Best Scotch for the Money?

I think you're going to get a ton of answers on this since there are so many kinds of scotch. It's all about taste--do you prefer a single malt or a blend? I don't have a sophisticated palette, but I've read a true scotch aficionado can taste the differences in the region the scotch was distilled, so you've got to take that into consideration. For a great daily I prefer Laphroaig 10 year, you can get a bottle for around $30. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is a nice treat, it's about $55.

 

+1 on the quartercask, I would like to try some cask strenght one day but ill need a gallon of water to put out the fire I bet.

 

Johnny Walker Black.

Enjoyed by the best cop EVER!

 

Personally, I find the Laphroaig to be unpleasing. Very oily and heavy. However, to each their own.

For the money, there are many good scotches. There are many good brand name 12-year scotches in the $30-$40 range, but to maximize the value of your dollar, you should search out the independents like Gordon & Macphail. They usually purchase their scotch from distilleries like Macallan but age and bottle it themselves. Often it's available at a much lower price and is almost every bit as good. For example, the 25-year G&M doesn't quite have the depth of the 25 from Macallan, but it's probably a $150 bottle v. $450.

CW

 

I'm just about to finish a wonderful bottle of Famous Grouse 12 year. I've really enjoyed it. I typically get Canadian Club or Alberta Springs due to cost and satisfying drink.

Chris

 

Bruichladdich

15y
17y
30y

Links is even a good value

 

Oban 14 is a great daily for around fifty bucks.

 

My dad was drinking Dewer's for 30 years. He recently made the switch to Scoresby and he can't tell the difference between the two at all. He claims they are so perfectly similar that they must come from the same distillary. It costs just about half the price of Dewer's. So if you like value and are a fan of blendeds...that would be it. I personally prefer Johnnie Walker Green Label - but am not much of a drinker. http://www.beveragewarehouse.com/search/more_info.php?item_id=1633

 

Mortlach 16 yr. My favorite scotch regardless of $. I bought my first bottle in Edinborough. Can be found online for under $70. It is aged in sherry barrels so it has a very rich, spicy, complex flavor that just kills!

 

After 30 years, I think he would expect you to know it's Dewar's.

CW

 

Nah, he's not a condescending *******. He knows I don't drink it and wouldn't expect or care if I knew the proper spelling.

 

Fine by me.

CW

 

Single malt Highlands man here, and IMHO the best bang for the buck is Glenmorangie 12 year old Port Wood. Sells in Houston for ~$60 and is very smooth. If you are an Islay or Lowlands peaty fan, this won't be your drink. If you like to pour a wee dram in a proper glass, and drink it neat, then this is worthy of your consideration. FWIW, the 18 year old is almost twice the price, and while the quantity vs. quality battle can be wagered, I'd gladly take two 12 year old Port Woods to one 18 year old.

 

This is damn good stuff, I had a bottle last year.

 

I try and stick to the single malts... something special about it coming from one point in time, one effort, from one place. Try different regions for a tour of Scotland.
We go for the peaty one's for our favorites but lighter ones are nice also. Nothing like sitting in front of the chiminea in the fall with a good scotch.

For the money we like Balvenie 12yr Double Wood. ~$50.
Bowmore is good also, little more peaty. ~$50
Talisker is really good. ~$70
Ardbeg is our #2 choice. Fantastic. Good and peaty. ~$80
Lagavulin is our #1 choice. ~$100

Bourbon's are starting to catch up. I've got a few good ones also

I've bought from this place but it's been a while. They used to have a 25% off sale in Feb so get on their email list. They have a good selection so you can see what's out there.
http://www.internetwines.com/

 

+1

Someone gave me a bottle of that for xmas. I'd like to get a second bottle. Do you know if they sell it at Trader Joes?

 

Actually, I think I've seen it there from time to time. If they don't they have their own relabeled Glenlivet 18 for around 40 bucks.

 

I liked Glen Levit 15yo, french oak finish, when I first started drinking it it was about $ 30.00 a bottle. Now it's about $ 65.00 or so.
A friend of mine turned me on the Dalmore's single malt " CIGAR MALT" Nice for only $ 25.00 a bottle.

 

You can get the Glenlivet 15 Year French Oak Reserve for $37 per bottle at Total Wine, I just picked up a few bottles.

 

Oh yeah, the Glenlivet is fabulous by the way. Didn't care much for the Dalmore though.

 

I never truley understood what a quick finish was until i started drinking the french oak. when i first started drinking it, it was bottled as 12yo. not 15yo.

I'll have to check but last time i bought some GL I paid somewhere near $ 65.00 but that was a little while ago.

The dalmore is nice for an everyday scotch. we usually bring a few bottles with us on our duck hunting trips to enjoy with a cigar after dinner.

 

Even after spending 10 days in Scotland consuming many a different Single Malts, I still go for Glenmorangie 18yr.

 

Thanks Darth. Found it.

 

Agreed - although since there's a place near us where I can get it for ~$47, its my vote as best for the money.