Scotch whiskey up to $200 - recommendations please

[Tolstoy]

a mate is turning 50 and he loves scotch. We are happy to spend up to $200.

I've just had look at DanM website - crikey, it is ridiculous how many choices we have!

Are there any connoisseurs out there with some advice please?


cheers,
T

PS. Amazed to see you can pay up to $45,000 for a (700ml) bottle of scotch!!

 

[opusman]

If he really loves scotch, try to find out what type he prefers.

 

[Chrisd26]

I think a seasoned scotch drinker might appreciate something a little different?

Have a look at
Scotland loses out as Japanese whisky named best in the world - Telegraph
available from Dan Murphys and World of Whisky

 

[Limewood]

Johnny Walker blue label .

 

[Spongbob]

Yes I agree, Japanese whiskey is really special and might be the ideal gift. Alternatively, you might consider a lowland malt or the higher priced Tasmanian whiskeys. For about $200, the safe option could be JW Blue.

 

[Cynicor]

Not sure if Febs is around, but he is most definitely a scotch connoisseur. He has a blog and has sampled a wide variety. There's an old thread with links around somewhere.

 

[Chrisd26]

As a bit of a bottled liquid enthusiast I like to try and give a present that indicates I have
made a bit of an effort to look around and maybe find something a bit different but still of quality.
There are 'specialist' bottle shops around that have a bit of a different range - depends on available time to look around.

 

[Lowjhg]

a mate is turning 50 and he loves scotch. We are happy to spend up to $200.

I've just had look at DanM website - crikey, it is ridiculous how many choices we have!

Are there any connoisseurs out there with some advice please?


cheers,
T

PS. Amazed to see you can pay up to $45,000 for a (700ml) bottle of scotch!!

Try sourcing out a bottle of Sullivan's Cove French Oak for him. I'm sure he will be very pleased with your selection, that's if you can find one. Retails for $160 I think

 

[NM]

Its really important to know what style he likes. The smokey, peaty flavours of Islay are loved by some (like me) and not liked by others. Personally, I would prefer to receive something a little different rather than a mainstream brand blend. If uncertain of the preferred style/region, then a good all-rounder region like Speyside is generally safe. At the top end of your price range would be something like the Glenfarclas 25yo (half the birthday boy's age).

If he likes the pungent aromas then something I would be very happy to receive would be either Lagavulin Distillers Edition or Ardbeg Auriverdes, or Laphroaig 18yo.

If wanting to stick with classic class then you can't go wrong with The Macallan 18yo.

 

[nlagalle]

I wouldn't recommend JW blue, it's nothing special.. Also if he is a whiskey lover then he probably doesn't like blended varieties (which from memory JW blue is).

As others have mentioned find out the variety he likes. Then go from there. We just spent $200 for a bottle for the old man for his birthday

 

[Tolstoy]

Many thanks to all for suggestions. Not sure if he prefers a particular style and can't really find out without giving the game away.

I'll check out some of the options above and take a stab.

regards,
T

 

[nlagalle]

This is the one i got my dad

 

[NM]

This is the one i got my dad

Excellent choice

 

[Tolstoy]

Try sourcing out a bottle of Sullivan's Cove French Oak for him. I'm sure he will be very pleased with your selection, that's if you can find one. Retails for $160 I think

Have done a quick search on this one and it is very impressive. French Oak version currently unobtainable but won best whiskey in a world comp last year! (First time ever that whisky from outside Scotland or Japan has won)

Website lists price increase to $350 :-(

Their other whiskies also get rave reviews on several sites.

Support your local distiller!

T

 

[nlagalle]

Excellent choice

I've insisted that when he opens it to share the spoils!

 

[opusman]

Australian whiskies are nice but horribly overpriced.

 

[defurax]

I would go for one of these two, the Glenlivet Archive is one of my favorite drop, but 44$ over your budget at Dan's.

 

[Limewood]

I wouldn't recommend JW blue, it's nothing special..

me either really. but i drink this JB blue at my Scottish mates place only .

 

[opusman]

The blue is a nice blended whisky, if you like that sort of thing. But far too expensive for what it is. Just shows the power of marketing that people will pay those sort of prices for it when there are so many better drams around for far less.

I'm reminded of the first time I tried blue, which was in the bar at the Hyatt in Canberra, back in probably 1998 or so. Saw it on the shelf and asked for a shot without checking the price - which turned out to be $60. Since a bottle was going for about $250 at the time it worked out to be a markup of around 500%.

 

[dodgeyhack]

I like the Highland Park 18 yo - but I don't know anything about whiskey =)