Newbie to Whisky, few questions.

[amsaguilar85]

Hey there fellow Whisky drinkers

I have recently took an interest to Whisky just a few weeks ago, I have drank many whiskys in the past but only to get drunk and for mixing, not necessarily for appreciating and tasting.
So far I have purchased a bottle of Glenlivet 12, Speyburn 10, and Chivas Regal 12.
I have a glass every night so that I can develop my palate to taste the whisky, but also to just wind down relax and just enjoy the rest of the night because I find that it's truly a calming experience. So since I am a newbie here are a few questions that I have.

1. How long does it usually take for someone to develop their palate for scotch tasting?

2. Are those 3 brands that I have listed good for a beginner? And if so, which ones should I get next?

3. What is your everyday go-to scotch? I am looking for a cheap $20-$25 bottle that I can just go to for the purpose of drinking and relaxing, not necessarily for tasting.

[opelfruit]

Hi and welcome to the forum and the start of one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys in your life.


There is a recent post with lost of information about whisky and recommendations on bottles:

http://www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4495


In terms of palate, not long to appreciate whisky but it can take years of experience to get the most out of those older and more complex whiskies. You can still appreciate them after a short time though.

It's your palate so it's different for everyone, trust your palate and follow what you like, here are no hard and fast rules. I wouldn't go seeking expensive or old bottles until you have more experience though as you will enjoy them but not get full benefit so it'll be a waste of money.


.....and get a good glass for tasting and nosing, a glencairn is best and the are not very expensive. Perfect for nosing and I almost exclusively use one to drink my whisky.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[Quaich1]

Let me also welcome you to the Forum. In response to your question #3, I would suggest looking at some scotch blends as well. If I had a choice between a cheaper single malt or a more reasonably priced great scottish blend, I would go for the latter. In this regard, for example, Ballantine's Finest is a delightful dram which is only $26.95 Canadian for the full size 750 ml bottle. Jim Murray rates this one at an amazing 96/100 points. I really like it.

I expect you are in the USA since you mention Speyburn which I don't believe is available here in Canada. Having said that, you may find the Ballantine's Finest for even a lower price in the USA. Here in Ontario, there are no single malts offered under $30. and the one or two just over that price point you wouldn't want to drink everyday. The Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 are higher priced here in Ontario than your stated price range but are fine everyday drams as you say for "drinking and relaxing".
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Carson]

Welcome to the forum amsaguilar85.

Personally i would say any brand of whisky is a good place to start, you will develop your palate the more you taste. I would say it is best starting at the entry level whiskies with each brand and perhaps stepping up to the more aged whiskies in the range of the brands you have a particular liking for.

Some must try whiskies i would recommend to set you off on your single malt scotch whisky journey are:

Glenmorangie 10
Highland Park 12
Glenfarclas 15
Dalwhinnie 15
Talisker 10
Glenfiddich 12 and 15
Balvenie 12 Doublewood and 14 Caribbean cask

And if you think you wiil have the taste for big peat whiskies then take a look at Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16

[Grant M]

Welcome given what you have tried and enjoyed i would say get yourself some Balvenine 12 Doublewood, Glenmorangie 10 and Highland Park 12. All must try outstanding whiskies.

[amsaguilar85]

Thanks for all the replies. You guys are truly helpful.

I will definitely be looking into those bottles that you all have mentioned for my next few purchases. Actually HP12, Glenmorangie 10, and Laphroaig 10 were next on my list and since you guys did mention them, I think I already know what my next purchases are. Thanks for all the help

[Andy M]

The Highland Park 12 is a great all round malt whisky, I am sure you will enjoy it.

[scotchirish]

The Speyburn 10 is a nice tasting, light whisky to get started. But if you really want to step it up a bit, as some have already recommended, go to Highland Park 12. HP 12 is the scotch that made me love scotch.
It can sometimes be found in the $48.00 range.