Spec me a whiskey

alex_tank · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:26

Yes I'm sorry, another one of 'those' threads... but I'm not being lazy I just don't have a clue what to get.

Not an expensive one, something up to around £30 I'm not spending silly money. I know nothing about whiskey so I don't know what to look for or what's a good one... I'm pretty clueless.

Any ideas please?

Adam · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:30

I bought my Dad some Laphroaig whisky (http://www.laphroaig.com/) which he thoroughly enjoyed. It's around the price point you are looking to spend as well.

hiroofheroes · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:31

In that price range I'd get a bottle of Johnnie Walker green - between £20 and £25 at most supermarkets.

rker83 · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:32

Jura Superstition.

bsoltan · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:35

Talisker
Lagavulin
Glenlivet
Glenmorangie

Can be had from most decent shops/supermarkets.

Iceman · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:36

I do like a drink of chivas regal.

rapid64k · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:37

There is only one..................Famous Grouse Whisky.

Saetia · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:38

Is it for you, or a gift for someone else? Without more information regarding taste preferences it's hit or miss whether someone will reccomend something you or your recipient will actually enjoy. (Such as the above posters essentially just posting random whisky's)

If you're completely new to whisky I'd advise getting a selection of miniatures from varying regions to see which styles you prefer, then when you have a favorite you can buy a larger bottle to enjoy it repeatedly.

If you can't ask the persons preferences because you want it to be a surprise and don't want to get miniatures, something rounded and smooth like a Macallan (or generally speaking, any Speyside) would be a good introduction or staple choice.

jak731 · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:45

I got a 70cl bottle of laphroaig quarter cask (48%, bit less peaty than normal laphroaig) for £21 quid in sainsbury's about a month ago. They're doing 1l bottles of the famous grouse for £13 atm, usually £22 odd :cool:

I quite like black bottle which is a blend of isle of islay malts, usually goes for about £14.

Ahleckz · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:48

You'll find Balvenie Doublewood for around that price in supermarkets. It's delicious.

Draeger · 2 Dec 2010 at 16:48

I'd agree on the Speyside option if you are unsure of what sort of whisky to go for. A Dalwhinnie or Cragganmore would be a good choice, two of my favorites. I like a broad range of Whisky including the peaty ones but Speysides are a good bet for a beginner.

For a deluxe blended one, you can't go wrong with Dimple. And the 3 sided bottle it comes in looks great as a gift too.

Muban · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:07

Another vote for going for a Speyside if you aren't sure on what sort they like. Whisky is generally an acquired taste and Islay whiskies even more so, so I would avoid them. Cragganmore, Glenlivet, Strathisla and Macallan are all fairly safe bets. Auchentoshan though is a lowland and really very nice and a reasonable price too.

nands · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:15

Another vote here for a Speyside, easier drinking.

My current favourite is Old Pulteney, very nice. Can be found in many supermarkets for £25 or so.

neodude · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:28

Dalwhinnie, Oban or Edradour get my vote.

(oh, and FYI, Dalwhinnie isn't strictly a Speyside, it's a Highland)

Meridian · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:30

First of all, anyone suggesting blends, no matter how good, should leave the thread as they clearly don't understand whisky. But for a newbie to whisky two good starters are Isle of Jura and Glenmorangie. Both is pretty mellow and an easy entry to the field.

M

Uriel · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:31

OP - is this for you or someone else?

If it's you - have you tried and liked anything previously? If someone else - the same question about them.

Grimley · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:41

Muban said:
Auchentoshan though is a lowland and really very nice and a reasonable price too.

There is more than one Auchentoshan out there. There's classic (about 10yr old) 12yr old 18yr old & three wood. they go from cheap to expensive in that order. The classic can be had from larger branches of Asda & goes on offer (under £20-) from time to time. Thats what I started on about 18 months ago when I got a taste for single malt whisky.

But I'll go along with what someone else said & try miniatures if you are new to this. OK it works out expensive in the long run but once you find one you like stick to it.

In addition to this someone mentioned Isle of Jura. I picked up a bottle of 10 yr old last week in my local co-op for under £19, which is currently a bargain!

Saetia · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:41

neodude said:
Dalwhinnie, Oban or Edradour get my vote.

(oh, and FYI, Dalwhinnie isn't strictly a Speyside, it's a Highland)

It has a lot of the characteristics of a Speyside though, compared to the typical peat / smokiness from the Highland region. Not that there's anything wrong with that sometimes.

Do you have a set of notes for Edradour? I've been dropping hints for it this Christmas.

Draeger · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:42

Meridian said:
First of all, anyone suggesting blends, no matter how good, should leave the thread as they clearly don't understand whisky.

M

No offence, but that's absolute drivel, particulalry within the scope of the OP's thread.

Saetia · 2 Dec 2010 at 17:45

Grimley said:
But I'll go along with what someone else said & try miniatures if you are new to this. OK it works out expensive in the long run but once you find one you like stick to it.

Not as expensive as a bottle of something that will never get used though. Another suggestion would be to visit a decent pub and try a few different drams offered there. It's a cheap way to taste many of the different whisky's available.