To observe the bar scene in cities as diverse in character as New York, Tel Aviv and Tokyo is to immediately realize that tequila, rum, schnapps and gin have fallen out of favor; that vodka, Cognac and Armagnac are struggling to maintain their popularity; and that cachaca, sakeand Bourbon whiskey are waning rapidly in popularity. More than anything, however, it becomes apparent that in recent months the "in" beverage has become single malt Scotch whisky. Not that long ago, I posted a short piece about Scotch here (To see that piece, click here).

Since then, I have received a host of emails asking for my evaluation of the single malts available to me. Anxious to please, but not anxious to do serious damage to my liver, I arranged several tastings at one of my favorite watering holes (Mika's in Tel Aviv). Following are the scores I assigned to the various whiskies I sampled. As in all of my evaluations, scores of 90- 100 indicate whiskies I consider extraordinary; those earning 86 - 90 are excellent; those earning 80 - 85 are good and those with under 80 are rather ordinary. As can be seen by glancing at the table, I chose not to waste my time on too many ordinary whiskies.

The Whisky / Age in Years / Score

Talisker / 10 / 93

Cardhu / 12 / 92+

Cragammore / 12 / 92

Balvenie, Double Wood / 12 / 92

Oban / 14 / 90+

Dalwihnnie / 15 / 90

Balveniem Founders Reserve / 10 / 90

Laphroaig / 10 / 90

Glenmorangie / 18 / 90

Deanston / 17 / 89+

Glenfiddich, Excellence / 18 / 89

Glenfiddich, Ancient Reserve / 18 / 88

Balvenie, Single Barrel / 15 / 88

Laphroag Cask Strength / 12 / 88

Tobermory / 10 / 88

Glenfiddich Superior Reserve / 18 / 87

Glenfiddich Classic / 8 / 86

Lagavullin / 16 / 85

Glenlivet / 8 / 85

Glenkinchie / 12 / 84

Glenfiddich Cask Strength / 15 / 83

Glenmorangie / 10 / 83

Isle of Jura / 10 / 80

Connewarra / 8 / 80

Bush Malt / 10 / 78

Milton Duff / 12 / 75

To see my original piece on Scotch Whiskey, click here.

© Daniel Rogov