Thread: Entry level whisky

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?

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

Originally Posted by 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?

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.

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.

+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.

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

a bit more information on what your expecting taste wise might help sort this out quicker

Johnnie Walker Black. Cheap but extremely high quality. It is a blended whisky so gives a good starting point before inevitably dipping the toe into the ole single malt pool. Has everything you need: nose, colour, taste are all wonderful. My 'dry february' is at risk just thinking about it now

I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for taste wise. Not even sure if I'll like anything. Right now I'm really into microbrewed beers and have been making my own homebrew for a few years now. I'm just looking to get into something new and different but I think my true love will always be a nice IPA, stout, or porter.