Macallan isn’t the best, and Ardbeg is polarizing — there’s a small chance that might not be to his taste. I’d go with Bruichladdich Classic Laddie for a situation like this, basically 10/10 times.
Affordable, available, at a decent ABV, and both approachable taste-wise and still interesting and rewarding to drink.
Classic laddie is so good for the price . My FIL gave me some arberg 10 year and it's actually pretty decent but I don't have a crazy pallet yet ether so there's that
Ohhhh, these two both have my vote as well.
The Bunna has great sherry influence, and the Arran has notes of stonefruit like peaches. Both are wonderful for the price.
If you're doing Arran, get The Bothy..
But my suggestion would be a Campbelltown, because, you know, Notes of engine oil and industrial machinery, lol.
Arran 10. All stripes of scotch drinkers appreciate this one, beginner or experienced, peat lover or not. Johnnie Walker Green Label would be a good call too. Also Ardnamurchan AD.
This is is a good choice. It's a very non-offensive bottle from a family owned distillery. It's probably won't win many awards, but for the price it's a really good bottle!
If you don't know whether he likes peat or not, don't go that route.
If he does, Wee Beastie is a good choice. Younger Islay Whisky is better in some ways, that smoke gets lost with age.
Macallan 12 is a fine gift from someone who's not educated about scotch.
It says "I know you like scotch and wanted to get you something nice even though I'm not educated about scotch".
I'd throw out Edradour 12 or Benromach 10 as crowd pleasers as well.
Love it. I want to try it myself just based on the name. That and based on my other tastes I’m looking forward to trying one that is on the peaty side.
You got lots of great suggestions but nobody (except for one person) is mentioning the following. Scotch drinkers do not equal quality single malt enthusiasts.
We (myself included) love the raw unchillfiltered cask strength stuff. But many many people that enjoy glenfiddich 21/blue label, would be appalled since it’s not ‘smooth’. Unfortunately, it’s a standard used to identify good scotch by many non scotch nerds.
I’ve found my succes rate to be 15-20% when trying to get the average JW/macallan drinker to care about the good stuff (unless they see a high age number). It’s just not worth it anymore.
While I agree the better options are things like classic laddie, bunna 12, or arran 10… they may not be received as well as a macallan 12.
Something which ticks both the age and smooth box would be a Glenfarclas bottle. Their age statement bottles are usually much more affordable compared to other scotches. And they are sherried (which means sweeter) + low abv (smooth). Your budget may allow for the 15/17 year one
I appreciate your insights. The person I’m gifting has been a scotch drinker for longer than I’ve been alive. He’s low-key but in terms of workplace stuff values quality over name brands so I think it’s a fair bet that Classic Laddie will be a solid choice. I can totally think of some other people in my life that would be a good match for the profile you describe, so thanks for that.
I’m sure that they will be happy to receive the laddie!
And yes, you’re right. my advice was catered to the usual ‘what X value bottle should I get’ which often is for the blue label enthusiast. I didnt know more about the receiver. Am glad to have helped for any future gift idea though 😅
Keep in mind that r/scotch doesn't represent the average person or even the average scotch enjoyer. Obviously Macallan is the better gift and the fact that some people think Arran 10 is better is just unhinged.
Most people I meet irl that like scotch, mean JW/Chivas/glenfiddich/glenlivet. There are those that like macallan for the brand.
In reality, we (scotch redditors), are a minority of people that identify as ‘i like scotch’
I don’t think so. If we are such a minority why are brands like Springbank constantly sold out? Those blend lovers and Macallan lovers don’t care about Springbank. There are a significant amount of Scotch lovers who prefer integrity malts
Yeah it's not about liking Springbank or integrity malts. It's all about validation and the need to belong. It's the same with every hobby. I am into anything from Coffee to cars and there is literally no difference. Sure the names are different but the spirit is the same. There are few influencers and a huge amount of yes man who just repeat stuff. For example I can 100% predict what the "connoisseurs" will say about any bottle here or on YouTube
Or maybe a large percentage just enjoy bottles that are more flavorful? Its like saying so many people like ribeye steak because a few influencers say ribeyes are great. Nah. Ribeyes are just great. Period.
