re: Single Malt recommendation for Xmas gift

If you really like HP tell your wife to order you the HP 21 only available in Europe. It cost about $150 plus shipping. You should also tell her to look for Independent bottles of HP, they will nose and taste very different that the distillery bottles. If you want another scotch to try I would say Talisker 10 or Ardbeg 10. They both cost about the same as HP 12, but are smoky and a bit different in style.