Favorite Whiskey?

when I'm considering that question, I'll have a sip of something tasty for under $100 and let the decision make itself. if money is money to you then..

 

A friend of mine is retiring, any thoughts on a good Scotch as a present. 100 bucks give or take. Thanks

 

Do you know what type of Scotch he likes? There are so many varying types of Scotch, some people love one type but hate others.

 

I know it’s an open ended question, I don’t know what he likes. If it were bourbon I could figure something out. Where does one start?

 

I asked him, he said he likes Talisker.

 

Talisker 10, but he's got one.
T18, but it's not as awesome.
maybe the Distiller's Edition. but i still like T10 the best.

@trekker is gonna have something to say!

 

I'll make you a hell of a deal then, sell it to me at far less than secondary and I'll crack it open with you
But really, the secondary market for EH Taylor (among other things) is crazy. I refuse to pay their prices.
I've bought their Small Batch for $40, Single Barrel for $80, and Straight Rye for $90. If you look long enough, they're out there.

 

same. don't do the secondary market prices. I'm too old for that.

 

Anything have the same flavors as Talisker 10?

 

Closest I've done to secondary is Michters 10 Bourbon. Bought it by the shot, for $12/shot. Ended up being more than retail, but I was able to stomach it - and it's not something I drink daily.

 

so i don't actually know that he has a bottle of T10, but if he's a real Talisker fan he probably does.

honestly, if you find something he loves, come back and tell me! T10 is so great that i buy different batches, i like it that much.

but Bunnahabhain has similar stuff. i like their 12, it's like a lighter T10 with less brine and a nice raisin finish. similar price.

 

If he likes Talisker then he will likely be happy with almost any Scotch. As a lover of all things Scotch, Talisker holds a special place in my cabinet.

Can't go wrong with any of the other Diageo classics malts like Lagavulin 16 or Oban 14. Those should both be under a bill depending on where you shop and are just as unique as Talisker.

Arran is another good one to pick up, especially if you come across any of their select cask finished bottles.

A definite winner would be Bunnahabhain 12 or 18 (if you find a good price on the 18, I think it's around 100-120). It's a non-peated Islay whiskey that is similar to Talisker but with more sherry cask influence, sorta like Lagavulin 16 without the peat if you know he's not into a lot of peat.

 

I agree, without finding a special release bottle the standard 10 year is the best bottle in the regular lineup.

 

I like how we both suggested Bunnahabhain

It's great stuff too!

 

And don't sleep on Compass Box blended Scotches, as @bvbull200 and @916carl will attest to. They make great gifts as well.

 

Nothing directly compares to Talisker, and thank God that's the case. If he really likes the maritime aspect of Talisker then he may enjoy other island whisky like Highland Park or Jura. If he's like me, he'll eventually stumble onto Islay Scotch and be in heaven. Ardbeg is briney like Talisker, but is definitely more peaty. My first bottle of Ardbeg was An Oa and to me it was like BBQ whiskey - smelled and tasted like a delicious slab of fatty meat that had been on the smoker. Ardbeg Uigeadail is a heavily sherried version and is mostly hailed as the best of the standard Ardbeg lineup. Personally I like Corryvreckan more because it's a high proof punch in the face, but I wouldn't start with that one as someone's first Ardbeg. The 10 year, An Oa, and definitely the Uigeadail would be the way to go if you think he'll like stuff with more peat.

 

haha! i bought a bottle of Corryvreckan when i was getting into these and gave the bottle to my BIL after one sip. the smoke and complexity just sat me down. i am not into the smoke.

I'll put Highland Park and Jura on my list.

 

It's an ass kicker, that's for sure! Have you tried Lagavulin? It's more tame but still has a building smoke within it. The sherry makes it more friendly up front and then BOOM deliciousness lol

 

If you try Highland Park, don't spring for the 18 year for your first bottle. There's a lot of hype out there on how good HP18 is... and I enjoyed my bottle, but it's not a big leap up from the 12 year old which I also enjoyed at half the price. The only reason I'll ever buy another HP18 is if I find an old style bottle (like the one in my recycle pic) to save and sell to future collectors since that bottle was discontinued a few years ago.

 

i haven't tried it cus the peat and smoke rep, but maybe i should. which do you recommend?