What bottle of scotch should I buy tonight?

Don’t drink it myself, but everyone I know enjoys Glenlivet or Johnny Walker red or black.

Cheers!

Glenlivet is my favorite. But it sounds like you’ve sampled enough to make your own selection.

Depending on your budget, Glenlivet 12 is a tasty and affordable “everyday” scotch. Or if you’re feeling spendy, try a Macallan or Aberlour.

Or….

Venture beyond scotch and try these gems:

BOURBON
Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, Buffalo Trace

RYE
Rittenhouse 100 proof “bottled in bond”

APPLEJACK
Laird’s Apple Brandy 100 proof “bottled in bond”

@PupnTaco has some great recommendations. I’ll second the Macallan 12 and the Maker’s Mark.

Thanks Pup. I saw a glenlivet 15 or 16 on sale for less that $50. I think I’ll grab that one! How is the Applejack?

Thanks missA!

The Applejack is amazing – but be sure to track down the harder-to-find 100 proof (called “apple brandy” on the label). It’s been made by the same family since 1780 or something ridiculous. The Laird’s they label as “applejack” is a blend of the good stuff and neutral grain spirits, sort of like a Mike’s Hard Lemonade – barf.

Try this cocktail if you can track it down:

Jack Rose
1½ oz Applejack (Laird’s 100 proof apple brandy)
¾ oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz real grenadine (Stirrings makes one that’s readily available)
Shake with crushed ice until well chilled, strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Removed because I just realized my recommendation is one of the things you listed!

Cragganmore 12yo

Any other favorite any of you have?

@stevenb You must share with us which bottle you purchased…

You seem to like quality and a certain smoky peatyness to your Scotches.
I don’t know what neck of the woods you hail from but if you can get your hands on some, try Clynelish.
The distillery is quite modern and located in the small town of Brora on the east coast of Sutherland in the Northern Highlands a few miles north of the Glenmorangie distillery. Although the existing distillery is fairly new – mid 1960’s I think, the tradition goes back a long way as it replaced an older distillery which is still there and used as warehousing.
The place smells wonderful and they have a small ‘bar’ where you can sample a dram.
Prices are similar to Glenmorangie, as is the water and environment, both distilleries being near the coast, following similar traditions and sourcing water from similar peat moor environments. The similarity ends there as some of what you pay for Glenmorangie reflects it’s vast marketing program, whereas what you pay for Clynelish is reflected in quality.
Much of the Clynelish single malt output goes to Johnny Walker for blending but they retain some of the best and produce a small range of single malts that are ‘envigorating’ and rather dryer than the average.
The 14 year old is favourite and at 46% by volume the alcohol does not overpower the subtle flavours of peat but is sufficient to keep the cold out.
As far as I know they do mail order, but I have not used that method of acquiring it.
It’s worth the 400 mile drive and it’s a good excuse to go back to the Highlands.
The area around Brora is well worth visiting – book a cottage near the beach and watch the sun go down with a bottle or two, some ice, a few good freinds and some midge repellent!

18yr old Chivas. It was made on the same day my old cat was born. She passed away almost two months ago. She was almost nineteen, so I bought it to drink to her memory. Great stuff.

Thanks @ bordercollieman! I envy your location! I will look that one up. Some of the blends I really like, but the smokey/peaty ones always make me smile.

Consider broadening your choices. There is Canadian whiskey, Bourbon, rye, gin, vodka, brandy and many more choices of distilled spirits. In addition there are interesting beers and zillions of wines. It’s fun to sample them all. Enjoy!
http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/FunFacts/Beverages.html