Best Scotch Whisky for beginners

If you’re new to drinking scotch whisky and don’t know where to begin you’re not alone. You may think of scotch as something your grandfather would drink in one of those criss-cross glasses in a dark corner of their private bar.  If you ever sneaked a sip as a child you would’ve been met with the horrific burn and watering eyes that only strong alcohol can bring. Thankfully our taste buds and palate mature with young and old enjoying the delectable beverage neat (by itself) on the rocks (with a single ice cube), with soda or in a cocktail. There is a flavour profile to suit every palate but it can be hard to decipher the language, and then there are the prices. More expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better taste!

We’ve broken down the top 3 single malt (not blended) scotch whiskys that are reasonably priced and easy on the taste buds without that horrible burn.

The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smooth and balanced slightly fruity flavours with traditional oak cask aftertaste. This is a good introduction to scotch and has no fire, no smoke, no burn, no aftertaste.

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The classic scotch found in every bar. It’s smooth, fresh and a lovely sweet aftertaste due to the Sherry and Bourbon Oak cask finish. This is a go-to scotch every beginner should try, no smoke, no burn, sweet aftertaste.

Spey River 12 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Not from the standard scotch range. Smooth with light fruity flavours with vanilla. A light flavour, with a light burn due to the more youthful nature of the scotch. No peat, no smoke, no fire, light aftertaste of oak. A drop of water is recommended to smooth down the light burn and open up the sweet fruity taste.

Review: The Macallan 18-Year-Old

Review:

The Macallan 18-Year-Old

43% ABV 86 Proof. Aged: 18 years. 100% malted barley. Triple Cask Matured

We found ourselves inside my favourite whisky bar.  After a long day, I couldn’t think of a better place to be.  The menu; exhaustive, the venue; filled with a quiet and intimate ambience. With over 100 whiskies, what to select is usually overwhelming but on this occasion our attention was immediately drawn towards The Macallan 18.

The 18 is referred to as “the iconic Macallan” by the producers themselves, this was going to be the first time for me.  I have always loved scotch from the Speyside region of Scotland.  It is the home of many famous producers including the two best-selling single malt whiskies around the world, The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. These two distilleries are known for their light, sweet and honeyed single malts.  Then there is The Macallan and Glenfarclas producing the big bodied, sherried flavours so many people love.

Back to the story; I have always been drawn to a good single malt, it is something about the purity of the form, like a romance of art, requiring an exceptional craftsman to get it right. A fresh bottle was presented, we hear the crisp snap of the seal followed by the hollow pop of the cork, our taste buds started to salivate, we knew we were in for a treat.

The glass was poured, “ice or neat” said the bar person. With no hesitation “neat please”.  I gazed into the glass, the (appearance) a caramel amber, with lingering strong legs that coat the sides, ever so slowly returning to the bottom.  The (nose) I experience the aromas of sherry, cinnamon and butter, with spiced plums and berries.