Cheap but good whisky recommendation?

by **txtran** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 9:46 pm

Now I know I posted earlier but I'm trying to learn asap before Christmas so if you guys don't mind please answer. So what would your recommendations be for a good cheap whisky/whiskey? I'm looking for something possible $20 but if not then $30. Taste-wise i am open to anything as long as its drinkable and satisfying enough to keep drinking.

by **Ganga** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:32 pm

Tamdhu 10 is a nice fruity malt that is typically $21-30.

Tomatin 12 is a little more towards wood spices and is in the $25-35 range.

Laphroaig 10 is a big smokey whisky. Prices vary widely but can be found around $30 (at least in so. California).

Speyburn 10 is malty, oaky (astringent) whisky. Typically is around $20-25.

Bowmore Legend is not for everyone. Typically is lavendar and wood smoke but the most recent one I had was a little bit on the stickly sweet side. Usually runs $20-25.

I can usually find Pulteney 12 for $30. It has maritime characteristics-think about ocean air.

If you had a list of things available in your area in these price ranges, we could provide some commentary on the whiskies for you to make some decisions.

by **txtran** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:35 pm

I don't know for sure what the liquor store has in stock but the one I am going to has a wide selection so i am hoping its there(Glenfiddich 12 was there). In the earlier post i said I was getting either Laphroiag Quarter Cask,Highland Park 12, or Talisker 12. I could use some commentary and estimated price details.

Oh and thank you for your list

by **Ganga** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 1:59 am

Laphroaig QC is typically over $40 where I am at.

HP 12 typically runs $30-40 depending on sales and what not. Think heather honey with wisps of smoke, apples, and possibly oranges.

Talikser 10 (12 is a very old expression from the 1980s) is a spice monster although people have commented that it has mellowed. Lots of pepper. Typically it is between $40 and 50.

Glenfiidch 12 is very fruity. Think granny smith apples. Then some malty, doughy characteristics. The 15 can usually be had for under $35 and occasionally south of $30. This shows a lot of wood spices starting with cinnamon.

Glenlivet 12 is also under $25. Tropical fruits, coconuts, vanilla.

Macallan 12 can also be had between $35 and 40. Big sherry notes-caramel, oranges, Christmas cider.

by **txtran** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 3:26 am

That was extremely helpful thank you but if possible please continue to list people. I want to learn as much as I can and pick the best option available. I have possibly 2-3 days left to decide.

by **txtran** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 3:27 am

Oh and I am from South Carolina.

by **pkt77242** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 3:58 am

If you add bourbons to the list (you did list whiskey as well in your original post)

Evan Williams Single Barrel $21
Elijah Craig 12yo $22
Ridgemont Reserve 1792 $22
Eagle Rare 10yo $27

For Irish Whiskies
Black Bush $25
Jameson 12yo $30
Redbreast 12yo $35

Scotches not previously mentioned
Laphroaig 10yo $37
Aberlour 12yo double matured $35

I live in AZ, and these are the prices I pay, but it definitely varies by state. Enjoy

by **txtran** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 4:12 am

How about Yamazaki 10 a Japanese whisky. That seems unique what are your views on that?

by **pkt77242** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 4:18 am

txtran wrote:How about Yamazaki 10 a Japanese whisky. That seems unique what are your views on that?

I haven't seen the Yamazaki 10 over here, only the 12 and 18.

The 12 is about $35 here and a pretty nice whisky and a nice value at that price.

by **txtran** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 6:19 am

oh wow for some reason i thought it would be around $50.Now that I know its true price it is definitely a contender. I want to spend around $80 and I'm possibly going to get two.As of right now I am considering Laphroaig Quarter Cask (a higher end bottle) and Yamazaki 12 (to drink for the upcoming event)

I have no idea why I cant make a solid decision even though you guys have helped me a lot.I'm going to linger on a bit more

by **dramtastic** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 7:10 am

txtran wrote:oh wow for some reason i thought it would be around $50.Now that I know its true price it is definitely a contender. I want to spend around $80 and I'm possibly going to get two.As of right now I am considering Laphroaig Quarter Cask (a higher end bottle) and Yamazaki 12 (to drink for the upcoming event)

I have no idea why I cant make a solid decision even though you guys have helped me a lot.I'm going to linger on a bit more

Those 2 would make a nice contrast in styles.

by **txtran** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 7:23 am

Well that's good to hear, two different whisky experiences that I could possibly be enjoying.

by **txtran** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 7:04 pm

I think Im going to get it then. Laphroaig 10 (12/QC is $10 more and not worth it?) and Yamazaki 12. So the total I would be looking at is $80. So do you guys have any last details to add? I'm probably going to get it tonight or early tomorrow.

Oh and how is the overall smoothness? I forgot that important question.

by **Leorin** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 8:24 pm

Good choice.
But you should do yourself a favour and add a bottle of Elijah Craig 12yo.
If you can get it for less than $25 it's a real steal concidering its quality!

by **txtran** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 9:01 pm

Hmm I might since there has already been two mentions in this thread. If I find it cheap I will get it.

by **jazz lover** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 9:44 pm

Redbreast 12
Macallan 12
Cragganmore 12
Laphroaig 10
Highland Park 12
Glenlivet 12

by **txtran** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 3:51 pm

What if my price range was $40-$70 what would you recommend?

by **jazz lover** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:03 pm

Aberlour A'bunadh
Caol ila 18
Bruichladdich 15
Springbank 10 C.S
Glenmo. Astar

by **The Third Dram** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:41 pm

Leorin wrote:But you should do yourself a favour and add a bottle of Elijah Craig 12yo.

Big-boned Bourbon, this one. And has been mentioned, usually incredibly reasonably priced given the quality of the whiskey.

by **Leorin** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:13 am

txtran wrote:Laphroaig 10 (12/QC is $10 more and not worth it?)

I would go for the QC! 10 Dollars more is justified as it is bottled at 48%vol. and not just 40% like the 10y.o.. This also affects the quality: The QC is not weakish like the regular 10y.o. and is also more complex in my opinion. Also QC has enough power left, so you can experiment with water.

by **txtran** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 7:14 pm

I will take that in mind if I do get a Laphroaig whisky. Now winner is Elijah Craig 12 ( $25 is a great price) however I need a 2nd and 3rd option if that doesn't work so what would you guys recommend now? $35 and under is what I'm looking for.

by **AshDLS** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:57 pm

Reading these prices is so depressing for an Australian! :-\ Especially considering our near-parity with the US dollar right now.

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