How to get into Scotch?

[todd_k]

Sorry, not familiar with this acronym and figured you weren't talking about an Exact Audio Copy... what is EAC?

This gave me a good laugh. Plenty of EAC's around here, you'll fit in just fine!

 

[bierhaus15]

I'm not a scotch drinker but I have a confession: Back when I was like 17 my buddies and I got a hold of a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 year and we drank it mixed with coca cola. Yeah, I still feel bad about that one...

 

[northernlad]

I'm not a scotch drinker but I have a confession: Back when I was like 17 my buddies and I got a hold of a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 year and we drank it mixed with coca cola. Yeah, I still feel bad about that one...

It was only Chivas, no harm done.

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

Taste it neat first to guage what you like or don't like about the particular brand. Forget all that water and ice bullcrap.

if you were tasting a dog turd, would you start off by tasting a dog turd with sugar to see if you would like the dog turd neat? Eat the dog turd first, then add sugar to taste. If it's a really good dog turd, you won't need the sugar.

PS, When you find out what an EAC is, don't take it personally, it's just an inside joke.

 

[jpc]

Taste it neat first to guage what you like or don't like about the particular brand. Forget all that water and ice bullcrap.

Disagree completely. The problem is that the alcohol burn can overpower and prevent the consumer from tasting what is actually going on. The dilution with water eliminates this variable from the equation.

 

[abweatherley]

As a scot by birth and owner of around 6-10 single malts/blends at any one time (money got a bit short this year so I'm down to 4) I would suggest you start with a decent blend like J & B or if you can get it McIvor isn't so bad. If you want to get into single malt I'd suggest Glenlivet 12 or the glenmorangie 10. Stay away from glenfiddichs younger years (8-12) but their 15 and 21 are good.

 

[SpanishCastleAle]

Other favorites of mine that I usually try to snag at the Heathrow Duty Free on my 2x yearly trips: Highland Park, Talisker, & Lagavulin. Laphroaig is not for the faint of heart, so you may wish to "get around" before getting into that one.

You mentioned my top 3 right there:
Highland Park, Lagavulin, Laphroaig. I like it neat unless cask strength.

Someone mentioned Bowmore 12 earlier and for an inexpensive intro to single-malt scotch I think it's a great choice. Very smooth.

TBH I just don't 'get' Macallan. I have a regular 12 and a fine oak 17 and it just seems to have way too much alcohol 'bite'; then I'll have a Highland Park 15 or 18 and comparitively it's super smooth.

I love a snort just before a really nice dinner, like at a nice steakhouse. But that one snort is gonna cost you at least $12 on up to however much you wanna spend. It's also good when you want a drink but not all the volume/carbonation of beer.

 

[jgourd]

One at a time:

1) Do not ice or dilute (unless drinking a cask strength). Neat is the way to appreciate a good scotch. Anything that requires ice to be able to tolerate is not worth ole Randar's time or the calories. Tasting it neat will allow you to actually taste and smell the full character of the whiskey. Icing it just hides aspects of the whiskey that are otherwise lacking.

2) Snifter is the best of the bunch you list. I picked up a set of dedicated scotch glasses but I am dumb like that. (quick tips: http://www.cocktailtimes.com/dictionary/scotch.tasting.shtml)

Do you like Scotch or are you just trying to see if you do? Do you like Earthy, peat, smoke type of flavors and aromas? If not, it might not be worth it to even bother trying.

Skip the Cutty Sark, Dewars, etc. If you are going to try blends, go with the Chivas or Johnny Walker. Personally, when I was getting into it I would try a few single malts from the various regions and narrow in on what you like. I personally hate the Lowland and am ambivalent towards many of the of the Highland scotches. Islay, Speyside, and whiskeys from Skye and Okney islands are where it is at for me.

If you want to try some nice "reasonable" bottles of single malt, Bowmore 12 used to be on sale for around 30-35 bucks and that is about the best value bottle around if you can get it at that price. If you are comparing to full price ($45 near me), I prefer Macallan 12. Bruichladdich is also one of my favorite and has a 12 yr in the same range. I love the Bruichladdich 15, just an amazing mouthfeel and vanilla notes that just coat your tongue.

Other favorites of mine that I usually try to snag at the Heathrow Duty Free on my 2x yearly trips: Highland Park, Talisker, & Lagavulin. Laphroaig is not for the faint of heart, so you may wish to "get around" before getting into that one.


You may also be able to find liquor stores in your area doing Scotch tastings. Ask around and get a designated driver!

