Entry level whisky

[ajs349]

I'm looking to get into whisky, could anyone suggest a good starting point? I'm looking for something that's isn't going to blow me away with a high proof or blow my budget if it turns out I don't like it. Any easy drink to start with?

[knightwolf]

Sorry, no answer for you but i hope you get a good answer. I have been thinking this same question as of late.

[CatMan]

I'm looking to get into whisky, could anyone suggest a good starting point? I'm looking for something that's isn't going to blow me away with a high proof or blow my budget if it turns out I don't like it. Any easy drink to start with?

Black Velvet comes to mind. My personal favorite, but then again, I have a simple taste.
If you don't like it, just send it to me! I'm willing to help you get rid of it.

[Slartibartfast]

Bulleit Bourbon comes in at around $20-$22 I think.

Glenlivet is pretty good for the price IMHO

Jameson/Bushmill irish whiskey

Last time I was in KY I picked up some Blanton to try. Good stuff, not cheap though.
I was talkign to one of the guys working there and picked up some cheaper bourbon that is made under that companies old name that was pretty good. Cannot remember the name. Driving me crazy... Thousand something... or American age maybe. Cannot remember.

[VeeDubb65]

+1 for Bushmill as a good starter whiskey. It's not too expensive, and goes down easy.

I'm not a huge fan of Glenlivet Scotch, although it is readily available and very consistent. I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at it.

If you are interested in Scotch whiskey, Glenfidich is quite a bit better, and still reasonably priced. Balvenie makes some wonderful Scotches, but they get a bit more expensive. I'm a big fan of their 12 year Doublewood Scotch, but that's going to set you back about $60 a bottle depending on the sin-taxes in your state.

[Slartibartfast]

I was thinking price/performance when I said GlenLivet. Have not bought it in a long time, I think it is ~$40ish? I would think you would end up having toto get some type of blend below that price point. Ohio has some higher sin taxes, so prices will vary.

I am a bigger bourbon drinker than scotch though. So I could be waay off here.

+1 for Bushmill as a good starter whiskey. It's not too expensive, and goes down easy.

I'm not a huge fan of Glenlivet Scotch, although it is readily available and very consistent. I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at it.

If you are interested in Scotch whiskey, Glenfidich is quite a bit better, and still reasonably priced. Balvenie makes some wonderful Scotches, but they get a bit more expensive. I'm a big fan of their 12 year Doublewood Scotch, but that's going to set you back about $60 a bottle depending on the sin-taxes in your state.

[Timedwards]

Glenrothes Select Reserve is a good starting place for a nice Scotch whisky. You most likely have to order it though.

Theres such a variety in the world of whisky, there is no clear cut answer. Each area has a signature taste with low priced options.

[niftyshaving]

I'm looking to get into whisky, could anyone suggest a good starting point? I'm looking for something that's isn't going to blow me away with a high proof or blow my budget if it turns out I don't like it. Any easy drink to start with?

Almost all whiskey is going to be the same proof.

I suggest you find a better than average liquor store
that has mini bottles and purchases a selection.

Try two at a time --- three is TOO much.

Pour half of one mini bottle in a rocks glass
with one ice cube and taste.

Do the same with the second whiskey in a clean glass.

Then go back to the first finish it and then the second.

The vast majority of good whiskey and scotch can
be had in mini bottles.

This is not true for many top shelf whiskey but
by working your way through the basics you can
discover if you like oak or maple, scotch, corn whiskey,
rye whiskey....

The other tip is to find a designated driver then
find a bar with a tasting night.
A fifty dollar bottle of scotch that you do not like
is fifty bucks badly spent. Scotch whiskey has
the largest range of smoke and wood flavors.
Some I love, some I appreciate, and others are
fine and dandy for company.

[honedright]

Pour half of one mini bottle in a rocks glass
with one ice cube and taste.

Do the same with the second whiskey in a clean glass.

Hmmmm...

Do you think that straight up would be too intense for an inexperienced whiskey drinker? For me, even one ice cube can completely change the nature, flavor and nose of a whiskey (scotch, bourbon, etc.). I was thinking that straight whiskey taken slowly (stick your nose in the glass, savor the aromas) sip slowly and swirl in the mouth (pick out the many different subtle flavors)... aw hell, now I want a drink

[D.Sweet]

I agree. Ice can change the flavor of good whisky/whiskey. So much so that I no longer do "on the rocks".

In fact, the only time i find myself adding spring water/filtered water is with a cask strength.