OT: Looking for recommendations for a good bottle of Scotch...

[psuro]

to give as a gift.

We want to give this to the chair of a committee I have been involved with.

Looking for something in the $90-$120 range, and by keeping it in that range, it makes it equitable for those who are contributing. It has to be scotch as he is a scotch drinker - no wine, no beer, no vodka, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[PinchotPenthouse]

to give as a gift.

We want to give this to the chair of a committee I have been involved with.

Looking for something in the $90-$120 range, and by keeping it in that range, it makes it equitable for those who are contributing. It has to be scotch as he is a scotch drinker - no wine, no beer, no vodka, etc.

Thanks in advance.

Ro, there are so many varied expressions to choose. Do you happen to know whether he enjoys a Highland, Speyside, Lowland, or Islay malt? In your price range, there are too many to list. I personally enjoy Glenlivet 15 and Dalmore 15. Good luck.

 

[psuro]

Thanks. I honestly don't know - but I am sure I can figure out a way to find out.

 

[Ralphie_]

I like Balvenie. 14 year old is around $70-$80. I think there is a big jump to 17 year or though. Maybe the $130 range.

 

[mjh218]

Would second Balvenie 14.

 

[PinchotPenthouse]

Would second Balvenie 14.

Me three. Good choice.

 

[KnightSlayer]

I tried some Tullamore Dew just a couple of weeks ago. I'm not a regular whiskey drinker but, this was the smoothest tasting whiskey I ever had.

I tried the 12 year old reserve.

LINK

 

[RandyL]

Usquaebach Old Rare - blended

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Thanks. I honestly don't know - but I am sure I can figure out a way to find out.

knowing whether or not the person likes "peaty" scotches is a good question to ask - will help with the recs.

 

[CattyGuy51]

I second the Glenlivet 15 but as stated, it all depends on the person. Glenlivet has a very mild flavor and Islay has a VERY peaty flavor. Completely different and in the same price range. I don't like Islay at all but enjoy Glenlivet. Totally individual taste. Dalwhinne, Glenfiditch, Glenmorange, Highland Park, Glen Moray are all nice single malts and all have issues in that price range but again it's up to the personal taste.

 

[manatree]

I tried some Tullamore Dew just a couple of weeks ago. I'm not a regular whiskey drinker but, this was the smoothest tasting whiskey I ever had.

I tried the 12 year old reserve.

LINK

Pssst. Tullamore Dew isn't Scotch.

 

[LionJim]

knowing whether or not the person likes "peaty" scotches is a good question to ask - will help with the recs.

In such a situation, wouldn't it be best to go with a lowland like Auchentoshan?

 

[step.eng69]

to give as a gift.

We want to give this to the chair of a committee I have been involved with.

Looking for something in the $90-$120 range, and by keeping it in that range, it makes it equitable for those who are contributing. It has to be scotch as he is a scotch drinker - no wine, no beer, no vodka, etc.

Thanks in advance.

A contractor friend gave me a bottle three Christmas's past. I enjoyed the nectar. About $100 a bottle.

Glenmorangie Lasanta, The Sherry Cask Finish, 12 Years Old
$64.00 is a favorite of mine.

Glenfiddich 18 Bottling Note
This 18 year old from Glenfiddich's core range was matured in a mix of Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks.

Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt (REVIEW)
Nose: Loads of fruit. Zesty grapefruit, baked toffee apples. Dry, chocolate Flake-y wood and cinnamon.

Palate: Candied fruits and Glenfiddich freshness balances richer notes of dried apricot, more cinnamon and toffee, ginger and dry Sherry.

Finish: Peels and a touch of salted toffee.

 

[PSUArnie]

Ro, there are so many varied expressions to choose. Do you happen to know whether he enjoys a Highland, Speyside, Lowland, or Islay malt? In your price range, there are too many to list. I personally enjoy Glenlivet 15 and Dalmore 15. Good luck.

As other have said the Balvenie 14 is a good bet and the Glenlivet 18 is also an excellent choice in that price range. If you want to go full-metal and up it to $200+ the Macallan 18 might be my favorite of all time.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Pssst. Tullamore Dew isn't Scotch.

Not only is it not scotch, Irish Whiskey is made differently than scotch with different standards.

So even if it was made in Scotland, it wouldn't be scotch.

LdN

 

[step.eng69]

Pssst. Tullamore Dew isn't Scotch.

Tullamore Dew reserved 12 yr is the Irish I got for Blehar two years ago. We were to meet in the red parking area before the game. It rained so hard, the water on College Ave was above the curbs. Needless to say, we didn't meet.

