Lismore Legend 21…$79.99. I like better than much more expensive bottles and buy it by the case when I find a great price. https://www.hitimewine.net/spirits/scotch/lismore-21yr-single-malt-750-166273
Glenfarkas 25
I’m not a huge fan of Oban 14 because I think it’s like the leather seat version of the Honda Accord. It’s a solid all around scotch, it’s classed up, but it doesn’t really do any one thing well. It’s got decent smoothness, a decent flavor profile, checks all the boxes, but lacks any real wow factor. It’s also creeping in price.
Glenfarclas is a more unique flavor profile. I have not had the 25, but have had some others. When Centennial Liquor went out of business in Dallas they were selling bottles of 17 and 21 for $50 and $70 dollars. I bought them both, single last bottles on the shelf. Also a Dalmore 15 for $60. Same store I also bought a mixed case of Clarendon Hills syrah for $15 bottles a pop.
Casting a vote for Macallan Fine Oak 15 year. Or… Macallan Double Cask 12 yr. Both good at the lower end of the window. .
Scotch is such a tricky thing.
If a customer was seeking a gift of a single malt for a friend, I had to make a verbal disclaimer that most drinkers have their favorite Scotch, and any deviation from the norm might end up collecting dust on the recipient’s bar.
Now, as per your criteria (what I would get for myself), that’s a lot easier…
I loved Lagavulin 16 year old - the standard bottling. I have tried the 12 year “barrel-proof”, and it didn’t do anything for me.
Even though my favorite single malt is an Islay, I still have enjoyed softer, sweeter Speyside Scotches, etc.
Aberlour “d’A’bunadh” is very nice, as are the Balvenie “Double Cask” 12 year and Balvenie’s “old” “Sherry Cask” (not the newer 15 year old; I don’t know anything about that).
I know I have tasted several independently bottled single-vintage/single-cask Scotches, but I don’t recall the company that offered them. Each was very impressive, but what truly struck me was how light in color the liquor was! I soon thereafter learned that coloring could be added to Scotch, much to my disappointment.
So, my last choice would be an independently bottled vintage/single-cask Highland single malt.
Not that it should impact your enjoyment of it, because it’s shouldn’t, but Lagavulin’s 16 yo has coloring added.