Laphroaig is my personal choice and was my first introduction to single malt as a boy of 14 or 15 at my dad and uncles lumber mill after work. It is decidedly a characteristic flavor, which one either loves or hates. I have had many kinds of single malts, but it is still my pallets preference. You may need to hover with a 10 or maybe a 15 year to stay under the 100 dollar mark. Perhaps even a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask is doable, depending upon the aging. At the end of the day a friend is a friend any 10 year plus single malt may be fine and welcomed.
Laphroaig has been the only whisky to carry the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales (the 15-year-old is reportedly his favourite scotch whisky), which was awarded in person during a visit to the distillery in 1994
Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughtful answer. I’ll have to look it up, plus how to pronounce “Laphroaig”.
Thanks again, much appreciated!