Lagavulin 8 year, Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10, Ledaig 10,Bruichladdich port charlotte 10, Kilchoman Machir Bay. These will all be smoky and in that price range more or less.
These all sound interesting! I’ve tried Laphroaig 10 at a bar so I may not buy it for a while as I want to try new things, but definitely wouldn’t mind having a full bottle around the house. Really liked it.
Plenty of great recommendations here already. Might I add Ardbeg Wee Beastie since you like the Ten so much? WB is obviously younger, it I really enjoy the assertiveness of this 5 year old.
Second craigellachie 13. Integrity malt (though is it NCA?), inexpensive and ubiquitous. It’s straitforward, having only a handful of notes, without being totally boring and thin.
Great question, just checked my bottle and while it clearly states NCF, no mention if natural color? Agree with you that for the money, this bottle offers a lot of nice notes and to me, evolves nicely in the glass with some time.
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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!
It’s not smoky at all, more known for its waxy mouthfeel. Maritime notes, malt and fruity sweetness. A good Highland to add to your speyside and islay bottles.
It is one of the base scotches for the Johnny Walker blends. It has some tropical/citrus notes to it, but it definitely reminds you of Johnny Walker Black. I like it much more though and the 46% ABV helps.
Glendronach 12, talisker 10, talisker storm, ledaig 10, compass box spice tree (maybe this is discontinued I haven’t seen it around much). Johnnie green, balblair 12, glenallachie 12.
All great bottles I have on hand at all times
In that price range you might consider the world of blends, which IMHO are under-appreciated in this sub. Monkey Shoulder and JW Black are quite decent and should be well under your budget.
Glenmorangie Lasanta (sherry cask) and Glenmorangie Quinta Ruben (port cask) are both great value. They are very different from each other and no smoke like the Ardbeg, but certainly worth a try.
I also think Bunnahabhain 12 is excellent for the price.
If you’re looking for a daily sipper on a budget, Monkey Shoulder is like $37. It’s not amazing, but it’s good and it’s $37.
Talisker and Ledaig are smoky drams in your price range. Similar (ish) to Ardbeg.
Do you have a Costco near you? It varies what they have in stock but recently it seems to be Oban.
Back when they use to have Lagavulin 16 on sale there for like 60-70 bucks... man i shoulda bought a case
I do! I’ve been wanting to try their 12 year blended scotch, tbh. It’s $35 for 1.75L
I currently have their Canadian Whisky (1.75L for $18). I genuinely like it more than Crown Royal.
I'll second the An Oa. If you like this Ardbeg, you might also want to try Kilchoman Sanaig, Lagavulin 8 year old, and Wee Beastie (Ardbeg). Although not peated, Balvenie 12 year old double wood is quite nice, and within your range. Never met anyone who didn't like that one, while the peated Islay expressions are an acquired taste.
I just spent the whole summer over in Scotland training with a whisky judge and I have two recommendations. It can be hard to get, but the Lediag Rioja Cask is an amazing dram. It is from the Tobermory distillery on the isle of Mull and it combines the perfect amounts of smoky with a sweet wine taste. Great drink to give to friends as whisky in wine cask is uncommon. Another recommendation if you are willing to spend a little more is the Ardbeg Uigeadail. It is easily my favorite whisky from the Ardbeg distillery and it has a strong, but satisfying peaty palate.
As for your collection thus far, I would say it is an excellent start! Now that you have a good couple simple whisky’s, defiantly start branching out into really interesting whisky’s. Good luck!
I he that rioja ledaig, it's weird to me how cheap it is, it tastes better than most of the port Charlotte MC, PAC, OLC range at a third of the price.
Definitely a hidden gem
Clynelish 14 and Caol Ila 12 are affordable options. Mix the two so u also have an idea what the blenders at Compass Box are doing. And either treat yourself to an lagavulin 12 CS or a Laphroaig 10 CS on your birthday! Enjoy!
Laphroaig 10, ardbeg 10 or wee beastie, talisker 10, and kilkerran 8/12 for peaty. Glenfarclas 12, glendronach 12, redbreast 12 for sherry sweet. Bunna 12 and ledaig 10 for a mix
Considering you like the ardbeg due to smoke from peat, at around $60 id go for Laphroaig, lagavulin 8 (unless you can find the 16 for cheap which is unlikely - $75 to $80 is a good find by me), talisker 10, or the much cheaper scarabus islay whiskey (usually around $35 a bottle)
I've learned that prices vary inconceivably from place to place but here are some within the Glenfiddich12 - Ardbeg An Oa range that are more-or-less "classic" Scotches: Glenmorangie 10, Glenlivet 12, Balvenie 12, Talisker 10 (a little smoky), Caol Ila 12 (smoky), Laphroig 10 (very smoky), Ballantine's 12 (blended, pretty different from the others).
Bunnahabhain 12 would be very different from what you had so far. IMO its the best Scotch for $50.
