I thought I remembered McIntosh apples being good when I was in New England, but maybe what I remember is people telling me how they used to be good but now you should get some other kind, Northern Spy or something. You are fortunate if you have never met a Red Delicious. My mother bought them for a centerpiece now and again because they looked pretty, but otherwise they were no good at all. I just checked the refrigerator and we currently have Fuji apples on hand. They're getting past their best at this time of year, but they're basically quite a good variety.

I did a semester abroad in Oxford when I was in college, and while I was there lived mainly on oatmeal and stewed Bramley apples.