Scotch Whisky for beginner

Hello everyone,

I am going to begin my adventure with whisky, but I don't know which one to choose. Which one would be perfect for beginner. I'd prefer only Scotch whisky and from £10to £18 per bottle. Please help me

[Jojo]

There are lower priced Scotches which are among the 'best sellers' category such as Famous Grouse and White Horse. However, I would suggest you start attending Scotch tastings. Limiting yourself to just a select few due to price keeps you from experiencing the wonderful world of Scotch. Taste differences are huge (for example Ardbeg compared to Glengoyne) so it's best to experiment with as many Scotches as you can. And while yes, it can get expensive, save those for special occasions while in the meantime drink a much lower priced and great tasting Scotch such as Famous Grouse.

Originally Posted by pedro-silesia

Which one would be perfect for beginner?

Conventional wisdom has it that you should avoid, at the outset, extremely bold whiskies such as the more characterful Islay ones (Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig in particular). But many novices actually enjoy exposing their taste buds to such whiskies right off the bat, so I won't necessarily caution you against taking this route.

However, if you indeed DO wish to start 'slowly', and with milder, easier-drinking single malts, might I suggest you check out those of the Lowlands and southern Highlands, such as Auchentoshan 10 Year Old and Glengoyne 10 Year Old, These sorts of whiskies will permit you to discern the flavour of MALT in a purer, less embellished way than would be the case with many others. Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old and Glenmorangie 10 Year Old up the ante very slightly (adding subtle spice, salt and very delicate smoky notes) without overwhelming, and are both excellent pours.

[Jojo]

Great advice - thank you for sharing! I wanted to comment about the ones you recommended - Auchentoshan 10 year as well as Glengoyne 10 year. Auchentoshan is a great light Scotch which I have described as "smooth and sweet (but not too sweet). Delicate and fruity". The first time I tasted Glengoyne 10 year, my first thoughts were, "this is a great, light, Scotch". I however, was more into heavier, bolder, cask strength types, so poor Glengoyne 10 year was pushed into the back of the liquor cabinet. Once I rediscovered it, it became among one of my favorites. It's also reasonably priced - I just purchased my second bottle for $40.

I just started drinking Scotch about 6 months ago. I've been drinking blended Scotches (mainly Johhnie Walker Black). I bought my 1st bottle of Single Malt on a whim this paginal"st weekend. I believe it is one of the aforementioned Scotches, the Glenmorangie "The Original" 10YO. I REALLY enjoyed this whisky. I still like the Black Label but find the 10 YO to be far superior and a much cleaner and smoother tasting whisky.

My question is what would you suggest to a novice who likes this taste?

thanks in advance to all responses

[powderhound]

I'm new to the Scotch Whisky experience as well (severe gluten intolerance has taken my love beer from my life).

The one I have really enjoyed the most is Oban 14 year. Very smooth, seems like it has a more mild flavor. I also have really enjoyed The Balvenie 12 year double barrell.

I'm going to try a few of the Whiskys mentioned in this thread

[Martin]

Not sure about the price elsewhere, so suggesting the Isle of Jura might be out of your price limit, but it is a very smooth Whisky but still filled with flavour.

If you liked the Glenmorangie, then you will most likely also like the Glengoyne. Perhaps even the Glenfiddich, which I feel has a pretty unique taste to it.

My experience is, anything that is named Glen is pretty mild and easy to digest for those new to whisky.

[Jojo]

I have not had the opportunity to try Isle of Jura yet, but hear good feedback. Must try it soon! Thanks for the suggestions.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Conventional wisdom has it that you should avoid, at the outset, extremely bold whiskies such as the more characterful Islay ones (Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig in particular). But many novices actually enjoy exposing their taste buds to such whiskies right off the bat, so I won't necessarily caution you against taking this route.

However, if you indeed DO wish to start 'slowly', and with milder, easier-drinking single malts, might I suggest you check out those of the Lowlands and southern Highlands, such as Auchentoshan 10 Year Old and Glengoyne 10 Year Old, These sorts of whiskies will permit you to discern the flavour of MALT in a purer, less embellished way than would be the case with many others. Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old and Glenmorangie 10 Year Old up the ante very slightly (adding subtle spice, salt and very delicate smoky notes) without overwhelming, and are both excellent pours.

My first taste of Scotch was last month. I beat up the internet to locate a good bottle of Single Malt for a friend that turned 50. With the help of this site and cross referencing with the local liquor store I purchased a bottle of Lagavulin 16yo. Very interesting, I immediately tasted the peet I read so often about. Since then I have tried Macallan, Highland Park and Glenlivet. So if you’re new to this, don’t be afraid to go for the bold.

I am a favorite of the Single Malt Aberlour 12 yr myself, Great taste with a nice smooth finish. I also enjoy the Glenlivet 12 yr as well. Both are great tasting.

[scotchdrinker]

I have been drinking scotch for about 10 yrs and have tried a lot. Unfortuantely I can't remember all of them. But two of my favorites are Macallan 12yr and Glenmorangie Port Wood Finish. I also liek Johnnie Walker Green and Blue which is in a totally different price range. Does anyone ahve any suggestions for me? I have tried a lot but I am always willing to try something new.