Buying for a friend

Oban and Chivas Regal isn't really much to go on. Can you tell us a bit more about his whisky drinking habits or tastes. Does he prefer delicate (Lowland), fruity (Speyside), peaty (Islay), ...? If he likes Oban, he'll likely also enjoy Balblair, Old Pulteney or Craigellachie. And if he knows what's good for him, he'll try Auchentoshan too (this last is a joke on my part - I love and collect Toshan). Good luck!

Oh, by the way @drteeth: can I be your friend too. For suggestions, see my cabinet wishlist :) LOL.

First: I know that you like thoshan; I've read your blog ;)

Second: unfortunately I haven't got much to go on either. He is new to drinking whisky, but seems to favour more gentle flavours (for now), and shuns peatier stuff. Whether this is because he genuinely doesn't like the flavour or just hasn't learned to like it is not clear to me...

Maybe I'll just get him a bottle of Lagavulin and be done with it :).

@drteeth Careful, now, Doc - you do not want to scare him away from the wonderful world of the liquid gold, do you? Maybe, if he seems to enjoy delicate flavors and has not yet tried peaty versions, you should find some middle ground. How about a Campelbtowner: Longrow maybe?

@markjedi1 You're right, wouldn't want to do that.. The Longrow sounds nice, with a little peat to lure him in :)

If he enjoys soft and delicate flavors I would suggest Glenmorangie, Old Pulteney, Glengoyne, Ancnoc and Auchentoshan

When I am about to introduce my friends to Whisky, I often choose to present the Balvennie Doublewood. Nice, rich on the nose and very "drinkable" for my friends who are not into peat. Allway a success.

You might consider Cardhu 12 year. The packaging is beautiful, and it's not two big for the new whisky sipper. I reviewed it here: alcoholreviews.com/wp/

@drteeth don't forget the Irish whiskies, unbeatable if you want subtle flavours (Irish whiskies got me into the drink in the first place). Jameson's is a safe bet (any one of their blends will do), and Bushmills makes probably the finest Irish whiskies around - both blends and malts. I highly recommend Black Bush.

All very good advice! In the end I got him a Dalwhinnie, because it seemed like a safe bet to me. I'll let you all know whether or not he likes it.

Update: he liked it!

@drteeth Good news, drteeth!