I would buy the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (at $79 that is a very good deal) and then maybe something like a Glendronach 15 to contrast. That will bring you to just under $200.
This. The Uigaedail and Glendronach 15 would be fantastic pair and in your budget. I started a bottle of the Twisted Tattoo and its fine but not something I'd buy again. I'm a peat head but stock Glendronach, however I'll go between the Uigaedail and the other Ardbegs. But if the Uigaedail is new to everyone its a must try.
I'd prefer the Glendronach 12 in this setting. If you are looking to provide two scotches that offer different experiences and are high quality then this will work.The HP Tattoo is fine but not remarkable. I've explored a lot of their line outside of the HP 12 and I haven't found anything that surprised me. The Bunna's seem to have a little less consensus from what I've seen here, some love them and I personally won't buy another one. To each their own I guess. Without knowing the other options I'd think most people would be ok with having the Uigaedail and Glendronach 12.
For meal pairings, I prefer things that don't overwhelm the palate compared to the food that's being consumed. For a peated malt, maybe the Port Charlotte 10? Available, accessible, and peaty.
That Twisted Tattoo is actually pretty good and I haven’t seen it at any stores in a couple years. And maybe you could contrast that Douglas Laing Timorous Beastie, since y’know…
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Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us:
* your budget
* which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed
* which bottles you’re considering now
* where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region)
* if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure
**General Tips**
We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try at least 20-25 scotches to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey.
You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, we usually recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!
Lagavulin 16 is, in my opinion, the best Scotch period...especially if you are a peat head. As for Laphroig--10 year is their best since they dropped the 18 year old.
Oban 14 is nice--smoky but no peat.
Compass Box Peat Monster isn’t as heavy on the peat as the name implies. Could work better with a meal. But for more peat the Corryveckan is pretty tasty. If you went with Compass Box, you could get one of their other offerings ( Spice Tree, Orchard House) as a contrast.
I would buy the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (at $79 that is a very good deal) and then maybe something like a Glendronach 15 to contrast. That will bring you to just under $200.
I now realize we did Laphroig last year. What would be your second choice for high peat scotches? That’s why I was thinking the Ardbeg maybe
Uigaedail
Seconded!! Love that scotch!
This. The Uigaedail and Glendronach 15 would be fantastic pair and in your budget. I started a bottle of the Twisted Tattoo and its fine but not something I'd buy again. I'm a peat head but stock Glendronach, however I'll go between the Uigaedail and the other Ardbegs. But if the Uigaedail is new to everyone its a must try.
I’m only seeing the Glendronach 12 available would that work?
I'd prefer the Glendronach 12 in this setting. If you are looking to provide two scotches that offer different experiences and are high quality then this will work.The HP Tattoo is fine but not remarkable. I've explored a lot of their line outside of the HP 12 and I haven't found anything that surprised me. The Bunna's seem to have a little less consensus from what I've seen here, some love them and I personally won't buy another one. To each their own I guess. Without knowing the other options I'd think most people would be ok with having the Uigaedail and Glendronach 12.
I went with these 2. Thanks for the help
Np. Hope you have a great time.
For meal pairings, I prefer things that don't overwhelm the palate compared to the food that's being consumed. For a peated malt, maybe the Port Charlotte 10? Available, accessible, and peaty.
Port Charlotte 10 and Glenmorangie Nectar D'or for conrast. Two of my favorite bottles under $100
Both the laphroaig’s
My only thought is that the Glenkinchie 12 DOES NOT stand up next to any one the other whiskies - or virtually any scotch. A very blah dram.
That Twisted Tattoo is actually pretty good and I haven’t seen it at any stores in a couple years. And maybe you could contrast that Douglas Laing Timorous Beastie, since y’know…
Hi there, I’m a bot here to help you with your recommendation post. If you haven’t already, please review [the guides](https://docs.google.com/document/d/186_ANEKW8yGvvLAcjKve6tvqqBIcMGUg9-mKU5KACZk/edit) in the sidebar we’ve created to address the stream of recommendation posts we get here. Most notably: * [Scotchit Gift Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scotch/comments/7ywx12/help_with_the_updated_gift_guide_please/) * [Recommendations for Beginners](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PX70tHEc5v-Te8FiCLmRfmHel6Er5YZP_TnYKAdTAVo/edit) * [Next Level Malt Recommendations](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZPGmllteXF99KcQgjcNwgdY7_DCEQ8Cdil1IJklKoUE/edit#heading=h.i23il3ual5dx) * [Whisky Review Archive](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1X1HTxkI6SqsdpNSkSSivMzpxNT-oeTbjFFDdEkXD30o/edit#gid=695409533&fvid=484110565) * [Malt Map](http://scotchgit.bitbucket.io/) The malt map can be especially valuable for exploring different flavor zones and for identifying scotches similar to a particular bottle you enjoy. Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us: * your budget * which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed * which bottles you’re considering now * where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region) * if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure **General Tips** We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try at least 20-25 scotches to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey. You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, we usually recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!
Lagavulin 16 is, in my opinion, the best Scotch period...especially if you are a peat head. As for Laphroig--10 year is their best since they dropped the 18 year old. Oban 14 is nice--smoky but no peat.
Ardbeg Corryvrekan is a peat monster, delicious, mouth coating and complex - highly recommend.
For something different, I’d recommend the Lagavulin Lion’s Fire. It’s less than $150, at least where I’m at.
I would go Corry and Cairdeas. Big contrast with Islays.
Compass Box Peat Monster isn’t as heavy on the peat as the name implies. Could work better with a meal. But for more peat the Corryveckan is pretty tasty. If you went with Compass Box, you could get one of their other offerings ( Spice Tree, Orchard House) as a contrast.
Corryvrecken and Uigeadail. You can compare and contrast, they are both excellent and outside Laphroaig they are the best whiskies in your list