I love the Laphroaig 10yo. The Ardbeg is nice too. Been meaning to try their Supernova. I want to try the Compass Box Peat Monster and the Bruichladdich Octomore. I prefer very peaty single malts, neat but with a few drops of water sometimes.

 

[steinsato]

Has anyone tried the Rogue whiskey? I bought a bottle a while back and found it to be quite bland and way too expensive for what it was.

 

[nostalgia]

I haven't read all the replies so apologies if any of this is a duplicate. These are all my opinions along with information I have learned from professional tasters and distillers at the various tastings I've attended. I hope this isn't tl;dr but I'm pretty passionate about whisky

Newbie Scotch drinker here. I know nothing about it other than the distillation process, etc. I have tried a few and am slightly beginning to gain an appreciation for it. However, I don't know what I like and what I don't.

Good on ya for getting started. Scotch tasting (and whisky/whiskey in general) is a wonderful path to do down. There are so many flavors it always blows my mind.

For a pure beginner here, recommend a decent single malt that's not too harsh, of decent quality and reasonable price. By price, I would say no more than $30/bottle.

I don't know the price, but look into The Macallan 12. It's a very nice single malt that's easy drinking. Caol Ila is also lovely. Something with a little more oompf would be a Talisker or Laphroaig, but they're also a bit more pricey.

Another thing to mention is that a bottle of whisky will last you quite a while and does not spoil even after opening. So take that into account when budgeting.

Also how should I drink, with water, ice? Again I know nothing. I have some brandy sniffers, wine glasses and Belgian beer flutes. Of those, what is preferred or do I need to go buy a nice Scotch glass? Thanks all.

There is no rule. I would recommend always starting neat and going from there. A smallish brandy snifter is nice, or rocks glasses work.

Nose the whisky but don't swirl it - that just releases alcohol aromas that assault your nose. Keep your nose in the glass and breathe in the aroma. You'll get past the initial alcohol hit and start to smell the whisky itself.

Take a sip and let it hang out in your mouth for a while. The Laphroaig taster I met said one second for every year the whisky is old.

Swallow and enjoy the lingering aftertastes.

Re: ice and water. Water does not ruin, mask, hurt, offend, defile or anger your whisky. In fact water can reveal a lot of flavors that you don't get neat. When tasting at the distillery to blend barrels (yes, "single" malt is still blended from different barrels) the tasters cut the whisky with up to 50% water.

I will often add one ice cube to a glass and enjoy tasting how the whisky changes as it melts. Even just a few drops can make a big difference in some whiskys.

Here is a nice link with some more information. From that site:

Almost all whiskies benefit from the addition of water which, with most whiskies, 'opens up' the spirit by breaking down the ester chains and freeing the volatile aromatics.

Very occasionally, one encounters a whisky whose virtues are better displayed neat.

So taste first. Think about it. Make notes. Then add a few drops of water and taste again. It's all part of the fun. Don't let anyone tell you how you "should" enjoy your whisky. You drink it however you like it.



I've been hosting a yearly tasting at my house. It's a lot of fun and encourages everyone to try new things. Here was the selection at the '08 event:

-Joe

 

[jgourd]

I haven't read all the replies so apologies if any of this is a duplicate. These are all my opinions along with information I have learned from professional tasters and distillers at the various tastings I've attended. I hope this isn't tl;dr but I'm pretty passionate about whisky


Good on ya for getting started. Scotch tasting (and whisky/whiskey in general) is a wonderful path to do down. There are so many flavors it always blows my mind.


I don't know the price, but look into The Macallan 12. It's a very nice single malt that's easy drinking. Caol Ila is also lovely. Something with a little more oompf would be a Talisker or Laphroaig, but they're also a bit more pricey.

Another thing to mention is that a bottle of whisky will last you quite a while and does not spoil even after opening. So take that into account when budgeting.


There is no rule. I would recommend always starting neat and going from there. A smallish brandy snifter is nice, or rocks glasses work.

Nose the whisky but don't swirl it - that just releases alcohol aromas that assault your nose. Keep your nose in the glass and breathe in the aroma. You'll get past the initial alcohol hit and start to smell the whisky itself.

Take a sip and let it hang out in your mouth for a while. The Laphroaig taster I met said one second for every year the whisky is old.

Swallow and enjoy the lingering aftertastes.

Re: ice and water. Water does not ruin, mask, hurt, offend, defile or anger your whisky. In fact water can reveal a lot of flavors that you don't get neat. When tasting at the distillery to blend barrels (yes, "single" malt is still blended from different barrels) the tasters cut the whisky with up to 50% water.

