Need Suggestions - What's better than Chivas?

JerryM · « **on:** 3 Oct 2013, 02:39 am »

I want to buy a "thank you" gift for a friend of mine. He's not an ordinary friend, he's been a serious mentor to me for nearly 20 years. We traveled more than 2 million miles together throughout the US, and ate at many fine places every week. At every one of them, he'd order Chivas 25 with a splash of water, on the rocks.

He was my boss for all of that time. An important guy, that I'm fortunate to call my friend. While he retired in '07, he recently *did me a solid*, and I'd like to give him a gift of sincere gratitude.

If Chivas is a Cadillac, what's the Bentley?

Thanks in advance, and please let me know your thoughts,

Jerry

Tyson · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 02:50 am »

Macallan 18, 20, or 25 would be my rec. It's the Rolls Rolls Royce of Scotches.

Mikeinsacramento · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 04:36 am »

Just buy him the Chivas.

I drink Heinekin. People buy me foofoo beers all the time thinking they are doing me a favor, but I don't like it.

Besides, it's the thought that counts.

newzooreview · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 10:00 am »

If he's really ordering Chivas Regal 25 (~$300 a bottle) rather than the more common Chivas 12 or 18 then he probably knows exactly what he wants. An alternative is Johnny Walker Blue, but it might be like giving a Bentley to someone who really wants a Rolls Royce.

If you really want to give him something new to him, here's a large list of options in the 25 year old whiskey category (blended and single malt):

http://www.timeswhiskyclub.com/age/25-year-old-whisky/

I don't have a recommendation because I usually go for the more modestly priced single malts.

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 10:50 am »

Any Bourbon would be a step up from scotch *ducking*

mcgsxr · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 11:45 am »

Is the Chivas a blend? Folks that like blends often do not go for single malts.

I'd buy him what you know he likes, with a hand written note of thanks.

decal · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 12:03 pm »

Quote from: mcgsxr on 3 Oct 2013, 11:45 am

I'd buy him what you know he likes, with a hand written note of thanks.

My thoughts exactly.

sts9fan · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 01:07 pm »

Quote from: Ericus Rex on 3 Oct 2013, 10:50 am

Any Bourbon would be a step up from scotch *ducking*

+1

jqp · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 01:26 pm »

The Chivas 25 will harken back to all the mentoring and fellowship times. It is certainly a significant purchase and the hand written note is a great touch that must be done.

konut · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 02:46 pm »

The only thing better than a bottle of Chivas 25 is 2 bottles of Chivas 25.

asliarun · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 02:58 pm »

A good set of whisky glasses would go well with the bottle of Chivas too.

bummrush · « **Reply #11 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 03:31 pm »

Cannabis

Devil Doc · « **Reply #12 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 03:53 pm »

Anyone who orders expensive whisky on the rocks with a splash of water probably doesn't know much about scotch to begin with, so buy him what he thinks he likes.

Doc

Gopher · « **Reply #13 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 04:01 pm »

I've never had a Chivas 25, so I googled some tasting notes and from what I've read it sounds like he'd be happiest in the highlands. Tyson knows his scotches and his original scotch tasting notes was my guide in getting my feet wet. I find most highlands boring now, but including the "old" Macallans, but it will probably be pleasant for him and immediately obvious that you wanted to go top shelf.

That said, it seems the Chivas 25 is already a $300 bottle. What are you hoping to spend for that Bentlely of scotches?

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #14 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 05:15 pm »

Quote from: Devil Doc on 3 Oct 2013, 03:53 pm

Anyone who orders expensive whisky on the rocks with a splash of water probably doesn't know much about scotch to begin with, so buy him what he thinks he likes.

Doc

Well said!

goskers · « **Reply #15 on:** 3 Oct 2013, 05:21 pm »

I would echo what most have said here. If someone has been drinking at that level for a bunch of years then I am going to make the assumption that he has found what he likes. I would go for a bottle of Chivas 25 and a note of gratitude. If he is into any other liquor then you could explore that avenue but I would not do a different scotch/whiskey.

JerryM · « **Reply #16 on:** 4 Oct 2013, 03:15 am »

Thanks, Guys; Chivas 25 it is.

What the hell was I thinking?

First, I had NO idea that this stuff costs 300 bucks a bottle... Holy Shit!!! Next, I can't stand the stuff; just the smell of it makes me barf in my mouth a little bit. I wouldn't know good from bad from best. But Chivas is the right choice... If I gave him something different he'd give me *that* look, wherein I know he's thinking "Really? You haven't learned *this* yet??"

Thanks again, I sincerely appreciate your help!

Jerry

persisting1 · « **Reply #17 on:** 4 Oct 2013, 03:34 am »

Quote from: Ericus Rex on 3 Oct 2013, 10:50 am

Any Bourbon would be a step up from scotch *ducking*

Too sweet

jhm731 · « **Reply #18 on:** 4 Oct 2013, 03:42 am »

Get him a ticket to WhiskyFest- 10/11/13.

www.whiskyfest.com

JerryM · « **Reply #19 on:** 4 Oct 2013, 03:49 am »

Quote from: jhm731 on 4 Oct 2013, 03:42 am

Get him a ticket to WhiskyFest- 10/11/13.

www.whiskyfest.com

I love the guy, I really do. But... He's a *Guy*. I see no WhiskyFest ticket in his future.

There is this little Hotty, though...