Whisky Forum - Introducing a Lady to single malt scotch-Best choices?

Quaich1

A lady friend of mine tried her only dram of single malt scotch at a luncheon, Glenlivet 12, liked the experience of trying single malt so much that I have arranged for her to come by for a tasting in the next couple of weeks. I'm trying to figure out which single malts to offer her.
I think 3 half ounces would be more than enough for her on her first real tasting experience.
What would be your suggestions for the three? You know I have quite a collection. We will do the whole tasting experience with notes, etc. Obviously, she doesn't know what she likes yet since she's only tried the one.

One potential grouping-Aberlour 16, Tomintoul 21, Caol Ila Distiler's Edition-Moscatel finish.

OR perhaps-Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams Canadian Edition, Macallan 12, Highland Park 18.

What are some other groupings you might suggest. I probably have many potential drams you might suggest from my collection of about 100.

Very Happy

_________________
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
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minesascotch · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 7:46 pm Post subject:

The only whisky my wife likes at the moment is Glenmorangie, but it is a work in progress.

Very Happy

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

Resists the temptation to make a crude 'laddish' comment.

You know she likes something quite light and not overly complex so best to start with similar. Then you could go with something sherried the sweet taste may lend its self to a novice/female palate, then the obvious choice would be an Islay though would it be too much? Perhaps the Laga 16 given its one of your all time favourites. Cool

Lennox · Master Of Malts Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 457

I would suggest Auchentoshan 12 or Glenmorangie 10

Alastair · Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:14 pm Post subject:

My wife simply doesnt really like any whisky, i have let her taste many different styles and many are considered to be the amongst the best by myself but she just doesnt care for it which is probably a good thing, all the more for me.

From you suggestions i would say Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams Canadian Edition (i havent tried it but from your posts about it i think it would be a good choice) followed by Tomintoul 21, Highland Park 18 and Aberlour 16. Finishing with a big Islay such as Lagavulin 16 which i find is usually love or hate amongst new whisky drinkers. Small measures of course if you are going to be tasting so many.

Kenny M · Master Of Malts Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 860

I am drinking Balvenie Caribbean Cask tonight which i am sure anyone new to whisky who has a taste for it will love.

Tomintoul 21, Highland Park 18 and Aberlour 16 are also great ideas, i wish i had such a great line up when i first started my whisky journey.

Glenfiddich 12 & 15, Glenlivet 12 & 18, Glenmorangie 10 are also great whiskies for anyone new to the world of whisky.

Quaich1 · Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:39 pm Post subject:

bifter · Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:40 pm Post subject:

Jim Murray says he relies on Highland Park 18 to woo the ladies to the charms of whisky, so I'd go with your second line up. I'm sipping a Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban tonight, I imagine that might go down well too.
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"Whisky is liquid sunshine."
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Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

I don't think there's a fundamental difference between men and women in whisky. Big peaty drams have a 'manly' reputation but just a couple of weeks ago a friend tried a Glenlivet 12 and a Laphroaig 10 for the first time and she loved the Laphroaig. Conversely, I know enough guys who were turned off by peat but came to love whisky through more delicate ones like Glenmorangie. Either way, I think both lineups look really good for enticing any beginner - you're going to have to do more than one session! Wink

whiskystu · Single Malt Member Joined: 15 Oct 2010 Posts: 65

My wife absolutely loves (at my expense!) Glenrothes 1994. But since thats become less common she drinks the Glenrothes 1998 but doesnt rate it as highly.

Others she likes include Glenfarclas 15, aberlour 10/16 and glendronnach 12

Basically anything thats not heavily peated.

A few years ago she wouldnt touch a drop but she loved the smell. Every time a poured a dram she would ask to smell it. She then started taking very small sips occassionally. And now she's worse than me!

Luckily i have a very good source for the Glenrothes so if i keep that in stock she stays away from my better bottles

DavidUK · Double Malt Member Joined: 20 Mar 2010 Posts: 174

Balblair 2002

slaintefloor · Member Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Posts: 12

dare I say.. anything that guys like, they are only gonna say yum or yuck Rolling Eyes