Anyone out there single malt fans?
Was wondering what you think of "Lagavulin"?
I personally like Laophraoig [url]http://www.laphroaig.com/[/url], and the Balvenie double-wood (Cherry and French Oak cask finishing).
Another I came across in London was by a place called Signatory. I don't really know how to term them, but as it was explained to me, they go to various distilleries and selectively choose several casks that are typically used for blending. Then they take those singles and finish them and they are filtered unchilled. The color of the result is almost a clear scotch, a very pale yellow.
It is so smooth and rich in flavor. Whatever they do to finish it is phenomenal.
So I've had the Signatory Laophraoig 15 year, and another from the same Islay, a very peaty one. If you've had Laophraoig, you can tell I like the peaty, rich earthy flavours.
Is the "Lagavulin" much like that? Even if it is not, I like the richness of a nice single malt overall.
Anyone have any good preferences?
The place in London I found the Signatory was in Soho on Old Compton St. called The Vintage House, [url]http://freespace.virgin.net/vintagehouse.co/[/url]. Definitely check them out if you like Scotch and are in London.