Whisky for beginners

Sylvia Simm | 06. May 2024

What beginners want to know about Whisky!

Here, on our page for beginners, we keep it short and sweet. Whatever topic you want to delve into, you'll find it in our Knowledge section

Let's go!

Table of content

What is an entry-level Whisky?

If you have never drunk whisky before, start with an uncomplicated whisky, i.e. it should not be smoky and should not have a very high alcohol content. For example, choose a standard bottling from a well-known distillery. Glenfiddich, as well-known as it is, is pleasant and easy to drink. The ideal whisky for beginners! Search for this whisky in our shop, read the description and watch the tasting video. Below you will find further suggestions under 'Articles with similar flavours'. You can also find further information here:

Our gift finder is a good guide.

And don't forget to take a look at our permanently low prices .

Our free downloads are also helpful!

The Observatory 20 Years
The Observatory 20 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Bushmills 10 Years
Bushmills 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish /2022
Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish /2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Tomintoul Peated Malt
Tomintoul Peated Malt
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Tamnavulin Double Cask
Tamnavulin Double Cask
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Laphroaig 10 Years
Laphroaig 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Glenfiddich Our Original Twelve 12 Years
Glenfiddich Our Original Twelve 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Loch Lomond Single Grain
Loch Lomond Single Grain
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Dalwhinnie 15 Years
Dalwhinnie 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ardbeg TEN 10 Years
Ardbeg TEN 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Chairman's Reserve Original
Chairman's Reserve Original
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

What is Whisky made from?

Grain - Water - Yeast

Whisky is a distillate made from grain! The most important types of grain are barley, rye, corn and wheat. In terms of alcohol content, storage time and ingredients, there are different conditions from country to country.

Find out more here: Production

What types of Whisky are there?

There are different types of Whisky. Each type of Whisky has its own taste and its own production process:

Single Malt Whisky

The origin of single malt lies in Scotland! Single malt is a Whisky made from 100 per cent barley malt that comes from a single distillery. It is aged for at least three years in an oak cask and has an alcohol content of at least 40 per cent by volume. Single stands for: a single distillery. Malt stands for: 100 per cent barley malt. It belongs to the premium segment!

Glenrothes Cask No. 3179 12Y-2011/2023
Glenrothes Cask No. 3179 12Y-2011/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Cardhu with 2 glasses 12 Years
Cardhu with 2 glasses 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ledaig Murca Tawny Port Cask Benchmark 15Y-2009/2024
Ledaig Murca Tawny Port Cask Benchmark 15Y-2009/2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Balvenie PX Cask 18 Years
Balvenie PX Cask 18 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Laphroaig Sherry Oak 10 Years
Laphroaig Sherry Oak 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Braeval Bourbon Cask Finish 8Y-2014/2023
Braeval Bourbon Cask Finish 8Y-2014/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Macallan Classic Cut /2024
Macallan Classic Cut /2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years
Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
1770 Glasgow Oloroso Cask - Peated 6Y-2018/2024
1770 Glasgow Oloroso Cask - Peated 6Y-2018/2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Culdrain The Octave Whisky.de exclusive 11Y-2011/2022
Culdrain The Octave Whisky.de exclusive 11Y-2011/2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Bunnahabhain Ruby Port Cask Finish Fèis Ìle 2024 14Y-2009/2024
Bunnahabhain Ruby Port Cask Finish Fèis Ìle 2024 14Y-2009/2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ben Nevis The Decanter Collection 9Y-2014/2024
Ben Nevis The Decanter Collection 9Y-2014/2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Blended Whisky

Blended whisky is a mixture of different whiskies that are blended together. The basis here is industrially produced grain Whisky. This is cheaper to produce than a single malt Whisky. The grain is not malted and is distilled in a continuous still. However, depending on the proportion of malt in the blend, there are very high-quality blended Whiskies. The art of the blendmaster is to create a consistent flavour.

Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon whiskey is an American whiskey that was originally distilled exclusively in Kentucky. The grain mixture must contain at least 51 per cent corn. It also usually contains rye and barley. Bourbon must be stored for at least two years in new American white oak barrels. The flavour of vanilla is typical of bourbon.

