What is a good first single malt whiskey that isn't out of this world expensive?
introductory single malt
- Thread starter soccerguy83
- Start date
I started drinking scotch about a year ago. I haven't tried a lot but I believe that something like Glenlivet 12 would be highly recommended. It is a single malt and is about $35-$40 a bottle.
If you want to try a blended, I think Famous Grouse is pretty good. It runs about $20 a bottle.
If you want to try a blended, I think Famous Grouse is pretty good. It runs about $20 a bottle.
Old Pulteney 12
Highland Park 12
Oban 14
Glenlivet Nadurra 16yr Cask Strength
Some like Clynelish 14
The list goes on. Find something available and drink it
Highland Park 12
Oban 14
Glenlivet Nadurra 16yr Cask Strength
Some like Clynelish 14
The list goes on. Find something available and drink it
Some widely available and easy to drink scotches for you to try
Glenmorangie
Cragganmore
The Balvenie
Glenmorangie
Cragganmore
The Balvenie
Oban 14 did it for me. There are even some Japanese scotches that are on the mellower side. Happy tasting...
It depends on what you like. If you want smooth, with a slightly sweet sherry finish, I would agree with highland park 12. If you want to try something a bit smoky maybe Coal Ila 12 would be a good first taste. Single malts vary quite widely in their flavours, so you may need to try a few different types to get a good cross section.
Highland Park 12. Nothing not to like about this middle of the road, smooth single malt.
- Thread starter
- #9
Yesterday I picked up 50mL samples of JWB (I know not single malt), Glenlivet 12, Macallan 12, Speyburn 12, and some Woodford Reserve (just because I love bourbon). I was going to start trying them last night, but ended up getting some Gin and making martini's for the wife and I instead. Tonight I will start my journey. I will let you know what I think of each and then you can direct me from there!
Thanks!
Thanks!
I always post this video when someone asks this question ...
Last edited by a moderator:
Good choices, and good luck. I love Woodford Reserve bourbon. Don't be afraid to add a few drops of water in your whisky, to taste of course. Experiment, start with a few drops then see how you like it.
Yes I know why your supposed to put water in whiskey. I just can't I drink it neat. What whiskey should I start with when I do overcome my phobia gents?
+1 on Old Pulteney and Highland Park. Two of my favorites a great price point. Very approachable.Old Pulteney 12
Highland Park 12
Oban 14
Glenlivet Nadurra 16yr Cask Strength
Some like Clynelish 14
The list goes on. Find something available and drink it
Highland Park is very approachable. If you are not used to drinking spirits neat thats OK. Nobody is until they get a taste for it. When I started drinking good scotch and bourbon, I tried several ways to water it down just enough to take away that alcohol burn. I did everything from drinking it with a few ice cubes, adding a few drops of water etc. What I finally settled on was taking a large ice cube and swirling it around in the glass with the whisky for about 20-30 seconds. Then I'd pull the cube out. This did 2 things. Slightly watered it down and cooled it at the same time. Much easier to control how much its getting diluted too.
- Thread starter
- #15
I tried the Glenlivet 12 last night. I first put it in a wine glass, must invest in nicer glassware at some point haha. I nosed it immediately and it was a bit harsh. Took a sip and once again a bit harsh. I added ½ tsp water a ¼ at a time. After adding the water and letting it sit for a few mins wow did it ever change! The nose was much more at ease, and had a sweet almost vanilla note to it. It became much more mellow, sweet and creamy tasting to me. I’m not to the point of being able to discern the different notes, but it was very good. I’m looking forward to trying the others as well now.
thanks for your review this was never off my radar of sorts that last time I had it was when I was 15 (took from dads stash boy was he mad) I always thought it was too strong. Maybe now I can find an appreciation for this drink.
Pleased to see Caol Ila 12 mentioned in the video above. It is one of my favorites. I sampled it in Albuquerque (I'd like to hear the reviewer say that!) at Vernon's Hidden Valley Steakhouse, where they have a decent Scotch selection. Worth trying! Glycerin mouth feel, some peat to enjoy. I'll have to make this my next bottle.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #18
Last night I tried the Speyside 12, only 25mL and did the same routine as the Glenlivet 12, but adjusted my water accordingly. The Speyside 12 was much more approachable; it had a much softer nose even before the water addition. After the addition of the water it was once again completely different. It had a very sweet nose and taste to it. It was a bit bitey on the back end but was still very nice. Almost like it wanted to wake you up and let you know that while it was sweet it was still a man’s drink haha. It was very nice last night sitting on the couch with the soon to be wife, she with her wine and I with my single malt.
Not sure if I want to the JWB blend tonight or the Macallan 12.
Not sure if I want to the JWB blend tonight or the Macallan 12.
Glen orange Quinta Ruban or Nector'de or (sp) are good to start with if you want a little bit sweeter and less smokey. Balvenie double wood is great to start as well. These are great 10 years finished in port casks, the Nector'de is finished in sherry if I recall right. If you like a little bit more smoke, try Ardbeg 10 yr. I think it has more dimensions than laphroag.
Be aware, very aware, that the Ardbegs and Laphroags will kick your ***. Seriously, isla scotches are BIG, smokey and have a definite iodine or chemical component. They're beautifully complex when you develope a palate for them, but they're generally not for scotch newbies. I hated my first few glasses of Laphroag, but it grew on me each time. I now love islas, but always advise to tread carefully
