Originally Posted by
Doc Savage
^
Glenmorangie, Laphroiag, or an elderly Macallan.
Or for those who like a sweeter malt, Aberlour or Glendronach or the Balvenie double wood are worth considering.
Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
Before you give a single malt, be sure that the person likes its flavor profile! I hate Laphroaig, for example - it tastes like you retrieved the bottle from the burned out wreckage of your house.
Sometimes it's nice to have a flavor profile that isn't your first choice around; I aim very sweet, and don't care for the stronger Islays (Bowmore is about my limit), but it's nice to have one around for guests.
Originally Posted by
crabbing
the belief that any given single malt is better than a blend is a clear mark of ignorance.
Oh, certainly, although it depends a lot on what you like. I've yet to find a blend I cared for except mixed (and I prefer an inexpensive bourbon for that); if you have any recommendations for one with the same strong sherry or port notes that the sweeter single malts I like lean to, I'd be happy to try one.