If you’re a coffee drinker, you probably remember your first sip and thinking it wasn’t quite right for your tastebuds. But then, a milky coffee turned into a cappuccino, and before you know it, your go-to order is a short, sharp espresso. The truth is, for most people, whisky is the same. Once you ‘get it’ – and you have your first whisky tastings - you’re a whisky fan for life. But chances are, it won’t happen with the very first sip if you go in unprepared. Diving right in with some of the strong, smoky, peaty whiskies might have you ditching the dram, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Ease yourself in with gentle, well-rounded whiskies, plus other top tips for getting initiated into the club.
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 are stronger and fuller in flavour, 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.
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.
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.
In a nutshell:
The Singleton is a sociable whisky and is largely agreed to be one of the easiest malts to enjoy for beginners as the notes balance well to appeal to many tastebuds. From firm, spicy notes which open up to touches of brown sugar, soft-cooked apples and creamy toffee, it’s a fine single malt which isn’t too sweet or spicy.
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.
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.
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.
Explore the world of Malts
From American bourbon to Scotch whisky, read our handy guide to the different types of whisky, how they’re made and how they differ.
From peaty whisky to fruity whisky, lean on our expert insights to discover the full variety and character of different whisky flavours.
Choosing the correct beginner whisky is an important step for any budding malts enthusiast. Let us help you start your journey.
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