665252 Fri Nov 06 12:53:05 -0800 2009 8 36 Spirits 0 5161671 Looking to send someone a bottle that's not too obvious, but not too obscure. Maybe in the $40-60 price range. Don't think he's a connoisseur, but would like to get something that he'd like, even if he is (and wouldn't be too off-putting, if he isn't). Dalmore? Macallan? Laphroaig? Oban? Any suggestions? Please let me know -- thanks! Fred Fri Nov 06 12:53:05 -0800 2009 19686 fmogul 1 5161709 If I were getting a gift of Single-malt, I would love a Balvenie Double-Wood. I can find it in that price range. I would recommend against "Islay" scotches as gifts. Most scotch drinkers like Highland, among others. Some are not as fond of Islay products. Just my my experience. Your mileage may vary. Fri Nov 06 13:04:55 -0800 2009 5161671 56780 Monch 2 5163595 I second the Balvenie. I bought a bottle on someone's recommendation and now I'm ruined for any other scotch. Sat Nov 07 12:33:07 -0800 2009 5161709 227406 JohnE O 3 5163872 The double wood is quite nice. I was able to pick up a few bottles a few years ago at $30. I can still find Highland 12 @ $29. For awhile I was buy it at $25. Macallan 12 is a fine scotch that is well accepted by most. In your price point without breaking the bank Sat Nov 07 15:19:13 -0800 2009 5163595 89493 scubadoo97 2 5164637 Count me in as another vote for Balvenie Double-Wood. I can't think of anyone, a scotch novice, or knowledgeable enthusiast, that would be disappointed with a bottle of that. That being said, my personal favorite is Cragganmore. Sun Nov 08 04:37:27 -0800 2009 5161709 71633 jerryc123 1 5164730 I think the Balvenie Double Wood is a fine one, too. Macallan is also a classic. If you're thinking lighter, the first bottle of single malt that I bought was Dalwhinnie, and it's a fine "training wheels" Scotch. Another that I've been really excited about lately is Bunnahabhain. The standard bottling (forget the age statement w/o going and looking) is very rich and complex without being overly island-y. And it's reasonably priced and hasn't gone through the inflation that a lot of my other favorite brands have seen lately. Sun Nov 08 06:12:25 -0800 2009 5161671 12626 ted 1 5164863 Here is a lengthy prior thread on this subject: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/539898 Sun Nov 08 07:49:59 -0800 2009 5161671 23776 DavidT 2 5164869 Here is another one: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/503721 Sun Nov 08 07:51:40 -0800 2009 5164863 23776 DavidT 1 5170547 I concur on Islay malts..I like Bruichladdich, which is Islay's only independent distillery and has some great malts with great stories to accompany them. I believe several of their expressions are in the $60 range. A great, unbiased site for tasting videos and information is singlemalt.tv. Cheers and good luck! Tue Nov 10 11:44:02 -0800 2009 5161671 1123368 smtvjenna