(VANITY) Need advice on the perfect Scotch to buy for my male friend for Christmas

me ^ | 12/01/11 | me

[girlangler]

I need some advice.

I have a very special friend who loves good Scotch. He has everything else, so I thought I might wrap up a good Scotch for Christmas.

I know he'll use this, unlike some worthless gift he won't want (I actually got him a massage for his birthday last sumer and he wouldn't go -- it's a macho thing).

Okay I know this thread is going to raise some silly answers, but I am a beer drinker, and don't know a thing about the "refined" spirits.

Id appreciate any serious answers to my question.

[Talisker]

Scotch is sipped neat (room temp, no ice or mixer). If he drinks it any other way, do not buy him expensive whiskey because he cannot taste it.

LOL, cute.

Scotch with a personality can be had neat, if you want to sniff it and meditate over the aroma.

If you want to drink it, though, use a little ice. Or a little water. Choose one method, but not both.

[eggman]

Single Malts are a appreciated by any scotch drinker but the taste will vary greatly with each distillery and the region. Best to find out what he likes and find one from the same region. Regardless of the scotch you choose, a must is a good set of crystal glasses which will last much longer than the whisky. It's always nice to have the perfect glass to savor a dram of fine whisky and perfect when you want to share a good bottle with a friend or two.

Personally, I like a good single barrel bourbon anytime, but will pour an occasional scotch. I currently have open a Glenlivet French Oak 15 yr old - very smooth and complex and a Highland Park 12 yr old - much more earthy peated. I'm still touring the Scottish regions but my favorite bottle is currently an Irish whiskey - Bushmills 21 yr old - incredibly smooth with a very nice finish.

[neocon1984]

Scotch is sipped neat (room temp, no ice or mixer). If he drinks it any other way, do not buy him expensive whiskey because he cannot taste it.

I prefer a wee dram of water to cut the alcohol and thus taste the scotch. It's Lagavullin in my house.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

Ya gotta get on the bird.Famous grouse.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

Hear,hear!

[Gene Eric]

Agree with Joe 6-pack on Glenmorangie.

Folks “who love good Scotch” probably prefer single malt.

You can find a Glenmorangie sampler that will have a 750ml Original, and 3 different varieties in little “airplane bottles”. It makes a really nice gift.

[CT]

Lagavulin 16 year old can’t be beat!

[Jack Hammer]

Unless he’s a REAL connoisseur, a blend will do it; personally, I like J&B, and drink it all the time. Mild taste, slightly fruity, and very good quality.

If he likes single malt (which is generally fairly peaty), then The Glenlivet is a good choice, and not too pricey.

If he’s extremely experienced, then try a Campbeltown such as Springbank; he’ll be quite impressed with this (rather pricey and very peaty) Scotch, with a heavy, salty flavor and a hint of kelp.

These days, you should be able to find Springbank at a good area liquor store.

[raygun]

You buy the best single-malt that your sorry assed union parents allowed you to be able to buy.

You drink that 5th and then you shake your fist against them in rage.

You come back again and we be talkin’ some other language; maybe you be shakin’ yo’ fist at somthin’ else (dunno).

[raygun]

Is nobody gonna tell me what the hell is goen doewn hea.

Noeboady.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

[Caipirabob]

Honestly, unless he specifically states he loves a smokey, peaty scotch, I would stay away from Lagavulin. It’s like drinking scotch from a full ashtray! If you want it, it’s “got it”, but it’s far too strong a flavor for many to enjoy. The other scotch’s you posted are all excellent. I’m a casual scotch drinker but have managed to accumulate some 20 bottles in my current collection. I don’t think I’d buy the Lagavulin again, it’s for hardcore scotch lovers, only - lol!

[magslinger]

I have had Japanese "scotch" if not that brand. They can be pretty good. They also can be pretty bad, depends on what you pay for.

Have you thought about Scotch of the month club?

[mewzilla]

From a couple of years ago....

US urged to boycott Scottish products after Lockerbie bomber's release

FWIW, my hubby's been drinking domestic brands of whisky since Megrahi got sprung. He likes them just as much.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Costco Scotch, tried it, overpriced, sweet, and no real bite. Basically, $50 training wheels for n00b scotch drinkers.

[ConorMacNessa]

Here I thought I was exercising considerable restraint by not recommending Laphroig! And if you want to know what drinking from an ashtray is about, try Loch Dhu. I had the misfortune of buying a bottle once - it will never happen again!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[Nervous Tick]

Costco apparently also sells that fancy single malt stuff (Glen-whatever).

I’ll defer to your seasoned scotchdrinking palate though. It all tastes like crap to me. Blech. Give me a beer over hard likker any day.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Yes, they do. It is an acquired taste.

[Pharmboy]

Well, we all agree. I have a friend who grew up in Scotland and told me that the real Scotch drinkers over there usually don't drink stuff aged more than 12 years. Why? They claim that what you gain in smoothness from the added years you lose in flavor.

Well, they may be right; 12 y/o Glenlivet is my favorite overall brand, but when the Mac 18 is around, that would be the one I would go for...smooth as silk with plenty of flavor.

Cheers!

[Chickensoup]

Glenlivit.

I dont drink often but when I do, I drink well.