How to choose a beginner whisky
There is never going to be a one-size-fits-all whisky as people’s tastes all differ, but, like with the coffee example, there are some basic suggestions to follow.
As a beginner, you’re likely going to want to avoid anything described as too peaty or smoky. These characteristics of whisky flavours tend to be stronger and better suited to those who have acquired the touch for the complex, nuanced and masterful taste of a well-constructed malt.
Before you go out and discover your dram, here’s a choice of four brilliant beginner whiskies.
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
In a nutshell:
A gentle spirit, often recommended by experts as a great Scotch whisky for beginners due to being known for its sweet, light taste. Described as "The Gentle Spirit", Dalwhinnie is perhaps the most accessible introduction for any budding whisky lover. With its aromatic heather and honey sweetness, the crisp Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Scotch whisky offers a clean and simple bottling with a smooth and smoky warmth. Enjoy it neat or with a splash of spring water.
Johnnie Walker Black Label
In a nutshell:
A whisky that balances smokiness with sweeter notes, for a sophisticated beginner Scotch. Notes of vanilla, green apple and orchard fruits balance the peat – not too sweet, not too smoky. It mixes well with ginger ale. When it comes to whisky brands, Johnnie Walker is up there as the leader of the pack. Home of exceptional blended Scotch whiskies, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is still regarded as the ultimate in premium whisky. But crawl before you walk – start off with the more accessible Black Label to familiarise yourself with the intricacies and flavours of the brand. Black Label teases what’s to come later on in your journey of Johnnie Walker – exceptional blends of world-class, innovative flavours – but offers a more approachable starting point.
The Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
In a nutshell:
The Singleton is a convivial whisky and is considered one of the easiest malts for beginners to enjoy, as the notes are balanced enough to appeal to many taste buds. From bold, spicy notes that open up to hints of brown sugar, softly cooked apples and creamy toffee, it is a fine single malt that is neither too sweet nor too spicy.
Cardhu 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
In a nutshell:
A smooth liquid that’s perfect for beginners as its noted for its lightness - which also makes it great as a sweet aperitif or a post-dinner dessert dram. The flavours bring soothing honey and light fruits, making the Cardhu 12 Year Old an excellent starting point for anyone beginning their whisky journey.
Whisky tasting tips for beginners
When it comes to your first step in your whisky journey, it’s not just about picking the right brand. There are some tips which can elevate your whisky tasting at home, and ensure you’re getting to experience the wide variety of flavours.
Just add water
Don’t let any armchair expert put you off adding water to a whisky. It’s a misinformed idea which the real experts have disregarded a long time ago. If one of your beginner whiskies is a bit too intense for you, a few drops of cold spring water can make it much more approachable. The real trick is not to add too much water all at one. Too much, too soon is hard to undo. However, with a small water jug or even a dropper, add in small splashes of water until you find the right balance.
On the rocks
When you become more versed in whisky knowledge, you’ll learn that there are several malts which are optimally served neat. No ice, no water. But when you’re just starting out, feel free to add some dilution and cool down some of the more spicy, smoky flavours with an ice cube. Be mindful of melting ice as, like with the point of adding water, you don’t want too much of the ice to melt and overwhelm the liquid.
The final word
With your new-found confidence, you can now go out into the world and begin discovering what you enjoy. Pick up one of our recommended bottles, or peruse our ever-popular bestsellers to see what others enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to some of the most popular questions about the world of whisky.
Unlike other spirits, one whisky can be entirely different from another. Whisky can taste like everything from chocolate and fruit to salt and spice. It all depends on the type you choose and how you experience it. You can find more expert advice on whisky tasting for beginners, and how to best make sense of these nuances and different whisky flavours.
For those new to whisky, you’d want to start with something ‘low burn’ - a whisky term referring to something that’s smoother and without more intense peat or spice flavours. For Scotch, that might be something with more floral or honeyed notes, and less intense peats or maritime saltiness. American whiskey, like a bourbon, is often sweeter, and Irish whiskey has a smoother, lighter triple-distilled blend.
Start off with something like The Singleton 12 or Dalwhinnie 15, smoother whiskies which allow you to get an understanding of some of the aromas and flavour notes of a whisky. Johnnie Walker Black Label is also a great entry point into the Johnnie Walker range, and lends itself to being sipped over ice or as the base of a cocktail.
When it comes to distinctive whiskies - alive with the intense peat that fans seek out - you’ll never know if you never try. To start expanding your palate, Caol Ila 12 is often singled out by experts as an accessible beginner bottle, a chance to experience notes of peat and subtle campfire smoke without being too overpowering, like other Islay or island malts.
Learning about whisky is more than learning its taste - there are different types of whisky that have different rules and distilling methods. All bourbon is whisk(e)y, but not all whisky is a bourbon. Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey, and it must be made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 80% ABV and barreled at no more than 62.5% ABV.
Explore the world of Malts
The Beginner’s Guide to Different Whisky Types
Whisky Flavours Explored
