Scotch for a gift (under $250)?

Question

A very close friend is turning 40 next month and I would like to buy him a nice bottle of scotch. I'd like to stay in the $200-$250 range.

Please respond with not only brand, but year and what you would consider a fair price.

By the way, I live in the US, so that might narrow down some of the choices.

Answer 1

Johnny Walker Blue for about $220 a bottle. There are also plenty of single-malt scotches out there. Go to a place that has a great selection and you should see about 100 different ones. Wish I was your friend!

http://www.thescotchblog.com/whisky/2005/12/worlds_most_exp.html

http://www.charm.net/~kmarsh/scotch.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060607103503AArq2ty

Answer 2

Scotch is available as either a blend or a single malt. A blend is exactly that. The distiller blends several different scotches to maintain a consistent taste from year to year. The most expensive blend I've seen is Johnny Walker Blue Label, and costs around $170.

I prefer single malt scotch. A single malt is made from a single malt, and isn't a blend. In my opinion, the smoothest scotch is Macallum. It is available in 12 year old or 18 year old. The 12 yo is around $50, and 18 is about $70 or so.

Some liquor stores sell the small (1.5 ounce) bottles, and may have Mac 12 or 18 available. The 12 should cost around $5 and the 18 around $8 or so. Before you commit to a whole bottle (which your friend may not like), get the small bottle and ask him what he thinks.

Answer 3

i'm uncertain with regard to the cost, and any single malt scotch over 10 years is a fantastic modern-day, yet I desire Glen Ord myself. It has a large end and is extensive with a cigar (so I pay attention).

Answer 4

Bruichladdich 17 ( AKA THE XVII)scotch whisky is an Islay whiskey with hints of cherry, heather, and burnt toffee on the nose. complex and well balanced and very drinkable. Depending on the taxes in your state, it should be available for $100-$150.
Bunnahabain is another fabulously well balanced and easy drinking scotch, both the 12 yr and 18 yr are under $100 dollars.

wineandliquordepot.com is a great resource for checking pricepoints on different whiskys (and buying them if you want too, i have had nothing but good dealings with them)

Answer 5

1.) I need more friends like you.

2.) Do you know what kind of scotch your friend prefers?

Johnnie Walker Blue (a blended) is OK.
Glenrothes 1972 (single malt) goes for around $180, but not easy to find anymore.

There are many outstanding single malts that are under $100...allowing you to buy 2 bottles (even more to enjoy!)
-Lagavulin 16
-Talisker 10
-Cragganmore 12
-Highland Park 12

Answer 6

Pick up a bottle of 18yr. old single malt of The Glenlivet. Although, it depends on what type of scotch your buddy prefers. There are 4 variants, you know. Highland, Lowland, Islay and Campbeltown. Highland- The Glenlivet for sure, Lowland- Try Bladnoch, Islay- Lagavulin, Campbeltown-Glen Scotia. Good gift idea, I actually gave my buddies some of The Glenlivet this year.

Answer 7

Christmas Eve: Lagavullin 16 year old single malt and an Ashton VSG torpedo cigar...a cold windless grey afternoon bundled up in my columbia 3 in 1 with the snow gently falling down, glass of Lagavullin in one hand, Ashton in the other, standing in the garage with door open watching the snow and listening to old christmas music..the warmth of the holiday season coupled with that fantastic smoky Scotch and the delicious Ashton VSG as it slowly burns...peace on earth!

Answer 8

Macallan 18 Yr is excellent. Retails for $165 in VA.

Answer 9

Chivas Royal Salute. (~$200/bottle)
No need to look any further!