thanks for all the continued help. I've also had a little time with the Speyburn 10 and have to say that is a very good budget dram. very nice flavors and not too bad at $28- liquor is expensive in AK.

@ e_bone,
thanks for the list. most of those are on my " when I got the money I will try it" list. I just wish that I could get Bruchlaiddaich here in Juneau

Finally checked all the liquor stores here in Juneau and couldn't find Highland Park. But I looked on the Malts.com flavor chart, and Talisker 10 was pretty close. So I took the plunge and got the Talisker...

As I type the warm peppery aftertaste is still lingering on my tongue from my previous sip. I do believe that, if price were no object, THIS is all I would ever drink! I actually wish that I hadn't tried this, cuz after this all other budget scotches now taste like Coors in comparison.

EDIT: after looking at the malts.com flavor chart again, I realized that I misspoke, it was the Talisker 18 that was close. Still, everything I said holds true!

thanks for all the info everyone!! Guess I'll hold off on some of the Islay varieties. If I can find It I'll go for the Highland Park 12, if not, I'll see what else I can find in town that is similar.

I was wondering if anyone on here could help me. I'm looking for a REALLY good scotch and, before I go and drop $50-$70 on a bottle, I thought I might get some recommendations from you guys.

For starters, the only single malt that I've tried is the Glenlivet 12. I really liked that one. but I was looking for something a little smokier/peatier, but not so much that it's overpowering. Something that stands out from the more common scotch.....something worthy of a special occasion. I have tried Grants and Dewar's white label and special reserve blended if that helps. I find that the Dewar's is lacking in sufficient depth and complexity for what I'm looking for in a scotch. I have kind of narrowed it down to a couple choices. I was looking at the Caol Ila, Lagavulin, and Talisker 10. based on the info that I have given, do you think that an Islay malt would be too strong? What are your recommendations, in about a 50-70 dollar range?

Thanks,
Max