It's a nice solid highland malt.

My top three are Macallan 18, Oban 14, and Glenrothes 16.

At the bar I went to, a single Laphroaig Triple Wood and double Tanqueray 10 were $32 so I don't think it was too pricy. Not sure what a retail bottle would cost but I also doubt the ABC Store would have any.

Single Malt Scotch: Recommendations?
 

I need to purchase a bottle costing no more than $150 as a thank you gift.

Any suggestions?

Is the person already a scotch drinker and that's why you specifically want to buy single malt scotch?

If so, you probably need to find out what that person likes so you don't end up buying something he wouldn't drink.

It's a corporate thank you, which would (preferably) be a surprise. He has only mentioned that he likes single malts. I get your point, though.

Then I'd go with the "safe" option.

Macallan 18.

A local liquor store with good selection should be able to provide it for about ~$150. Macallan is currently one of the most widely distributed top-shelf single-malt in the US and has the necessary prestige factor.

It's smooth without being sweet, so should be palatable for most scotch drinkers.

Don't get the Macallan 12 - it's way harsher.

Maybe the Macallan Fine Oak 15. It's significantly cheaper and still excellent.

I would look at the Consolidated Scotch thread in Travel & Dining. You'll get a lot of solid recommedations (and things to stay away from) there.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/dinin...ns-thread.html

That said, I would look for something from the Highlands or Speyside regions. Stay away from anything highlighting "peat" as one of the qualities, unless the recipient has indicated he/she is a fan of the peat flavor. Typically that's going to be the Islay region.

Yeah, the Macallan 18 is a can't-miss. Even if *he* doesn't drink it, it's a good Scotch to have in your collection, as your other Scotch-drinking friends will instantly recognize it and most will enjoy it.

I'm not a big Macallan guy myself but I bought an 18 a few years ago when the pound was at $1.35 or so. I wish I had bought a few more higher-end bottles during that period as I was transiting LHR twice a month.

I'm in WI, he's in MS. I need a place that can ship it.

I've always been partial to Talisker, perhaps because we drove out to the distillery one day and were the only people there, thus earning us an enhanced tour and tasting from the older gentleman who was minding the place and I think happy to see other live humans. A weekday in April...not exactly prime tourist season for Skye. :) I have a bottle of 57' North in my cabinet right now.

Also enjoyed the visit to Dalwhinnie - we stumbled across it by accident one day in the Highlands - but it's a little light and sweet for my tastes. Off and on I'll have it onhand, usually the 15. Someone who wants to try a single malt, but something less muscular than a Talisker, will like it.

Try asking his secretary if he has one - that's how I tend to find out preferences for such gifts.

I have had good luck with Wally's in Los Angeles. They seem to know the various state laws and how to work it.

+1 on Talisker, and what an excellent experience that distillery tour must have been! I've never tried the 57, but I am carefully rationing my supply of Talisker 175 Anniversary Limited Edition and Talisker The Distiller's Edition -- I don't know if or when I'll be able to find any more of these.

I bought a bottle of Macallan 15 Year Fine Oak.

Insured and delivered, it cost $138. I'm sure I got ripped off, but it's done and I can move on to other things.

$8 cheaper at Wally's. Oh, well.

Happy Robbie Burns Day
 

Happy Robbie Burns Day, TS-in HK!