What whisky should I get for my 30th birthday

@MrCappy I would go with option three, and one of the bottles would be a Highland Park 18yo!

@MrCappy I am not remotely a seasoned whisky master like many others on this site, but I had a dram of Tomatin 43 year this last week, and it was an amazing dram. Truly fantastic. I wrote a review about it if you care to check it out. The bottle, I believe, runs about $210 if I'm not mistaken.

That's my two cents! Good luck!

@MaltyMike Highland Park 18 is definately on my list.

@Jonhelmkamp I'm glad that you had a chance to enjoy the Tomatin 43! I have no doubt that it is an amazing whisky, just as you describe.

Thanks for your comments.

If you can get the Black Bull 40 years old, get that! It is very véry limited and supposed to be absolutely delicious. I've never found an negative review on it. Check out this review from Ralfy for instance:

www.youtube.com/watch

Jim Murray is also quite keen on it. The White & Mackay 30 or Highland Park 18 you can get whenever you want in the future, but if you've got the opportunity to get hold of a black bull 40, seize it!

The black bull 40 is an amazing dram...not had the W&M. You could also grab an older Glenfarclas? I might go BB40 though...

If you can find a whiskey distilled in the year of your birth, that would be a neat addition. Other than that, get what you want to celebrate this life milestone.

Don't overlook the Black Bull 30 yo, which I thought was exceptional. It also seems to be a bit more highly regarded than the 40 yo -- and I looked at several dozen reviews of both before deciding which to buy. For instance, the L.A. Whisky Society (lawhiskysociety.com), notoiously tough graders, give the 30 an A-minus, and the 40 a B-minus. The consensus seems to be that the 30 is more vibrant and flavorful than the 40.

But my instincts tell me that you can't go wrong with the 40 either.

@WhiskyBee True. Apart from the reviews on this site, it's also interesting to check out the reviews of black bull 30 & 40 by connosr's own whiskynotes onhis site:

whiskynotes.be/2009/blends/…

whiskynotes.be/2010/blends/…

He also seems to prefer the 30 year old.

Thanks for the suggestions and links. I will do some research.

I will be trying the HP 30 today for the first time. Will let u know.

@MrCappy I'm in the same predicament. Turning 40 in April. Should I do 1 special bottle, or 3-4 good bottles of bourbon and single malts. This is the biggest question. Not sure how to make that decision. I love collections and love having options when I invite people over to. The idea of going from 9 bottles to 13 or 14 is exciting. Have u made a decision. BTW, I'm considering the HP 25.

@Maltmark, Hey, you only turn 40 once every 40 years! If I had only nine bottles in my cabinet, I would be more inclined to add FORTY BOTTLES!

@Victor Adding 40 bottles in less than a 1 year period would probably cost my marriage. I guess I'm not that insane of a conners. Forgive me. LOL

The HP 30 is amazing. I give it a 95/100. Best whisky I've had to date. Amazing notes and extremely complex and long lasting. Beats out my Laga 16 DE, Ardbeg uiga and Aberlour Abunnah. To sum it up in a phrase, "The best of all worlds" in regards to balance of multiple flavors.

@Maltmark Yes I've decided on the Black Bull 40 Year Old! It is incredible.

@MrCappy I would imagine it is indeed. Enjoy it!