To appreciate a single malt can be compared to many other things and it might require some time/experience. It is like the first time you look at an artwork or listen to a song. You will have to listen to it a couple of times till you find out whether you like it or not. That is what I like about single malts. In my personal experience it was passion at first sight when I first had a Caol Ila-12 in the Museo de Whisky in the north of Spain.
Experiencing a single malt on a lazy Sunday afternoon just can slow down everything. You can have it after a busy day, when you are a bit tired or simply when you feel like it. You don't need any excuse to open that bottle of spirit that is being aged for years. Then you let the spirit talk. The only rule for single malts is to not mix them with anything but ice or water. But be aware that if you add some water you will just make it "stronger". Better to have it neat to have a proper "conversation"...
Extend your arm and check its colour. Is it amber? Dark amber? Golden? The body will be noticeable when you swirl and the "tears" take long to fall down. The aroma will tell you the story of years of maturation. Sea breeze, toffee, vanilla, honey, herbal, medicinal, smokey, etc. Then you roll it on your mouth to get the flavour for about 20 sec. The finish or "after taste" can be long, short.
Single malts are far the most complex of all whiskys, let alone spirits. Yet, it can be the most enjoyable drink. It is just a matter of becoming "his" friend.
AJ
(This post was accompanied by the amazing Old Pulteney 12)
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