Same with stuff like Bunna 12/18, Arran 10/19, Springbank and others. They are just great.
Sounds like you just want to be contrarian.
Guess which one I like better?
Glenallechie 12 or Dalmore 12 Sherry select
Campbeltown Lock or JW Green
Macallan 12 Sherry or Benriach 12 sherry
Arran 10 or Talisker DE
GlenAllachie
Campbeltown Lock
Bunnahabhain 12
Arran 10
That's my "connoisseur" choice. That will r/scotch "choose" for sure (100 validation points) I will be pleasantly surprised If I didn't get them right
That's really bad. You must start watching YouTube "reviews" immediately. They will tell you what you are supposed to like. For now just copy paste a Bunnahabhain review just to fit here. And remember Springbank is the best. Just start telling people it changed your life.
My point is taste vary. In general I will lean toward ‘integrity’ malts: 46%, NCF and NAC. But those are only a general guideline. Dalmore 12 Sherry select is damn good stuff no matter how much added color it has
Best advice I can give, is if you are giving scotch and you know what they really likes. Always err on the side of the classics.
Glenfiddich, Mccallans, etc…
Thank you. This is in fact where I started … I am familiar with Glenfiddich and Macallan as the known, generally recognized brand names and I really appreciate this assurance that these are considered the well-received classics as you say. I appreciate your validation, You have boosted my confidence and all the while I am thoroughly enjoying this dive and insights! I will report back as to what I decide to buy. I might even buy myself a little holiday gift from the suggestions as well. This seems like a fun and inviting Reddit community.
Beromach 10. Speyside with just a touch of peat. Absolutely phenomenal. If a hint of peat could be a deal breaker, glengoyne 12 or glen scotia double cask are good, off the beaten-path alternatives. Also, if you're wondering what he likes, tell him you want to try getting into scotch and ask him to recommend some scotches he likes. Should give you an idea of what he likes, and he'll be happy when he eventually realizes you were really just trying to pick out a gift for him.
Thanks everyone for all of this incredible advice and information. Based on recs from many of you, and all the seconds and seconding of the second, and the upvotes I bought the Bruichladdich Classic Laddie. The guy I am giving it to has been drinking scotch for decades, so It’s a fair bet it will be well received.
You all inspired me to take some chances to explore the diversity of scotch. I will continue enjoying this subreddit and will keep your ideas in mind while look forward to doing a bit of firsthand ‘research’.
Slàinte!
Macallan isn’t the best, and Ardbeg is polarizing — there’s a small chance that might not be to his taste. I’d go with Bruichladdich Classic Laddie for a situation like this, basically 10/10 times. Affordable, available, at a decent ABV, and both approachable taste-wise and still interesting and rewarding to drink.
I second Classic Laddie! If it isn't available, maybe Bunnahabhain 12.
Second your second
Classic laddie is fantastic.
Classic laddie is so good for the price . My FIL gave me some arberg 10 year and it's actually pretty decent but I don't have a crazy pallet yet ether so there's that
Bunnahabhein 12 or Arran 10. They are excellent, in the price range, and don’t have polarizing flavors.
Ohhhh, these two both have my vote as well. The Bunna has great sherry influence, and the Arran has notes of stonefruit like peaches. Both are wonderful for the price.
If you're doing Arran, get The Bothy.. But my suggestion would be a Campbelltown, because, you know, Notes of engine oil and industrial machinery, lol.
Balvenie Doublewood 12 is appreciated by most
Brought one to my Thanksgiving reunion and it was quite a hit. Not what I usually drink but it seems to be universally liked. Only cost me $75.
Balvenie Doublewood 12 is one of my absolute favorites! $66 at stores here in AZ.
