Scotch help for Christmas gift

[kwjd]

I posted this within a thread in the Ontario forum, but thought input from people here may get better results.

I'm looking to buy my dad a bottle of scotch for an xmas gift. He isn't into peaty/smokey scotches as much (I'd like more toned down than Highland Park 12). His favourite is Scapa 12. He also likes The Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12 and Johnny Walker Black. I want to go a step up from these, but still in the general flavour profile.

Here is my short list that I'm considering... what would you recommend from this list? (We have a government liquor control board monopoly as our only store, so selection isn't the best. If you suggest something not on the list, I may be interested in hearing about it, but I likely won't be able to buy it for this Christmas).

AUCHENTOSHAN THREE WOOD LOWLAND SINGLE MALT
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=720532

THE BALVENIE 12 YR DOUBLEWOOD
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=387316

CRAGGANMORE 12 YR OLD
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=192732

GLENFIDDICH SINGLE MALT 15 YEAR OLD*
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=605972

GLENKINCHIE 12 YEAR OLD LOWLAND SINGLE MALT
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=69435

GLENMORANGIE SINGLE MALT
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=94052

THE GLENLIVET 15 YEAR OLD IN LEATHER BOX**
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=49189

THE GLENLIVET FRENCH OAK 15 YR
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product...

Thanks in advance!

[feelinpeckish]

My favorite is the Glelnfiiddich 12 year old. May not be the best in the world but is reasonably "mild" for those not into "peaty" brands and I fit into that category myself.

[Scott M]

If you are looking for a toned down Highland 12 you should consider the Deanston 12.

[ncyankee101]

I would also recommend the Balvenie.

If you can find it, there is a three pack of Balvenie 50 ml bottles - the DW, 15 YO and 21 YO for $20 here in NC. Would be a nice bonus, the 21 yo is quite nice.

[loratliff]

I came here to start this very topic and, alas, someone already had!

Thanks for the tip on that 3-pack, ncyankee. Definitely going to try and find that—it will be a great stocking stuffer for the BF!

[kwjd]

Thanks for suggeston, but that 3 pack isn't available in Ontario. You're right that the 21 would be a nice bonus.

[Strangewine]

From that list and given the others that he likes I would say that the Glenlivet French Oak 15 is your best bet. My second choice would be the Balvenie 12.

[cannedmilkandfruitypebbles]

it's an interesting list. The Balvenie always works as a gift. It's a fantastic malt that is a very high quality and always pleases. Of the list, Cragganmore probably has the most smoke. and Glenkinchie and Achentoshan have the least. I woudl avoid all three as a gift. Glenmorangie is good but pretty pedestrian. And I like Glenlivet as a good solid everyday malt but i don't think it makes a great gift. I'm simply not a Glendfiddich guy so i wouldn't go for those. The Balvenie would make the best gift from this list. It's different enough from the stuff he usually drinks: The Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12 and Johnny Walker Black, so it will be special. It will be an appreciated gift.

[sku]

Those are all solid choices based on the flavor profile you described. I think the Cragganmore 12 and Glenfiddich 15 are probably the most interesting of the bunch, but Balvenie Doublewood is a real crowd pleaser and most people love it.

A few more suggestions.

Old Pulteney (rugged but not heavily peated)
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/searchResults.do?ITEM_NAME=OLD+PULTENEY+12+YEARS+OLD+HIGHLA&ITEM_NUMBER=&language=EN

Amrut Single Malt (an Indian malt in the Scotch style)
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product...

[kwjd]

Thanks! (also, double thanks for searching LCBO website before suggestions). Is the Glenfiddich 15 much different than the 12? I've had the 12 many times, but not the 15.

I actually was going to include Old Pulteney on my short list, but it is a product listing with no product in stock anywhere.

Amrut sounds interesting - I hadn't even heard of it. Was planning spending more than he usually spends on bottles for himself though. However, I may pick this up for myself to give it a try.

[sku]

The Glenfiddich 15 is actually a bit lighter and frutier than the 12. I actually like the 18 better than both of them and LCBO has it listed, but it's more expensive.

http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product...