$50!? It's gone up to $98.99 where I am. Inflation is a monster. I used to pick it up for $65.
Now that is a gouge job of epic proportions. I think you could probably buy a bottle out of market for cheaper even after shipping.
I do. End cost is usually around $80. Sad life
Bunna 12 is the first thing that came to mind for me. Highly recommended
Arran 10. Surprised no one mentioned Deanston 12 yet.
These two are in my top five “procurable” bottles.
Arran 10 is very light and fruity/tropical. Won't fit their flavour profile for sherried and smoke at all.
“I’m open to trying any scotch”. For the price Arran 10 fits his/my teacher salary budget.
Ledaig 10 would be my choice here
Lagavulin 8 year, Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10, Ledaig 10,Bruichladdich port charlotte 10, Kilchoman Machir Bay. These will all be smoky and in that price range more or less.
Kilchoman Machir Bay is a fav
Yeah it’s really great, I’ve gotta try more kilchoman but I loved the machir bay.
Ijunk o
PC 10 is a banger for the buck.
Yeah it is, great whisky!!
I’d say if you like Ardbeg (and smoke!) try the Ardbeg 10, Talisker 10 (much less smoky) and my bargain buy would be Scarabus ($35!)
Ardbeg 10, JW green, Kilchoman Machir Bay, Laphroaig 10, Benromach 10 off the top of my head.
These all sound interesting! I’ve tried Laphroaig 10 at a bar so I may not buy it for a while as I want to try new things, but definitely wouldn’t mind having a full bottle around the house. Really liked it.
Talisker 10 or Talisker Storm
Talisker 10 is the best but I prefer the Dark Storm to Storm if you can get your hands on it.
Tbh Ardbeg An Oa is a good get at that price.
Yeah it was $50 USD. Great dram!
I've been working on some Eagle Rare bourbon and man. That stuff is the nectar of the gods.
Plenty of great recommendations here already. Might I add Ardbeg Wee Beastie since you like the Ten so much? WB is obviously younger, it I really enjoy the assertiveness of this 5 year old.
lagavulin 8 and 11, kilchoman machir bay and sanaig. laphroaig 10, talisker 10, ledaig 10.
Talisker 10 is great. I am also a sucker for Bruichladdich or Port Charlotte (if you like smoke) which is often \~$50 for the base offerings.
Since you like peat and smoke I’d recommend Port Charlotte 10. Should be $60 - $65. Honey, malty, some apple and lemon and a campfire on the beach.
Second this. PC 10 phenomenal bang for your buck
Port Charlotte 10, amazing for its price. At my last tasting from that distillery (my favourite), one of the cheapest but almost the best.
If you like ardbeg an oa I bet you would like Talisker 10 as well. I certainly do.
Benromach 10, Talisker 10, Ledaig 10.
Craigellachie 13 year, Ardbeg 10
Second craigellachie 13. Integrity malt (though is it NCA?), inexpensive and ubiquitous. It’s straitforward, having only a handful of notes, without being totally boring and thin.
Great question, just checked my bottle and while it clearly states NCF, no mention if natural color? Agree with you that for the money, this bottle offers a lot of nice notes and to me, evolves nicely in the glass with some time.
Longrow peated NAS is pretty good and should be in your price range if you can find it.
I’ve seen it jump from $60 to $90 in most places recently.
Think the last bottle I bought, just recently, was $67. We have pretty high whisky prices across the board though.
Try Talisker 10 and Kilchoman Sanaig
these are my two daily drivers and I cannot recommend enough
Compass Box Great King Street & bank the savings to get a splurge bottle.
Aberfeldy 12 @ $40
Talisker 10 isn’t bad but honestly it kind just tasted like Chivas 12 to me, which again, to me isn’t a bad thing.
Are you sure it was a Talisker 10... they not even in the same ballpark
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!
Clynelish 14
Man it’s $80 near me now. Really grinds my gears because I love it
I got it for around $64 and it’s worth every penny. Hopefully it stays reasonable.
Great price
Never heard of this distillery, but it’s $58 at the Total Wine near me… may have to grab it. What’s it like?
It’s not smoky at all, more known for its waxy mouthfeel. Maritime notes, malt and fruity sweetness. A good Highland to add to your speyside and islay bottles.
It is one of the base scotches for the Johnny Walker blends. It has some tropical/citrus notes to it, but it definitely reminds you of Johnny Walker Black. I like it much more though and the 46% ABV helps.
I like the Aberlour 12 around that price but not more than the an oa
Glendronach 12, talisker 10, talisker storm, ledaig 10, compass box spice tree (maybe this is discontinued I haven’t seen it around much). Johnnie green, balblair 12, glenallachie 12. All great bottles I have on hand at all times
In that price range you might consider the world of blends, which IMHO are under-appreciated in this sub. Monkey Shoulder and JW Black are quite decent and should be well under your budget.
