Whiskey

laurentian

Looking for a bit of advice from those in the know.

I'm going over to The States in May and looking to take a good single malt over as a gift for my host. Although I like a single malt myself, I'm not terribly knowledgable on the subject but I think I've seen something on here before which leads me to believe that some of you are.

So, I envisage spending around £60ish (is this realistic?) for someting that would appeal to an American with a taste for the finer things in life. I guess something that isn't readily available in the states would only add to its appeal and it has to be Scotch.

Any help would be appreciated.

imposter2.0

I'm not an expert, but my late dad (from NE Scotland) was. I could only give you my own preferences, which are either Old Pulteney or my current favourite, Glendronach. No idea if they are available over there though - I'd be surprised if they weren't.

shirley_basso

theres a thread

https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/20507700

https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/12662654/whiskey-advice-please

First.Aspect

You can start by spelling it right. If you refer to whiskey over there they will expect some JD Black label.

To avoid confusion, just call it Scotch.

Thats ambiguous because They don't know about pork covered eggs. Probably illegal there anyway.

MattFalle

Bear in mind that when you make a decison based on advice that the major int'l airports all have mega duty free selling this stuff, so probs worth a call ahead to see if they have it and streeeeeetch your budget further.

laurentian

shirley_basso said:

theres a thread

https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/20507700

https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/12662654/whiskey-advice-please

Thanks I think that was the one I remember

pblakeney

The key question that needs answering first is smoky, peaty, or mellow.
That'll narrow it down considerably and avoid a faux pas.

First.Aspect

Go as antiseptic as possible and let them pretend to enjoy it.

They will be all for the authentic experience, including the gagging, providing they know that it was made with the purest Scottish water from near their ancestral home that they can't place on a map, and made in the exact same way as in William Wallaces time, using peat and cow dung as fuel.

MattFalle

First.Aspect said:

Go as antiseptic as possible and let them pretend to enjoy it.

They will be all for the authentic experience, including the gagging, providing they know that it was made with the purest Scottish water from near their ancestral home that they can't place on a map, and made in the exact same way as in William Wallaces time, using peat and cow dung as fuel.

https://www.retailtimes.co.uk/spar-revamps-finest-own-label-whisky-range-for-consistent-spirits-feel/

vincesummerskRoxcBTr

Tesco have some excellent offers on single malts, but an Islay one and Highland one and take both , probably still less than £60

mrb123

Avoiding peat in case it's not to your host's taste, a few to consider:
Arran Sherry Cask
Deanston 18
Glen Scotia 15
Glenfarclas 15 or 105
Glen Garioch 12
Tamdhu 12 or 15
Glenturret 12

First.Aspect

No, go full Ardbeg. It'll be an ornament anway.

webboo

One of the Dura’s. I like superstition but it’s only £30ish.

blazing_saddles

A couple of thoughts. Whenever whisky appears in US films or tv, they seem to give a lot of status towards the age of the whisky. A lot of new wave single malts are all about the various cask maturation, but don’t come with any age provenance.
I would look to see what’s available around the 15 year old mark, as that’s what 60 quid will get.
For instance Aberfeldy 16 year old is about £55 atm I believe.
Or since this name has already been recommended in this thread:

https://www.majestic.co.uk/spirits/glenfarclas-15yo-49306

Also be aware that pretty much every whisky that sells in quantity here, is readily available in the States.
So best to browse a couple of the specialist sites to see what not so commonplace that your cash will buy and check the reviews for a few.

shirley_basso

Glenfarclas is absolutely outstanding.

sungod

can't stand the stuff myself, but this is the lhr selection, choose terminal to narrow down...

https://london-heathrow.worlddutyfree.com/en/liquor/whisky/single-scotch-malt

if you're not already in them, sign up with red by dufry and heathrow rewards, they stack, scan/swipe both at checkout you'll get at least 5% off

if you pre-order with wdf you can often get more off, also saves time that can be better spent getting squiffy in the lounge

that's assuming lhr, different airports, different deals

Mad_Malx

First.Aspect said:

Go as antiseptic as possible and let them pretend to enjoy it.

They will be all for the authentic experience, including the gagging, providing they know that it was made with the purest Scottish water from near their ancestral home that they can't place on a map, and made in the exact same way as in William Wallaces time, using peat and cow dung as fuel.

Did this one come up on a previous thread here?

https://youtu.be/5GJkC7AtSMc

Mad_Malx

pblakeney said:

The key question that needs answering first is smoky, peaty, or mellow.
That'll narrow it down considerably and avoid a faux pas.

