Gorfias said:
Yikes! As pricey or more! Oban is already out of my (normal league)! But sure, what, at that level, is a favorite of yours?
Just for clarity, all prices I'll mention are in Euro. I have no idea how much importing into the US affects the price.
Highland whiskeys (sort of) similar to Oban: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Ardmore, Bowmore, Bruichladdich and Highland Park. Out of these, Bruichladdich is my favorite, but unfortunately also one of the most expensive at about 50 euro. Bowmore and Highland Park are probably the cheapest of the bunch (but still good). You could possibly find them as low as 30-ish euro.
As for the stuff I like, that would be Islay whiskeys, which are characterized by being very peaty i.e. they smell and taste "smokey", which isn't for everyone. It's a 'you either love it or you hate it' things. My favorites are Ardbeg Uigeadail and Lagavulin 16yo. Both great expressions, but not very accessible because of the heavy peatiness. Also pricier at about 70-80. That said, both also have more basic 10yo versions that retail for about 50, although the taste isn't much "easier".
Unfortunately, increasing demand the last years coupled with some lackluster production has made a lot of whiskey more expensive. Much of the really, really good stuff that used to go for 50-ish can now go for 200 or more.
Oh, and if you want something affordable: Speyburn Bradan Orach or Glen Moray Classic. Both go for a little over 20 and are great value for the money.
Drink it straight and unchilled tho. No ice, soda or coke, although you can add a few drops of water if you want. This'll take away some of the sting of the alcohol, while not diluting the flavor. It's also a good idea to let it sit a bit after pouring and before drinking.
