Note that I said a good scotch, not a great one. Basically, what I’m looking for is the best of the American mass-market, commonly available brands out there. You may have a favorite bottle of truly magnificent, century old spirits but if I have to travel to someone’s ye olde ancestral castle on the highlands to get it, it’s not going to happen.
Besides, having too much top-notch whiskey around the house attracts too many “friends” just looking for a free bar.
Suggestions please?
Do you have an example of a scotch that you currently like? There’s a huge variation. What part of the world are you in? Somebody like silenus will be more useful than me about was is commonly available in the US (assuming he’s in the same part as you are).
I’ve got better and have had worse but the mainstay of my scotch cabinet will always be Macallen 12.
I’m quite fond of Laphroig - it’s a good choice if you want a peatier single-malt.
Not to be confused with McClelland’s.
Not sure how much Scotch you drink, but Glenfiddich is worth looking at. Their 18 is worth having and not too pricey if it’s not something you or your friends are going to drain in a month.
I don’t really know enough about scotch to have a favorite? I doubt I’ve sampled more than a half dozen different ones.
I don’t really drink much myself but I like having a reasonably stocked bar cabinet for my friends and family that do partake. I asked them what they like and got answers all over the place with many priced at well over $100 a bottle. I was hoping for some advice in cutting through the clutter and avoiding going broke.
Thinkin’ further, if you’re just becoming accustomed to scotch, one that many seem to enjoy early is Bunnahabhain, a perfectly respectable Islay single malt.
ETA: inexpensive enough to be shared too.
Your basic, please anybody single-malts include Glen Livet, Balvenie Double-wood, and Glen Rothes. Any will be acceptable to 95% of Scotch drinkers.
Those with tastebuds will go for Macallan Cask-Strength. 
If you like Macallen you will probably like Highland Park, because although it is from orkney not speyside it has a highland character
If you are not so used to islays then laphroig might be a bit challenging at first and you might want to start with something not quite so peaty, like bunnahabhain
For a lowland it is more difficult because they tend to be quite small producers but auchentoshan is really coming up in the world now and is worth a try.
Once you settle which style you prefer there is a whole world to explore
Oh and I cannot praise too highly the irish single malt, Midleton. It is expensive and it is definitely for a special occasion, if you can find it. But I am scot and it is really good even though not from here 
Nitpick: It’s the Macallan.
Yours,
The Shibb
[SIZE=“1”](not from) The Ohio State University[/SIZE]
I’ll echo the Mccallan suggestions. Maccallan 12 is something like the Knob Creek of Scotches. It’s not super high-end specialty whiskey, but it’s better than most of what you’ll readily find in any grocery store. Oban, if you can find it, is also worth drinking, and is not terribly expensive.
Laphroaig is extremely peaty; I would not start with it. If you want something moderately peaty, try Lagavulin. If you want something relatively smooth, try Dalwhinnie or Oban. None of these are real cheap but they shouldn’t be terribly expensive.
Alright, many thanks for the suggestions. I’ve got my list written and I’ll stop by the liquor store on the way home from work to see what they have.
I picked up a bottle of Speyburn 10 yr old from our state store for $20. For what it is I thought this was a good bargain.
For blends I’ve been buying Black Label or Vat 69. No complaints yet.
BenRiach 20 years
Edit: or is it 22, or 21?
Absolutely agree. A fairly light, but well-balanced Highland Single Malt. Sometimes refered to as a "beginner’s Scotch’ as it’s extremely accessable, while still being a very respectable beverage. Starts with a honey-citrus note, shifting to a sharper, peaty finish. Lingers very pleasantly.
This is my day-to-day go-to Scotch - When I want to do somet thinking, or just mellow out for a while, Dalwhinnie is my choice. I save the more challenging, expensive single-malts for celebrations and very sepcial occasions.
My husband’s scotch of choice is Macallan 12. He’s been drinking Buffalo Trace bourbon instead of scotch lately, though.
My friend’s reaction when he first tried Laphroaig: “It’s bong water!”
An acquired taste, to be certain.
Heh, “bog water” is what I said. Tastes like the Tollund Man marinated in it.
