12 years or 18 years?

Mr. Gregm

A poetic response indeed.  A Hibiki Harmony  lends to the facts!
The Japanese have produced a fine whiskey as well as exquisitely expensive audiophile gear!
Cheers! Stay Healthy!

Way back in the 1980s, I used to enjoy The Macallan 12-year-old Scotch. I had two part-time jobs then, and had promised myself that if the better of the two turned into a full-time gig, I'd celebrate and buy myself a bottle of The Macallan 18. I got the full-time job, got the 18-year-old Scotch, and wouldn't you just know it -- I preferred the 12-year-old. I still drink that from time to time, but haven't had the 18 since. I found the one that had been aged longer to be too smooth, with all the edginess of the younger version -- which I liked -- sanded off, as it were. Just one man's tale.
And I've got a nicer stereo now, too.
-- Howard

What I should have said was this: The Macallan 18 was a bit like a pair of loudspeakers with a ruler-flat frequency response. It did nothing wrong -- nothing at all -- but it wasn't as engaging as its younger sibling. The 12-year-old had some peaks and some valleys, but I found them to be features, not bugs.
-- Howard

Before I got derailed onto high-end Cognac & Armagnac I was into single-malts.  Talisker is a heck of a good whisky, and so is Laphroaig.  I remember being at a bar in Edinburgh Scotland.  The wizened old Scot beside me ordered me to try a Dufftown.  He pronounced it "Dooif Tune."  Yeah, a noble brew.  All these spirits have plenty of character.  Flat frequency response?  Nay, me laddies.  But imaging in spades.

For 18YO, I find Highland Park to be one of the best.  Not as bold as a Balvenie 17YO ar even a Glenfiddich 18.  

If you are looking for something amazingly smooth, I will admit, a bit pricier, check out a Glenfiddich 21.  Glenfiddich tends to be a fruitier, sweeter whisky and the addition of the rum finish gives it this just amazing, rich and slightly sweet taste.  For a little less, check out the Balvenie 14 Carribean Cask.  

Another interesting choice would be to look at Kavalan.  They have a portwood finish that will be in a similar price range as many 18s that is amazingly smooth.  One of my favorite whiskys in the world for the money.