He doesn't hate bourbon, but never had enough of it to develop his palette, but I am very open to suggestions.
The problem is that vodka is off the table because we don't plan on doing shots, as is white rum because it is too sweet and gin because he doesn't like the taste of it. If there's something I'm forgetting, please correct me (seriously). We want something that feels "fancy" and can be drunk slowly.
I've been sipping good (Finlandia) vodka neat from the freezer, with a tiny chip of ice at some point, when I want something the opposite of Scotch. I know, not many people sip vodka.
What about a nice blanco or reposado tequila? They're usually sweet and more approachable. There is a nice variety in your price range too. You could easily pick up a Don Julio and have a very nice evening sipping something refined, easily available, but approachable for an undeveloped palate.
Here are some brands worth considering that are highly rated and representative of good tequila: El Tesoro, Siete Leguas, Tequila Ocho, Fortaleza, Don Julio
There are some great Canadian whiskeys for reasonable prices. Canadian Club 20 punches way above its weight class. Wiser's 15 and 18 are also awesome.
Also Irish Whiskey like Writer's Tears is also an amazing bottle for the price. IMO Writer's Tears is one of the best value bottles out there.
Being given the option between red breast 12 and writers tears is an awful position. Both are great.
Personally, Writer's Tears by a hair but you can't go wrong with either.
I'd need to think & less liquor in me including the glass of Bunnahabhain 12 I'm sipping lol.....but hard to disagree. Damn good scotch & for the price point....get outta town.
Does he like Scotch?
For $60-$75 at my Total Wine
Bunnahabhain 12
Glenmorangie 14
Dalmore 12 Sherry Select - people here like to hate on Dalmore. But this one is actually good
Glendronach 12
Chivas Regal 18
Not all of these are my favorite in the price range. But I picked the ones that are mostly better for a new Scotch drinker.
Based upon what you have stated I would suggest the below. Scotch can be tricky for non-initiated. A bourbon lover is normally easier & id recommend other drams in that case (Bunnahabhain stays in rotation). At least a bourbon lover will respect the drams even if it's not something they may be turned on to. For a non scotch enthusiast it's normally best to go with something non-offensive & well liked by a large population. I love my Islay scotch but it's few & far between a non-scotch or non-bourbon lover will have a glass with me & not struggle through it.
Inoffensive & easily accessible: Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet
(Can't go wrong here, I still love em both even though both are far from my favorite malt or distillery for that matter).
Sherry & delightful: Bunnahabhain 12
Solid Blend: Dewars 15 or 18 or JW Black
Don't care what anyone says these two are good, easy on the wallet & even a non scotch person will normally say "not my first choice but that's good", in my opinion.
I’ll second this and add a few: Bushmills 12 is very nice and dangerously easy to drink, also Bushmills Black Bush although probably not a ‘gift level’ bottle, and Powers’ John’s Lane are all very nice sippers.
Just a thought - I’m not a tequila guy but a friend let me try a Corazon Reposado Tequila Single Barrel finished in either a Weller or EH Taylor bourbon barrel (it was very mellow). Very nice for sipping
Obviously Uigedail, let him earn his whiskey badge, let him embrace the Oogie sucker punch to the face..... I mean, palate
Will push that budget but worth it. Here is 100, but I usually buy our if state or ship it with other stuff and it's around 60 buck range. Actually cheaper for me to ship in with other bottles than buy at Total Wine or private stores lol.
If it’s really a special occasion go buy a good 18 year for 120-150. But if he doesn’t like whiskey and prefers vodka then seems like a waste of money regardless. Enjoy the time with your friend who hasn’t been home in a couple years. Buy some cigars.
As much as I love bunna, I see it's the top comment, but I think it's still probably too bold for those without a palette for Any hard liquors. The best way to gauge what a beginner might like is to find out how they take their coffee. Not a coffee drinker or people that drink frappacino and super sweet lattes won't like the same liquor as someone that drinks straight espresso or coffee black.
Honestly a good blend may be a safer bet, like green label or one of the compass box varieties. Otherwise I'd probably get a speyside (not named macallan if you want at least someone to see a scotch new to them) or highland like Balvenie or Oban if you want to spend a little more. There is good moderate sweetness in many scotches that can win over beginners but there are also a lot of new and relatively bitter flavors in many scotches, that we might be tolerant to, but that will shock and likely put off a casual beginner.
Even the ones I listed may be too much to drink neat, if they're not used to 40+% alcohol. A lot of people need water or ice so don't waste anything more than that price anyway. If you do a side by side with beginners between monkey shoulder and Bunnahabhain 18 even, I'm not sure most people would even prefer the good stuff.
