Scotch Recommendations
- Thread starter Daserop
- Start date
Another vote for Lagavulin if he like smoky/peaty, but they're all good...charts like this can help if you find a place that doesn't have just what you want.
Another option if you have problems tracking down the others would be the single malt put out by Cedar Ridge. Technically can't be called "scotch" because it's not distilled in Scotland, but it's the same thing. Obviously it doesn't have the name panache as the other ones mentioned here. And they've only been putting it out for <5 years or so. But it's definitely a solid pour in my opinion. And it comes in right around $50.
If you're in Des Moines, Central City Liquors has the best scotch selection in town. A lot of the Hy-Vee's carry both of the these options, too, though you'll probably pay a little more.
I was first introduced to scotch when I was 21 and fresh out of college by a bunch of much older co-workers on my first project. We had leased apartments in the city the project was in and these guys tore into the scotch nearly every night. They knew their stuff and weren't scared of paying big $$$ for the good stuff.
The fanciest thing I had drank at that point in my life was a Guinness, so it was an education. I found out what I liked, then went home and decided to get a bottle. My girlfriend and I were walking through the liquor store and quickly realized that all of the bottles I liked were the ones behind glass. For someone used to buying a case of Beast for $7 it was eye opening.
I do enjoy a scotch now and then, but in the end I have become a Maker's Mark man when it comes to whiskey.
The fanciest thing I had drank at that point in my life was a Guinness, so it was an education. I found out what I liked, then went home and decided to get a bottle. My girlfriend and I were walking through the liquor store and quickly realized that all of the bottles I liked were the ones behind glass. For someone used to buying a case of Beast for $7 it was eye opening.
I do enjoy a scotch now and then, but in the end I have become a Maker's Mark man when it comes to whiskey.
Next time one of you peat lovers is in town you should drop by and I'd probably give you my bottle of Caol Ila 12 year. I call it "Coal Isles". Hate it. Just have it now for the rare occasion someones asks if I have something more peaty.
Aberlour 12 is a solid option if he likes a fruity taste. It’s finished in Sherry wine casks which gives it the fruity flavors.
Lagavulin is my favorite. It'll be ~$75 for the 16-year. It's an Islay like Laphroaig - which is ~$50 for the 12-year. Islays have a strong flavor - peaty, smoky. I'm sure that Glenlivet 18 that was noted is a good one - I expect that's a little more "easier drinking". Highland Park has some excellent ones in that category as well: Magnus is ~$40; Valykyrie is ~$75.
If you want to go Irish, you can't go wrong with Redbreast 12 - should be ~$50.[/QUOTE]
I've heard good things about Redbreast, but I haven't seen it for less then $65 around Des Moines...
If you want to go Irish, you can't go wrong with Redbreast 12 - should be ~$50.[/QUOTE]
I've heard good things about Redbreast, but I haven't seen it for less then $65 around Des Moines...
I've heard good things about Redbreast, but I haven't seen it for less then $65 around Des Moines...[/QUOTE]
Don't google that at work.
It's worth noting that Ron Swanson is also an ardent Lagavulin recommender:
In the show (there's another episode where Leslie gives him a conference room by himself with a steak and Lagavulin 16 and an old movie for his birthday, or something like that. Also he visited the distillery in the show:
...and a 45-min clip on loop for 10-hours, so he is enjoying it with you:
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Lagavulin 16 is great, but you can't get a bottle for less than $75 just about anywhere, and if you're in the Des Moines metro area, you're looking at $85-$90 minimum. You can get Laga 8 for around $60, but it's not much better than Laphroiag or Ardbeg.
I've heard good things about Redbreast, but I haven't seen it for less then $65 around Des Moines...[/QUOTE]
Sorry. I get mine at Total Wine in Twin Cities.
Sorry. I get mine at Total Wine in Twin Cities.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, Total Wines is amazing. I stop there whenever I can.
This all over the place - their 14 year in low $80s is best value out there.
And I am heading for a dram or two now.....
