Spirits Talk To Me

Laphroaig is a staple in the scotch garden. My first experience with it was before my appreciation for such things had evolved to where it is today. Never-the-less, I buy Laphroaig very often as I’ve become very fond of its heavy-peat flavor. There are several other subtle fruit undertones that I can’t quite make out exactly but the delicate complexity is elegant. Even the classic green bottle and white label it comes in suggest a legacy of refinement.

This distillery defines the Islay region malts for me. Not for everyone, either you love it or you hate it.

… I love it!

My trips to the liquor store often involve the purchase of unknown, at least to me, scotch labels. I purchased this bottle due to its remarkably low-price and my high-hopes of finding an inexpensive treat. However, one smell and a few sips later, I was regretting the loss of my $18.

From the beginning, the Lismore experience was one I’d rather forget. My girlfriend often remarks that my scotch smell like turpentine or rubbing alcohol. For once, that comparison is just. With an industrial smell and a taste like rusting pipes, Lismore is my least favorite whiskey of all-time.

While I’ve found a few lo-cost gems, this distillery is one I will avoid like I avoid Smirnoff Ice.

P.S. - Interestingly, Lismore is an island off the west-coast of Scotland though this is a “Single Speyside Malt.”  If that’s not confusing enough, several other web sites have it listed as a Highland Malt.