Need a recommendation - scotch

[HuskyNan]

My husband and I are not scotch drinkers but he has a friend that is. My husband would like to give his friend a nice scotch but isn’t sure what to buy. He’s willing to pay up to $75-80. Any recommendations?

 

[storrsroars]

Calling @HuskyHawk

It would help to know if the friend enjoys peaty flavors. A lot of folks love only peated Scotch. Even more don't, which makes buying something from Islay risky.

I might suggest something the friend likely doesn't have in his cabinet - from Japan, Nikka Coffey Grain or Nikka Coffey Malt. Very drinkable and enjoyable even for someone who likes peaty (it's not peaty).

 

[alphasigko]

Suggesting Balvinnie Double Wood... Very tasty without being overly "peaty" in taste...

 

[WhartonHusky]

I would recommend Oban 14 or Balvenie 12. For something less well known, the Jura is fantastic

 

[controlfade]

Balvenie 14 and Adberg 10 are both very good in that price range

 

[controlfade]

Ardbeg , sorry stupid auto correct

 

[Doctor Hoop]

Suggesting Balvinnie Double Wood... Very tasty without being overly "peaty" in taste...

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask is outstanding.

 

[Northbound]

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask is outstanding.

I should send you the 3/4 bottle of mine.

 

[Dove]

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask is outstanding.

I have this one. I wanted one Scotch in my inventory. This was my choice. No regerts.

 

[TRest]

I am more of a bourbon guy but got this for my birthday last week and really like it. Not super peaty, just a very nice taste profile.

https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/scotch/single-malt/bunnahabhain-12-year-old-single-malt-scotch-whisky/p/4776750

 

[bigdog1002]

My husband and I are not scotch drinkers but he has a friend that is. My husband would like to give his friend a nice scotch but isn’t sure what to buy. He’s willing to pay up to $75-80. Any recommendations?

Lagavulin. Neat. It’s smoky but Ron Swanson approves.

 

[jostar1]

2024 RESULTS — INTERNATIONAL WHISKY COMPETITION®

The International Whisky Competition announces the best whiskies of 2024 from around the world.

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[Deepelm]

Suggesting Balvinnie Double Wood... Very tasty without being overly "peaty" in taste...

There is zero peat in this one.

 

[Deepelm]

My husband and I are not scotch drinkers but he has a friend that is. My husband would like to give his friend a nice scotch but isn’t sure what to buy. He’s willing to pay up to $75-80. Any recommendations?

Any idea what they already like? Scotch can vary quite a bit.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

I have this one. I wanted one Scotch in my inventory. This was my choice. No regerts.

Not even a letter or two?

 

[Drumguy]

Highland Park 15 or 18 and Talisker 10 or Storm are solid, not overly peaty varieties. I prefer less smoke and peat in my scotch and the highland or Islays tend to be somewhat more drinkable. I just checked and the Highland Park is coming in out of range but the Talisker is around $70 for the 10 yo and $50 for the storm. https://www.totalwine.com/search/all?text=Talisker

 

[huskiesNhoos]

I've found that Glencadam 10yr is a pretty well liked bottle by most. The 13 and 15 are usually able to be found in your price range, too, and they're even better...as you'd expect

 

[storrsroars]

Another thought on a gift that would probably be interesting to any Scotch fan - Amrut Fusion, one of the best whiskys coming out of India. It's probably at the top of your price limit, maybe a couple bucks over, but it's the type of Scotch gift that will be both surprising and likely highly appreciated. Should be able to get thru Total Wine if you're near one.

 

[HuskyHawk]

A bit late to the party. Peat or no peat. Sherry or ex bourbon are the main questions. If @HuskyNan doesn’t know then stick with no or light peat and ex bourbon. See a lot of Balvanie Double Wood and it’s ok. Jura is not great. Highland Park was way overpriced in the US (sold in every gas station in Scotland).

I Peat is in play then Lapphroaig 10 or Ardbeg 10. Port Charlotte if you can find it.
Bunnahabhain 12 is superb, lightly peated, lightly sherry cask. Almost everyone likes it.
Talisker 10 is also lightly peated, but lower price. Kind of my house Scotch.

For unpeated, ex bourbon, which is the safest bet, Bruichladdich Islay Barley is good and interesting. Oban 14 has only a hint of peat, also good. Deanston 12 can work. Craigellechie 13. For something more unique Edradour 10.

Also second what @storrsroars said about Amrut Fusion. Good stuff and interesting if they’ve never had an Indian whiskey.

 

[HuskyNan]

Any idea what they already like? Scotch can vary quite a bit.

Sorry, I didn't even know enough to ask

 

[temery]

 

[HuskyHawk]

Sorry, I didn't even know enough to ask

Then Bruichladfich Islay Barley is foolproof. Even astute Scotch drinkers would appreciate it and so would less enthusiastic drinkers.

 

[HawleyArmou]

Moving from Scotland to Ireland, try Red Breast 1 pot stilled whiskey, or Jameson Black Barrel, or Jameson 21 year old.

 

[TroyHall98]

Another thought on a gift that would probably be interesting to any Scotch fan - Amrut Fusion, one of the best whiskys coming out of India. It's probably at the top of your price limit, maybe a couple bucks over, but it's the type of Scotch gift that will be both surprising and likely highly appreciated. Should be able to get thru Total Wine if you're near one.

I was just in India and was drinking Amrut Fusion and other Indian whiskies such as Indri single malt and Paul John peated single malt. All within $80 in the US (much cheaper there).