Best Scotch to Give as Gift?

[Anonymous]

My husband has recently taken a liking to scotch whiskey and is trying to learn more and taste different types. I'm strictly a wine and beer girl and not a very sophisticated one at that. What are some really good scotches (willing to pay a good amount)? We live in Virginia - does the ABC even have a good selection? And is there something similar to Wine Spectator that rates them? Are there accessories that would be helpful (I have no idea what these would be besides a glass, but I thought I would throw it out there...)?

[Anonymous]

Johnnie Walker Blue

[Anonymous]

Johnnie Walker Blue is great but it is blended scotch. And it costs a bundle.

If he is trying different things, you might first want to read a bit about scotch whisky. Each area of Scotland has a different style, which adds to the fun. On the other hand, if he has settled on a style, you would want to pick from the same area.

Try here for ratings: http://www.maltadvocate.com/default.asp

[Anonymous]

Have you tried malt whiskies like Highland Park, Glenmorangie, Glenlivit, Bowmore, etc.? DH & I are into them right now, too (but we're from Scotland so spoilt for choice!).

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Highland Park. DH loved it.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend going to a good liquor store and asking for recommendations in your price range. They definitely ask you if he prefers "peat-y", smokey flavor, or a more smooth, honey flavor, so you might want to sneak that answer out of him.

[Anonymous]

Another important piece of information to try to get out of him whether he prefers blended or single-malt.

[Anonymous]

Johnny Walker Blue.

[Anonymous]

another gift idea would be a scotch tasting. Some of the DC liquor stores (Bassin's, Pearson's, Woodley....) might be able to give you recommendations for a place or person for tastings. There might also be an association that sponsors such an event. I think the University Club does them on occasion, too.

[Anonymous]

Go to the free promo parties sponsored by the liquor companies to taste test and get free samples.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Johnnie Walker Blue

Johnny Walker Swing[b] the bottle rocks and is so smooth it is like drinking velvet.

[Anonymous]

I might opt for a single malt instead of johnie walker. although I like both, the single malts are more interesting if he wants to develop an appreciation. Figure out what he likes in his scotch (like peaty smokey or whatever) and ask at the liquor store. I like the peaty ones so I have a bunch from the Islay region (I am sure I spelled that wrong)

[Anonymous]

Agree with 17:19. Try Caol Ila (my mother calls it liquid peat). Laphroaig is also very good. My husband liked Oban, too.

[Anonymous]

Oh I had Laphroaig once and it was so smokey! I really like Macallan the 25 year is smooth (but very expensive). the 15 year is much cheaper and also very nice.

[Anonymous]

There is a book - I think Michael something (maybe Jackson? No, not THAT Michael Jackson; another one) - that rates scotches. The regions are very distinct. My husband is now a devout Islay person, but before he worked up to that peaty/smoke taste, he liked the Glenmorangie special wood finish scotches a lot. I used to bring them home from Heathrow for him when I traveled a lot to London on business (sadly no longer) because they had things we could not get here. The Sherry Wood finish Glenmorangie is pretty ubiquitous here, though, and some of the other woods, too. I love the idea of a Scotch tasting if you can find one. The National Geographic Society had one earlier this year, but I don't know if they have others. If you live up that way, Chevy Chase Liquors (on Connecticut in the same block as Arucola) always has some nice Scotches in for the holidays at many different price points.