Good whisky for around £50?

[Arese]

I'm toying with the idea of buying my best man and chief usher a good bottle of whisky each. Both of them like a drink, but would certainly not be classed as whisky experts. Like me, Gentleman Jack is probably the nearest they've come to a good whisky. I know, JD isn't really whisky.

Can anyone recommend a nice whisky for around the £50 mark? There seems to be quite a lot of choice on Drinkfinder but I wouldn't know a good 'un from a bad 'un.

Cheers

[Arese]

paulmurr said:

Lefty, your thread is here!!

Personally, i'm a fan of Cardhu which is under budget.

However, if you can stretch to it I'd get some Signet. I was drinking it last weekend and it is utterly utterly fab. Caramel at the start, a little heat but eminantly drinkable and wonderfully smooth.

Thanks for the quick response.

The Signet looks and sounds fantastic, but I can't really stretch my budget to £118.56 each.

The Cardhu sounds good too, and well priced. That's favourite at the moment then.

[Arese]

paulmurr said:

I'd still hold on until Two Drams makes an appearance, his whisky knowledge is encyclopedic (in a good way )

I'm checking the thread regularly. I'm sure he's beavering away now finding me something amazing

[Arese]

HereBeMonsters said:

towser said:

condor said:

I'd suggest Lagavulin, approx £40 but as Sainsburys are currently doing 20% off spirits you'd get it for just under £32.

+1, although can be a bit peaty for some a 16yr old Lagavulin is a superb whisky (IMHO).

Definitely my favourite.

Where are you in the country? Might be nice to go to a distillery and get something from there - even if it's not their whisky most distillery shops have a good selection of rare and exotic drams.

Me? I'm between Manchester and Liverpool. I don't there are many distilleries around here! Shame really, as last year I was passing this place and thought about popping in for a look.

So Lagavulin is looking like a good bet then. I'd probably be happier with popping into a Sainso's and picking up a couple of bottles than ordering something online.

[Arese]

Cheese Mechanic said:

Funnily enough, I just inferred on the whisky thread that the Sainsbury's offer ends tonight. (was told in branch earlier) .

As to a good scotch, the best one on offer has Been the fantastic Lagavulin 16. Best price I've seen for some years.

Its a very peaty/smoky scotch though, but if you think your friends will appeciate such tastes, then go for it. (smartish) :-)

Edited by Cheese Mechanic on Tuesday 27th April 17:11

I'll go straight to Sainsburys on the way home! Cheers chaps.

[Arese]

Top stuff guys, really appreciate all your in-depth replies. You're a knowledgeable bunch.

I went for the Lagavulin in the end. I'm not 100% on their tastes, but hopefully it's something that we can drink together in a month or so. What's the best way to drink it? Just neat, no ice?

I had to go to two different Sainsburys' as the first one only had one bottle left

[Arese]

Lefty Two Drams said:

Drink it whatever way you like it! If you enjoy it you're not wasting it.

Ice will numb your taste buds a bit but a sweet cool dram can be a very refreshing summer drink. Not sure it would work with Lagavulin!

I'd recommend drinking it at room temperature. Taste it neat then add a drop or two of water. Taste again and then add some more water. You should find the character of the whisky changes as the molecules separate. Keep doing this until you've finished the first dram. Take note of what ratio of whisky:water you enjoyed it the most and replicate this with your 2nd, 3rd, 10th dram.

Every whisky is different, every drinker is different. It's such a personal thing there is no right and wrong.

Enjoy!

Lefty
P.s. Good choice - I love Lagavulin 16 but some will no doubt hate it!

Wow, I didn't realise it was such a science. I've always been put off by the strong taste of whisky, so I'm pleased to hear that adding a bit of water to it won't make me into some kind of heathen! I'll make sure I'm involved when the boys open their bottles, and let you know what we think of it.

Thanks again.