What scotch should I pick up?

[joshua]

I am somewhat of a scotch newb. I like the taste, but have only had a handful of scotches. I was at Bottle King last weekend and was going to pick up a bottle but I had no idea what the heck to get.

So if you guys could maybe give me a short list (of maybe 3-5) mid-priced bottles of single malts you would pick up, then maybe I can figure out what to get next time I am in there.

I have the Dalmore cigar blend, which I like. I have grown to like the Deanston 12 year my friend bought me last year as a gift, but I would not say the profile of citrusy sort of flavors and the finish are to my complete liking. The other I tried and liked was a cask strength, but I don't remember what it was exactly. I think they said it was around $50-$60 bottle.

 

[dpricenator]

Macallan 12 year is real good.
like cigars, the fun is in trying new stuff.

 

[jwintosh]

i'll second that! i also like the glenlevit!! but, i'm a newbie too!!

 

[Tegu]

If you are looking for a variety include something peaty also, like an Ardbeg or Lugavulin.

Quick List of a few that I like that are under $50

Maccallen 12
GlenMorangie 10
Ardbeg 10
Laphroig 15
Glenfiddich 12
Glenlevit 12

 

[jkim05]

If you're new to the world of Single Malt Scotch, I suggest trying a sampling of Scotches from the four main regions of Scotch distillation: Speyside, Lowlands, Highlands and Islay as they each have pretty unique characteristics. Now there's a lot to say about how the regions are made up, etc. but since you're mainly looking for a buying list, here are my recommendations-

From the Spey:
Balvenie 12 yr Doublewood
Macallan 12 yr
Aberlour 10 yr

From the Highlands:
Glenmorangie 10 yr
Oban 14 yr
Old Pulteney 12 yr

Lowlands:
Glenkinchie 10 yr
Auchentoshan 10 yr

Islay:
Caol Ila 12 yr
Laphroaig 10 yr
Talisker 10 yr

As you can see, my list is already quite long and as I was compiling this list I kept remembering ones I missed. This is basically just the tip of the iceberg. This list should give you a good idea of what Scotches are out there and what the different regions have to offer. Once you decide what regions or brands you prefer, you can begin to explore some of the more aged products, limited release bottlings, etc. It gets to be quite a bit of fun and $$$. The ones I've listed are what I, imho, would consider to be good value scotches, when you get into more expensive ones being worth it or not, that's very subjective. I have some higher end malts that I feel are worth the money, but there are some that I just don't like enough to ever purchase. If you wanna talk blends, that's another discussion altogether.

Feel free to pm me with any questions or if you want to know my personal favorites.

 

[dpricenator]

Nice list Jeremy.

 

[caseabb]

Dalwhinnie 15 is a very good Highland Single Malt. Very smooth almost sweet. It is also not terribly overpriced.

 

[joshua]

Nice list Jeremy, I might put that into my smartphone when I go to the store as they don't have everything, but theres gotta be a few they have. I might have to try some other shops in my area I think.

 

[jkim05]

Yeah, most of the ones I put up there are pretty common. The other ones, you should be able to find in one store or another, there's nothing rare in the list. So, find what you can at your local store, and what they don't have, just pick up if you happen by it.

It's a good idea to check prices ahead of time too, I didn't put any because I don't know the prices in your area, but it's very easy to get ripped off. I know I've purchased a bottle in one store for $15 more than another store a few miles away...I felt like an idiot, and even worse, I didn't even like it much. About the only benefit of having county run liquor stores where I live is that they have sales pretty much every week on one thing or another and they post them online. I've gotten some crazy bargains here. If anyone sees something they like and want me to ship, I'm willing if you're paying for shipping, I know sometimes things can cost a lot more depending on taxes and whatnot.

 

[Jwrussell]

Jeremy brings up an excellent point. Be sure to check out prices before you go. This is a store around here and although the pricing will be different they do a good job of seperating the different scotches by region and you can get a very general idea of what you might be looking at for pricing. Total Wine and More also tends to have decent pricing and an excellent selection down here and there are some in NJ as you can see in the list. You can also shop online there. I would start with Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Dalwhinnie and Laphroiag (be careful with this one and anything Islay, find somewhere to try it first if you can!). Those should all be at any well stocked store. I've not sampled the lowlands so I can't speak for any of them.

Best of luck Josh!

 

[terrantheman]

I would go with the Laphroaig Quarter Cask, this stuff is excellent and can be had for around $44. It's very briney and peaty and just a straight in your face scotch, it's sooooooooooooooo goooooda!

 

[timothyjohncarney]

Aberlour 12 yr. Should be around $35-$38. It's my 2nd favorite after Macallan 12, but I'm a newb too. I've never met anyone who likes whiskey (with or without the 'e') who didn't like Aberlour.

The 10 year is good, but the 12 is much better.

 

[Boppa-Wasch]

Here's another good source for pricing. Price may be impacted by the TAX man.

http://www.shoppersvineyard.com/default.asp

 

[oldglory]

Glendullan Single Malt Scotch Whisky aged 12 years priced around $45-$65 a bottle......:stretchgr

 

[joshua]

OK, I went back to the Bottle King. I got the Balvenie 12 yr Doublewood for $41 ($5 off for frequent shopper).

This scotch gets a total thumbs up. I like this one a lot!

I might stop over by the Total Wine in West Orange after I get back from my cruise later this month and have earned some more spending money. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

[Johnny7]

Glen Grant 10 year old or Ben Nevis 10 year old if you want something a little sweeter with your cigar.

 

[Electric Sheep]

I would go with the Laphroaig Quarter Cask, this stuff is excellent and can be had for around $44. It's very briney and peaty and just a straight in your face scotch, it's sooooooooooooooo goooooda!

I bought a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask a couple of days ago, after searching far and wide for it; apparently it's not something you find at every liquor store.

 

[bilkay]

I didn't see Highland Park listed. The 12 year old is good and not unreasonably priced.

 

[Angry Bill]

I would go with the Laphroaig Quarter Cask, this stuff is excellent and can be had for around $44. It's very briney and peaty and just a straight in your face scotch, it's sooooooooooooooo goooooda!

I love this stuff...