Scotch/Scotch Blend Recommendations?

[P&Y BUCK]

18yr old Glenlivet

[BowhunterNJ]

Can I put a splash of lager in there?

[Joeybeets]

Glenfiddich 50 year old runs around 39,000.

[BowhunterNJ]

Glenfiddich 50 year old runs around 39,000.

 

I need some of that Gold Rush money you have goin on over there!

[MikeStaten]

So Saturday is a 40th birthday dinner for a good friend of mine, he likes his scotch and scotch blends. Wanted to get him something different but still similar to what he prefers, but I know very little about scotch. I can only tell you what he tends to like which are Glenfiddich, Glen Livet, Glenmorangie, and Johnnie Walker.Any time there is a party (holidays, birthdays, etc)...someone brings a JW Blue Label and it's gone in short order.I could get him something like a 12/15/18 yr old of the above scotches too to play it safe, but figured I'd ask if anyone here is into scotch.Any recommendations?Price I'd like to hang in the $200 and under crowd, but he's a good friend, so I'd splurge another $100 if it was worth the stretch

If that's what he drinks, I'd stay away from the peaty scotches like Laguvilin and Laphroag, completely different than the smoother ones you listed. Any of the Balvenie, Macallan or Glenmorangie are good easy drinking scotches. Oban is another good one but less popular.

 

I'd go for the Balvenie in Portwood, I think they make an 18 year and 21 year.

Edited March 9, 2018 by MikeStaten

[Bucksnbows]

For the kind of money you plan to spend for a good friend, try the Macallan 18 year old.  It's smooth as silk compared to most other Scotch.  I like many different single malts and even a few blended brands.  I prefer Bourbon, however, over Scotch.   

[Jerzguy2]

Blue label does nothing special for me, never had green label, for the price black label is just as good. Special for me is Balvenie 12 doublewood, but I'm content with Glenlevet as a daily drink. Had a taste of Orban15 I think at Christmas and it was as smooth and good as I would want, but at $100 a bottle, I'll wait for someone to think I'm that special.

[Swamprat]

Since he likes trying different kinds I'd get a couple of those Japanese brands. I personally haven't had them but have heard good things.

Scotch is definitely an acquired taste. My father drank it so I drank it. Over time I've stayed towards whiskey's and Bourbons. Specifically wheat whiskey's.

Currently my favorite whiskey is bernheim and my favorite bourbon for the price is the 4 Rose's small batch. Probably the best thing out there under 40$.

Nick

[Jerzguy2]

I just had a better idea, go to a bigger liquor store that does gift baskets and get 2 or 3 of the "good" single malts wrapped in cellophane basket for a great gift instead of a ridiculous price single bottle..

[tjfslaughter]

You ran the table of fantastic Scotch.

 

Looking at the menu paired with Scotch...I believe you and the Mrs. had a great time.

 

Happy Anniversary.

 

That dinner was from last night with my father in law in East Orange . The distillery trip is in early summer.

 

 

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[birddogger]

I am not much of a scotch connoisseur(I think I spelled that right??), but I do like Glenmorangie, the original version.  I have tried a bunch and do not like the heavy peaty ones like Royal salute or Laphroaig. 

 

Dewars white label or Ballantines(especially if you can find the 12 Yr. old) are very drinkable blends that won't break the bank, as is Famous Grouse.

 

I tried a couple that were aged in sherry casks and they were nice also.  they were in the $50 ballpark.  

 

A friend did me a service and I gave him a bottle of The Macallan .  He drinks the 18 yr. old which is right near where your price point is.

 

 

However, if you want to try something a bit different, there is a Remy Martin XO  cognac, for about $150 which is out of this world.  

 

A pony in a snifter and  I will inhale it until it evaporates with a tiny sip every so often.  Soooo smooth....sooooo deliciously fragrant. 

 

RayG

[not on the rug]

If that's what he drinks, I'd stay away from the peaty scotches like Laguvilin and Laphroag, completely different than the smoother ones you listed. Any of the Balvenie, Macallan or Glenmorangie are good easy drinking scotches. Oban is another good one but less popular.

 

I'd go for the Balvenie in Portwood, I think they make an 18 year and 21 year.

Booze is weird stuff. To me, "smooth" scotches like that taste like turpentine, while the smoky, peaty Islay scotches are deep and rich and layered with flavor.

 

Totally subjective obviously. Just wanted to point out how different everyone's tastes can be.

[not on the rug]

 

However, if you want to try something a bit different, there is a Remy Martin XO  cognac, for about $150 which is out of this world. 

 

RayG

I actually like Hine Antique a bit more than Remy XO. If you haven't tried it, give it a whirl

[BowhunterNJ]

Would be cool if I could get him a basket of samplers like Jerzguy2 said. A bunch of different ones he could try and see what else he likes without getting a whole bottle.

 

 

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[BHC]

hooch made in jail by the inmates