REEKO - I've had the Yamazaki 12 a few times, which was really good. Haven't had it in awhile. Also, just remembered another thing that may be useful to the OP. In the UK it's much easier to find cask strength -- I would bring that back. Cask strength is stronger (obviously), so it's typical to add a couple of drops of water, and it is really, really tasty. It just occurred to me, another recommendation would be the Glenfarclas 10 year old. I was at their distillery a few months ago -- they don't export that one to the US because they claim Americans would always take a 12 over a 10 - It was noticeably better to me than the 12 and even the 18. The Glenfarclas 105 (their standard cask strength) is also excellent, and they shouldn't be too pricey. I've started using frozen "whiskey rocks" recently, and I've liked it. They chill the drink down just a bit (not as much as ice), and obviously don't melt. Since everyone else is chiming in, for a relatively easy to find bottles (and that don't cost >~$75), Dalmore 12 is my go to.
You're the man, Nikestrad! I sent an email to one of the whiskey shops you suggested, asking them this question. I'll let you know if they have any recommendations.
Wow, I'm shocked by the Johnnie Walker hate. I'm a bourbon drinker and I love love LOVE JW Black. For the money, it is pretty tasty. I also have a hard time spending over 30 bucks for a bottle of bourbon because I like JWB so much. Of course, Highland Park 12 is the only single malt that I'd had that I'd spend my own money on. The quality of most single malt is wasted on my palate. I hope that all you guys spending all this money on scotch are drinking bourbon too. Seriously, the US puts out some quality hooch, and no import tariffs means that you're getting more for your money.
Scotch and DS9 FTW! ...but seriously, Bourbon is pretty good too when I'm in the mood for it, I do definitely drink it.
I tried the Suntory Hakushu 12-year a while ago in New York and loved it. I've been on the hunt ever since, but can't find it in Austin.
Balvenie 12 dw is standard go to but 14 Caribbean cask is delicious. Picked up a glenmoray 12 recently that I really like. I'm def a highlands man... I prefer smooth and sweet to peaty and/or smokey. If youre looking for bourbon pappy van winkle 12 yr reserve is freaking fantastic but is not easy to find. Can't go wrong w basil haydens or blantons either. Unfortunately I don't drink much whisk(e)y anymore.
I've liked Macallan 12 but I had a really good taste of one at a wedding last month called Speyburn. I have an Oban that I might try tomorrow. Yes the return of Texans football is as good a reason as any to try a new scotch.
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Any scotch will do, as long as it's not a blend, of course. Single malt, Glen Livet, Glen Galley, perhaps, any Glen.
Speyburn is made in the same town as Macallan, iirc. At about half the price. A drunk Scottish man recommended Speyburn to me, on one of my visits to Specs. He said his dad worked at the factory and he drinks it all of the time. True story. I bought it and it was a good single malt scotch. About half the price of Macallan, so make that a great scotch for the price.
