Not to tout Irish Whisk
ey so much but I obviously would have more experience with them than any others. Tyrconnell Single Malt is distilled by The Kilbeggan Distilling Company, who date back to 1757.
Among their award winning brands is a gem I love "Connemara Peated Single Malt" (@ €43)...
The "Original" variety is somewhat more sweet, but smooth and smoky. I have a bottle of that at home. We take in exchange students at different times of the year and also Summer holiday teenagers. We had a French teenager staying with us this Summer (who was actually starting computer programming studies in France in September, so lots to talk about) and his Father wanted him to bring back a Peated Single Malt, so I bought him a bottle of the Connemara "Original" variety above. His Father phoned me up to say "Wow!". He wouldn't be the first Whiskey connoisseur I've had fall in love with it.
You can also opt for the "12" year version which is a lot more spicey and nutty (@ €79)...
I've only tried that once but it was gorgeous, for me anyway.
Or for something stronger you can opt for the Connemara Cask Strength for which the peat and malt tastes are apparently much stronger (@ €80)...
I've never tried that one but I'm sure it has quite the kick.
This is the Kilbeggan Distilling Company's website...
http://www.kilbeggandistillingcompany.com/
...and this is the Connemara Brand's own website...
(scroll down to review each variety)
https://www.connemarawhiskey.com/
I can drive about half an hour to pick up a bottle, if they have it in stock, but sourcing it Stateside, I wouldn't be sure?
But there are so many out there you'll surely find something he really loves.
Regards,
George