Best single-malt Scotch...

Frogman, I agree. Though it might appear as though I'm contradicting myself, all things considered (including price), and though a bit over priced (heck, I'd buy a lot more if it cost little less) the 18 year old Macallan is still my favorite. Of course from time to time others might be more appealing during those times.

I lived in Scotland for 6 years, and developed quite a taste for fine single malts. Now, I'm personally partial to the smokier Islays, particularly Ardbeg. I recently had a nice long visit to several of the distilleries and questioned them about pricing. There are several factors, the most important of which is just plain old increased demand for a product that hasn't kept up supply. The worldwide recession has apparently not affected whisky drinkers very much.

Here's something to think about. While in Aberdeen, I began to collect various examples, especially from closed and/or dismantled distilleries. I figured what's better than a consumable collectible? I occasionally check the retail prices of some of the rarer bottles, and can assure you that those prices have gone sky high in recent years. Examples...I paid 30 pounds (about $50) for a bottle of 1973 Longrow. That bottle is now worth over $2000. 1966 Springbank Local Barley at 70 pounds, now going for $3000. The point here is not the value of this collection, but rather that, just as in audio, folks will pay up for the best. If the supply of the best is limited, prices must rise. Pretty fundamental stuff.

I'll share one more little story. In 1996, I bought a bond from the founders of the Arran distillery. They sold this to start production, buy the equipment, and so on. In return, the boldholders received 7 cases of 'Founder's Reserve' single malt. Arran makes a very fine whisky, which I would describe as similar to one of the less peated Islays. Highly recommended if you can find it. meanwhile, if you're ever in the Houston area, come on by for some music and a dram or two.

Macallan 12 year old. Maybe not the best, just the best I can justify the cost of.

Just had a taste of my friends Arran and I would agree;a very fine malt.
Islay labels are my preference. Laphroig and Lagavullan,Bowmores,Ardbeg.
Laphroig 10 yr. (we call it "frog juice")is one of the least expensive premium malts; going here in Cincy for about $45.00.
I have found that price has little bearing on character and taste (in single malts).
btw most of the distilleries are owned by the Japanese.

cheers

Awesome suggestions - thank you! I picked up a bottle of Islay Bowmore 12 and Red Breast 12. Islay (smoky) was great before dinner, and the Red Breast (sweet) great afterwards. Both required blooming to enhance and refine their flavors. To bloom I used ice.