[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by Cornstock

I picked up a bottle of Lagavulin 16 a while back on sale. I'm saving it for a special occasion. Not a huge whiskey guy but I've been working on acquiring a taste for it. Love me a rusty nail at this point.

Any recommendations for something a bit lower priced that I can "practice" with before I break into the Lagavulin? I just want to be able to appreciate it fully.

From what I understand lagavulin 16 is an Islay about 60$ a bottle. $55 at Costco, here.

It's going to be peaty and Smokey....and rich....

I'm not super up on Islay scorched to recommend one, but if you're working your way up..and want something with no peat, glenlivet 12 is really drinkable and a good starter. It's a speyside though. I like mine with ice, but no added water. After the ice starts melting.....man is it good. And closer to 30$ so very affordable.

I'm looking for a lightly peated entry level bottle too....I just like my scotch without peat so far.

I know others will disagree...but try some with & without to see what your preference is.