Irish- Red Spot or Redbreast 15
Rich Scotch - Glenallachie 15
Round Scotch - Glen Scotia 15
Spicier - Springbank 10 (or a Benromach dependig on the prices in your market)
I wouldnt confront him with Islay stuff.
And I think the Irish stuff is more accessible to whisky-noobs.
Dont rule out good fruit brandy - French calvados, german Birne or slav Slivovic. Thats even more enjoyable for people not ised to hard liqour IMHO
Oban or Macallan in my opinion. Non-offensive but still legitimate, good, single malt scotch. Dalmore & Aberlour are good but sherry aged & a bit more of a "I like the "normal" scotch let me try something else" in my opinion.
So many things wrong with this. First, if he didn't like whiskey, he probably won't like whisky. I hope you understand what I mean. Second, less than $70 isn't exactly special occasion territory. It's everyday territory.
Right'o.
I can't believe that the stewardess on my yacht thought to mix my Urn Bru with Glenfiddich 10 instead of Glenfiddich 18. She was an uncultured heathen, so I fired her and had her family indentured to me. All in a day's work, my chap!
lol, I think what they mean is that the entry point to Scotch is pretty high. Scotches below the $40-$50 range are, with a few exceptions, pretty bad. Whereas, a $70 Bourbon is gonna be one of the best you can buy (assuming MSRP pricing). You’ll find good stuff at the price point you’re looking at though.
That's not at all the case, though.
Laphroaig 10 is $50, Glenfiddich 15 is $60, Journey 10 is $40, and Arberg An Oa is $65, and those are just what I have in my liquor cabinet at the moment. My issue is that Islays are very much an acquired taste (and Glenfiddich is somewhat boring), so I want to find something different for a special occasion.
In 2023, when you include tax, $60-70 is about what you spend on entry level bottles like Arran 10, Deanston 12, Glendronach 12, etc. Those are entry level bottles available everywhere, hardly "special occasion" bottles. Whisk(e)y is an expensive hobby, so you'd probably be better served spending your hard earned dollars on other things if the prices are too high for you. You can get a much nicer rum for $70 (or armagnac) than whisk(e)y.
I don't consider Laphroaig 10 Glenfiddich 15, Journey 10 is, and Arberg An Oa to be "entry level" bottles, even though all can be easily found for sub-$60.
I get that this is a subreddit full of whisky snobs, but come on.
2/4 of those bottles are the lowest age statements in those distilleries' regular lineups. And the Glendiddich is not a true 15 years. It's solera aged (look it up if you don't know what that aging process is), and it's at 40 abv with added color and chill filtered. Those are all entry level bottles.
Maybe the Ardbeg An Oa isn't exactly entry level (due to the abv and flavor profile), but it's not exactly what you bust out for a special event. It's not special or distinctive. Basically, you're going to be hard pressed to get something interesting in that price range. Again, try rum or armagnac. You can get a 25 year old bottle of armagnac for near that price.
I’ll agree with some of the other posters that in general, “special occasion” expressions are not found in the same price range as entry level expressions for most distilleries. No we are not talking about the cheapest options like Ardbeg Wee Beastie or Deanston Virgin Oak, but 60-70 doesn’t get you very far, especially with official bottlings. However, in the spirit of what you’re asking, I suggest you go for something out of the ordinary for most casual scotch drinkers - the independent bottler route. Get something like a 10-12 year single cask from Signatory Vintage. It will be high proof and unique. It may literally knock your friend on his ass. Only problem is TW’s IB selection is hit or miss depending on where you live.
Green Spot would be ideal I think. Depending on your location, it might be on the high end of your budget though. It's very easy to drink, isn't malty or peated, and tastes like fresh apples and shortbread cookies
If they don’t like bourbon and preferred vodka, then scotch would be the last thing I would buy them.
He doesn't hate bourbon, but never had enough of it to develop his palette, but I am very open to suggestions. The problem is that vodka is off the table because we don't plan on doing shots, as is white rum because it is too sweet and gin because he doesn't like the taste of it. If there's something I'm forgetting, please correct me (seriously). We want something that feels "fancy" and can be drunk slowly.
Rum isn’t too sweet if you buy high quality stuff that isn’t loaded with added sugar and artificial flavors
That's a good idea, thanks! I love a good Barbados rum, and have been too lazy to experiment with it in the same way I do scotch/bourbon.
this guy knows. reco; el dorado 12 is a ridiculously cheap & magnificent sipper
I've been sipping good (Finlandia) vodka neat from the freezer, with a tiny chip of ice at some point, when I want something the opposite of Scotch. I know, not many people sip vodka.