 

[BobPSU92]

 

[Woodpecker]

Tullamore Dew reserved 12 yr is the Irish I got for Blehar two years ago. We were to meet in the red parking area before the game. It rained so hard, the water on College Ave was above the curbs. Needless to say, we didn't meet.

So you drank it with a splash?

 

[Agoodnap]

Here are all the Scotch's that cost $100 or more to be found at PA Wine and Spirit stores. Some are on-line only purchases.

https://www.finewineandgoodspirits....By:3&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

Here's that's out of stock but I'm sure you could place an order to get in queue.
Bunnahabhain Single Malt Scotch Whisky Islay 46 Year Old

https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10051&productId=2096216&langId=-1&errorViewName=ProductDisplayErrorView&categoryId=&top_category=&parent_category_rn=&urlLangId=&variety=[Ljava.lang.String;@592e592e&categoryType=Spirits&fromURL=/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&variety=&pageSize=15&sortBy=5&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&searchTerm=scotch&SearchKeyWord=

 

[step.eng69]

So you drank it with a splash?

no splash, Woody...a drop or two of mineral water in the Scotch ...Pellegrino,Perrier....room temp, neat.

Drink bourbon neat also.

Sorry Woody, I was late on the pickup.....ok, you had me

 

[KnightSlayer]

Pssst. Tullamore Dew isn't Scotch.

Yeah, like I said, I'm not really into whiskey or where it's made.

 

[Woodpecker]

Here are all the Scotch's that cost $100 or more to be found at PA Wine and Spirit stores. Some are on-line only purchases.

https://www.finewineandgoodspirits....By:3&pageView:&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

Here's that's out of stock but I'm sure you could place an order to get in queue.
Bunnahabhain Single Malt Scotch Whisky Islay 46 Year Old

https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10051&productId=2096216&langId=-1&errorViewName=ProductDisplayErrorView&categoryId=&top_category=&parent_category_rn=&urlLangId=&variety=[Ljava.lang.String;@592e592e&categoryType=Spirits&fromURL=/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&variety=&pageSize=15&sortBy=5&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&searchTerm=scotch&SearchKeyWord=

Passing up the Macallan 1937 Speyside?

 

[nittanyfan333]

If he's a scotch drinker, what are his favorites? That would help us to give you a good suggestion based on the type of scotch he likes. Think of it like saying he's a wine drinker. ok, red? white? blush? then in each type of wine, chianti? Pino? Port?...

There are 4 major regions that scotch come from as Pinchot mentioned above. 5 if you add campbeltown. each region has a distinct flavor. Then of course you get into blends. Like I said, if you want good advice, let us know what he drinks now, so we can give you advice based on that.

IF you don't know what he drinks now, you can't go wrong with a speyside. Glenlivet, mccallan... etc. That being said, My favorite is Old Pulteney 17 year. It's a highlands whisky but it's smooth... Stay away from islay whiskies. they're an acquired taste (unless you know he likes them)

Here's where I get my scotch from. GREAT website

https://www.masterofmalt.com

 

[nittanyfan333]

no splash, Woody...a drop or two of mineral water in the Scotch ...Pellegrino,Perrier....room temp, neat.

Drink bourbon neat also.

Sorry Woody, I was late on the pickup.....ok, you had me

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD YES! Eff those damn "rocks" or a damn "splash". Although I've never gone as pure as mineral water. I just get some tap water. Imma have to try mineral water

For everyone else: If you are new to scotch, or have never tried it with just a drop or teaspoon of water, take a taste straight as soon as you pour it. then let it sit for a few minutes and take another taste. then put a few drops or teaspoon of water in it and taste it again. it's like you're drinking 3 different scotches.

 

[psuro]

Would second Balvenie 14.

I have enjoyed the Belvenie 14 myself - the edges are smoothed out quite nicely.

 

[Burb]

to give as a gift.

We want to give this to the chair of a committee I have been involved with.

Looking for something in the $90-$120 range, and by keeping it in that range, it makes it equitable for those who are contributing. It has to be scotch as he is a scotch drinker - no wine, no beer, no vodka, etc.

Thanks in advance.

Glenlivet OR Glenfiddich

 

[psuro]

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD YES! Eff those damn "rocks" or a damn "splash". Although I've never gone as pure as mineral water. I just get some tap water. Imma have to try mineral water

For everyone else: If you are new to scotch, or have never tried it with just a drop or teaspoon of water, take a taste straight as soon as you pour it. then let it sit for a few minutes and take another taste. then put a few drops or teaspoon of water in it and taste it again. it's like you're drinking 3 different scotches.