Mark Twain
Mark Twain
1/ l · incl.  VAT
I.W. Harper 15 Years
I.W. Harper 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Maker's Mark
Maker's Mark
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Maker's Mark 46
Maker's Mark 46 11%
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Rebel Single Barrel 10 Years
Rebel Single Barrel 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Bulleit Bourbon with lunch box 10 Years
Bulleit Bourbon with lunch box 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Four Roses Small Batch with 2 glasses
Four Roses Small Batch with 2 glasses
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Old Forester 1920
Old Forester 1920
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ezra Brooks 99
Ezra Brooks 99
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ezra Brooks
Ezra Brooks
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Old Grand Dad
Old Grand Dad
1/ l · incl.  VAT

Tennessee Whiskey

A bourbon Tennessee Whiskey is subject to the same requirements as a bourbon from Kentucky. However, it must have been produced in Tennessee and undergone filtration over charcoal. The best-known representative is Jack Daniel's

Jack Daniel's Triple Mash
Jack Daniel's Triple Mash
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 McLaren Edition 2024
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 McLaren Edition 2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Travelers Bold & Spicy
Jack Daniel's Travelers Bold & Spicy
0,5/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 100 Proof
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 100 Proof
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Sweet & Oaky
Jack Daniel's Sweet & Oaky
0,5/ l · incl.  VAT
George Dickel Single Barrel 15 Years
George Dickel Single Barrel 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
George Dickel Handcrafted 8 Years
George Dickel Handcrafted 8 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 - Guitar case
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 - Guitar case
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select
Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select
1/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Bonded
Jack Daniel's Bonded
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey consists of at least 51 per cent rye. It is characterised by a strong, spicy flavour. The two main producing countries are the USA and Canada

Jim Beam Rye
Jim Beam Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ezra Brooks Rye
Ezra Brooks Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Michter's Single Barrel Rye
Michter's Single Barrel Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Gun Fighter Rye French Port Finish
Gun Fighter Rye French Port Finish
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Milam & Greene Rye Port Wine Cask Finish
Milam & Greene Rye Port Wine Cask Finish
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
James Oliver Rye
James Oliver Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Rebel Yell Straight Rye Whiskey
Rebel Yell Straight Rye Whiskey
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Pikesville Straight Rye 110 Proof
Pikesville Straight Rye 110 Proof
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
WhistlePig Old World Rye 12 Years
WhistlePig Old World Rye 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Heaven's Door Straight Rye
Heaven's Door Straight Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Pot still Whiskey

A pot still Whiskey is made from malted and unmalted barley in a pot still. It is only available in Ireland.

Redbreast 18 Years
Redbreast 18 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redbreast 21 Years
Redbreast 21 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Green Spot Château Montelena
Green Spot Château Montelena
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Powers John's Lane 12 Years
Powers John's Lane 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redbreast Lustau
Redbreast Lustau
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Teeling Loupiac Edition /2022
Teeling Loupiac Edition /2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
The Busker Small Batch Single Pot Still
The Busker Small Batch Single Pot Still
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redbreast 12 Years
Redbreast 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redbreast 15 Years
Redbreast 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Red Spot 15 Years
Red Spot 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redbreast Tawny Port
Redbreast Tawny Port
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Teeling Wonders of Wood III - Swedish Oak
Teeling Wonders of Wood III - Swedish Oak
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Grain Whisky

It is made from different types of grain. The most common varieties are wheat and corn. It has a light and mild flavour and is mainly distilled in column stills for Blended Whisky production.