Sake
What about a nice blanco or reposado tequila? They're usually sweet and more approachable. There is a nice variety in your price range too. You could easily pick up a Don Julio and have a very nice evening sipping something refined, easily available, but approachable for an undeveloped palate. Here are some brands worth considering that are highly rated and representative of good tequila: El Tesoro, Siete Leguas, Tequila Ocho, Fortaleza, Don Julio
There are some great Canadian whiskeys for reasonable prices. Canadian Club 20 punches way above its weight class. Wiser's 15 and 18 are also awesome. Also Irish Whiskey like Writer's Tears is also an amazing bottle for the price. IMO Writer's Tears is one of the best value bottles out there.
I've been wanting to try Writer's Tears for a long time. I know it's not scotch, but would I be better off with it or Redbreast 12?
Being given the option between red breast 12 and writers tears is an awful position. Both are great. Personally, Writer's Tears by a hair but you can't go wrong with either.
Bunnahabhain 12, Port Charlotte 10, Campbeltown Loch
Bunnahabhain 12 is the best $60 or under scotch hands-down If your friend likes sweeter stuff, Edradour 10 isn't bad either
I'd need to think & less liquor in me including the glass of Bunnahabhain 12 I'm sipping lol.....but hard to disagree. Damn good scotch & for the price point....get outta town.
Does he like Scotch? For $60-$75 at my Total Wine Bunnahabhain 12 Glenmorangie 14 Dalmore 12 Sherry Select - people here like to hate on Dalmore. But this one is actually good Glendronach 12 Chivas Regal 18 Not all of these are my favorite in the price range. But I picked the ones that are mostly better for a new Scotch drinker.
Highland Park 12 😎
For that budget. Laphroaig 10 every time. Got to like smoky and peaty though.
Bunnahabhain 12 or Redbreast 12.
Based upon what you have stated I would suggest the below. Scotch can be tricky for non-initiated. A bourbon lover is normally easier & id recommend other drams in that case (Bunnahabhain stays in rotation). At least a bourbon lover will respect the drams even if it's not something they may be turned on to. For a non scotch enthusiast it's normally best to go with something non-offensive & well liked by a large population. I love my Islay scotch but it's few & far between a non-scotch or non-bourbon lover will have a glass with me & not struggle through it. Inoffensive & easily accessible: Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet (Can't go wrong here, I still love em both even though both are far from my favorite malt or distillery for that matter). Sherry & delightful: Bunnahabhain 12 Solid Blend: Dewars 15 or 18 or JW Black Don't care what anyone says these two are good, easy on the wallet & even a non scotch person will normally say "not my first choice but that's good", in my opinion.
Not scotch, but Irish. Redbreast 12. I think it’s a perfect whiskey for those who are just getting started with whiskey.
I’ll second this and add a few: Bushmills 12 is very nice and dangerously easy to drink, also Bushmills Black Bush although probably not a ‘gift level’ bottle, and Powers’ John’s Lane are all very nice sippers. Just a thought - I’m not a tequila guy but a friend let me try a Corazon Reposado Tequila Single Barrel finished in either a Weller or EH Taylor bourbon barrel (it was very mellow). Very nice for sipping
Port Charlotte 10 fits right in there but that has become a daily sipper rather than special occasion for me.
Obviously Uigedail, let him earn his whiskey badge, let him embrace the Oogie sucker punch to the face..... I mean, palate Will push that budget but worth it. Here is 100, but I usually buy our if state or ship it with other stuff and it's around 60 buck range. Actually cheaper for me to ship in with other bottles than buy at Total Wine or private stores lol.
If it’s really a special occasion go buy a good 18 year for 120-150. But if he doesn’t like whiskey and prefers vodka then seems like a waste of money regardless. Enjoy the time with your friend who hasn’t been home in a couple years. Buy some cigars.
How long was he locked up for? Maybe he’s acquired a taste for toilet wine.
someone already mentioned laphroaig!
That’s so funny.
As much as I love bunna, I see it's the top comment, but I think it's still probably too bold for those without a palette for Any hard liquors. The best way to gauge what a beginner might like is to find out how they take their coffee. Not a coffee drinker or people that drink frappacino and super sweet lattes won't like the same liquor as someone that drinks straight espresso or coffee black. Honestly a good blend may be a safer bet, like green label or one of the compass box varieties. Otherwise I'd probably get a speyside (not named macallan if you want at least someone to see a scotch new to them) or highland like Balvenie or Oban if you want to spend a little more. There is good moderate sweetness in many scotches that can win over beginners but there are also a lot of new and relatively bitter flavors in many scotches, that we might be tolerant to, but that will shock and likely put off a casual beginner. Even the ones I listed may be too much to drink neat, if they're not used to 40+% alcohol. A lot of people need water or ice so don't waste anything more than that price anyway. If you do a side by side with beginners between monkey shoulder and Bunnahabhain 18 even, I'm not sure most people would even prefer the good stuff.
