Really tough to offer a suggestion because scotch, at least the single malts (and you won’t want to touch a blend) are all very distinctive and individualistic. There are several good websites that will talk you through the characteristics and provide tasting notes and ratings. FWIW, bang for your buck, I don’t think you can improve much on the Macallan 12 year or one of the Glenmorangies.
Unless you really know his tastes, I strongly recommend that you stay away from the Laphroaig. It’s either “love it or hate it” with most scotch drinkers due to it’s almost overwhelming iodine character.
Laphroaig and Lagavulin are my favorite lowland style (peaty/ smokey) Scotches. The port-wood aged Glen Livet (or maybe it’s Glen Morangie) is very nice too.
I can’t believe that no one has suggested Highland Park. Their 12 year old is great (better than 15yr. old). The 18 year old is amazing, but may be out of your price range.
I’d seriously consider
Lagavulin 16 year old. (like others have said) This one is hard to beat. Overall it has what most people love.
Macallan fine oak 15 years old. If your not sure what they would like, you can’t go wrong with this.
Highland Park 12 year old. More reasonably priced scotch that is an old stand by for many.
Laphroaig is great, but tends to be on the heavy side of peaty. It may not suit all. Don’t buy the Walker Blue. It’s just not worth the high $$. I’ve tried it a few times, but was never wowed by it. I’d go with the gold before I’d with the blue.
I gift out Glenmorangie Port Wood on a regular basis and have always had very grateful friends!
My absolute favorite though is Balvenie 21 year old Port Wood aged. It is fabulous but probably out of your price range for gifting. Try it for yourself someday though!
FWIW, bang for your buck, I don’t think you can improve much on the Macallan 12 year or one of the Glenmorangies.
Unless you really know his tastes, I strongly recommend that you stay away from the Laphroaig. It’s either “love it or hate it” with most scotch drinkers due to it’s almost overwhelming iodine character.
I would highly recommend either the 18 year or 25 year Glenmorangie.
Ok - my turn to wade into the debate. (As a bar owner that specializes in high end scotch)
If you are stuck on the “peaty” idea, I would also recommend Lagavulin. Laphraoig is great, but it is a poor man’s Lagavulin IMO.
If you are looking for something unique and you can find it, try Glenfiddich’s 21 year old Havana Reserve. It is aged 12 years at the distillery, then shipped to Cuba and aged for another 9 in ald rum barrels. it has a very unique nose and an awesome smooth finish.
And do not waste your money on JW blue. I secretly laugh at people that buy it in my bar. We stock it because we make good coin on it, but people only order it to either a) try it because they do not want a whole bottle or b) they are trying to impress someone.
A few weeks back we had three young “gentlemen” come in and order three rounds of double JW Blue - with tip it was almost $700. HHAHHAHhhhaa.
HA! That’s very funny…I had JW Blue once and will never have it again. I like my scotch and if I’m paying good money for it, it’s going to last a while and taste good…very good.
Now if I’m out and just looking to have a good lower priced scotch (single malt) I really like Auchentoshen. Not really peaty, and almost a citrus taste, but really very good for an every day sipping scotch.
Ok - my turn to wade into the debate. (As a bar owner that specializes in high end scotch)
And do not waste your money on JW blue. I secretly laugh at people that buy it in my bar. We stock it because we make good coin on it, but people only order it to either a) try it because they do not want a whole bottle or b) they are trying to impress someone.
A few weeks back we had three young “gentlemen” come in and order three rounds of double JW Blue - with tip it was almost $700. HHAHHAHhhhaa.
** Well if you’re ever looking to unload a bottle cheap let me know The more I hear from educated Scotch drinkers the more I accept the fact that I may never pony up for the JW Blue.
