Favorite Scotch?

Anyone have a favorite Scotch that they could recommend?

I'm looking for something that is really high quality for a medium price point (say the $40-$70/bottle range). I like the more balanced Highland/Speyside Scotches, not the peat-bomb Islays.

My go to has been Balvenie Doublewood, but I'm interested in trying new things.

Highland park.

Ardbeg, if you can find it over here. Pretty smokey, but a unique flavour (IMHO).

BoxheadTim wrote: Ardbeg, if you can find it over here. Pretty smokey, but a unique flavour (IMHO).

If he dosen't like the super peat, I don't know if he'll like ardberg. It was described to me at a scotch tasting as "The one you should drink last as it will obliterate your tastebuds". It was like drinking charcoal, cool.. but dunno if I'd do it again.

The one in a glass in my hand.

I haven't had enough scotch to know enough to talk about it... but the Lagavulin I had was excellent. No idea what it tastes like compared to others, or even how much it costs though.

Tape

Johnny Walker red label is my goto Scotch whiskey. I do like the Islay stuff though if I'm feeling spendy.

The Bunnahabhain 12

It's an Islay, but a very mild one. You get a smidge of the peat, but that's not the primary flavor feature. I find it difficult to describe spirits without sipping on them, but I recall notes of raisin/plum, a hint of smoke, and a mild sweet body.

Laphraoig. VERY peaty. Like drinking good pipe tobacco. That's still smoldering. Sounds like the Ardberg mentioned above, but I haven't had that one.

Macallan 12 is what I keep at home. Reminds me, I need to get another bottle.

The one someone else pays for, good scotch is pricey

FWIW, this is what I do for a living (I'm a wholesaler for beer, wine, and spirits with a passion for brown liquor)

Bruichladdich Islay Malt 2007. Not peated, blew my mind it's so good.

Highland Park 12 used to be the best value in single malts but it's gone up in price about 20% in the last 10yrs or so. Now it's just a fantastic single malt, fairly priced. Great whisky.

More common, Glenfiddich 15yr Solera. Nice balance and being made in the solera method gives it some unique flavors.

Flight Service wrote: The one someone else pays for, good scotch is pricey

have you priced high end Bourbons lately ?

Glen Moray 16, nice Speyside, lots of flavors, but still light, and very very smooth.

ultraclyde wrote: Laphraoig. VERY peaty. Like drinking good pipe tobacco. That's still smoldering. Sounds like the Ardberg mentioned above, but I haven't had that one.

That is a good description of Laphraoig. I more simply described it as like having a whisky and a cigar - w/o the cigar.
I do like it though.

Good grief...scotch drinkers are as obnoxious as cigar smokers.

I have a bottle of Cragganmore 12 in my liquor cabinet and I suppose it's good. The fact that it's been in there for several years and is still half full says more about preferences. Bourbon is where it's at.

Lagavulin 16 cask strength.

That, with a good cigar is absolute heaven.

Flight Service wrote: The one someone else pays for, good scotch is pricey

Yup. Fortunately I work where there's a bar. So I can order the occasional special liquor through them at wholesale prices.

spitfirebill wrote: Good grief...scotch drinkers are as obnoxious as cigar smokers.

at least we aren't wine drinkers..

"notes of cherry with an essence of dirt and the finish has a distinct odor of a cobblers toenails"

Fueled by Caffeine wrote:

spitfirebill wrote: Good grief...scotch drinkers are as obnoxious as cigar smokers.

at least we aren't wine drinkers.. "notes of cherry with an essence of dirt and the finish has a distinct odor of a cobblers toenails"

Christopher Buckley and PJ O'Rourke said: C.B.: “No legs.” P.J.: (who has a slight cold) “Nose is subtly bad.” C.B.: “Ugly nose. Chalky complexion… You know this trick about wine tasting? If you’re at a loss, describe someone who’s in the room.” P.J.: “I’ll have you know that this nose has been broken three times. Twice in fistfights.” C.B.: “Manly nose.” P.J.: “And once in a riding accident.” C.B.: “Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” P.J.: “Well, actually, it was the pony at the church carnival.” C.B.: “Let’s have a drink.” They do. “Subtly good.” P.J.: “Tastes okay. Kind of stinks.”

http://www.forbes.com/forbes-life-magazine/1999/1030/112.html

peter wrote: The Bunnahabhain 12 It's an Islay, but a very mild one. You get a smidge of the peat, but that's not the primary flavor feature. I find it difficult to describe spirits without sipping on them, but I recall notes of raisin/plum, a hint of smoke, and a mild sweet body.

That is what I was coming to say. My pregnant wife was pissed when I bought a bottle since she can't have any of it.

Scotch is an acquired taste. Fortunately, I acquired it years ago. I don't think I have had the same brand twice. Some I love, others I finish off the bottle so no one else has to suffer. Never offer blended Scotch to friends, they will never acquire the taste for a proper single malt!