Originally Posted by
LAXative
Thanks for all the input, it's been pretty educational.
I'll try to provide a bit more context... the recipient enjoys liquor but is not a scotch expert. This also involves a culture that values brand names quite a bit, so it's more about the label and less about what's inside. I think I'm going to try to find some Green, Gold, or Platinum. If not... Double Black at the minimum... or Blue, if I'm trying to knock 'em dead
I've been in the same position of buying liquor for people who are mostly concerned with label. My suggestion is to follow your instincts and not try to impose extra-cultural sensibilities (like taste
). In some places, the higher end JW's are considered "premium" Scotchs and are almost universally recognized (by others in that culture) as such.
Personally, I would go with Blue as the price difference between that and Platinum isn't that great and, as you said, they will probably be blown away by it. Depending on the circumstances, Green and Double Black may not be considered "prestigious" enough.
The only downside to giving Blue is if it makes it look like you're trying to curry favor by overstepping the relationship or results in a counter-obligation which would be considered by the recipient in a negative light; but I'm probably over-thinking this - go with the Blue.