[El Diablo]

Wookie,

"How Red Breast (Irish) stacks up against the other premium Irish whiskeys."

Not familiar w/ Red Breast.

"Your thoughts on how Blanton's compares to Eagle Rare 17, Elijah Craig 18, and Booker's."

Blanton's is probably my favorite of the bunch. It has a nice kick, and a deep, rich flavor, but is not overpowering. It is 93 proof compared to Booker's 120+. The Booker's has a similar great flavor, but I just find it a little too strong (I'm a BIG fan of cask strength, but over 110 proof or so, it becomes VERY tough to not have a bit of harsh, alcohol taste to the liquor). The Elijah Craig is an incredible value, but I don't think it quite stacks up to the Blanton's and Booker's. It's a lot sweeter style and does not have the depth/complexity of flavor that the other two have. I definitely recommend it, but not over those two. The Eagle Rare is sort of like a mild version of the Booker's. I like it, but definitely put it a notch down from the Blanton's/Booker's.

"Your thoughts on how the Highland Park Scotches compare with similarly priced/aged Highland Scotches."

Very well. Highland Park is one of my favorite scotches and is vastly underrated.

"Your favorite Scotch for $70 or less."

Impossible question to answer. Here are 5 of my favorites in that range from klwines.com.

Caol Ila 18 $69
Talisker 18 $69
Laphroaig 15 $59
Highland Park 18 $59
Macallan Cask Strength $59

BTW, Balvenie Scotch 12 Year Double Wood $33 - is imo the best scotch value around.

"If you'd ever reach for a Canadian whiskey over an American one (which, and why). "

Can't really think of any reason to do that.