Thread: Beginner's whisky

That all makes sense. Hats off to the moderators, you guys clearly put a lot of time and effort into keeping the forums running well.

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

For beginners, "whisky".

For advanced drinkers, "whiskey".

Still want clarification on what this means.

I'm pretty sure there are a number of professionals in the whisky world that are far beyond being beginners in their field.

Likewise, there are plenty of -- generally older, more expensive -- scotch whiskies that are less suitable for 'beginners' due to their complex flavours that aren't appreciated by someone who doesn't know what to look for or who hasn't had much to compare with.

I'm equally sure that the same can be said for Irish/American/world whiskey. Suggesting that one style over another is for 'advanced drinkers' is completely missing the point.

I'm aware that the comment was probably made in jest but I think it's, nevertheless, rather a narrow view to have. Buy a highland park and broaden your horizons!

Originally Posted by Cangooner

???

I'm similarly confused by this...

Originally Posted by PigHog

Still want clarification on what this means.

Whiskey is made in the US an Ireland.
Whisky is made in Canada, Scotland and Japan.
I am no Whisky(ey) pro so I can't tell if there are any other difference, this is what I have learned.

My first whisky was an Aberlour 12 yr, but I have grown really fond of Islays.

Originally Posted by Ludvig

Whiskey is made in the US an Ireland.
Whisky is made in Canada, Scotland and Japan.
I am no Whisky(ey) pro so I can't tell if there are any other difference, this is what I have learned.

That part I understand.

What I don't get is the generalization that one is for beginners, the other for 'advanced' drinkers. There are good/bad, harsh/subtle, complex/boring whiskies from all countries of origin. By the generalization given, I was a more advanced drinker when I used to sneak into bars underage and choke down JD than now when I take the time to truly appreciate the complexities and nuances of, say, Lagavulin.



Ah, whatever... to each his own and all that.

Back to the original question, my suggestions for a starter whisky (I confess my ignorance of most Unitedstatesian Whiskeys and so will focus my attention across the Atlantic) would be from the more subtle malts that don't have overly peaty or medicinal overtones. As much as I love those, they put plenty of people off whisk(e)y before they even begin.

Highland Park 12
Dalwhinnie
Glenlivet
Aberlour (their 10yo is IMHO a great starter because it is quite inexpensive and still is lovely stuff. Their 12yo is also reasonable and A'bunadh is gorgeous, but a bit pricey)
Oban

Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie are often the most widely available and most aggressively marketed malts. They are OK but not (IMHO) as interesting as some of the other options. And of the two, I prefer Glenmorangie. But that's just me, and likely due at least in part to my inherent dislike of massively marketed stuff.

Originally Posted by PigHog

What makes you say that scotch whisky and the like is for beginners?

Spelling, that's all. Spirits are so personal and dependent on accompanying food, drink or smoke I can't offer any great advice beyond that. Sorry, it was not my intention to confuse anyone.

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

Spelling, that's all. Spirits are so personal and dependent on accompanying food, drink or smoke I can't offer any great advice beyond that. Sorry, it was not my intention to confuse anyone.

No worries - I suspect I was guilty of reading too much into the comment.

If you're Canadian chances are you started with rye whisky (as I'm sure most of my countrymen will attest to): Crown Royal, Canadian Club, Royal Reserve, Silk Tassel etc - basically anything that was in Dad's liquor cabinet LOL

IIRC the first bottle I bought when I was of age was Jack Daniels, probably for no other reason than that's what real men drink in the movies .

Nowadays I prefer Bourbon and Scotch but as I stated above, your beginner selection is likely to be determined by your parents' stock (or whatever you can get your hands on ) rather than personal preference.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

If you're Canadian chances are you started with rye whisky (as I'm sure most of my countrymen will attest to): Crown Royal, Canadian Club, Royal Reserve, Silk Tassel etc - basically anything that was in Dad's liquor cabinet LOL

Yup, Seagram's VO and Five Star for me.

Glenfiddich 12 and 15yrs where my first, and based on them I'm kinda learning i might not actually be a whisky drinker. I have my eyes on two other bottles i wanna try and if i dont like it i suppose i'll just stick too rum