I love the Malt Maniacs. Outspoken, honest and seemingly unbiased, committed to education, this website is a marvelous resource. Learning and appreciating rum is a simple chore in comparison. Here I'm The Compleat Idiot - in the world of whisky I'm just another thankful but ordinary idiot. As such, we all benefit from first learning from those who know and are willing to share with the world.
Thus, the Maniac's "Bang for Your Buck" list is a great resource for us.
Oddly enough I own seven of these (if you can accept, for example, a Glenfarclas 12yo instead of the 10). As a student of spirits - and as so well advised in the book "The Philosophy of Whisky" - it behooves any budding afficianado to choose his mentors wisely, under a state of Beginner's (open) Mind.MM's Bang for Your Buck list...
97 Laphroaig 10yo - At 35 Euro's per litre, this is the quintessential BFYB malt.
96 Talisker 10yo - Guaranteed to deliver a peppery punch at less than 40 C.
96 Lagavulin 16yo - My beloved gentle peat monster still reigns on the Hit List.
96 Glenfarclas 105 - Insane value at 60% ABV; cornerstone of any malt bar.
96 Highland Park 12yo - Another affordable malt that feels at home in any collection.
95 Macallan 12yo - Still one of the best (affordable) sherried malts, but slipping.
95 Dalmore 12yo - Not a 'stellar' score at 80 points, but the perfect daily dram.
94 Glenmorangie 10yo - You can't go far wrong if you're in the mood for a light malt.
93 Dufftown 10yo - I've always had a soft spot for this highly affordable dram.
93 Glen Ord 12yo - An enjoyable malt with just that extra bit of 'Highland' spunk.
92 Longmorn 15yo - A full flavoured Highlander; 37 Euro's buys a litre at 45% ABV.
92 Balvenie 12yo DW - An ultra-smooth Speysider with just enough sherry influence.
91 Balvenie 10yo - 3 Euro's cheaper than the 12yo, but I prefer the Doublewood.
91 Glenlivet 12yo - Another cornerstone of any drinks cabinet; the reference malt.
90 Bunnahabhain 12yo - Not a peat monster like its Islay neighbors, but a great dram.
90 Glenfarclas 10yo - This isn't quite as sherried as the Macallan 12 - great balance.
Malt Maniacs does it for me, and until I know better will provide me guidance for some time, as whisky is way, way more difficult than rum not only because of the deservedly higher costs of fine single malts, but also due to the mindboggling number of releases (in the thousands). Whisky and wine - and beer too - are the playgrounds of masters, not masterbaters.
Your comments are appreciated.