Port Dundas 15Y-2006/2022
Port Dundas 15Y-2006/2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
North British Ex Islay Cask Finish 35Y-1988/2024
North British Ex Islay Cask Finish 35Y-1988/2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Port Dundas Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts 14Y-2008/2023
Port Dundas Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts 14Y-2008/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Inchdairnie RyeLaw Fife Single Grain 2017/2022
Inchdairnie RyeLaw Fife Single Grain 2017/2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Invergordon Select Grain 15Y-2007/2023
Invergordon Select Grain 15Y-2007/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
The Observatory 20 Years
The Observatory 20 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Loch Lomond Single Grain
Loch Lomond Single Grain
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Haig Club Clubman
Haig Club Clubman
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Invergordon Refill Sherry Butt The Grainman 33Y-1990/2024
Invergordon Refill Sherry Butt The Grainman 33Y-1990/2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Greign 20 Years
Greign 20 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Loch Lomond Single Grain Peated
Loch Lomond Single Grain Peated
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
North British Ex Islay Cask Finish (B-Goods) 35Y-1988/2024
North British Ex Islay Cask Finish (B-Goods) 35Y-1988/2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Other types of Whisky

There are also variants of the above, such as Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Corn Whisky, Single Rye or Single Grain, Single Pot Still and not forgetting whiskies from other countries around the world, whose production is subject to different legal regulations.

Seagrams 7 Crown
Seagrams 7 Crown
1/ l · incl.  VAT
Michter's Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash 2024 /2024
Michter's Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash 2024 /2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Woodford Reserve Malt
Woodford Reserve Malt
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Howler Head Bourbon Spirit
Howler Head Bourbon Spirit
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Michter's Sour Mash
Michter's Sour Mash
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Woodford Reserve Wheat
Woodford Reserve Wheat
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey
Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
St. Laurent 3 Grains Whisky 3 Years
St. Laurent 3 Grains Whisky 3 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Hirsch Selection American Whiskey 20Y-1987
Hirsch Selection American Whiskey 20Y-1987
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Heaven's Door Double Barrel
Heaven's Door Double Barrel
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Yellowstone American Single Malt
Yellowstone American Single Malt
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Rebel Yell 45% American Whiskey
Rebel Yell 45% American Whiskey
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

How does Whisky taste

As we all know, taste is a matter of taste! Have you ever heard of it?

We can perceive five tastes. They are: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. From these and from our memory, we construct what we taste. A so-called Nosing Wheel gives you an overview of how you can name tastes. You can find everything else about taste in great detail here!

 

How do you drink Whisky?

Pure or with a little water. On ice or in a mixed drink. In a style glass or in a tumbler. Taste it for yourself! Here you will find everything on the subject of tasting!

How much does Whisky cost?

Whisky is available in the supermarket for under 10 euros. The whiskies we have selected start at 25 euros. Take a look around our shop! You have the option of sorting by price.

How is Whisky made?

Grain is malted, dried, ground, then mashed, fermented and finally distilled. The distillate is put into barrels and matured there.

What does malting mean?
How does drying work?
Where is malting done?
How is mashing done?
What happens during fermentation?
How is it distilled?
How long is the whisky stored?

We answer all these questions here in great detail!

How long has Whisky been around?

The origins of Whisky date back to 1494, when it was first mentioned in Scotland. In 1608, the first distillery in Ireland, Bushmills, was recorded. At the end of the 18th century, the first blends were created and in the 1960s Glenfiddich brought the first single malt onto the market. You are welcome to delve further into the history of Whisky!

More knowledge?

What does the information on the label of a bottle mean? We have compiled these and many other questions and answers as well as helpful tips for you in our Informative section.

Exchange with like-minded people

Do you like to be active? Then join the large whisky community. In the forum you can ask questions and share your experiences with other connoisseurs. In the blog you can find out news from the Whisky world.

Use our shop! There you will find informative taste descriptions and tasting videos for the Whiskies, as well as taste ratings from our customers. These will help you to find the right whisky.

Perhaps a Whisky tasting would be something for you?

FAQ - frequently asked questions

Here we have compiled typical questions about whisky and the ordering process in the shop. Take a look!

Conclusion

It is a long way to become a whisky connoisseur - but the way there is full of pleasure!

We hope that our whisky portal will provide you with a wonderful introduction to the world of whisky and hope you enjoy tasting it.

Your Whisky.de Team

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Sylvia Simm is an experienced employee of Whisky.de. After more than 20 years in online sales and service, she supports the company with her extensive whisky knowledge in marketing. As online editor and content manager, she is responsible for editing and updating the texts on the knowledge pages.

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