Which bottles of scotch should I get?

[xIcewind]

I'm looking to buy a sampling of scotch that is easy for beginners, but showcase a broad variety of taste. My budget is $200.

Here are the bottles that I was recommended, and I need help narrowing it down to three!

macallen 12 sherry oak:
glenlivet 15 french oak:
glenmorangie 10
balvenie signature 12
highland park 12

Thanks!

[xIcewind]

Thanks for all the recommendations!

I'm passing on the Talisker this time as it might be a bit too peaty and strong for the crowd I'm hosting.

My final choices are:

The Macallan 12
The Macallan 18 (Kirkland)
Oban 14
Highland Park 12

Thanks! If people get into it, I'll definitely look into Bowmore and Talisker. Laphroaig QC seems a bit too strong as of yet.

[DavidT]

Be sure to let us know how your choices are received by the tasting group.

[Tinfoilhat]

Talisker would be fine. It is no where near as peaty or smoky as any if the Islay whiskeys with the exception of Bruchlaidich. At any rate, here are a couple of recommendations. Highland Park for sure. Amrut unpeated from India if available. It can't be called Scotch, but it sure is great whisky. Jura Superstition would make a great starter Scotch. Glenkinchie would also fit the bill and would be very interesting especially for people who are sure that they don't like Scotch. Very sweet and uncomplicated on the tongue and then a big finish that comes out of nowhere. Very nice.

[ncyankee101]

Bunnahabhain is another Islay with very little smoke or peat.

I have never had it but Dalwhinnie is commonly called "the Scotch for people who don't like Scotch", and in general it seems to be better reviewed than Glenkinchie.

[jiminy]

oban is also a very tastey tipple
as is talisker, the bowmore is a good choice, love the macallen,
personally I dont like the glenlivet, but thats just me

[DavidT]

I would get the Highland Park 12 and the Macallan 12 for sure. Are you familiar with the single-malts from Islay, such as Lagavulan, Bowmore, Coal Ila and Laphroaig? They have a distinctive smokey, peaty taste that some people love and others do not much care for. I would certainly include a whisky from that area in your showcase. The Bowmore single-malts are probably the mildest of that group.

[kwjd]

I agree. For variety's sake, I'd go with at least one Islay if you are getting 3. I really enjoy the Laphroaig Quarter Cask.

For the other 2 I'd recommend Highland Park 12 and something milder like either the Glenlivet or Glenmorangie.

[ncyankee101]

Laphroaig QC might be a little much for someone new to Scotch, I have been drinking Islays for almost a year and it still wrecks my palate (though it is one of my favorites, just can't drink much at once).

Bowmore is probably a better choice, though I have only had the 12 yo once (but I am on my second bottle of Legend) and I seem to recall its flavor profile being similar to the Highland park, but Bowmore sort of salt/smoke and HP more sweet/smoke.

I would say Glenlivet 12 for a very mild flavor profile, Macallan 12 for some sherry, and either HP 12 or Bowmore 12.