Teachers Highland Cream

It's good (as far as standard widely avaialble blends go).

But blends can and do get much better than this.

can you suggest one?

Sure, Compass Box (Oak Cross or Asyla) and Ballantines 17 Year Old are all are a big step up in quality with a small step up in price.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is expensive but is a damn fine blend.

Suntory Hibiki 12 or 17 y/o are superb Japanese blends well worth a try.

I'm not saying Teachers isn't good, it really is for its price, but there is a lot more out there.

thanks for the tip. ill pick up a bottle of ballantines next time i'm out. i've never tried blue label (i'd like to!), but given the choice i would take a dram of teacher's over black label.

I had a drink of Ballantine's Finest at a bar on the weekend. I was very impressed. Very smooth. Give that a try as well. Also bought a bottle of Black Grouse, which I found smooth and very interesting. I will have to try that one again soon. Cheers, Carl

Tried Teachers for the first time and being new to the wonderful world of scotch, I am beginning to see the potential. If there is such amazing flavor at that price, imagine what awaits me! I am beginning to understand what a higher percentage malt can deliver. Next up, JW Green label and then my first single malt. What an adventure!

An adventure indeed! Never to late to start. I started my fascination with Scotch and Irish whiskies only a few months ago. It really is an education, and an expensive hobby but worth the price. I am constantly amazed by how much many of the lower priced whiskies tend to impress me, and some of the higher priced brands fail to impress! There are exceptions, of course, but my favourites tend to be the 10 to 12 year ones, like Laphroaig 10 year, Bushmills 10 year, HP 12 year and Bushmills Black Bush (which does not state an age). The HP (Highland Park) 18 year is exceptional, though, and considered by some to be "the best malt in the world", although again dependes upon personal taste. There are so many out there that will have to wait until I can afford them. Cheers, Carl

My first scotch was a dewars 12 yr I received a few months back as a gift. Good enough to spark my interest so I started reading and educating myself. Now i am educating my palate. I think I will make the Highland Park 12 my first single malt as I have read many good things about it.

As a Teachers fan myself I would recommend Bailie Nicol Jarvie as a fantastic blend. It's a huge improvement for only a few pounds more. You can get it in Waitrose if you're in the UK.

I haven't tried Te Bheag yet, but everything that I have read about it sounds very promising (it is on my wishlist of bottles to purchase).