I have really started to enjoy scotch and bourbon over the last 3 years but have invested considerable effort to make up for my lost years. In my approach, I really tried to get to know the different scotch regions as well as irish and american whiskey as well. My go to favorite is the Balvenie, a wonderful Speyside scotch. The 15 year single barrel is to me the best $ spent for scotch but if you get a chance to have the 21 you will be in for a real treat. A good friend just laid out and got a bottle of Balvenie 30 so I hope to get some of that soon. In terms of bourbons, the Blanton's is my best for the $. I have been lucky to get to share all of the Pappy Van Winkle line as well as the higher end Michter's (just got a bottle of Michter's 20). The irish redbreast 12 is my favorite irish spirit.
Best single-malt Scotch...
I have to give credit to Redwiki for the inspiration to start this thread. Yes, certain malts better compliment certain music or certain moods. Of the fifteen or so different malts in my cabinet right now, my favorites are: Aberlour "Antique", similar to the popular Macallan, but not as syrupy; a bit drier, light hearted and less complicated; great with Mozart and Brubeck. Mortlach "Limited Edition" cask strength. Powerful, smoky, mysterious. Great with Bartok, Berg and late 'Trane. Loch Morar 25 yr old. Incredibly complex and intense, with a hint of honey and flowers. Great with Poulenc, Stravinsky and Bill Evans. Any other single-malt aficionados out there?