Well I guess I am a peat-head then!
I was flying through Taiwan the other day and picked up a bottle of the Kavalan Solist I can not wait to try. Is this gettable in the US?
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.If you can find it, try Ledaig 10. That’s my choice of affordable peated Scotch.
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.
Dewar's is totally under respected. I like a single malt if I'm buying a bottle but find it hard to pay $20 for a shot of Macallan 12 at a restaurant. Dewar's is a solid less expensive scotch.
I need to get a 40th B'day gift for a close relative. Looking to spend $100 to $150. What's your choice? It can also be a bourbon or Rye.
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.I need to get a 40th B'day gift for a close relative. Looking to spend $100 to $150. What's your choice? It can also be a bourbon or Rye.
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.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.
Macallan Fine Oak 15 year would be a nice bottle in that range.
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.
Thanks. I don't know that bottle; I know the 12 year very well and like it a lot, and I obviously know the 18. But the 12 isn't expensive enough for his range and the 18 is obviously too much, so I thought the 15 was just an in-between. Your recs sound a lot better.I am not a fan of the 15 fine oak. Very sweet and kind of meh. There is a new Macallan called Classic Cut, which is better. Either of the two “Macallan Editions” 2 or 3, that are on shelves, run $100 and are solid.
I’d go a different route, if he likes peated Scotch at all. Something like a Springbank 15 or a Longrow Red. On the bourbon side, a Four Roses Private Selection is a cant miss.
Thanks. I don't know that bottle; I know the 12 year very well and like it a lot, and I obviously know the 18. But the 12 isn't expensive enough for his range and the 18 is obviously too much, so I thought the 15 was just an in-between. Your recs sound a lot better.
I was going to suggest that he consider a nice high end Irish whiskey like Middleton or Yellow Spot. Green Spot is my favorite but it's "only" around $55-$60.
I'd consider the Macallan 18 at about $95 or maybe consider a Talisker 18 for about 130 or so. 18's are getting rarer to find since the distillaries aren't pushing them out so much in favor of blending them into aged bottles like Talisker Storm.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.
Thanks. I don't know that bottle; I know the 12 year very well and like it a lot, and I obviously know the 18. But the 12 isn't expensive enough for his range and the 18 is obviously too much, so I thought the 15 was just an in-between. Your recs sound a lot better.
I was going to suggest that he consider a nice high end Irish whiskey like Middleton or Yellow Spot. Green Spot is my favorite but it's "only" around $55-$60.
They're an interesting thought but I'd consider going with the Balcone's from Texas if your looking at a malt instead of a bourbon or scotch. I find the Japanese are a little rougher until you get into bottle over 12 years. The Yamazake 12 is raw for my taste and I've had it both out of the bottle and at the factory. The 18 is a different story but way overpriced. (I like the younger Nikka better than the Yamazake or Hibiki. The Yamazake 12 would be my least favorite - I own a bottle that is just sitting in my cupboard!)Could always to the Japanese Whiskey route as well. Yamazaki, Hibiki and I really like Nikka Coffey Grain
Kirkland 1.75L is now my house brand. I prefer it to the Dewar’s I use to drink @ half the price.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.
I'd consider the Macallan 18 at about $95 or maybe consider a Talisker 18 for about 130 or so. 18's are getting rarer to find since the distillaries aren't pushing them out so much in favor of blending them into aged bottles like Talisker Storm.
You're right - I got a bottle last summer and it was $95 - today its showing up for $259 on NH Liquor website. The Talisker 18 (which I may like more ) is $124.95I'm not a scotch guy at all, but if you can find Macallan 18 at $95 please tell me where that is, I'll buy some for friends last time I shopped it the price was $200+
My brother in law also has a big budget/wallet so he's got some 25, 30 year olds. I'm not sure the cost/benefit is worth it once you start spending over $100. I once had a drink of his AM Hirsch bourbon that is selling around $3,000 a bottle and I couldn't tell any difference from a $35 Buffalo Trace!That's part of the problem. I think my palette peaks at the $70 range. Above that, I've had tastes of good stuff, but I don't find it totally necessary. But my brother in law has expensive tastes so he would be appreciative of a couple $60 bottles, but it would be adding to his liquor cabinet rather than giving him something a little special.
I'm going to pop over to a giant liquor store by my house that has a crazy inventory. See if anything looks interesting. I may even hit this board up while I'm there.
My brother in law also has a big budget/wallet so he's got some 25, 30 year olds. I'm not sure the cost/benefit is worth it once you start spending over $100. I once had a drink of his AM Hirsch bourbon that is selling around $3,000 a bottle and I couldn't tell any difference from a $35 Buffalo Trace!