Scot's Whiskey

My three favorite brands of single-malt whiskey are from Islay: Ardbeg, Bowmore, and Laphroaig. There are only four others (Bruichladdich, Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, and Lagavulin) made on the island. Islay whiskeys are the strongest and most intense made. Many people who like single malts find the Islay versions too powerful. Almost all blended Scotch whiskies (brands like Chivas Regal, Cutty Sark, and Johnnie Walker) carry some Islay whiskey in as part of their blend. It has a greater concentration of what gives scotch its distinctive flavor, and Islay whiskeys are so strong you can use less "good" stuff to mix with the cheaper blending whiskeys, and still get a good hit of scotch flavor.

All of the Islay distilleries are located on the coast and are constantly windswept by salty sea air. Islay whiskeys, more than any other in Scotland, tend to carry the flavors of the ocean. Islay distillers also seem to have a greater love of high levels of intense, smoked peat than in the other parts of the country. Add those two tendencies together, and you have a lot of flavor. Of the Islay whiskeys, Ardbeg and Laphroaig are generally considered the most potent. Imagine the flavor of smoldering peat allied with a little seaweed and saltwater, then given a good alcohol kick. It's a flavor you either love or hate. Unfortunately, for folks like me who love the liquor, it is an expensive habit.

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Best Liquor Stores for Single Malts

The two best selections of single-malt scotch in Austin are at Grape Vine Market (7938 Great Northern, 323-5900) with 200 labels (personal favorite: Ardbeg 10-year-old, which costs $41) and the Twin Liquors at 5408 Balcones (323-2775), with more than 300 labels (including Michael Parker's choice, Glenfarclas 17-year-old for $83). Both places have single malts starting in the low $20 range to way more than $500.

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Upcoming Single-Malt Scotch Events at Opal Divine's

Call 477-3308 for more information

Oct. 11, 7pm: Speyside tasting

Nov. 6, 7pm: Springbank tasting with Mark Monfrey

Dec. 4, 7pm: Whiskey Fest

Feb. 7, 7pm: Islay tasting

May 23 to June 2: Opal's Tour of Scotland II (price TBA).