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!

Jura 10 Years
Jura 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jameson Caskmates Stout
Jameson Caskmates Stout
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
J&B Rare
J&B Rare
1/ l · incl.  VAT
Speyburn 10 Years
Speyburn 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jameson Black Barrel
Jameson Black Barrel
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jim Beam Rye
Jim Beam Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Loch Lomond Original
Loch Lomond Original
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ardbeg TEN 10 Years
Ardbeg TEN 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Laphroaig 10 Years
Laphroaig 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
The Observatory 20 Years
The Observatory 20 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Peaky Blinder McHickie - Irish Blended Whiskey with Glass
Peaky Blinder McHickie - Irish Blended Whiskey with Glass
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!

Kilchoman Loch Gorm (B-Ware) /2023
Kilchoman Loch Gorm (B-Ware) /2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Glenkinchie (B-Ware) 12 Years
Glenkinchie (B-Ware) 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Aberlour Single Cask (B-Ware) 21Y-1998
Aberlour Single Cask (B-Ware) 21Y-1998
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Oban 0,2 litre (B-goods) 14 Years
Oban 0,2 litre (B-goods) 14 Years
0,2/ l · incl.  VAT
Aberfeldy Conn. Cask Strength 31Y-1991/2022
Aberfeldy Conn. Cask Strength 31Y-1991/2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Lagg Batch 2 (B-Ware) /2022
Lagg Batch 2 (B-Ware) /2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Glendronach Grandeur Batch 12 29 Years
Glendronach Grandeur Batch 12 29 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Cardhu Special Release 14Y-/2021
Cardhu Special Release 14Y-/2021
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Caol Ila - Un-Chillfiltered Collection 10Y-2012/2023
Caol Ila - Un-Chillfiltered Collection 10Y-2012/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Balmenach Oloroso Sherry Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited 10Y-2012/2023
Balmenach Oloroso Sherry Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited 10Y-2012/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Kilchoman Bourbon Single Cask - Uniquely Islay An Samhradh 2015/2023
Kilchoman Bourbon Single Cask - Uniquely Islay An Samhradh 2015/2023
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.

Air Leth with damaged outer packaging 29Y-1988/2018
Air Leth with damaged outer packaging 29Y-1988/2018
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Johnnie Walker Blue Label without outer packaging
Johnnie Walker Blue Label without outer packaging
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Yula without outer packaging 21 Years
Yula without outer packaging 21 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
McCallum of the Isles - Rum Finish /2018
McCallum of the Isles - Rum Finish /2018
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Red Rye
Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Red Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Coinnich II 21Y-1996/2018
Coinnich II 21Y-1996/2018
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Famous Grouse without outer packaging
Famous Grouse without outer packaging
1/ l · incl.  VAT
Bùrn Taobh 26Y-1991/2018
Bùrn Taobh 26Y-1991/2018
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Johnnie Walker Green Label without outer packaging 15 Years
Johnnie Walker Green Label without outer packaging 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Lakes Distillery Steel Bonnets without outer packaging
Lakes Distillery Steel Bonnets without outer packaging
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Hazelwood without outer packaging 18 Years
Hazelwood without outer packaging 18 Years
0,5/ l · incl.  VAT

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.

Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Four Roses Yellow Label (B-Ware)
Four Roses Yellow Label (B-Ware)
1/ l · incl.  VAT
Old Bardstown Estate
Old Bardstown Estate
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Milam & Greene Single Barrel
Milam & Greene Single Barrel
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit (B-Ware)
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit (B-Ware)
1/ l · incl.  VAT
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Johnny Drum Private Stock
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon
Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Woodford Reserve Bourbon (B-Ware)
Woodford Reserve Bourbon (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redemption Bourbon
Redemption Bourbon
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
F.E.W Alice in Chains - All Secrets Known
F.E.W Alice in Chains - All Secrets Known
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Wild Turkey 101 (B-Ware)
Wild Turkey 101 (B-Ware)
1/ l · incl.  VAT
Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finish
Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finish
0,7/ 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