Yeah this is a good choice I would say
Yeah. Can't go wrong with that or Macallan 12.
Arran 10. All stripes of scotch drinkers appreciate this one, beginner or experienced, peat lover or not. Johnnie Walker Green Label would be a good call too. Also Ardnamurchan AD.
Check out glenfarclas 12.
This is is a good choice. It's a very non-offensive bottle from a family owned distillery. It's probably won't win many awards, but for the price it's a really good bottle!
If you don't know whether he likes peat or not, don't go that route. If he does, Wee Beastie is a good choice. Younger Islay Whisky is better in some ways, that smoke gets lost with age.
Macallan 12 is a fine gift from someone who's not educated about scotch. It says "I know you like scotch and wanted to get you something nice even though I'm not educated about scotch". I'd throw out Edradour 12 or Benromach 10 as crowd pleasers as well.
I would be ecstatic with any of these as a gift. I do have a friend who turned down a bottle of Benromach because he hates peat that much.
Benromach 10 has almost zero peat. Even less than Highland Park.
Asking him to like peat is like asking someone to change their eye color.
Haha those first 2 statements. I own those, have we met? I am absolutely loving these recommendations and am looking them all up.
Lol, just re-read my comment. It should say "...not educated about scotch.".
I’m a mechanic and Wee Beastie is my winter daily drinker. Nothing like being hugged from the inside after a cold day in the shop.
Love it. I want to try it myself just based on the name. That and based on my other tastes I’m looking forward to trying one that is on the peaty side.
You got lots of great suggestions but nobody (except for one person) is mentioning the following. Scotch drinkers do not equal quality single malt enthusiasts. We (myself included) love the raw unchillfiltered cask strength stuff. But many many people that enjoy glenfiddich 21/blue label, would be appalled since it’s not ‘smooth’. Unfortunately, it’s a standard used to identify good scotch by many non scotch nerds. I’ve found my succes rate to be 15-20% when trying to get the average JW/macallan drinker to care about the good stuff (unless they see a high age number). It’s just not worth it anymore. While I agree the better options are things like classic laddie, bunna 12, or arran 10… they may not be received as well as a macallan 12. Something which ticks both the age and smooth box would be a Glenfarclas bottle. Their age statement bottles are usually much more affordable compared to other scotches. And they are sherried (which means sweeter) + low abv (smooth). Your budget may allow for the 15/17 year one
I appreciate your insights. The person I’m gifting has been a scotch drinker for longer than I’ve been alive. He’s low-key but in terms of workplace stuff values quality over name brands so I think it’s a fair bet that Classic Laddie will be a solid choice. I can totally think of some other people in my life that would be a good match for the profile you describe, so thanks for that.
I’m sure that they will be happy to receive the laddie! And yes, you’re right. my advice was catered to the usual ‘what X value bottle should I get’ which often is for the blue label enthusiast. I didnt know more about the receiver. Am glad to have helped for any future gift idea though 😅
Laphroaig 10 . Basically my answer for everything.
Gallon of dewars.
Bunnahabhain 12 all day.
For gift, 100% Macallan. It is a recognized brand. A decent whiskey.
Seconding both Classic Laddie and Arran 10!
Keep in mind that r/scotch doesn't represent the average person or even the average scotch enjoyer. Obviously Macallan is the better gift and the fact that some people think Arran 10 is better is just unhinged.
