Scotch whiskey up to $200 - recommendations please

[Chrisd26]

Johnnie Walker is essentially a skilled marketing company. It does not 'produce' whisky but sources whisky, blends and markets a number of products.
It produces blended whisky without an indicator of age - the original Red Label (1909) is still regarded as a popular mixer - from the 90s it has extended its range to the Blue Label etc.
Some are quite expensive - their value is really up to those who enjoy it as a whisky. I tend to spend less and experiment with single and other blended whisky from around the world.
It can become quite a hobby of experimentation and enjoyment!

 

[Princess Fiona]

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

Now that is a lovely drop

 

[Buzzard]

I've had the Long John since the 1980's. Can't stand the stuff.

 

[Tolstoy]

Thanks to everyone for the "spirited" discussion.

Opted for Laphroaig 18 year old for my 50 year old mate. Can't comment on it b/c the lousy bugger didn't open it to offer us a snort!

Noted the rave reviews for the Lagavulin 16yo at half the price...

 

[Sprucegoose]

Ardbeg Crocodile

 

[Skyring]

Laphroaig is definitely on the peaty side, but most men like that sort of thing. Hard to go wrong with 18YO Scotch of any type.

I got sucked in last year in a little village north of Tonga after driving through Speyside. My son and I were introduced to Scotch by an expert in a tiny bar in the 4 bedroom pub we were staying at - we had a few wee drams, but at least didn't have to drive home. Scapa was one I liked, it was just across the water on Orkney. Bit hard to get here.

I got a few nice but commercial varieties in Changi on the way back - Glenfiddich 18YO is a tasty drop - and joined a mob called The Whisky Club run out of Tasmania. Every month they send me a bottle of something interesting for around $100-$130, freight included. Favourite so far is probably the 15YO BenRiach Pedro Ximenez, with a complex set of tones, heavy on the sherry.

But always something a bit out of the ordinary. This month's was a single grain (mostly corn) from Ireland. Next month, I might pass, because I'll be away travelling. In Scotland.

 

[Demon_fan]

Spent some time in Tassie recently.

Brought back a couple of bottles of Lark for my mates. Not sure how available it is on the mainland, but a decent whisky nonetheless. Was around $150.

P.S. I do realise you have already bought and given the present. But reckon this thread might keep going for a bit.