What are some good offerings from small distilleries?

[Gary]

I'm wanting to get at least 20 bottles of a single malt Scotch from a small or lesser known distillery to give to my clients for Christmas this year.

Since some of my clients don't drink Scotch regularly I'm wanting one that has minimal peatiness but that has a distinctive flavor and a smooth finish. Ideally it would have a noticeable amount of vanilla and buttery smoothness but I'm flexible.

Preferably it would be one that isn't commonly available at retail in the U.S. (or at least not commonly available here in Texas). I'd like to keep the cost before shipping at $100/bottle or less.

Recommendations?

[Jojo]

Hi Gary - off the top of my head, these come to my mind: Oban 14 yo and Glengoyne 17 yo. These are also recommended, but not sure if you can get them in Texas - Gordon and MacPhail Imperial Port Wood and Ian MacLeod Cheiftan's Choice Hazelburn.

Here is some more info on Oban:
http://whisky.com/brands/oban_brand.html
Note my comments about Oban - "Wonderfully smooth, nutty, fruit notes and vanilla. Delicious!"

and on Glengoyne:
http://whisky.com/brands/glengoyne_brand.html

[Gary]

Thanks Jojo - I'm going to try and track down the 14 year old Oban and try some, then hopefully be done with shopping for the clients' Christmas gifts. The Glengoyne I'll be looking at for myself!

[Jojo]

You're welcome Gary! And, not to complicate matters - also look into the Glenmorangie brand. Their 10 year is very reasonably priced, light, floral, vanilla. Their other expressions are excellent (some of my favorites), but much heavier bodied than the 10 year. Definitely worth looking into. Good luck!