Introduction & Question
 

Hello to all. I am 26, live in PA, and brand spanking new into scotch. So far I tried Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker Black, and Dewars white label. I REALLY enjoyed something about Glenlivet. Johnnie Walker Black IMO had what tasted similar to Jim Beam, Which I hate. Same with Dewars. Could it be a matter of Blended versus Single Malt? Or is it coincidence that I just picked up 2 that I don't like? I really enjoyed Glenlivet and want to start tasting similar products. Can anyone suggest a good starting point? I heard Glenmorangie is a good place to start. Also, maybe because of my age, but I am attracted to the dalmore bottle. I want to like this scotch just because of the handsome bottle!

The best bang for your buck whiskies include:

1) Aberlour 12yr (a touch of sherry finish)
2) Highland Park 12yr (for an island experience)
3) Glenrothes Select Reserve (for a Speyside)

These are in the $30-40 range.

You might be right on about the single malt vs. blend difference, although not all Johnnie Walker products are to be dismissed (Gold, Green, and Blue are quite good). Glenmorangie makes excellent product, and I also agree with jwise's recommendations. My own would include 12-year editions of Macallan, Balvenie, Auchentoshan, and Glenkinchie, in descending order or richness.

Try to find a place in your area that holds whisky tastings; there is no better way to get acquainted with new malts, and you don't risk purchasing a bottle you might not particularly like.

One of my favorite bang for buck drams is Springbank 10 year, 100 proof.

Thank you, I will make sure to try those suggestions.

I'd reccomend the Glenmorangie Original (10yr) and a Dalwhinnie 15yr. I refer affectionately to these as 'Scotch with training wheels'. I find these two turn ppl onto Scotch Whisky far better than the Glen Twins' 12yr olds (Glenfiddich & Glenlivet) which is where I find most ppl start.

Both the Glenmorangie and Dalwhinnie are reasonabley priced and quite light. I find a fair bit of honey in both, and both are mildly complex, so you should be able to start picking out the notes in the backgound.

Cheers

The thing you may dislike in Dewars and Johnnie Walker may be that they are a tad peaty and also have some rye.

I would try the following (pricing is around what you can expect at a good discount liquor store):
Balvenie Doublewood (12 years) - about 40 bucks
Glenmorangie Original (10 years) - about 30 bucks
Highland Park (12 years) - about 40 bucks

The highland park has a bit more peat than the others (Glenmorangoe doesn't have much of any, an the Balvenie is very subtle)

A blend you may consider is Chivas Regal (not as peaty as the other blends you've mentioned)

I find the Glenrothes to nose like a tequila (not good times). It has good vanilla rate in the palate but the nose ruins it for me.

I guess I'm in the minority but I really don't care for the Glenmorangie 10 yr. I am also relatively new to SM so I know where the OP is coming from.

A year and a half ago I was experienced in only the blends. Then someone turned me on to Macallan 12. Loved it. I was then able to understand what was meant by "smooth", and no longer required ice with my drinks!

From there I've tried:
Balvenie doublewood - also very good, similar to the Macallan as it's sherried and on the sweeter side.

Glenlivet 12 - OK, but a bit boring - nothing really discernible for me

Glenfiddich 18 - very good, along the lines of the Macallan and Balvenie

Glenmorangie 10 - too floral for me

Try several and make your own mind up. It's all subjective. It's apparent that I go more for the sherried varieties and would love to try the Aberlour next. The Glenmorangie 10 for me was too floral tasting.

I think this is the key. Like so much else in life, we all have different tastes. And it can be an adventure to find your favorites!