Introduction/Open Advice

Hello everyone!

It seems like I have found the perfect place to learn and share my scotch experiences. I have always enjoyed scotch very much but I finally decided that I wanted to take that enjoyment to the next level.

To start, I confess I am very much a beginner with scotch. I apologize in advance if I ask any stupid questions! I suppose my initial attraction (as it perhaps may be for many) to the drink was seeing my father enjoy it when I was younger. In fact, as a child I would sometimes drink a Ginger Ale in one of my father's scotch glasses to pretend I was drinking with him!

One of the things I came to appreciate about scotch was how patient the spirit was. It was not to be rushed or "hammered" down like some fraternity party. I am also not a heavy drinker so the journey of appreciating a drink - "getting there," if you will, was important to me.

Here is a sample of both blended and single malts I have tasted over the years:

Dewars White Label - (My first love!)
Johnnie Walker Red, Black, Gold
Chivas 12
Glenfiddich 12 year
Balvenie Caribbean 14 year
Macallan 12, 15
Glenlivet 18
Oban 14
Laphroig 10
Glenmorangie 12
Bowmore 15

It was the Bowmore 15 that changed my life. My friend gave it to me without even telling me what it was and I was IMMEDIATELY drawn to the smokiness of the spirit. I had always preferred smoother blended scotches but the Bowmore 15 was the most incredible scotch experience I have had in my life. The peatiness was strong, but not overpowering and it warmed my entire body. That experience made me want to learn more about single malt scotch and to optimize how I enjoyed it.

I would welcome any and all advice as to how to begin my journey of single malt scotches! Perhaps some recommendations of "starter" spirits? What is the best way to taste/drink your scotch? How do you best detect the various notes of a scotch? Do you prefer it as a standalone drink or with a meal - and what kind of meal? How long is scotch good for after opening?

Thanks again! I can't wait to scour through this board and soak up all the expertise in here!

-MK