Best Scotch for about $100-200 per bottle?

[KJC1]

I am not a Scotch or whiskey drinker; I am asking FReepers on behalf of a friend of mine.

He used to drink Johnnie Walker Black, and insists they changed something to make it inferior. The price on Black has since gone down.

Then, he switched to Gold and sometimes Blue. He thinks the Gold has gone downhill, and the "jury" is still out on the quality of the Blue.

I'd like to buy him a bottle of something nice that will make him happy. But, as I said above, I'm not a Scotch drinker so I'd be an ineffective judge of what is good or not, especially keeping in mind his most recent taste is for Gold and Blue.

My friend is a Vietnam Vet and retired Police Sergeant and does not get online much, and I thought FR would be a great place for suggestions.

[Vinnie]

The new Dawn with a pinch of fabric softener to keep the suds down.
(and yes, I used to drink scotch.)

[harpu]

I did a 'pub crawl' years ago in Edinburgh, and found this fine single-malt to be the 'locals' favorite.

It's about a $45-$50 bottle of pure sippin' enjoyment. It also makes a great 'first timer's' intro to single-malt scotch.

Trust me, a good single-malt is not about its price, it's about what you enjoy!

[wyowolf]

Personally I only drink Single Malts, I fell in love with them on my trip to Scotland..

There are SO many... all are good, some are great. I never drink any other hard liquor... not even blended, but it sounds like your friend does.

what a wonderful creation...

[mabarker1]

Hey Sarge, Ya got any of Your Super Top Secret Home Label?

[ItsOurTimeNow]

Bulleit makes a great Rye too

[Caipirabob]

Come on now, there’s a major difference in variety and quality of scotch. Try a shot of Lagavulin vs Cragganmore (two easily found brands in the US.) it’s like night and day.

[NYFriend]

Cragganmore is a very nice Single for about $50. It’s a little less common, so he may not have tried it before.

[ALASKA]

I agree with a couple here.........,Oban.

[oust the louse]

CAN’t go wrong with Oban. Really smooth, really tasty.

[lostboy61]

The only Scotch I drink is from the Isle of Islay. I have a bottle hidden out for those long cold nights. As I set before the fire it brings back memory's of good friend now gone, of hunting dogs so loved and that great shot as a boy in a corn field long ago. It is good to remember all the blessings G_d has set in your life.

[Vendome]

I love Oban.

Could sip it all night....or while snowboarding. ...

[Vendome]

Would that be Beltramo’s?

[Vendome]

I just go down to our local pub, which is owned by a fellow from Ireland, whose mother was Scottish.

I listen to his pronunciation and I’m good to go...

[SgtBob]

The Glenlivet 12 YO will surprise all who try. I disagree with the cracker, cheese, an fish eggs (bait)...two fingers neat, with a Diesel Unlimited Maduro. :-)smile:-)

I leave tonight to the wilds of the Ozarks with aforementioned amenities on board.....and salmon roe...bait!

[who_would_fardels_bear]

Vendome is also the name of a small chain of high quality liquor stores in the Los Angeles area that have great selections of spirits, wines, and beers.

The one near my folks house is gone, but there's a great one on Riverside near Lankershim.

[Vendome]

Damnit.

Completely forgot to stop there and also Vendome Lane, where Charlie Chaplin did a film....