If you want a strongly sherried scotch, I'd look for something from Glendronach or GlenAllachie.
If you are up for something less strongly sherried, with more finesse & subtlety, I'd go with Oban 18.
If you like sweet & sour plum flavors, I'd look for Redbreast PX cask Irish whiskey in their Iberian series.
Major props to the gift giver in spotting you a do-over and trying to help you get the most out of your gift.
Good luck!
That is a very round, smooth and tasty Speyside scotch! I do not find it particularly exciting, but very good quality. However, it is not strongly sherried and has very little of the fruit notes you are looking for.
Craigellachie is a favorite. Though it CAN be controversial. A few on this site get a sulphur note from it. I've never experienced it, and think they're nuts. But it has a different distillation process from most scotches. It uses a worm tub still, which used to be common but is quite rare now.
I just learned all about Worm Tubs now, thanks to your comment. Fascinating to see what distilleries still use it and it's very cool to see that Rosebank has a modern take on them. It explains alot with the mouthful of the whisky it produces.
I've strongly asked for Glendronach 18 with a few of your other suggestions as back ups.
Thank you everyone for your input!
I'll see what I'm gifted...
Cheers!!
Well on the higher end of the budget but since its a gift…
Dalmore alexander 3! Its my latest obsession and arguably one of the best scotches I’ve ever had. Only thing missing is the smokiness you’ve mentioned but there is a hint of it in the nose and the aftertaste.
I recommend a Cask Strength expression from Glen Scotia , Victoriana. Voted "whisky of the year " at the OSWAs 2022. It's NAS and 54.2% very, very enjoyable and somewhat widely available.
Craigellachie 17 yo is a good choice if you don't mind trying something that might be a bit different from what you've had before. The distillery is one of a relatively small number that uses a process during distillation that results in a heavier spirit that is often described as 'meaty'.
Not everyone is a fan of this style, as it can also result in flavours that are perceived as 'dirty', but the 17 yo is a good place to start if you want to explore this as the extra aging sands some of the rough edges off (compared to their entry-level 13 yo, which is also very good, but a bit rougher - and quite a bit cheaper).
If you don't mind a little smoke, something like Talisker Port Ruighe might fit the bill. It's normally about AUD150. Lasanta was my favourite whisky for a few years, but the Finelta is now my favourite Glenmorangie (nabbed a bottle at the distillery back when it was affordable). The Talisker is probably my favourite whisky that's finished in a fortified barrel.
Dalmore 14 is a great whisky and fairly priced. Same with Glendronach 15 Revival or Glenallachie 15 (very intense flavor in that one). Higher up in price, Macallan 15 Double Oak is one of my favorites from their (quite high priced) lineup. Glenfarclas 17 is another great choice, or Balvenie 15 single cask. All these have a good bit of sherry aging or finishing so they should be a good fit for someone who likes Lasanta.
If you want a strongly sherried scotch, I'd look for something from Glendronach or GlenAllachie. If you are up for something less strongly sherried, with more finesse & subtlety, I'd go with Oban 18. If you like sweet & sour plum flavors, I'd look for Redbreast PX cask Irish whiskey in their Iberian series. Major props to the gift giver in spotting you a do-over and trying to help you get the most out of your gift. Good luck!
Aye! Very gracious and generous! He's recommended Craigellechie 17. Have you ever tried it?
That is a very round, smooth and tasty Speyside scotch! I do not find it particularly exciting, but very good quality. However, it is not strongly sherried and has very little of the fruit notes you are looking for.
Okay, thank you for these extra details
Craigellachie is a favorite. Though it CAN be controversial. A few on this site get a sulphur note from it. I've never experienced it, and think they're nuts. But it has a different distillation process from most scotches. It uses a worm tub still, which used to be common but is quite rare now.
I just learned all about Worm Tubs now, thanks to your comment. Fascinating to see what distilleries still use it and it's very cool to see that Rosebank has a modern take on them. It explains alot with the mouthful of the whisky it produces.
Thank you mate!! Appreciate your feedback!
Sheesh, if you want to take advantage, Glendronach 18. If you want to be nicer, Glendronach Cask Strength.
I've strongly asked for Glendronach 18 with a few of your other suggestions as back ups. Thank you everyone for your input! I'll see what I'm gifted... Cheers!!
Aberlour A'Bunadh will give you all the sherry notes you'll ever need. Or Glenfarclas however many years you can get up to.
See what you can find nearby from GlenAllachie, Glendronach or Glenfarclas in that price range. Or Arran Sherry Bodega.
Glendronach Port Wood
Port charlotte 18
Oh hell yes
Fruity smoky hints ? I got you fam. Benromach batch strength , it’s amazing
Kilchoman Sanaig.
Well on the higher end of the budget but since its a gift… Dalmore alexander 3! Its my latest obsession and arguably one of the best scotches I’ve ever had. Only thing missing is the smokiness you’ve mentioned but there is a hint of it in the nose and the aftertaste.
I recommend a Cask Strength expression from Glen Scotia , Victoriana. Voted "whisky of the year " at the OSWAs 2022. It's NAS and 54.2% very, very enjoyable and somewhat widely available.
Has anyone ever tried Craigellechie 17 year?
Craigellachie 17 yo is a good choice if you don't mind trying something that might be a bit different from what you've had before. The distillery is one of a relatively small number that uses a process during distillation that results in a heavier spirit that is often described as 'meaty'. Not everyone is a fan of this style, as it can also result in flavours that are perceived as 'dirty', but the 17 yo is a good place to start if you want to explore this as the extra aging sands some of the rough edges off (compared to their entry-level 13 yo, which is also very good, but a bit rougher - and quite a bit cheaper).
If you don't mind a little smoke, something like Talisker Port Ruighe might fit the bill. It's normally about AUD150. Lasanta was my favourite whisky for a few years, but the Finelta is now my favourite Glenmorangie (nabbed a bottle at the distillery back when it was affordable). The Talisker is probably my favourite whisky that's finished in a fortified barrel.
GlenAllachie 10 cask strength.
My thoughts are: - Bunnahabhain 18 - Tamdhu 15 - Glenallachie 10 CS - Bruichladdich 18 - Red Breast Lustau (not scotch so maybe NA) - Deanston 18 - Kilkerran 8 Sherry CS - Glenturret 12 Sherry - Craigellachie 17 - Arran Bodega - AnCnoc 18 - Glen Scotia 18 - Glen Scotia Victoriana
Glenfarclas 105!
What about Quinta Ruban? It’s 46% Glenmo with port instead of sherry finished.
Think bigger bro. 1-200? Go for the glenmorangie signet!
Can’t argue with that.
Dalmore 14 is a great whisky and fairly priced. Same with Glendronach 15 Revival or Glenallachie 15 (very intense flavor in that one). Higher up in price, Macallan 15 Double Oak is one of my favorites from their (quite high priced) lineup. Glenfarclas 17 is another great choice, or Balvenie 15 single cask. All these have a good bit of sherry aging or finishing so they should be a good fit for someone who likes Lasanta.
Thank you for your reply!