Dry
Steve?
Drink.
Nothing.
Ok, firstly don't get anything from Islay. That is the predominant supplier of "peaty" whisky, the smoked up style that many a whisky drinker believes is the only whisky. While there is some enjoyable options from there it is the kind of thing that can ruin your idea of whisky in seconds. I recommend starting off with something that has a cleaner flavour. That lagauvalin will give yiu the feeling of having dank bong water and licked out an ashtray. But it is a lovely drop in moderation.
Your local distillery has a bit of a following. Have you hough about having a taste of the big black cock? I'd say it is a bit of a harsh edged whiskey but my favourite Australian option.
Based off the price of the lagauvalin I'd recommend something like this:
Glenfarclas 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) | Buy Online
www.nicks.com.au
It's an easy drink and has plenty of complex whisky flavours floating around in it and is a smooth clean whisky. Had an industry night recently involving a large proportion of the Glenfarclas range up to the 25 year old (sadly not their absolute top of the line gear), and the 15 year was the crowd favourite. If you wanted to try something with a bit more punch the 105 cask strength is not too bad. But it will probably give you a bit of a burn.
There are some interesting options from auchentoshan and singleton's as well. Singleton's often have a bit of a spicy leather theme happening.
Someone mentioned Kavalan and Japanese whiskey up a bit further, there's some good stuff on offer there. I do find Asian whisky to be a tiny bit sweeter than scotch, often caramel and butterscotch kind of flavours. Though they are never sweet like bourbon or other American offerings. Kavalan is one of my favourites, I can't think of a time is taken a chance on their brand and been let down. From Japan a great go to is the Suntory Hakushu. If you can find one with an age statement on the label grab it! I find it difficult to spring so much cash for Japanese whisky though because the price is massively inflated outside of Japan. I've seen stuff here for around $150 that I've purchased there for about $12.
And if money is truely not the issue:
The Macallan Exceptional Single Cask 2017/ESB-9182/01 Limited Edition Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) | Buy Online
www.nicks.com.au