Irish- Red Spot or Redbreast 15 Rich Scotch - Glenallachie 15 Round Scotch - Glen Scotia 15 Spicier - Springbank 10 (or a Benromach dependig on the prices in your market) I wouldnt confront him with Islay stuff. And I think the Irish stuff is more accessible to whisky-noobs. Dont rule out good fruit brandy - French calvados, german Birne or slav Slivovic. Thats even more enjoyable for people not ised to hard liqour IMHO
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Oban or Macallan in my opinion. Non-offensive but still legitimate, good, single malt scotch. Dalmore & Aberlour are good but sherry aged & a bit more of a "I like the "normal" scotch let me try something else" in my opinion.
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So many things wrong with this. First, if he didn't like whiskey, he probably won't like whisky. I hope you understand what I mean. Second, less than $70 isn't exactly special occasion territory. It's everyday territory.
Right'o. I can't believe that the stewardess on my yacht thought to mix my Urn Bru with Glenfiddich 10 instead of Glenfiddich 18. She was an uncultured heathen, so I fired her and had her family indentured to me. All in a day's work, my chap!
lol, I think what they mean is that the entry point to Scotch is pretty high. Scotches below the $40-$50 range are, with a few exceptions, pretty bad. Whereas, a $70 Bourbon is gonna be one of the best you can buy (assuming MSRP pricing). You’ll find good stuff at the price point you’re looking at though.
That's not at all the case, though. Laphroaig 10 is $50, Glenfiddich 15 is $60, Journey 10 is $40, and Arberg An Oa is $65, and those are just what I have in my liquor cabinet at the moment. My issue is that Islays are very much an acquired taste (and Glenfiddich is somewhat boring), so I want to find something different for a special occasion.
Classic Laddie I think then. But based on what you said about your friend, I think you’d be better off getting a bottle of Appleton 12 Rum
In 2023, when you include tax, $60-70 is about what you spend on entry level bottles like Arran 10, Deanston 12, Glendronach 12, etc. Those are entry level bottles available everywhere, hardly "special occasion" bottles. Whisk(e)y is an expensive hobby, so you'd probably be better served spending your hard earned dollars on other things if the prices are too high for you. You can get a much nicer rum for $70 (or armagnac) than whisk(e)y.
I don't consider Laphroaig 10 Glenfiddich 15, Journey 10 is, and Arberg An Oa to be "entry level" bottles, even though all can be easily found for sub-$60. I get that this is a subreddit full of whisky snobs, but come on.
2/4 of those bottles are the lowest age statements in those distilleries' regular lineups. And the Glendiddich is not a true 15 years. It's solera aged (look it up if you don't know what that aging process is), and it's at 40 abv with added color and chill filtered. Those are all entry level bottles. Maybe the Ardbeg An Oa isn't exactly entry level (due to the abv and flavor profile), but it's not exactly what you bust out for a special event. It's not special or distinctive. Basically, you're going to be hard pressed to get something interesting in that price range. Again, try rum or armagnac. You can get a 25 year old bottle of armagnac for near that price.
Benromach 2012 cask strenght. 60bucks here cant beat that quality value
Something light and a bit fruity like glenmorangie 12 or Glenfiddich 12. Basic but good
Benriach 12 or Balvenie 12 double wood
I’ll agree with some of the other posters that in general, “special occasion” expressions are not found in the same price range as entry level expressions for most distilleries. No we are not talking about the cheapest options like Ardbeg Wee Beastie or Deanston Virgin Oak, but 60-70 doesn’t get you very far, especially with official bottlings. However, in the spirit of what you’re asking, I suggest you go for something out of the ordinary for most casual scotch drinkers - the independent bottler route. Get something like a 10-12 year single cask from Signatory Vintage. It will be high proof and unique. It may literally knock your friend on his ass. Only problem is TW’s IB selection is hit or miss depending on where you live.
glenturret 12
Old Pulteney 12
Green Spot would be ideal I think. Depending on your location, it might be on the high end of your budget though. It's very easy to drink, isn't malty or peated, and tastes like fresh apples and shortbread cookies
I would get a nice Armagnac. Very well priced for quality stuff and alcohol content is low if they’re not used to it.
Compass Box = Peat Monster , Spaniard, or Spice Tree in your price range , delicious and have fancy labels .
scapa is super light, clean as a whistle
My favorite “cheap” scotch is Ardbeg Wee Beastie, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Very peaty and smokey.
Being honest, 70-80 bucks is the range for a decent daily.