So, I don't do a lot of drinking. When I drink beer, typically I don't stray too far from Guinness. When I drink liquor, typically it is some sort of Scotch on the rocks. Because I am not very adventurous, nor do I drink very often, my scotch has been limited to Cutty Sark, which seems to be really sweet, a minor kick, but ultimately has the same effect on my sobriety as a glass of water, and Johnny Walker whether it be black, red, green, or blue. I enjoy all of them. However, I was wondering if any of the resident alcoholics had any recommendations for a nice Scotch Whiskey that I may try. I am not made of money so let's be within reason here. Is there anything beyond my current "experience" that leaves me in the "oh my god, you've never had [such and such whiskey]????" category?

Help. Thanks. Time to drown some sorrows.

Bowmore

Jocephus - I picked up a nice, fairly cheap Highland Single Malt called Glenfarclas. It's not too heavy, peaty, or sweet, has hints of caramel in the nose, and won't knock you out with drinking one or two, but definitely gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.

I've probably tried 50 blends and single malts, so if you have a question about a specific one, just ask. A lot of my old standbys (Oban, etc) have gotten to be like $60 a bottle these days, so I am drinking more blends. Matter of fact, I find Ballantines to be a good, easy drinking whisky that is only like $14 a 1/5.

Bowmore is indeed a very affordable solid tasting scotch.

Pig's Nose is affordable and pretty good.

excellent! thanks so far. What are your "favorites" beyond just recommendations.

There's a sherry casked glenfiddich that is fucking amazing.

I really like Oban as well.

laphroaig is my favorite.

Oban is pretty awesome. Lagvaulin is very good as well. If you're feeling adventerous try Laphroig.

Phil, still haven't tried that Pig Nose yet. I need to see if my liquor store has it.

Also, I suggest you start trying scotches by regions of Scotland. Get familiar with them. It'll help you know what you like more.

Pick a region and order some travel sizes from a region. Try em. Then pick another region.

Get a handle of Dewars, a sixer of Coke and a bucket of ice.

that's a good idea. i may try this

That sherry casked glenfiddich IS good. So's the 12 year Glenfiddich. So's the Laphroaig 10 Year. So's the Macallen 30 year, and the Talisker 10 year.. I really like scotch, and it can be a really expensive habit.

Good luck.

My favorite affordable Scotch is MacCallan.

If you like smoky scotch, try: Ardbeg (pretty smoky), Caol Ila (really smoky), Laphroaig (campfire in your mouth).

port casked glenmorangie is delicious too

also, Balvenie DoubleWood 12
Aberlour A'bunadh

i dont like peaty scotchs much

day to day, I'll drink dewars...though I prefer Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey to Scotch.

Though I did buy a bottle of Macallen 18 yr. and it hit the spot.

Other than a few shots over the years, I only drink beer and wine. Is there really that much difference in scotch? Would you say that the subtle fineries of scotch and whiskey make as much difference as with a fine wine?

I enjoyed the bottle of Bruichladdie the Mrs had last year. Mmm.

there are both huge and subtle differences from scotch to scotch. I think the difference is consistency from year to year and bottle to bottle within a brand.

these are all Islay Scotches, which are my favorites

So today I purchased 12 years old Glenfiddich. I intend on drinking some during the NHL draft this evening. Thank you.

I had a Lagavulin after dinner on friday. Holy Peat Moss!

my favorite. also terrifically expensive.

laphroig is also a great one and the regs is usually on the cheaper side of the single mats.

Lagavulins are hands down my favourites. I found the 16 year for 40 euro in Italy, but it's $90 here!

All those I'd recommend have been named. I like also:

Talisker
Balvenie
Glenlivet