465024 Fri Nov 30 01:31:15 -0800 2007 3 36 Spirits 0 3167300 My boyfriend loves scotch whiskey, one of his standbys is Johnny Walker Blue Label, he also loves Charbay. I have NO CLUE about this spirit, but would love to surprise him with a bottle for his birthday ($120 max). Any suggestions? Fri Nov 30 01:31:15 -0800 2007 44143 rachel12 1 3168268 There has been as "Best Single-Malt Ever Tasted" thread running on this board for months. You will find many suggestions & opinions there. www.chowhound.com/topics/356726 Fri Nov 30 10:38:02 -0800 2007 3167300 23776 DavidT 1 3169143 It doesn't appear your boyfriend is a single malt scotch drinker based on the ones you mention. Charbay is a whiskey made in Napa Valley. They just released a very limited (120 cases ) new Alambic Charentais Pot Distilled Whiskey. However, it carries a price tag of $325 retail. You may be able to find it for less but doubt you would get it for $120. Since it seems like he leans more towards blended scotch and likes to try new things (ie. Charbay). Take a look at Oak Cross Whisky made by Compass Box, it sells for $45 www.compassboxwhisky.com Oak Cross is a mix of single malts from three Scottish distilleries. Compass Box is a relatively new company on the scene and is doing some innovative stuff with blending single malt scotch. It might be cool to turn him on to something new in the industry instead of the old school single malt venue. Fri Nov 30 14:28:28 -0800 2007 3167300 14573 Scott M 1 3169240 Two unusual blends from Johnnie Walker are the lesser known Green Label and Johnnie Walker Swing. Both are great and well within your price range...Blue is pretty much at the top for blends. Fri Nov 30 15:09:52 -0800 2007 3167300 12296 steakman55