Calling PH Whisky Experts!!

[alan-87]

It is my fathers 50th in the next couple of weeks and he enjoys his whiskys.

Now normally we would buy him £35-£50 bottles but being a bigger birthday we wanted to get him something a bit special.

Originally i wanted it to be from the year he was born, but naively didn't realise they were that sort of price!!

Could anybody reccomend a nice bottle between £150-£200.

Or a slightly cheaper bottle and any accessories the discerning whisky drinker may enjoy!!

Thanks

[dazp]

speak to lefty the PH whisky god.

You would be better stating what you no he drinks now and that may help with suggestions as there are main different sorts.

[alan-87]

hmmmmm,

i better speak to the old dear and see if she can sneak a peak in his whisky cupboard! back in a bit...

[alan-87]

ok,

having spoken to my Mum apparently it is single Malts that he prefers with his favourite being Laphroaig and Jura.

[Shaw Tarse]

Lefty

[S6PNJ]

Well according to Lefty, Laphroaig (one of my faves) is a 5/5 and Jura (also enjoyed a lot by me) is 1/5 so both ends of the spectrum of Lefty's taste! How about a Lagavulin, Talisker or Oban distillers edition?

[ClassicMercs]

The old man clearly seems to have a liking for Islay / Island malts with some peat in there.

I don't think you will find a 50yo Islay malt available for the budget - otherwise we would all be buying it. There are probably no 50yo at all from any region.

However, there are lots of possibilities.
There is the possibility of something rare - but would he dare drink it ? Something like an Old Malt Cask bottling of Port Ellen for £130. I have not tasted it or seen a review - but think it would be good. You are putting all your eggs in one basket.

You could get three or four bottles for your budget - and lots more enjoyment. There has already been mention of the Distillers Editions and I love the Lagavulin (cheapest in Waitrose). For Laphroaig there is the Triple Wood, which gets Lefty's thumbs up. From Kilchoman there is the 100% Islay which is their first home grown product - and bottled at 50% (you get get the 50 from elsewhere). And there is plenty of choice from Bruichladdich - An Turas Mor or a PC for the peat.

Also - has he ever been to Islay and Jura ? Very worthwhile - how much is the ferry / plane ticket ? I can recommend a cottage.

And that's just ideas based on what he seems to like - without stretching his imagination and desire to reach out.

[condor]

Go with the Lagavulin...or three

[Stu R]

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-6297.aspx

Seriously

He'll think an angel came in his mouth if he likes his Islays. It's divine.

[alan-87]

Thanks for all the replies so far, lots to think about.

I have bought him the distillers edition earlier on in the year so i know that is something he likes.

I'm keen to get something that marks the occasion. Although i'm sure he would appreciate 3 - 4 bottles of something i think a special edition or similar would be better.

I love the idea of sending him to islay or similar but unfortunately the budget just doesn't stretch. Definately something to consider for the future though, and i appreciate the offer of the cottage reccomendation.

Do like the look of the Bowmore though...thanks Stu.

Thanks again and any more ideas keep them coming!

[Wadeski]

membership of the SWMS and a few choice bottles would be a great gift.

otherwise, a highgrove house (Prince of Wales) laphroaig bottling might be nice.

Tally 18 and 25 are really also excellent.

if you want something less smoky and richer, Balvenie Portwood is worth looking at for about £85.

[Lefty]

dazp said:

speak to lefty the PH whisky god.

I am no such thing but thank you for the compliment.

OP, how about a share in a cask of whisky?

There are plenty of 50yo whiskies around but you're talking real money, well over a grand per bottle.

If he likes Laphroaig it's unlikely that he'll really properly dislike any Islay whisky.

For £150-200 you are in a position to buy some very good whisky. I can agree fully with what Wadeski said, you could get him a membership to SMWS and a couple of single casks from distillery 33 (Ardbeg), 29 (Laphroaig), 3 (Bowmore), 10 (Bunnahabhain), 23 (Bruichladdich), 111 (Lagavulin), 53 (Caol Ila).

Or you could get him some Kilchoman? The newest distillery on Islay. It's young but very, very good.

[alan-87]

Thanks lefty,

I have read some of your blog as research for the bottle, and you are certainly very knowleadgable!

I've had a quick look at the SMWS website, but could anyody summarise the advantages of having such a membership. Or even what it specifically entails?

Alan

[Wadeski]

You can buy their bottlings

[Wadeski]

You can buy their bottlings

[Mermaid]

Johnny Walker Blue Label at £120 from Costco.

[alan-87]

what do you guys reckon to this?

http://www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk/whiskyshop/coll...

[Lefty]

Mermaid said:

Johnny Walker Blue Label at £120 from Costco.

TBH, I still wouldn't. There are loads of single-malts or single-casks at half that money that are more enjoyable. IMHO.

[alan-87]

Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas. I really couldn't decide what to get so thought it best to actually go into a shop and have look / ask some questions.

I've ende up with a bottle of this: http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1372.aspx

I even managed to blag £15 off that price. Thanks again Alan

[Lefty]

alan-87 said:

Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas. I really couldn't decide what to get so thought it best to actually go into a shop and have look / ask some questions.

I've ende up with a bottle of this: http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1372.aspx

I even managed to blag £15 off that price. Thanks again Alan

I bet that is magical. I've never had any "old" laddie, I think 21 is probably the oldest I've had. I love the direction they're taking these days and the quality of the spirit is pretty special.