bottle in my collection and not coincidentally also the worst.  Since Dewar’s is the standard rail scotch served practically everywhere, a lot of people are familiar with the brand and even ask for it by name.  It is extremely weak in flavor as far as scotches go and I can practically guzzle this stuff when it’s served on the rocks.  Very light golden color.  I think all blended scotches smell bad, and Dewar’s has the strongest of the classic “blended” aroma.  If I drink Dewar’s straight, I always want to hold my nose.
• Cutty Sark Blended (12yo): another run of the mill blended.  I keep this around to serve to unsophisticated guests and only drink this if I’m looking for a quick buzz, not an enjoyable evening.  I would have a hard time distinguishing Dewar’s and Cutty Sark, so if you can’t have one, take the other.  Cutty Sark is a little less aromatic, a little deeper in color, and a tad stronger than Dewar’s.  If you like cheap blended scotch this is a better choice than Dewar’s.
• Macallan Cask Strength: this single malt lacks an age statement.  It is probably around 10.  Since this is a cask strength scotch, it is significantly stronger than the rest of my collection and it shows.  A little of this scotch goes a long way.  I picked this bottle because it described itself as red in color and I was intrigued.  It turns out that the red comes from a bit of chocolate used in the malt.  It comes through in both the aroma and the flavor to produce a very unique and enjoyable drink.  Newcomers to scotch might do well to try this bottle straight (no ice).  I always recommend letting all single malt scotches sit in your mouth for at least 10 seconds before swallowing, but with Macallan I’d say closer to 15-20.  With the added strength and the chocolate flavor, it adds a pleasurable warming sensation to your tongue, gums, and throat and the taste will linger longer.  This bottle cost around $55 and is an excellent choice.
• Balvenie single malt (21yo): This is the most expensive bottle in my collection and was given to me as a gift.  As such, I haven’t even tried it yet as I will reserve it for special occasions.  List price is around $135 to $150.  This was given to me by another scotch conniseur so I can only expect the best.

I have a policy whereby when I finish a bottle of scotch, I choose to replace it or not.  If I replace it, I also buy a different bottle that I don’t have in my collection.  If any of you other scotch drinkers out there have any recommendations, please let me know what you suggest.