Recommend me a single malt whiskey between $50 and $100

Gedge · Post by **Gedge** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:20 pm

I have a couple of LCBO gift cards and I'd like to put them towards a decent bottle of single malt. I'm a real novice when it comes to whiskey. So far I've really enjoyed the Highland Park 12 & 15 as well as the The Balvenie 12 - and that's about it. I kind of lean towards the peaty whiskeys, but I'm open to suggestions!

icemachine · Post by **icemachine** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:53 pm

Cragganmore 12 y.o. at $70 is a nice onefor me. Ardbeg 10 y.o. is a very peaty malt although I don't see it as much of a good value.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:08 pm

The Ardbeg is probably my all-time favourite. I think it's really smoky, without too much of the iodine-like medicinal flavours.

My wife is the exact opposite... she likes Laphroaig.

I think the Highland Park and Balvenie are really easy drinking.

NRman · Post by **NRman** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:30 pm

The Balvenie Doublewood is really nice @ 65.95

http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/d ... ber=387316

Ale's What Cures Ya · Post by **Ale's What Cures Ya** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:40 pm

Highland Park 12 Years Old.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 10:15 pm

Glendronach is another easy-drinking highlander, similar to what you listed:
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/d ... ber=601872

Usually when I reach for a scotch, I'm looking for something with a little more bite.

I like the Dalwhinnie as well, fairly easy-drinking, with some depth of flavour:
http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/d ... ber=238097

Damn... you've got me back into my cupboard of scotch (a selection of 16)... I usually just have the Ardbeg in arms reach.

ritzkiss · Post by **ritzkiss** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 10:19 pm

DragonOfBlood wrote:Highland Park 12 Years Old.

This is what I came to recommend. Lovely.

iguenard · Post by **iguenard** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 10:21 pm

Thousand Islands duty free has 21 year old Highland Park for 99$... Sell your gift cards and get that

Torontoblue · Post by **Torontoblue** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:52 pm

PENDERYN SINGLE MALT (THE WELSH WHISKY)
LCBO 11577 | 750 mL bottle

Price: $ 89.95

Or as Derek mentioned earlier, Ardbeg is a superb single malt.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 12:00 am

Hmmm... I'm intrigued, but it's even more expensive here!
http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/355875

mintjellie · Post by **mintjellie** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 12:49 pm

Talisker 10yr
Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Dun Bheagan Caol Ila 10

Gedge · Post by **Gedge** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:06 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions! I may be able to up my budget a bit. Is there much difference between the Highland 12/15 and the 18? Or something at the Highland 18 price point that you guys would recommend?

Torontoblue · Post by **Torontoblue** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:17 pm

GLENFARCLAS 21 YEARS OLD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT WHISKY
VINTAGES 315614 | 700 mL bottle

Price: $ 119.95

Jon Walker · Post by **Jon Walker** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:31 pm

There are so many great options to choose from...

My personal fave distilleries are;

Ardbeg
Laphroig
Macallan
Bowmore
Lagavulin
Highland Park

Many of those are Islay based, generally solid, peaty and full palate. Since I'm not up on bottle prices at the LCBO at present I can't suggest individual bottles but you should be able to get an Ardbeg for under $100 and that'd be my pick. Also check out the SAQ since they generally have cheaper prices on scotch. The duty free suggestion is also a good one. Those gift cards can likely be traded with someone at par and you could bottle shop elsewhere.

Steve Beaumont · Post by **Steve Beaumont** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 2:04 pm

If you're looking to spend just a specific amount, then you'd be wise to get a couple of bottles instead of just one. I'd suggest one of the best values in single malt at the LCBO, the nicely peaty Bowmore 12 Year Old from Islay, at a bargain $46.10. Not as smoky as Ardbeg, but less than half the price and with a structure you just have to love. Then I'd suggest a Speyside for balance and nuance, like the bargain Glenfiddich 15 Year Old at $63.95, really quite different than the 12 Year Old, or the Glenrothes Select Reserve at $59.95, with a typical Glenrothes honey character, albeit without some of the complexities of the vintage editions.