What is the best scotch for a beginner?
I'd like to develop a taste for scotch but have no idea where to start. My budget is a little too tight for the really good stuff, but I don't want anything so cheap I choke when taking a sip. Any suggestions?
I am a beginner and I really love Jameson. Its so good that it is the only whiskey I can drink straight.
14 Answers
Try Dewar's 12 Special Reserve - this is a blended scotch, which will help you transition into the occasionally harsh world of scotches nicely. It's a smooth, delicious drink that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Are you such a beginner that you've never tasted the stuff? If so, maybe a blended Scotch could be a good starting point. I find Johnny Walker Black Label to be very traditionally Scotch-y, and it's readily available.
I suggest anything from Speyside if you're looking for a single malt. They tend to be a little lighter and fruitier--for a Scotch. The Glenrothes makes a reasonable priced 10 year old. I think I've seen that as low as around $35.00 a bottle.
Hitting up the local barkeep isn't a bad idea either.
Similar to Ralph V., I think you're best served going into a liquor store and buying a sampling of the small, single-serve bottles of single malts and blended scotches. You can get some of the good entry-level single malts like Glenmorangie, Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and others in the single-serve bottles, just check around, pick a few different ones up, and then go home, throw on some Miles Davis, and see what you like best.
Much like the others answers, I strongly recommend starting with a blended scotch to get acclimated to the taste. However, once you move on to the single malts you will only go back when you have no other alternative.
I cut my teeth on the Famous Grouse Malt 12 which runs about $35-$38 and you can find it in most liquor stores.
After that, I recommend moving up to the single malts - now this is just a matter of personal taste, but - something like the Oban 14 or Macallan 12.
Also - pick up a copy of Whiskey: The Definitive World Guide by Michael Jackson (no, not that one).
Lagavulin, Lagavulin, Lagavulin!
I'm well into my 30's and have friends that have been trying to get me into scotch/whiskey for years.
Tried everything from The Glens, johnny walker, JD, even Oban — for the most part my lips quivered in disgust.
Then one day, a friend well versed in the ways of single malts put a glass of Lagavulin in front of my nose. I took a sip and BOOM! I was an instant fan.
It's like velvet campfire in a glass.
From there it opened my palate up to the Oban, Talisker, and Macallan.
A new favorite is Aberlour A'bunadh Single Malt.
All I can say is if it wasn't for Lagavulin, I would'nt be drinking whiskey.
Lagavulin:http://www.malts.com/en-us/Malts/TastingNotes/Lagavulin.htm#16yrs
Don't pussyfoot around, don't mess with the blends, jump right in to the good stuff. Go to a bar and buy a shot of Lagavulin (Casey is right). Drink it slowly, try and savour it. If it doesn't sit right with you (Not everyone likes peat), try something else, Oban is good, less peaty, a little spicier. Laphroig has the same earthyness as Lagavulin, but in a slightly milder package.
Find a local bar that has a lot of varieties. Chat up the bartender and let them make suggestions based on your feedback till you find a few you like.
A bartender can be a great source for plenty of good info.