Single Malt Scotch

[ODLS1]

Scotch aficionados help me out. I want a GOOD Scotch, under $50. Best bang for my buck for that price. I don't know much about it but I know different regions produce different characteristics (don't recall specifics). Now, I know this isn't a good Scotch, but the only one I have had is Johnnie Walker Black Label. I did not care for it. Not quite terrible, not quite choking it down, but it was bland and the little flavor it had was not good. I drink it straight/neat at room temp, just like my bourbon. I want as much flavor as possible. Cask strength would be awesome, but I bet those are way over my price range. Sucks most are 80proof. I love smokey flavors so I am thinking I will like some Scotch. Thanks for any tips!

[BigCat]

Originally Posted by ODLS1

Scotch aficionados help me out. I want a GOOD Scotch, under $50. Best bang for my buck for that price. I don't know much about it but I know different regions produce different characteristics (don't recall specifics). Now, I know this isn't a good Scotch, but the only one I have had is Johnnie Walker Black Label. I did not care for it. Not quite terrible, not quite choking it down, but it was bland and the little flavor it had was not good. I drink it straight/neat at room temp, just like my bourbon. I want as much flavor as possible. Cask strength would be awesome, but I bet those are way over my price range. Sucks most are 80proof. I love smokey flavors so I am thinking I will like some Scotch. Thanks for any tips!

A lot of people consider Johnnie Black to be good scotch. I think its ok. It is a blend, not a single malt. Actually under $50 there are only a few single malts available that I am aware of (assuming Michigan prices). Glenlivet and Glenfiddich 12 years are the most commonly available. Neither does anything for me, though plenty of others enjoy them. In the blended category, you can pick up Chivas or Dewars 12 year, both of which I find to be pretty good, with a preference for the Dewars. If you can spend $50, the single malt possibilities are much higher. Glenmorrangie makes a lot of good scotches priced right at $50. I prefer their quinta ruban. Macallan 12 year is good too. For smokier/peatier scotches, Laphroiag 10 yr and Highland Park 12 yr are right in the price range as well. Those are my thoughts. I'm sure others can chime in as well.

[jmsremax]

I have been really enjoying highland park 12 yr

Originally Posted by BigCat

A lot of people consider Johnnie Black to be good scotch. I think its ok. It is a blend, not a single malt. Actually under $50 there are only a few single malts available that I am aware of (assuming Michigan prices). Glenlivet and Glenfiddich 12 years are the most commonly available. Neither does anything for me, though plenty of others enjoy them. In the blended category, you can pick up Chivas or Dewars 12 year, both of which I find to be pretty good, with a preference for the Dewars. If you can spend $50, the single malt possibilities are much higher. Glenmorrangie makes a lot of good scotches priced right at $50. I prefer their quinta ruban. Macallan 12 year is good too. For smokier/peatier scotches, Laphroiag 10 yr and Highland Park 12 yr are right in the price range as well. Those are my thoughts. I'm sure others can chime in as well.

definitely agree re the Laphroaig 10 yr... if they ever release it outside duty free, I highly recommend the Johnnie Walker Double Black - it is about $60 for a 1 liter size in duty free

[Patrick B]

Originally Posted by ODLS1

Scotch aficionados help me out. I want a GOOD Scotch, under $50. Best bang for my buck for that price. I don't know much about it but I know different regions produce different characteristics (don't recall specifics). Now, I know this isn't a good Scotch, but the only one I have had is Johnnie Walker Black Label. I did not care for it. Not quite terrible, not quite choking it down, but it was bland and the little flavor it had was not good. I drink it straight/neat at room temp, just like my bourbon. I want as much flavor as possible. Cask strength would be awesome, but I bet those are way over my price range. Sucks most are 80proof. I love smokey flavors so I am thinking I will like some Scotch. Thanks for any tips!

Laphroaig. Islay region, smokey and peaty.

[billybarue]

Chivas is my everyday go to. I am a fan of blends just as much as single malts. 16 year lagavulin is my hands down favorite. Black bottle (blend of all the islays) is my favorite blend.

given that, and saying I am not a fan at all of Dewars unless you use it in mixed drinks so as not to sacrifice good scotch, I was talked into a Dewars single malt called ABERFELDY. Never heard of it before, but after an in-store dram sample, I was sold. Reasonably priced full flavored Scotch that you might try in your line up. Tastes like a blend to me, and not too reminiscent of highland. Frankly, tastes a lot like Chivas 18.

[Aero95]

Originally Posted by ODLS1

Scotch aficionados help me out. I want a GOOD Scotch, under $50. Best bang for my buck for that price. I don't know much about it but I know different regions produce different characteristics (don't recall specifics). Now, I know this isn't a good Scotch, but the only one I have had is Johnnie Walker Black Label. I did not care for it. Not quite terrible, not quite choking it down, but it was bland and the little flavor it had was not good. I drink it straight/neat at room temp, just like my bourbon. I want as much flavor as possible. Cask strength would be awesome, but I bet those are way over my price range. Sucks most are 80proof. I love smokey flavors so I am thinking I will like some Scotch. Thanks for any tips!

I would also look at Balvenie Single Malt Double Wood 12yr. Its less then 50 at Party Source.