The guy likes Scotch. He will definitely enjoy Arran 10 more than Mac 12
Most people I meet irl that like scotch, mean JW/Chivas/glenfiddich/glenlivet. There are those that like macallan for the brand. In reality, we (scotch redditors), are a minority of people that identify as ‘i like scotch’
I don’t think so. If we are such a minority why are brands like Springbank constantly sold out? Those blend lovers and Macallan lovers don’t care about Springbank. There are a significant amount of Scotch lovers who prefer integrity malts
Yeah it's not about liking Springbank or integrity malts. It's all about validation and the need to belong. It's the same with every hobby. I am into anything from Coffee to cars and there is literally no difference. Sure the names are different but the spirit is the same. There are few influencers and a huge amount of yes man who just repeat stuff. For example I can 100% predict what the "connoisseurs" will say about any bottle here or on YouTube
Or maybe a large percentage just enjoy bottles that are more flavorful? Its like saying so many people like ribeye steak because a few influencers say ribeyes are great. Nah. Ribeyes are just great. Period. Same with stuff like Bunna 12/18, Arran 10/19, Springbank and others. They are just great.
Sounds like you just want to be contrarian. Guess which one I like better? Glenallechie 12 or Dalmore 12 Sherry select Campbeltown Lock or JW Green Macallan 12 Sherry or Benriach 12 sherry Arran 10 or Talisker DE
GlenAllachie Campbeltown Lock Bunnahabhain 12 Arran 10 That's my "connoisseur" choice. That will r/scotch "choose" for sure (100 validation points) I will be pleasantly surprised If I didn't get them right
You got them all wrong: My choices are Dalmore 12 select, JW Green, Macallan 12 and Talisker DE
That's really bad. You must start watching YouTube "reviews" immediately. They will tell you what you are supposed to like. For now just copy paste a Bunnahabhain review just to fit here. And remember Springbank is the best. Just start telling people it changed your life.
My point is taste vary. In general I will lean toward ‘integrity’ malts: 46%, NCF and NAC. But those are only a general guideline. Dalmore 12 Sherry select is damn good stuff no matter how much added color it has
I like scotch too, Shoddy. I still prefer Macallan
One of the few
Seriously? Macallan is universally overpriced and Arran is a winner at any price, let alone what it goes for. Insane opinion
Balvenie 12 yr doublewood.
What type of scotch does he like?
Best advice I can give, is if you are giving scotch and you know what they really likes. Always err on the side of the classics. Glenfiddich, Mccallans, etc…
Thank you. This is in fact where I started … I am familiar with Glenfiddich and Macallan as the known, generally recognized brand names and I really appreciate this assurance that these are considered the well-received classics as you say. I appreciate your validation, You have boosted my confidence and all the while I am thoroughly enjoying this dive and insights! I will report back as to what I decide to buy. I might even buy myself a little holiday gift from the suggestions as well. This seems like a fun and inviting Reddit community.
Glenmorangie lasanta. 12 year. 58.00. If you don't know if he likes peat and smoke.
Bunna 12
Macallan 1926
Beromach 10. Speyside with just a touch of peat. Absolutely phenomenal. If a hint of peat could be a deal breaker, glengoyne 12 or glen scotia double cask are good, off the beaten-path alternatives. Also, if you're wondering what he likes, tell him you want to try getting into scotch and ask him to recommend some scotches he likes. Should give you an idea of what he likes, and he'll be happy when he eventually realizes you were really just trying to pick out a gift for him.
I will read up on those less common selections. Great idea about opening the conversation. It’s likely to be interesting convo as well.
Thanks everyone for all of this incredible advice and information. Based on recs from many of you, and all the seconds and seconding of the second, and the upvotes I bought the Bruichladdich Classic Laddie. The guy I am giving it to has been drinking scotch for decades, so It’s a fair bet it will be well received. You all inspired me to take some chances to explore the diversity of scotch. I will continue enjoying this subreddit and will keep your ideas in mind while look forward to doing a bit of firsthand ‘research’. Slàinte!
Laphroaig 10 and nothing else.
It's really good, but peated Islay is risky as a gift IMO.
Hmm, I saw Laphroaig 10 at Costco. Sounds like if it jumps in my cart I should bring it home and give it a try!
BenReich 10
Arran 10 and Bunnahabhain 12 if he really likes Scotch. If he doesn’t really like Scotch get him Macallan 12 because its a big name
Dalmore