Advice on whisky

[Keith009]

Given the thought provoking discussion and debates in the "Advice on champagne" thread, I thought it'd be a great idea to start another thread on whisky in the hope that someone here may be able to assist with my suboptimal (ie, non-existent) knowledge of whisky!

The OH's birthday is coming up soon and he likes his whisky. I'm thinking of getting him a 'nice' bottle of whisky. Can someone recommend what I should get? Thinking around the $150 mark, something mid range yet delicious. A boutique brand is also always welcome in our household for extra kudos.

Unfortunately I know nothing about whisky. It's well outside my boozy horizons. Given I don't drink the stuff, he's only had it when we go out and so I've never paid attention to what he orders.

I recall Lagavulin was quite a fave of an ex co-worker who drinks the stuff like I drink my vino or champagne, so that's the only whisky brand i know. Oh and the OH won't touch Johnnie Walker because it's not 'real' whisky. (??)

Paging Febs and notzac....

 

[samh004]

I always head for Laphroaig, but then I'm not that well versed on whisky either.

 

[TonyHancock]

Keith, does the OH have a current preference? (The range of tastes is quite large so if there is a preference it may help nail down a "style")

 

[JohnK]

You cant go wrong with Johnnie Walker Blue but it will cost more than $150.

 

[RooFlyer]

Great thread idea. I'm also a non whiskey drinker who gives it as a gift to family members, so will appreciate any education.

I've previously gone with single malts from Scottish Highlands or Isle of Skye +15 yrs old; that's just a mug's choice, but seems to be pretty much appreciated.

 

[Keith009]

Keith, does the OH have a current preference? (The range of tastes is quite large so if there is a preference it may help nail down a "style")

A very fine point! Will try to discreetly suss him out....

 

[vitagen]

Laphroig is nice if he likes the peaty smokey taste. If he wants something smooth, I would go Balvenie triple cask 16 yo... Smooth and yum!

 

[boomy]

I recently bought the Glenfiddich 21yo at the duty free and was very happy with it. Much better then the 18yo IMO and good value at just under $200.

 

[opusman]

If you like the smoky Islay style but want something a bit less obvious than Laphroiag then check out Bruichladdich - the Port Charlotte 10 year old is fantastic, but they have a big range to choose from.

There are also some lovely Aussie distillers - Lark from Tassie or Bakery Hill from Victoria - both have quite a unique style I would highly recommend.

Also the Mackinlay's Old Rare Highland Malt Whisky makes a great present - not tried it yet, but it's worth it just for the box it comes in and all the information (it's a recreation of whisky that was found in the ice underneath Shackleton's hut in the Antarctic).

 

[haydensydney]

Agree on the Johnny Blue... it's a beautiful well rounder (i'm more of a blends boy rather than single malts). Only problem is it's too easy to drink... haha

 

[OATEK]

My favourite every day single malt is Glenmorangie 10yo. Made by the men of Tain, a real "Highland" malt and very consistent.

 

[seritonin]

I would go for NZ's finest Shackleton (I think it's called ), if you can get your hands on it... Price a bit more than your budget $ 200 ...

 

[sweens]

IMHO go for the 18YO Macallan... it is a Highland malt , very very nice!

 

[Steady]

My favourite every day single malt is Glenmorangie 10yo. Made by the men of Tain, a real "Highland" malt and very consistent.

I second that

 

[TomVexille]

Great idea for a thread.

Personally a fan of the highland and Islay single malts. Ardmore and Laphroaig are my usual go to whiskys.

 

[RooFlyer]

Great thread idea. I'm also a non whiskey drinker who gives it as a gift to family members, so will appreciate any education.

I've previously gone with single malts from Scottish Highlands or Isle of Skye +15 yrs old; that's just a mug's choice, but seems to be pretty much appreciated.

Isle of Islay, not Skye Thank goodness I admitted my ignorance up-front.

 

[TonyHancock]

Isle of Islay, not Skye Thank goodness I admitted my ignorance up-front.

..although Talisker is not a bad drop.

 

[Cynicor]

Keith, the first step is in choosing "Blended" vs "Single Malt". Blended is consistent year to year, but generally not thought of as highly as the single malts. Blendeds are the Walkers and the Chivas' of the world.

Your single malts vary by region of manufacture in the way wine varies with varietals.

So you have (generally)- Islay, Isles, Speyside, Highland and Lowland. Your Islays and highlands are generally well known.

Islay is very peaty/ashy. Some taste like how embalming fluid smells...

Are you going DF anytime soon? Singapore has very good prices.

 

[punter]

If your mate likes the Peaty Islay taste, then you can't go past an offering from Ardbeg, Lagavullin, Laphroaig or Caol Ila. I enjoy a dram of Yamazaki every now and again as well. So much to choose from.

 

[RooFlyer]

If your mate likes the Peaty Islay taste, then you can't go past an offering from Ardbeg, Lagavullin, Laphroaig or Caol Ila. I enjoy a dram of Yamazaki every now and again as well. So much to choose from.

OK, I looked it up. This was what I last bought for great friend, given recently for his 50th: Bunnahabhain distillery

Why? I saw it at Aberdeen airport duty free and it just sounded (or looked) right.

He liked it - VERY much! Encouraged me to have a taste. Hmmm ... OK, I'm still not a whiskey aficionado, but I'm willing to be converted :mrgreen: