Bottle of Scotch for a gift
Hello,
Over the last several months my boyfriend has developed a new love for scotch. For Christmas I want to get him a reasonably nice bottle (approximately $50-75). I would prefer not to get him something "mainstream", instead perhaps a bottle he might not have heard of. We live near several large retailers that have diverse options. He currently has:
Johnny Walker Black and Gold
Glenlivet 18 yo
Macallan Cask Strength
Balvenie 21 yo (obviously more than I plan on spending).
Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
By sdpanda80
on Dec 10, 2008 04:59 PM
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Based on the selection he has (and assuming he likes those), I'd suggest the following:
Bruichladdich 15 year old is just slightly over your price range but an excellent single malt, though might have to hunt for it a bit. Around $80.
Clynelish 14 year old. This is the base of Johnnie Walker Gold, but so much better. If he likes the Gold, I bet he'll love it. Around $50.
For something more sherried (like Macallan), try the Aberlour A'Bunadh ($50-60).
Others to check out in your price range and the range of Scotch you've suggested are Glenrothes and Glenmorangie.
Good luck!
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Here are a couple more suggestions....
1. You might want to expand your boyfriends collection a bit. How about a nice Islay? The Lagavulin 16 is a really nice scotch.
2. Or another suggestion would be for a classic Islander in the Talisker 18.
3. Try a good Highland Malt in Glenfarclas 17.
4. Or a lowland in Glenkinchie 10.... although this one's a little cheap. But you could do like a Talisker 10 and Glenkinchie 10 maybe.
Anyway, just some more suggestions. I think any scotch lover would like all of these.
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This prior thread should be helpful:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/503721
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Here is another past thread with "Scotch as gift" ideas:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/539898
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I wouldn't go for the likes of Lagavullin, Bruichladdich and Talisker. Although great whiskys, they are somewhat more of an aquired taste (smokey, peaty). A good introduction to these Islay or Island whiskeys is Highland Park or even Jura. Also Bowmore Enigma (oaked in sherry casks), will give you smokeyness with warm hints of caramel.
I second Aberlour A'bunadh. It's a quite special whisky (60%), best enjoyed with a drop of water to bring out the splendid bouquet and aroma of vanilla, caramel, bourbon. And probably the best fit for his current collection.
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Just to clarify, most Bruichladdichs, including the one I mentioned above, are not very peated. They are now doing some peated malts, including the 3D3, Peat, PC series and the upcoming super-peated Octomore, but most of the rest of their malts are still fairly low peat levels.
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Just a suggestion, but if you are unable to find the perfect bottle for him why not buy him a book/guide, glasses and an IOU? He can use the glasses to drink what he has now, the book/guide to decide what next (along with learn more about scotch), and the IOU once he decides.
Last Xmas scotch was a very popular gift in my family. My brother gave me a bottle of the Balvenie 21 yr and a couple Reidel glasses. Because my BF was undecided on what he wanted he got Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch. While my father who is a Glenfiddich drinker wanted something new and got a bottle of Cragganmore. And since I figured we had enough scotch at the time, I gave my BF an IOU and glasses.
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It seems your boyfriend is into both single malts and blends. As such, I'd suggest looking at the Compass Box blended whiskies. They're all quite good.
I bought a bottle of Hedonism for my stepdad for his birthday and we both love it. It's now one of his all time favorites.
http://www.compassboxwhisky.com/home....
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Another vote for Aberlour A'bundah. This is what I'm giving my Dad for Christmas. We visited the distillery together in May, and especially enjoyed this offering. Got a nod in the current issue of Wine Enthusiast too, I believe (worth picking up for ideas, and then maybe passing on with your gift?)
I wouldn't completely discount Talisker. It's slightly smokier than some of the ones you've mentioned, but still a wonderful Scotch. He'll want to explore this one. I've found I can spend more time with it than I do the sweeter, more sherrier Scotches (which I really enjoy as well.)
On the other hand, I also recommend Oban. I'm unsure of the price range, but I'm sure you can find something that'll fit. Generally on the more sherried side, a smaller producer than Macallan, but often compared to them.
Glenmorangie, Glenkinchie, Glenfarclas, as mentioned below are all worth checking out in good time as well.
Good luck!
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If he likes smoke, try Ardberg Nam Beist, or Lagavulin 16. If he likes the peaty flavor of smokey goodness, he will like these two.
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He has Johnny Walker Black and Gold...... and Balvenie
So I think that he's up for some peat. If he likes JW then he will like Talisker.
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So, what did you finally go with?
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