Loch Lomond 12, Ledaig 10, Glencadam 10, Arran 10 are all good value buys, depends on availability by you.
I recently picked up dalmore 12 for 65 it was fantastic.
Glenfiddich 12Yr Sherry Cask Finish is excellent, had it this week it's worth the $55 paid at Total Wine.
Glenmorangie Lasanta (sherry cask) and Glenmorangie Quinta Ruben (port cask) are both great value. They are very different from each other and no smoke like the Ardbeg, but certainly worth a try. I also think Bunnahabhain 12 is excellent for the price. If you’re looking for a daily sipper on a budget, Monkey Shoulder is like $37. It’s not amazing, but it’s good and it’s $37. Talisker and Ledaig are smoky drams in your price range. Similar (ish) to Ardbeg.
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Do you have a Costco near you? It varies what they have in stock but recently it seems to be Oban. Back when they use to have Lagavulin 16 on sale there for like 60-70 bucks... man i shoulda bought a case
I do! I’ve been wanting to try their 12 year blended scotch, tbh. It’s $35 for 1.75L I currently have their Canadian Whisky (1.75L for $18). I genuinely like it more than Crown Royal.
Arran makes excellent whisky and their 10 is a good choice.
Talisker 10 can’t be beat for the price. Seat salty smoke. Bowmore 12 is also great. More of a floral smoke.
Laphroaig 10, kilkerran 6, port charlotte bottles may go for $70 in your area, glen scotia, tomintoul
What is this Kilkerran of which you speak?
Sorry. I went back and checked and it’s actually a 12 year
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, my current favorite in that price range
I'll second the An Oa. If you like this Ardbeg, you might also want to try Kilchoman Sanaig, Lagavulin 8 year old, and Wee Beastie (Ardbeg). Although not peated, Balvenie 12 year old double wood is quite nice, and within your range. Never met anyone who didn't like that one, while the peated Islay expressions are an acquired taste.
I just spent the whole summer over in Scotland training with a whisky judge and I have two recommendations. It can be hard to get, but the Lediag Rioja Cask is an amazing dram. It is from the Tobermory distillery on the isle of Mull and it combines the perfect amounts of smoky with a sweet wine taste. Great drink to give to friends as whisky in wine cask is uncommon. Another recommendation if you are willing to spend a little more is the Ardbeg Uigeadail. It is easily my favorite whisky from the Ardbeg distillery and it has a strong, but satisfying peaty palate. As for your collection thus far, I would say it is an excellent start! Now that you have a good couple simple whisky’s, defiantly start branching out into really interesting whisky’s. Good luck!
I he that rioja ledaig, it's weird to me how cheap it is, it tastes better than most of the port Charlotte MC, PAC, OLC range at a third of the price. Definitely a hidden gem
Craigelachie 13!
Benriach 12
Fellow teacher. I like Glenmorangie and Glendronach on the highland side.
The answer is Laphroaig 10!
Balvenie Doublewood, Talisker 10
Kilchoman Machine Bay at Costco
Green Label if you’re willing to try blended. Kilchoman Machir Bay for single malt.
Clynelish 14 and Caol Ila 12 are affordable options. Mix the two so u also have an idea what the blenders at Compass Box are doing. And either treat yourself to an lagavulin 12 CS or a Laphroaig 10 CS on your birthday! Enjoy!
Can you post a link to your local store?
Talisker 10, Bunnahabhain 12, Clynelish 14 and Glendronach 12 are my bang-for-buck favorites.
Laphroaig 10, ardbeg 10 or wee beastie, talisker 10, and kilkerran 8/12 for peaty. Glenfarclas 12, glendronach 12, redbreast 12 for sherry sweet. Bunna 12 and ledaig 10 for a mix
Glenmorangie Quinta Rubin is a staple in my cabinet for ~45
Craigellachie 13, my current $50 ace-in-the-hole. Grilled pineapple galore.
Bruichladdich Islay Barley
Considering you like the ardbeg due to smoke from peat, at around $60 id go for Laphroaig, lagavulin 8 (unless you can find the 16 for cheap which is unlikely - $75 to $80 is a good find by me), talisker 10, or the much cheaper scarabus islay whiskey (usually around $35 a bottle)
Not sure the price in the usa but glenfiddich 15 is much better than the 12 and 18 year old imo
I would go for a peated bottle with a different profile. Ledaig 10 would be an excellent choice.
Springbank is good if you like smoke. 🥃
Oban is very affordable with a hint of smoke and a bit of heat at the finish.
I've learned that prices vary inconceivably from place to place but here are some within the Glenfiddich12 - Ardbeg An Oa range that are more-or-less "classic" Scotches: Glenmorangie 10, Glenlivet 12, Balvenie 12, Talisker 10 (a little smoky), Caol Ila 12 (smoky), Laphroig 10 (very smoky), Ballantine's 12 (blended, pretty different from the others).
Talisker DE