Thread: Beginner's whisky

It's a bit of an assumption to say that you're not a whisky drinker based on just those two bottles. While I've not tried the 15 year old, to me Glenfiddich 12 year old is rather uninteresting. I recall something fruity and honey sweetness but nothing else springs to mind—not something I'd spend my own money on.

With all the different distilleries and individual expressions, there's a wide range of whisky to choose from. If Glenfiddich didn't do it for you, try something smokier from the islands, like Talisker 10; maybe a peaty Islay like laphroaig 10 or Ardbeg 10; or maybe something more sherried—I hear good things about Macallan's range, Glenfarclas 105 is excellent, too, or an Auchentoshan Three Wood if you like a bit more of the vanilla-like flavours.

Originally Posted by PigHog

It's a fair assumption to say that you're not a whisky drinker based on just those two bottles.

I think it's rather unfair to make that claim. Just because someone sticks to one brand doesn't mean that they aren't a "whisky drinker", just the opposite really. By virtue of drinking whisky you are a whisky drinker. I've never heard any rule that states that you must drink X amount of brands before being able to stake that claim....

I didn't mean 'fair' in that way. perhaps I should have said 'a large assumption'. I'll go change it. You're actually just agreeing with me.

Originally Posted by dixon3162000

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

What was it you didn't like about them? Maybe we can suggest something more to your taste. I used to find them a little bland when i started out, but maybe I'd call them "subtle" now.

I found i didnt like the "burn?" of the 12yr old and where the 15 had a slightly better finish too it i still found the taste of flavor would wear out before the burn did. The next two bottles I'm going to try are Balvenie double wood and maybe a highland park 12 or 18. I've been told that all three of these will have largley different flavor/finish compared to the glenfidich?


Edit: I should also saw i had a hard time tasting all the fruity notes people where talking about. Might just be my pallet hasnt developed for whisky the same way it was for other spirits.

and yes these selections have kinda been made based on price points lol And yes have tried different amounts of water ect, But have been trying it fairly neat just cause thats how i like to drink most of my rums!

Dixon, have you considered going to a bar that has a good whisky selection and trying out what you are interested in by the glass? I have tasted a couple of Scotches this way. One I liked(Glenmorangie) the other was okay (The Balvenie double wood 12) and would not buy a bottle of the second after trying it.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Dixon, have you considered going to a bar that has a good whisky selection and trying out what you are interested in by the glass? I have tasted a couple of Scotches this way. One I liked(Glenmorangie) the other was okay (The Balvenie double wood 12) and would not buy a bottle of the second after trying it.

I have thought about this but the only two whiskey bars i know of around here are super expensive, but that might be the answer. I also know the one Liquor store by my house does free tasting on any bottle over 100$ but you can only sample 3 and are usually expected to buy one of them after

Originally Posted by dixon3162000

I have thought about this but the only two whiskey bars i know of around here are super expensive, but that might be the answer. I also know the one Liquor store by my house does free tasting on any bottle over 100$ but you can only sample 3 and are usually expected to buy one of them after

The liquor store route sounds expensive.
I consider the $6US they charge locally for a dram of The Balvenie 12 expensive, but much cheaper than buying a bottle for @ $50 to find out it doesn't suit my taste.
Master of Malt sells samples but the shipping cost to the US put it out of my budget. Not sure if the rates to Canada are similar.

Dixon, I think they might well be more to your liking if you're after a bit more flavour and longer lasting after taste. Have you tried adding a drop of water? Not a lot, just a teaspoon or two. It dilutes the alcohol just enough that it doesn't numb your taste buds and mellows out the burn a little. It also helps release flavour compounds that are bound to the alcohol molecules which gives you a lot more interesting flavours. The taste even changes and develops if you add a little water and sip it over a long time. It's worth trying if you haven't already.