George Dickel Handcrafted 8 Years
George Dickel Handcrafted 8 Years
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 Old No. 7 - Legacy Edition No. 3 without outer packaging
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 - Legacy Edition No. 3 without outer packaging
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel - metal box (B-goods)
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel - metal box (B-goods)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold
Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 100 Proof (B-Ware)
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 100 Proof (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Triple Mash (B-Ware)
Jack Daniel's Triple Mash (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack
Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Sweet & Oaky (B-Ware)
Jack Daniel's Sweet & Oaky (B-Ware)
0,5/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Bonded
Jack Daniel's Bonded
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Sweet & Oaky
Jack Daniel's Sweet & Oaky
0,5/ l · incl.  VAT
Jack Daniel's Triple Mash
Jack Daniel's Triple Mash
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

Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished
Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Woodford Reserve Rye (B-Ware)
Woodford Reserve Rye (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Rye (B-Goods)
Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Rye (B-Goods)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Yellow Rose Rye (B-Ware)
Yellow Rose Rye (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Colonel E.H. Taylor Rye
Colonel E.H. Taylor Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Old Overholt Rye Bonded 100 Proof 4 Years
Old Overholt Rye Bonded 100 Proof 4 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Bulleit 95 Rye
Bulleit 95 Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jim Beam Rye
Jim Beam Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Pikesville Straight Rye 110 Proof (B-Ware) 6 Years
Pikesville Straight Rye 110 Proof (B-Ware) 6 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redemption Rye
Redemption Rye
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof (B-Ware)
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof (B-Ware)
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.

Dingle Single Pot Still Batch 5 (B-Ware)
Dingle Single Pot Still Batch 5 (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redbreast 15 Years
Redbreast 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Teeling Loupiac Edition /2022
Teeling Loupiac Edition /2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Teeling Single Pot Still (B-Ware)
Teeling Single Pot Still (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Glendalough Pot Still (B-Ware)
Glendalough Pot Still (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Sailor's Home - Stormchaser The Explorer Series (B-Ware)
Sailor's Home - Stormchaser The Explorer Series (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Powers John's Lane 12 Years
Powers John's Lane 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Green Spot Château Léoville Barton (B-Ware)
Green Spot Château Léoville Barton (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redbreast Cask Strength (B-Goods) 12Y-/2023
Redbreast Cask Strength (B-Goods) 12Y-/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Redbreast Lustau
Redbreast Lustau
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Jameson Single Pot Still /2023
Jameson Single Pot Still /2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy
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.

North British - The Alba Trail 28Y-1994/2023
North British - The Alba Trail 28Y-1994/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Compass Box Hedonism (B-Ware)
Compass Box Hedonism (B-Ware)
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
North British Select Grain (B-goods) 13Y-2009
North British Select Grain (B-goods) 13Y-2009
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Haig Club Clubman
Haig Club Clubman
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Strathclyde Citrus Scents (B-Ware) 13Y-2005
Strathclyde Citrus Scents (B-Ware) 13Y-2005
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
The Observatory 25Y-/2023
The Observatory 25Y-/2023
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Strathclyde Octave (B-Ware) 31Y-1989/2020
Strathclyde Octave (B-Ware) 31Y-1989/2020
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Port Dundas 15Y-2006/2022
Port Dundas 15Y-2006/2022
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
North British (B-Ware) 13Y-2007/2021
North British (B-Ware) 13Y-2007/2021
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 35Y-1988/2024
North British Ex Islay Cask Finish 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.

F.E.W Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Motor Oil
F.E.W Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Motor Oil
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Platte Valley Straight Corn Whiskey 0.2 litre
Platte Valley Straight Corn Whiskey 0.2 litre
0,2/ l · incl.  VAT
Balcones Baby Blue
Balcones Baby Blue
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Widow Jane Rye Mash - Oak & Applewood Aged
Widow Jane Rye Mash - Oak & Applewood Aged
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Woodford Reserve Malt
Woodford Reserve Malt
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Yellowstone American Single Malt
Yellowstone American Single Malt
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Elvis Tiger Man Whiskey (B-Ware)
Elvis Tiger Man Whiskey (B-Ware)
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Hirsch Selection American Whiskey (B-Goods) 20Y-1987
Hirsch Selection American Whiskey (B-Goods) 20Y-1987
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Blackened - Metallica Whiskey
Blackened - Metallica 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
Westward Single Barrel #597 6Y-2016
Westward Single Barrel #597 6Y-2016
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Westward Single Cask 'Whisky.de exclusive' (B-ware) /2021
Westward Single Cask 'Whisky.de exclusive' (B-ware) /2021
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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