I will often add one ice cube to a glass and enjoy tasting how the whisky changes as it melts. Even just a few drops can make a big difference in some whiskys.

Here is a nice link with some more information. From that site:



So taste first. Think about it. Make notes. Then add a few drops of water and taste again. It's all part of the fun. Don't let anyone tell you how you "should" enjoy your whisky. You drink it however you like it.



I've been hosting a yearly tasting at my house. It's a lot of fun and encourages everyone to try new things. Here was the selection at the '08 event:

-Joe

I love that image. I hope some of the other tasters brought in some of those bottles. That's a lot of money in whiskey!

 

[android]

in my experience, scotch is definitely an acquired taste. i mean, if you absolutely hate it at first, it's probably not for you. if you can experience it similar to beer, tasting all the inputs, you can really grow to love it. i agree with a lot of the brands mentioned above, but i love the islay styles of scotch (lagavulin, laphroaig). seeing you live in denver, you can often find the laphroaig for < $30 on sale at argonaut fairly often. the bowmores are good also, as mentioned before. i prefer it neat, but my scottish pal likes it with a drop or two of water just to smooth things out a bit. just start experimenting with some and see what you like.

 

[cinderbike]

*Snip.*

Great idea. I'd love being able to taste several at once. I'd love to eventually try all of the scotches I can get my hands on, but a few dozen brands X a ton of products = thousands and thousands of dollars.

 

[Randar]

And your point? That gives you an excuse to be arrogant and condescending?

Saying something like that is like telling someone that wants to get into good beer to go drink iipas and RIS's. If they don't like them then though **** and they shouldn't drink any beer.

WTF is wrong with you? Guy asked what the "proper" way to get into Scotch was and was looking for advice about these very specific questions. I gave him my OPINION.

I didn't judge the way anyone else chooses to enjoy their own drinks, but if he is asking how to fully enjoy a drink, I am going to firmly stand by my statement that diluting it or cooling it to cover up the full character of the drink is not the way to do so.

EAC or not, being a jag is still just being a jag.

 

[jgourd]

WTF is wrong with you? Guy asked what the "proper" way to get into Scotch was and was looking for advice about these very specific questions. I gave him my OPINION.

I didn't judge the way anyone else chooses to enjoy their own drinks, but if he is asking how to fully enjoy a drink, I am going to firmly stand by my statement that diluting it or cooling it to cover up the full character of the drink is not the way to do so.

EAC or not, being a jag is still just being a jag.

People are very sensitive nowadays. I think we're trying to be too politically correct. Everyone wants others to walk on egg shells around them. I don't get it. But what the hell, I'll just have another beer.

 

[BogusOwnz]

Scotch is just trial and error. You can buy tiny 1.5oz bottles of a lot of different kinds. Each region of Scotland produces very different styles of scotch so it is in your best interest to find out what you like. For example if you like your scotch to have a lot of peat. I just recently attended Whisky Fest Chicago this year and boy did that open up a world for me. My current favorite Scotch's are Glenmorangie Astar, Glenmorangie Quitna Ruban and The Balvenie Double Wood 12 year.

 

[dataz722]

WTF is wrong with you? Guy asked what the "proper" way to get into Scotch was and was looking for advice about these very specific questions. I gave him my OPINION.

I didn't judge the way anyone else chooses to enjoy their own drinks, but if he is asking how to fully enjoy a drink, I am going to firmly stand by my statement that diluting it or cooling it to cover up the full character of the drink is not the way to do so.

EAC or not, being a jag is still just being a jag.

Well thank you. That is the second new insult that I have been introduced to in as many days. I appreciate it.

 

[northernlad]

I am going to firmly stand by my statement that diluting it or cooling it to cover up the full character of the drink is not the way to do so.

Adding an apropriate amount of water does not cover anything but the negative effects of the alcohol. Millions of Scots can't be wrong.

 

[Batinse]

Indeed, adding water to whisky is the proper way to taste a single malt. Most malts already have water added, unless you buy cask-strength malts. And then, increasingly adding a few drops of water will open up the bouquet and taste of the dram.

Never ice, though. That's an excuse for the bartender to give you cheap whisky (which also, naturally, has its place...)

 

[SwampassJ]

Follow in this precise order.

Chew on some peated moss.
Lick some granite slabs.
Swallow some iodine non diluted, non iced otherwise you're a pansy.

I like Walker's green btw.