Water and alcohol create sugar, so that creates a sweeter taste the two ingredients are allowed to mix.



With regard to the questions of his taste - I will find out, but at this point, I like getting the different options for Lowland, Highlands, etc. I can ask him when I see him and then once he tells me, I can purchase the appropriate bottle for him.

 

[Art]

Ro, there are so many varied expressions to choose. Do you happen to know whether he enjoys a Highland, Speyside, Lowland, or Islay malt? In your price range, there are too many to list. I personally enjoy Glenlivet 15 and Dalmore 15. Good luck.

I'll go along with the first part of this post. There is such variation among regions and even the distillations themselves that it's best to find out what the person to who you're you're giving it drinks before forking out money on something he might not like.

 

[4INSBU]

I bought a bottle of Dalwhinnie 15 year over the holidays for the first time. I really like it. Smooth, but not as full bodied as others. Balvenie and MacClaren is also very good.

 

[nittanyfan333]

I'll go along with the first part of this post. There is such variation among regions and even the distillations themselves that it's best to find out what the person to who you're you're giving it drinks before forking out money on something he might not like.

Whole heartedly agree. A friend gave me a bottle of Laphroaig, took one sip and never opened it again. Way too much for my palette. Granted, at that time I hadn't opened up to Islay whiskies yet. Even now, I can't do laphroaig at all but I LOVE Caol Ila Moch. just goes to your point of a huge variety of whiskies even from the same region

 

[DrJC]

to give as a gift.

We want to give this to the chair of a committee I have been involved with.

Looking for something in the $90-$120 range, and by keeping it in that range, it makes it equitable for those who are contributing. It has to be scotch as he is a scotch drinker - no wine, no beer, no vodka, etc.

Thanks in advance.

Glenfiddich 18yr or Macallan 15 yr. are fabulous. If you really want to give him a smooth treat - RedBreast 15 yr. or Middelton. Both Irish whiskies, but much smoother than Scotch.

 

[psuro]

In addition to the Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14, I enjoy the Tomintoul 16. It’s “the gentle dram” as they call it....also a Spey.

It’s not medicinal tasting and it’s not going to blow your head off like the Islay’s.

Thanks

At this point, based on what a few people have said and my own personal experience, I am leaning towards the Balvenie 14.

 

[RochLion]

Wife got me this 12 year old Single Malt, Aberlour, for Christmas which is pretty good. Don't like the real peety flavored ones which this one is not. 40-45 range.

 

[interrobang]

Something from Ardbeg or Laphroaig

 

[We Are . . .]

I offer this for the enjoyment of the Scotch drinkers on the board:

 

[Langmuir]

You can't go wrong with the any of the six classic malts.

Whisky Age Alc. % Region
Dalwhinnie 15 years 43% Highland
Talisker 10 years 45.8% Isle of Skye
Cragganmore 12 years 40% Speyside
Oban 14 years 43% West Highland
Lagavulin 16 years 43% Islay
Glenkinchie 12 years 43% Lowland

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_Malts_of_Scotland

 

[katchthis]

I also recommend the Balvenie Carribean Cask 14 yr old. Great value, and a unique, but flavorful taste.
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/balvenie/balvenie-14-year-old-caribbean-cask-whisky/

 

[cavic]

 

[PSU73]

This likely isn't much help to you because the recommendations so far all sound good, but when it's someone else's money, I prefer a single malt.
Just sayin.

 

[roswelllion]

A contractor friend gave me a bottle three Christmas's past. I enjoyed the nectar. About $100 a bottle.

Glenmorangie Lasanta, The Sherry Cask Finish, 12 Years Old
$64.00 is a favorite of mine.

Glenfiddich 18 Bottling Note
This 18 year old from Glenfiddich's core range was matured in a mix of Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks.

Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt (REVIEW)
Nose: Loads of fruit. Zesty grapefruit, baked toffee apples. Dry, chocolate Flake-y wood and cinnamon.

Palate: Candied fruits and Glenfiddich freshness balances richer notes of dried apricot, more cinnamon and toffee, ginger and dry Sherry.

Finish: Peels and a touch of salted toffee.

I would second Step's choice of Glenmorangie Lasanta in Sherry cask. 12nyear old - perhaps they have a 15 or 18 year old of the same to get in your price range