Favorite Single Malt under $100

[tuddy24]

The title is somewhat self explanatory but let me provide some detail so we're all on relatively the same page.

In my neck of the woods a Macallan 12, Highland Park 12, and Glenfiddich 15 goes for approximately $40 so please take this into account. My $100 is a suburb of Chicago $100

What I'm looking for is a good celebration SM, I'm in the process of buying a new home that overlooks a beautiful golf course and will want to celebrate the closing with a good SM and possibly a cigar.

I've come to really appreciate the Macallan 12. It's so big but it has a fruit-like acidity and wonderful wood smoke finish. I like it and find a new flavor each time I try it. There are things I like about HP12 and the Glenn 15 as well such as the complexity and flavors even though those are lighter in body. What would you recommend? HP18? Macallan 18? As much as I appreciate Islay, I find that the peat smoke stands a little too far out for me and find it distracting. I wouldn't rule one out altogether but I want something more than a barbecued fish with honey all over it No offense to the Islay lovers was intended.

-Pete

[pkt77242]

Well my first suggestions were going to be Laga 16, Laga DE, Laga 12 and Ardbeg Uigeadail. If no peat, then I would say Macallan 18 (a wonderful whisky), HP 18, Glendronach 15 Revival and Yamazaki 18.

[Dubois]

HP 18, no doubt...

[dramtastic]

No doubt your choices for that kind of money are far larger in the States than in Australia.

But I'm going to go with Talisker 18

or

Yoichi 12 for something different

I think either of them would go very well with a nice cigar. Congratulations on your new house, sounds lovely.

[Ganga]

I would look for something special since it is celebratory. Since you are in the Chicago 'burbs, I would consider one of the Binny's single cask bottlings. There is a Lochnagar there that is supposed to be quite tasty. The Laphroaig and Caol Ila youngsters have been out of this world (think smoked bacon here) but this doesn't fit your request. I enjoyed the Lochside bottling but others haven't cared for it. They've got many bottlings from all over the place, including 4 Roses bourbons, that are unique to them. They typically start out as low as $30 and run on up.

[Sir Dino]

What I'm looking for is a good celebration SM, I'm in the process of buying a new home that overlooks a beautiful golf course and will want to celebrate the closing with a good SM and possibly a cigar.

Don't know how much is the Balvenie 21yo Port Wood in US?
This would be my favourite malt.

[jazz lover]

Around $ 150 in the U.S

[Megawatt]

If you can get Macallan 18 for under $100, go for it. I believe it is $250 in Ontario.

[The Third Dram]

In descending order of preference, factoring the possibility of an accompanying cigar into the equation, and leaving those 'raunchy' Islay brews out of the picture for the moment...

1. Talisker 18 Year Old
2. Highland Park 18 Year Old
3. Longmorn 16 Year Old
4. Nikka Yoichi 12 Year Old
5. Glenlivet Nàdurra 16 Year Old Cask Strength

For all of these whiskies, I'd recommend sticking to cigars in the mild to medium strength range, with the exception of the Glenlivet, which would probably perform best if paired with a more delicately constituted cigar.

[Chef!]

BBQ'd fish with honey all over rules out Laga 16yo.

Go with the Yamazaki 18yo. I've done two tastings with family and friends that thought whiskey revolved around whatever plastic jug was on sale at Costco. ALL OF THEM loved the Yama 18yo.

When I was in Chicago over New Years I grabbed a bottle around $85 at the Mitsuwa market near Elk Grove Village If memory serves correctly.

[orangedogofglory]

The HP18 is a great whisky, and I would pick that over the Macallan 18 any day.

Ganga's comment about the specialty bottles at Binny's is spot on - HP actually does a number of the single casks for retailers and they are great, but there are multiple distilleries (as Ganga mentioned).

I would also second TTD's mention of the Glenlivet Nadurra. I'm not sure of it's cost, but I suspect it would pair very well with a cigar, and could probably stand up easily to a medium bodied (or stronger-medium bodied) cigar.

The Balvenie 21yo Sir Dino mentioned is excellent, but it seems to be pressing up against the $200 mark in the States.

There are few of us that haven't jumped on the Laga bandwagon - so stay strong! (the 12yo is admittedly pretty good though...)

[tuddy24]

Hi Everyone,

What a great amount of responses! After looking at everyone's comments there seems to be a breakdown of two different types of whiskey drinkers. One one hand we have the Islay lovers and on the other we have the non-Islay lovers. Me, personally, I like a Scotch that walks a fine line such as Johnny Walker Black Label but that drink is far too soft and "flat" compared to a good single malt. I think I'm either going to go for the Highland Park 18 or one of the Signatory releases offered at the local Binny's. I've heard a lot about Royal Lochnagar but never tried it. What's the flavor profile like? Regarding the Yamazaki, I bought the 12 year yesterday and was really disappointed, I couldn't see stepping up to the 18. The 12 was very "bourbon-ey" on the nose and awkward on the palate. It wasn't really bad, I leave that honor to the Balvenie Doublewood, but it just didn't give me the enjoyment of a HP12, Macallan 12, Glenfiddich 15, and hell even the Glenlivet 12! Everyone has their own tastes so I'll leave it at that. Again, thanks for all your help, it's much appreciated.

-Pete

[supersinglemalts]

HP 18, no doubt...

Ditto, its about £60 here, so that should be under your $100 limit.

[Maccy]

I must concur. HP 18 is wonderful.

[Drammed]

Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Ardbeg Arrigh Nam Beist
Longmorn 16 yr
Glenlivet 16 yr Nadurra
Aberlour Abunadh

Fanstastic malts under $100