If you are a coffee drinker, you may remember the first time you sipped it and thought it didn't match your taste. But then, a cup of milk coffee turned into a cup of cappuccino, and before you know it, you'll be ordering a short, strong espresso. The truth is, for most people, whisky is the same. Once you 'get it' - and you've tasted whisky for the first time - you'll be a lifelong whisky fan. But the likelihood is, that won't happen right from the first sip if you're not prepared. Diving straight into some strong, smoky, peaty whiskies can turn you off whisky, but it doesn't have to be that way. Feel free to enjoy lighter, rounded whiskies, along with other top tips to get started in the club. How to choose whisky for beginners There will never be a whisky that suits everyone because each person's taste is different, but like the example of coffee, there are some basic guidelines to follow.As a beginner, you may want to avoid any that are described as too smoky or peaty. These tend to have bolder and fuller flavors, and are better suited for those who have developed a sense of the complex, refined, and wonderful flavors of a well-crafted malt.Before you go out and explore your whisky, here are four great whiskies for beginners. Dalwhinnie 15 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky A light spirit, often recommended by experts as a great Scotch whisky for beginners due to its known sweet, gentle flavor. Described as 'The Gentle Spirit', Dalwhinnie is perhaps the most accessible whisky for any whisky lover. With the sweet aroma of heather and honey, the 15-year-old Dalwhinnie Scotch whisky offers a clean and simple bottled flavor with a warm, gentle smokiness. Enjoy neat or with a splash of spring water. Johnnie Walker Black Label A whisky balanced between smoky and sweeter notes, designed for the stylish Scotch beginner. Flavors of vanilla, green apple, and garden fruits balance with peat - not too sweet, not too smoky. It pairs well with ginger beer. When it comes to whisky brands, Johnnie Walker is the leading brand. Known for producing special blended Scotch whiskies, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is still considered the highest premium whisky. But let's start with Black Label, which is easier to drink to get acquainted with the complexity and flavors of the brand. Black Label reveals what is to come later in your journey of exploring Johnnie Walker - a special blend of creative, world-class flavors. Singleton of Dufftown 12 years old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Singleton is an easy-drinking whisky and is widely agreed to be one of the most approachable malts for beginners due to its well-balanced flavors that appeal to many palates. From the rich, spicy flavor that opens with a hint of brown sugar, soft cooked apple, and rich buttery toffee, this is a premium single malt that is neither too sweet nor too spicy. Cardhu 12 years old Single Malt Scotch Whisky A smooth liquid spirit perfect for beginners as it is known for its lightness - also great as a sweet aperitif or dessert wine after dinner. The flavor brings a gentle honey and light fruit note, making Cardhu 12 years old a great starting point for anyone beginning their whisky tasting journey. Whisky tasting tips for beginners When it comes to the first step in your whisky tasting journey, it's not just about choosing the right brand. There are some tips that can elevate your whisky tasting experience at home and ensure you will experience a variety of different flavors. Just add water Don't let any armchair experts stop you from adding water to your whisky. This is a misconception that true experts have long overlooked. If one of your beginner whiskies is a bit too strong for you, a few drops of cold spring water can make it much easier to drink. The real trick is not to add too much water at once. Too much, too soon will be hard to undo. However, with a small water jug or even a dropper, add small drops of water until you find the right balance. Whisky on the rock As you become more knowledgeable about whisky, you'll know that some malts are served neat. No ice, no water. But when you're just starting, feel free to add a little water to dilute and cool some of the spicier, smokier flavors with a cube of ice. Be careful when thawing because, just like when adding water, you don't want too much ice to melt and flood the liquid.Please choose one of the bottles we recommend or browse through our best-selling products to see what others like.
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