Single malts for beginners... (reccomendations please)

[Cohiba Stevie]

My recent pilgrimage to scotland had me trying a few whiskeys when i was in edinburgh, i was quite inhebriated and didnt quite savour the experience.

I am intrigued by the idea of pairing single malts with cigars, but i want somewhat of an easy introduction to the concept.

Can anybody recommend a nice sigle malt for beginners? Something relatively easy to drink thats not overly peaty, with no harsh bite.

Im interested in those that present apple and citrus flavours with some floral/light woody notes.

Many thanks.

[khomeinist]

Try the alcohol forum. Many threads like this. Try Glenfarclas. Cheers.

[hdryder]

I too have just begian experimenting with scotch so my experience is very limited but I enjoy Glenfarclas as Khomeinist suggested and Delwhinnie 15 yr is my favorite so far.

[ramon_cojones]

I drink heavily peaty/smokey islays so can't recommend much but I started with macallan 12 which is pretty easy to drink. You might want to sample some sherry bombs too.

Just sample a bunch a few times and realize your taste will probably change as you delve more into it.

[winelover]

You need to just go to your local pub and try a few of what they have on offer. Then you can get a feel for what is good etc. Try before you buy is sensible and very possible.

For noobs, there are certain single malts that are good reference points. I'd recommend Glenmorangie 10 yrs as a very good starter. It should be widely available in most decent pubs / bars. Otherwise at some point in your life you have got to try Talisker 10 yrs, it could be a life changing experience

There's a lot more info in the AA section, so have a good read there too. Good luck.

[winelover]

Also if you like high end cognacs / armagnacs, there are whiskies out there which can do similar things in terms of complexity and sophistication, if you are willing to spend the bucks. Getting into single malts is a journey, just like it was when you first got into CCs, so much to learn and find out. Also check youtube for the whisky review channels - there is some great stuff out there (and a greater than equal amount of dross too!).

[Rushman]

Simple. Sample a few from each scotch producing region to see if you prefer a flavor profile over others then sample as many from the region(s) you like.

If you want high end aged stuff I really recommend specialty bottlers over purchasing distillery bottled scotch. I'm a fan of cadenhead and have purchased or been gifted many of theirs.

One of my go to cigar scotches has always been bruichladdich. I enjoy this islay distillery and it's a plus that their squatty short bottles easily fit into the B&M lockers I've had over the years.

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[khomeinist]

Glenlivet and other Speysides fit the flavor profile you mentioned.

A lot of guys start out with Islay and move onto Highland malts with experience. Clynleish is another favorite of mine. Glengoyne is yet another.

[demiurgic]

All great choices above Steve. Not into the very smoky ones oneself.

Try the Macallan 12 for a lovely sherry flavor and sweetness.

Personal favorite from years of liver workout experience in the dram department.

[nikesupremedunk]

I'm a noob myself and only tried a handful of them, but my favorite was the Glenlivet 15. But Glen 12 was also very good, probably my second choice. Macallan 12 was good but I didn't like Highland park 12. Also Jameson is my go to cheap whiskey although not a single malt.

[Justmi]

I would recommend buying the book 101 Whiskies to Try Before you Die by Ian Buxton. It has a corny title but contains 101 whiskies most relevant to build up a reference library in your head and discover what you like. A recommendation for a single whiskey is difficult as its not about good or bad drams, (there must be someone out there that likes JD), but what you could like and dislike. What makes the book good is that he does not score points for each whiskey, as that would be his personal palate. Instead, he gives a background for what each bottle represents in taste, what you can expect, and what history lies behind the distillery walls. Whiskeys that are snubbed by "pros" as tosh, I actually enjoy, such as Johnny Walker Black, Famous Grouse, and Glenrothes Select Reserve. I had to ditch my snobbery for enjoyment. If anything, a handy guide will avoid the dreaded wall of whiskey. You stand in front of a fortress of bottles wondering which label looks nice and what the hell lies in store when you pop open the cork.

Three things I've learnt, expensive does not mean better, age does not mean better and smaller distilleries tend to put more love into the bottle as they do not have the marketing arm to weather a bad drink.

[Hohenthal]

Im interested in those that present apple and citrus flavours with some floral/light woody notes.

Many thanks.

Aberfeldy, An Cnoc, Isle of Arran and Aberlour come to mind -

other great ones have been recommended already

although Glenfarclas and classic Macallan are a bit heavy on the sherry cask (which I like, but not everybody does) - if the influence of sherry is to your liking, I would add Glendronach or Dalmore to the list.

Cheers, Alex

[SCgarman]

Glenmorangie 18 year was the first one I tried and it is fantastic. Has hints of honey, dried fruits and a very clean and refined finish. You would not be dissappointed with this as a first try into the realm of single malts, goes fantastic with a cigar.

[gersonmorelli]

As a general rule I find Speysides are a great way to start, followed by Highlands and Islands / Orkney (namely Highland Park) as good transition to Islays.

Although not a huge fan of the Macallan 12, I think it is a great way to start. IMO the 12 lacks personality and it is pricey but a great scotch nonetheless. The 15 however is a different story...

[canadianbeaver]

Agree on the Dalwhinnie 15... one of my all time favorites. But I would also add Scapa 16. Probably the top of my list.

Lately though I have expanded my cigar pairing to Ron Zacapa 23. It makes me crazy with delight and that is all I can divulge about that.

[ajgagnon]

Skip the bar shelf brands and start with the next tier: Balvenie, Glenkinchie, Bruichladdie, Springbank, etc. Where I live these go for about $50-75.

Actually, do yourself a favour and go to a scotch tasting hosted by a local spirit retailer, restaurant or bar. There's nothing like having a few different whiskies lined up to compare flavours and be able to take a couple of notes. Even just identifying one or two regions or brands you like is a great start. It's usually cheaper than buying individual shots at the bar, and more informative.