The smoky and peaty ones are quite polarising. The mellow or lighter ones will appeal to a wider audience.

First.Aspect

Mad_Malx said:

pblakeney said:

The key question that needs answering first is smoky, peaty, or mellow.
That'll narrow it down considerably and avoid a faux pas.

The smoky and peaty ones are quite polarising. The mellow or lighter ones will appeal to a wider audience.

Which is a way of saying one is nicer than the other.

This topic always creates vibrant discussion, yes.

Ooh, on which point, Americans put ice in their drinks. Bear that in mind with your selection.

drhaggis

The standard Glenmorangie is nice, on the mellower side. Safe bet for people not that into whisky.

I really enjoy Auchentoshan 3 wood (and the price difference over the standard one is worth it IMHO)

Oban 14 y.o. is only a bit peaty, but very enjoyable. It's not as widely available as others, which could make it a slightly better present.

pblakeney

Having looked at what's on offer online at Heathrow I'd probably go for the Glenmorangie 18 year old. Very smooth and a genuine offer compared to the high street, although I'd also look at Bunnahabhain. I see some prices have sky rocketed, Dalmore is a prime example. This is only personal opinion though, some love Laphroaig which is the antiseptic FA was on about.
What to be aware of? Some of them are actually cheaper in supermarkets if on offer and a lot have tasting notes but no mention of the age.

blazing_saddles

pblakeney said:

Having looked at what's on offer online at Heathrow I'd probably go for the Glenmorangie 18 year old. Very smooth and a genuine offer compared to the high street, although I'd also look at Bunnahabhain. I see some prices have sky rocketed, Dalmore is a prime example. This is only personal opinion though, some love Laphroaig which is the antiseptic FA was on about.
What to be aware of? Some of them are actually cheaper in supermarkets if on offer and a lot have tasting notes but no mention of the age.

Indeed. There have been some steep price rises for some major brands and their premium production. An example is Aberlour. Their 16 year old cask strength doubled in price virtually overnight. This was due to a take over.

Anyhow, basic Bunnahabhain (again the age isn't specified) retails at £25 in Tesco.
I prefer the 12 year old, which can be purchased from Waitrose or Amazon for £40.

IMO, Laphroaig Quarter Cask used to be by far the best single malt bargain to be had, although steady rises in prices, (which endorse the quality of the product) have made it less of a bargain.

laurentian

All

Really appreciate the input and advice.

From the posts above and reading through the threads on the links that Shirley posted, I think I'm tending towards a Glenfarclas although I'm not in a rush to buy anything just yet and so any other input will be gratefully received

Thanks again

shirley_basso

Glenfarclas can't go wrong.

mrb123

shirley_basso said:

Glenfarclas can't go wrong.

Yeah, the 15 is probably the "sweet spot" of the range but you can't go far wrong with any of them.

gpitcaithly36

Caol Ila distillers edition - stunning!

blazing_saddles

gpitcaithly36 said:

Caol Ila distillers edition - stunning!

Now you are talking! My favourite tipple. I have a bottle tucked away for a rainy day.
However, it would be a struggle to find it for £60 these days.
Probably closer to £70. Twice what I last paid for mine.

drhaggis

blazing_saddles said:

Anyhow, basic Bunnahabhain (again the age isn't specified) retails at £25 in Tesco.
I prefer the 12 year old, which can be purchased from Waitrose or Amazon for £40.

Tough day at work today. Stopped at waitrose and got the 12 y.o. Bunnahabhain as per comments here. Nice stuff indeed.

gpitcaithly36

blazing_saddles said:

Now you are talking! My favourite tipple. I have a bottle tucked away for a rainy day.
However, it would be a struggle to find it for £60 these days.
Probably closer to £70. Twice what I last paid for mine.

Yeah, definitely closer to 70, but it is so good the extra few quid is worth it. Should have jumped on a few bottles when it was cheaper.....hindsight!

synapsesumo

Glengoyne 12yo. Beautiful whisky and unique, which adds a nice story to it. Also very reasonably priced. Show leave plenty for a couple of nice glasses or another bottle of a different variety.

Glengoyne is unique in producing Highland single malt whisky matured in the Lowlands. Located upon the Highland Line, the division between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, Glengoyne’s stills are in the Highlands while maturing casks of whisky rest across the road in the Lowlands.

mr_goo

Ardbeg 10yr old is my favourite affordable Islay.

Also love Tobermory 12yr old.

Ledaig 10yr old and Aran 10yr old are very highly regarded. Not tried yet.