Good single malts for < $50?

kamagong

kamagong

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What do you guys recommend in a single malt that around $50? I've tried four so far -- Laphroaig 10, Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12, and Macallan 12. The Macallan is exquisite, it's my favorite so far. I also like the Laphroaig, I don't like the taste as much, but its flavor is more interesting. I'm not too crazy about the Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, and I wouldn't be too brokenhearted if I had to do without them for the rest of my life.

So what do you guys like?
 
The Arberlour 12 won at my yearly scotch nosing this year... second time in a row. A remarkably good malt for a remarkably affordable price.
 
In that price range I'm fond of Bowmore.

I'm more fond of Bruichladdich, but that costs more.

But those are Islay scotches.

You might find a nice Speyside more to your liking. They can be as complex as an Islay but are a bit milder and not so smokey.

I find Lismore is a good value in a single malt and has a very good flavor.
 
Ardbeg 10 Islay and The Balvenie 12 Doublewood Speyside.
These are L.A. area prices - the Balvenie $36- Ardbeg 10 $50-
 
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Try a bottle of Bushmills Black Bush! Irish mostly single malt whiskey Mmmmm. About 30.00 for 750ML

ST~
 
Aberlour is very good for the price. For around $50, you might find Oban, which gives you far more complexity and peat than the Mac 12, without the full frontal assault of Laphroaig. Very drinkable.
 
OK my touchstone for single malts is Lagavulin 16 year old - the regular version - mostly these days it's way up there closer to $75 per 750ml bottle.

But using froogle.com I came across some listed at about $46 now if that is true that's a bargain - unfortunately although the price seems real, it appears to be only available and shippable in NY state.

However coming back down to the original question - I like Highland Park 12 a lot - and that is a bargain at mostly under $40 a bottle.

The all time reference for single malts is Michael Jackson's Complete Guide To Single Malt Scotch (ISBN: 0762413131 - no, it's not the late gloved one)

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If you like the Laphroaig 10, you need to try the Quarter Cask. It's amazing and right around $50.
 
While I'm certainly no expert, I really like Glenmorangie. Slightly more expensive than Glenfiddich, but much smoother and flavourful in my opinion. I enjoy the Macallan, but still prefer the Glenmorangie, either the regular or the port cask (forget what it's now called after the name change).

Guy
 
I am sort of a newb to these, but am really particular to the GlenMorangie. At least was, I haven't been able to find it lately.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Here's a related question, what is the proper way to store a bottle of scotch once it's been opened?
 
Caol Ila 12 year is the best Islay I've had in that price range if you want to venture into that region again. It was a few bucks more than $50 where I got it, but I've seen it online for less.

Other than that, I'd agree with the Macallan 12 year and Balvenie Double Wood. The Balvenie was just under $50 in my area.

As far as storage, I keep mine in a closet that's on an outside wall, so it stays dry and cool but not cold. In the dead of summer I keep it in the basement...not quite as cool as I'd like, but it's much lower humidity and not absurdly warm.
 
The good news is you have many excellent choices, some of which you've heard here.

I would first try the Aberlour, as recommended by Gollick. The man has good taste in whisky.

Storage? Well, what I can't store internally goes in a cool, dark room designed for just this purpose. 35% humidity, 69 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit ... no temperature excursions beyond the indicated range. Light is your enemy.
 
Dalwhinnie -- about maybe $50 or so
Glen Grant -- perhaps the same, maybe 60 or 70

Both are very very drinkable. Of the two - Glen Grant is my preference, but it is harder to find (and more $$)

Love them both tho!

Laphroig -- really dont care for it. Too much camphor.

Macallen -- very good too, but a little heavier than Dalwhinnie/Glen Grant.

Cheers!
 
Arbelor 12 is way tasty stuff, doesn't stay around long enough to worry about long term storage
 
I'm really glad some, or many, of you guys have the resources to afford quality Scotch. I read this thread yesterday and went to the supermarket today. The Scotch whiskeys ranged from $26 to $60 for a scant fifth. I'm on a fixed income so I bought a cheap one and three-quarter liter bottle of Canadian Mist whiskey for $22 bucks and told myself it would have to suffice. I've had a couple of hits on the Mist this evening and try to tell myself it is quality Scotch, however, I do fail in the attempt. What the hey, it's still alcohol and gives me a pleasant buzz.
 
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