Newbie

Bryan, there isn't a FAQ page but you can Google a whole lot of info about this NG. Or which is more fun, you can just sit around and tune in often enough and you will learn a whole lot from very knowledgeable folks on the subject.

My two cents worth is that for the most part you have asked two very contradictory questions: Quality whiskies and equal or more modest prices. The two may not match. I'm guessing your in the US someplace and for the most part you're going to pay more money for whiskey (at least of the single Malt variety) of equal quality not less. I'm not at all sure what you can buy for less than $20 USD for any quality whisky in this country. You might have to double that amount.

But sit around and listen and you may learn otherwise from people a lot smarter than me.

Dave

Are you looking for blended or single malt? That makes a difference regarding what people recommend.

HI and welcome to the pleasant world of (malt) whisky

Nee bother the FAQ. If you ask some questions that have been asked a milllion times there's loads of nice people in here who happily answers anyway

Slainthe

Try some single malt whiskies

Start out with well known classics like Laphroiag, Glenfiddich, Highland Park and Macallan

MacDeffe

I am interested in suggestions of either. I don't have enough experience to really know. What I've been drinking regulary are blended. However, I've tried some single malts that I liked as well just on the pricely side for me ($70 US for 750ml).

Thanks.

...

Try some less-expensive single-malts that have been mentioned here in previous threads, like f'rinstance:

Glen Garioch (about $23 here in NC) MacLellands Islay (about $18 here in NC) Speyburn (about $20 here in NC)

chuck (here in NC)

~ Hello, ~ ~ I'm pretty new to scotch. Does alt.drinks.scotch-whisky have a FAQ page? ~ ~ I've been tried Johnny Walker red and black and am looking for suggestions ~ on quality whiskies of equal or more modest price. ~ ~ < $20 USD for 750ml ~ ~ Thanks, ~ Bryan ~ ~

If you're looking for good value blends, I'd recommend Famous Grouse, White Horse, Teachers and Grant's Family Reserve.

Cheers,

Aaron

Single malts can be had for around $20 as you mentioned. For example, Macallan 10 YO is often around $20.

Thanks to everyone for their post.

Bryan

I seem to recall some talk about an FAQ years ago. Let's see... (googles) Here it is:

It's from before I found the group five or six years ago, compiled by one Wade "Mr. Grimm" Bishop, who was long gone when I arrived. It's short and tongue-in-cheek and comes with some in-jokes, but it appears to have still-live links to a formidable array of malt lore and information. No doubt some of them are a bit dated, especially when it comes to current expressions of various malts. But they look worth exploring.

I second the suggestion to use google to get into the group's archives. Use this link:

specify alt.drinks.scotch-whisky in the "return messages only from this group" field and put your search terms (name of a malt, or whatever) in the upper three or four fields. This group has been frequented by some incredibly knowledgeable people, and much of what they wrote remains relevant.

cheers.

bill

Since you mention blends I would highly recommend Black Bottle; imho one of the best blends available and still not that expensive.

/Kim

BDB wrote:

Seconded. Damn fine drop as blends go. Tends to be about 12qiud here in Blighty.

Jim