And I find it hard to like bourbons as a scotch drinker! I've been buying rye lately and really enjoy some of the ryes (sazerac, james pepper, bullett, whistlepig, high west).
I was once in line at Costco and overheard the conversation between the guy at the register and an alcoholic-looking patrician couple out of central casting (think George Costanza's fiancé Susan's parents). The husband was asking how the new, value-priced Kirkland blended Scotch offering was, and the guy at the counter gave it props for what it was. Like he was delivering a nugget of wisdom, the older guy confidently proclaimed, "After the first sip, it doesn't much matter what you're drinking." Not that I'd expect it, but he got no pushback. He departed with a half dozen 1.75l bottles of the house brand. And probably has never invaded the principle either.
That was my uncle's favorite so I always had some in the house for decades and I enjoyed it, too. Every time I poured it for him he regaled me with the story of how they called it the Famous Grouch at his local because of his love for it.
Lagavulin 16 is my dead on favorite and the only single malt I make sure to always have at minimum a half a bottle of. Laphroaig is a great Islay and gives you that peaty/smokey character as well. My favorite, not Lagavulin, scotch is Oban 14. It is a highland I believe but is a really great scotch for the price. I think around $55 a bottle. Since it sounds like you're a scotch guy I'm sure you already know you can't go wrong with any decent single malt highland 12 years or higher. They're all good. It just a question of what flavor profile you prefer IMHO. I do prefer Islays. There are fewer of them than highlands though it seems.
And after 2 drinks it is hard to tell the difference between scotch and bourbon. Don't ever make that bet.
Heh. My two are on the list - Balvenie Caribbean Cask for under $75, and Glendronach 15 yr. for under $100
Well I guess I am a peat-head then!
I had the Ledaig 10 in the other hand based on your recommendation and was deciding between the two (they didn't have Caol Ila 12) and had to ask for a price check in the Ardbeg 10 because it was unmarked. It was the same price as the Ledaig ($55) so I asked the guy about them, and that's when he sang Ardbeg's praises as his favorite distillery. I'll try the Ledaig next time.
Do you know if s/he likes all whiskies? People who drink enough to enjoy a bottle in that price range usually have a pretty strong preference as among Scotch, Irish, bourbon or rye. If you know s/he likes Scotch, stick with Scotch.
It's my brother in law. I know he likes Scotch and bourbon. I'm not sure about his Scotch preference which is riskier than bourbon. He has a nice collection of decanters so I figured I'd help fill one. I'm a Macallan guy so your suggestion sounds good.
