Scotch recommendations?

RedRajah

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The Beloved Hubby's become a fan of Scotch and I'm looking to give him a bottle of something new (yet reasonably priced) this Christmas.

He doesn't like Scotches that are on the smokey or peaty end.

His usual suspects are Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, and Glenlivit.

He prefers drinking Scotch on the rocks rather than neat.

Any ideas on what I could have him try? He's not into Macallans.
 

TessB

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I loved the Glenfarclas that I've had, but it is (was - this was the 25, bought in 2001) on the peaty end of things.
 

alleycat

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Jura. It's one of the lighter, less smoky, scotches.
 

c.e.lawson

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My husband is getting into Scotch, too. I don't care for it, so I can't recommend one to you. But does your husband have glasses for it? I just got my husband these for Christmas:

Glencairn whisky glasses

They're supposed to make the aroma come alive and increase the complexity of taste.
 

Snowstorm

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Strathisla 12 and Longmorn 16 are standard Speysiders, which have the same profile as the standard "Glens-" that he drinks but are a lot more flavorful. They're around $100. If you want him to stretch his palate, Arran 10 is reasonably priced at $50.

I'd recommend getting him to try it without the ice. Ice ruins the flavors.

And I definitely echo c.e.lawson's recommendation about the Glencairn glasses. They're incredibly classy and fabulous to drink out of. They're all hubby and I ever use! (Not to mention they're danged sexy.)
 

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I'd recommend getting him to try it without the ice. Ice ruins the flavors.

It changes the flavours. As does having a drop of water with it; or a single cube of ice as opposed to the full rocks.

I'd encourage drinking Scotch in different ways to find your preference, but if rocks is your preference, that's fine.
 

Craig McNeil

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Ice cools the whisky and, in my opinion, closes down the flavours. Whisky should be served at room temperature...

Anyways, someone has already recommended Jura which is a very nice whisky. It's a bit sweet for me that's due to it being marketed to women. Very easy to drink though. I'm a big fan of Highland Park which is an Orkney whisky. Also very easy to drink.

Seeing as your husband (the OPs) already has favourite brands, why not have a look at different ages? i.e. bog standard Glenmorangie is 12 years old. You can get 18 year old stuff and older.
 

Snowstorm

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It changes the flavours. As does having a drop of water with it; or a single cube of ice as opposed to the full rocks.

I'd encourage drinking Scotch in different ways to find your preference, but if rocks is your preference, that's fine.

As far as personal preference goes: indeed. Many of us in the industry believe ice causes a chemical reaction which does damage the whisky (especially the older ones) and its flavors. That said, one can enjoy their whisky anyway they choose--including cooking with it.
 

veinglory

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I must confess that at this time of year I like my standard not-terribly-high-quality whiskey with a candy cane in it.
 

RedRajah

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Well, he tried the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch this past Thanksgiving at his folks, but wasn't too impressed by it (He likes the standard 10yr old just fine). Currently in our liquor cabinet is the Glenlivet 12yr old Single Malt Scotch.

Those swanky tumblers are definitely going to be part of whatever I get him now though. :)
 

blacbird

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Glenlivet 12-year is a quite respectable lighter Scotch, and not badly priced. I actually am a fan of the smoky peaty things like Laphroaig and Talisker, but I like variety too. Other possibilities might be Cragganmore or Highland Park, which as I recall sit somewhere between the very peaty and the very light Scotches. I haven't had it in a while, but I recall being impressed with the silky smoothness of Highland Park.

caw
 

RedRajah

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Tumblers have been gotten.

Now, what, if anything, can folks tell me about these Scotches?

Tomatin
Speyburn
Auchentoshan
 

Diana Hignutt

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Chivas Regal is one of my old faves. And classy gift bottles too!
 

Ken

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the brand doesn't really matter to me, so long as the scotch or whatnot allows me to escape my misery and put on a happy face for the holidays :)
 

asroc

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I can't say anything about the first two, but Auchentoshan is a nice light whisky. The classic version has a floralish honey taste, although not overly complex. If he enjoys Glenlivet he'll probably like Auchentoshan classic. Auchentoshan Three Wood is also good, but very different (also more expensive). It tastes like nuts, wood and berries.
 

RobLineberger

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Stay away from Ardbeg Single Islay Malt Scotch. Unless you like drinking campfires. I am not even kidding, it is that strong. Oddly enough, a splash of water is recommended with this one to cut the smokiness.
 

Haggis

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Stay away from Ardbeg Single Islay Malt Scotch. Unless you like drinking campfires. I am not even kidding, it is that strong. Oddly enough, a splash of water is recommended with this one to cut the smokiness.
I like Ardbeg, but if smoke is not your thing, you definitely don't want this one. In fact, you probably should avoid all Ilays. I'm not aware of one that's not smoky/peaty.

I'll third or fourth the Highland Park. I haven't had it for a while, but I remember it as being quite good. If you're interested in a blend, Chivas 18 is quite lovely without being all that smoky/peaty.
 

Chumplet

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What a great lot of suggestions! I like smokey, but the honey notes of the Famous Grouse blend intrigue me. Some have said that it is blended with Macallan, so of course I'm curious about it.

My son gave me a 15 year old Glenlivet for Christmas last year, and as much as I enjoyed it, it didn't resonate with me.

I'm intrigued by the Highland Park and might try it if I come into a bit of a windfall. Or ask hubby to buy it for my birthday!