Scotch Recommendation needed

I'm purchasing a nice bottle of scotch as a gift to a customer ( retail around $35-40). The customer is a plant manager who lives in Tennessee; while I know he likes Scotch, I don't believe he's tried many higher-end scotches. I'm thinking something with some name recognition so he knows "it's supposed to be good", rather than some specialty bottle ( unless it's from Kentucky )

Can anybody help? I'm a Bourbon drinker and do know nothing 'bout no Scotch.

Deb

So you're coming in a tad cheap for the single malts, but try these:

Auchentoshan
Laphroig 10
Arberlour
Glengrant
Glenrothes

All of those are quite impressive- and I am looking at my spreadsheet of my costs- but I think you'd find something there that they'll appreciate (or giggle like a schoolgirl!)

Thanks, Stephen!
The Laproig is the only one I recognize by name. Is that going to be my safest best to say "quality" to a newer scotch drinker- in this case perceived quality is as important as true quality. I din't want him thinking we bought some "no name- off-brand" scotch . He doesn't know me at all to know quality and taste are what counts.

[Robin Garr]

A serious question: Do you think he's the kind of "connoisseur" who really enjoys single malts? If so, then Stephen's advice is good, although I'd nominate our house favorite, Talisker. It's about $50, though.

However, if he prefers blended Scotch - and frankly, a lot of people do, put off by the peatiness, sea smoke and iodine of the single malts (particularly the island malts) - then you can't go wrong with the big-name favorites like Chivas or Johnny Walker. Personally, I have a strong preference for the malts and really don't drink the blended stuff - I don't even know how much they cost - but if I were gifting someone I didn't know, I'd try to discreetly find out what they mean when they say "Scotch."

I always liked the Glenmorangies that were a cask finish. Never could find anyone who liked Scotch but had a bottle of that and people really liked it. Don't know if they are still doing it. Maybe someone else is. That was back when Lincoln Henderson was our master distiller and we did some tastings together:-)

A serious question: Do you think he's the kind of "connoisseur" who really enjoys single malts? If so, then Stephen's advice is good, although I'd nominate our house favorite, Talisker. It's about $50, though.

However, if he prefers blended Scotch - and frankly, a lot of people do, put off by the peatiness, sea smoke and iodine of the single malts (particularly the island malts) - then you can't go wrong with the big-name favorites like Chivas or Johnny Walker. Personally, I have a strong preference for the malts and really don't drink the blended stuff - I don't even know how much they cost - but if I were gifting someone I didn't know, I'd try to discreetly find out what they mean when they say "Scotch."

Robin- that's part of my quandry- I don't think he's a connoisseur at all. Very down-to-earth, blue jeans kind of guy without expensive tastes ( We entertained him at Doc Crows rather than white tablecloth when he was in town last week- to do otherwise would have made him uncomfortable). Unfortunately there's not a way to find out what he prefers...

[Robin Garr]

Unfortunately there's not a way to find out what he prefers...

Maybe go with a Highland malt but not an island malt, then? The Highlanders are single-malts but tend to be less overt with the iodine and seaweed. Highland Park is the benchmark, but again, I don't know the price point. Maybe Stephen could help.

I would throw Balvenie Doublewood in the mix ... more in the $40-$50 range, but a good bottle.

I'll second the Balvenie Doublewood. It's a single malt btw.

Thanks, all!

What Steven and Robin said are excellent choices for cheaper single-malts. I would also like to add Glenmorangie and MaCallan to that list if it's alright with everyone. MaCallan is my go-to for a cheaper glass of scotch, both are very aromatic and quite nice on the tongue.

For a blended choice, I suggest Chivas Regal and White Horse, both are good for someone who enjoys a blended malt scotch.

Also if he is a smoker, I would lean more towards those scotches with a more fruity or floral body, as smoking pipes or cigars typically has a more woody taste. Pairing woody smoke with a woody scotch isn't recommended. Hope this helps, and good luck with your gift!

Deb...as you can read from the posts, different people have different perferences in Scotch...so here's mine -- I'm a fan of Macallan (smaller bottles can be purchased in the $35-$40 range, but a full fifth will probably be higher -- depending on the age). I like Macallan because of its darker color and slightly sweet flavor that (IMO) is reminiscent of some single barrel bourbons (Macallan traditionally aged its batches in discarded sherry casks).

The Highland Park, Macallan 12, Glenmorangie should all come in at about the $45-$50 range. The Balvenie is just slightly more expensive at about $50-$55.

If you do some shopping online, you could probably find some better prices...

The Highland Park, Macallan 12, Glenmorangie should all come in at about the $45-$50 range. The Balvenie is just slightly more expensive at about $50-$55.

If you do some shopping online, you could probably find some better prices...

I lucked into some Doublewood at $36/bottle about a year back. It was in a shop where I would not expect to find Single Malts, and judging by the dust on the canister lid, it had been on the shelf a while. I bought both bottles that were on the shelf.

The single malt recommendations have been good in the price range you quoted, however, I'd suspect you may be wasting your effort if your good 'ole boy isn't a single malt drinker. You might do better with a Chivas or one of the Johnnie Walker's (Black or Gold). They'll be appreciated by blend drinkers as a cut above.