ScotchFilter: Help me introduct my girlfriend to Scotch whisky.
October 14, 2011 10:34 AM Subscribe
What's a good Scotch to introduce someone to the wonders of Scotch whisky?
My girlfriend has recently discovered that she has a taste for whisky. She has taken to Canadian whisky after years of avoiding it. It seems that her tastes have changed and now she's a whisky drinker (mostly in cocktails, but nevertheless, she's drinking whisky instead of just wine and beer).
Since she is now comfortable with rye, I figured this might be an opportunity to introduce her to Scotch. She has previously not been a big fan of Scotch and sometimes didn't even like to sit beside me if I had been drinking a particularly peaty Scotch (she didn't like the smell). She's now willing to try as long as I pay for it (in case she still doesn't like it).
What is a good introductory Scotch? I tend to like the really peaty, smoky stuff and have since pretty much the beginning of my Scotch drinking days, so I don't really have a good baseline for introductory whiskies.
I'm thinking that I should choose something smooth and not too smoky to start her off with, and then we can move into bolder whiskies if she finds that she enjoys Scotch.
Recommend me some good whiskies to introduce someone to Scotch whisky!
My girlfriend has recently discovered that she has a taste for whisky. She has taken to Canadian whisky after years of avoiding it. It seems that her tastes have changed and now she's a whisky drinker (mostly in cocktails, but nevertheless, she's drinking whisky instead of just wine and beer).
Since she is now comfortable with rye, I figured this might be an opportunity to introduce her to Scotch. She has previously not been a big fan of Scotch and sometimes didn't even like to sit beside me if I had been drinking a particularly peaty Scotch (she didn't like the smell). She's now willing to try as long as I pay for it (in case she still doesn't like it).
What is a good introductory Scotch? I tend to like the really peaty, smoky stuff and have since pretty much the beginning of my Scotch drinking days, so I don't really have a good baseline for introductory whiskies.
I'm thinking that I should choose something smooth and not too smoky to start her off with, and then we can move into bolder whiskies if she finds that she enjoys Scotch.
Recommend me some good whiskies to introduce someone to Scotch whisky!
The Balvenie Doublewood was my gateway Scotch. It'd tried the peaty, smoky whiskies and didn't really enjoy them until I'd cultured my palate a bit.
posted by lekvar at 10:38 AM on October 14, 2011 [6 favorites]
posted by lekvar at 10:38 AM on October 14, 2011 [6 favorites]
Oh, man, on previewing I scratch my Macallan answer in favor of the Balvenie Doublewood 21 year (sherry aged?). One of my favorites, and if she doesn't love that, she's not going to love any of them.
posted by ldthomps at 10:40 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by ldthomps at 10:40 AM on October 14, 2011
Seconding Glenlivet as a great introductory scotch-- that was the first one that really changed how I thought about scotches. I had some again recently, and, despite changes in my tastes, I still really enjoyed it.
posted by activitystory at 10:41 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by activitystory at 10:41 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Glenfarclas 10 is very balanced and not peaty. I often think if it as "christmas cake-y" because it has a lot of raisin and spice type flavours. Glenmorangie is another good all-rounder, so is Highland Park.
posted by Cuppatea at 10:43 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by Cuppatea at 10:43 AM on October 14, 2011
Response by poster: Typo in my OP...it should read "she's NOW willing to try..." rather than "not willing."
posted by asnider at 10:44 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by asnider at 10:44 AM on October 14, 2011
I was going to say the Balvenie doublewood as well -- it was my introductory scotch.
When I think about it, though, it was bourbon and rye that really developed my palate. I didn't think much of scotch until a friend opened a bottle of Laphroaig and baptized me in the name of the peat moss, the malt, and the amazing spirit.
So maybe get her drinking manhattans and other whiskey drinks first and then go to the good stuff.
posted by gauche at 10:45 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
When I think about it, though, it was bourbon and rye that really developed my palate. I didn't think much of scotch until a friend opened a bottle of Laphroaig and baptized me in the name of the peat moss, the malt, and the amazing spirit.
So maybe get her drinking manhattans and other whiskey drinks first and then go to the good stuff.
posted by gauche at 10:45 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
My husband is a Scotch drinker but I was pretty take-it-or-leave-it, until one night a few years ago he ordered me a glass of Oban. Then I fell crazy in love (with Scotch - I was already crazy in love with him). Oban is so lovely.
I also really like the Highland Park 18. And I like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Auchentoshan... but Oban is what totally sold me on this whole Scotch thing. I'm not into the really peaty, smoky stuff most of the time, myself, but now I can appreciate them more whereas before I was just like "yuck".
posted by flex at 10:45 AM on October 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
I also really like the Highland Park 18. And I like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Auchentoshan... but Oban is what totally sold me on this whole Scotch thing. I'm not into the really peaty, smoky stuff most of the time, myself, but now I can appreciate them more whereas before I was just like "yuck".
posted by flex at 10:45 AM on October 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Thirding the Glenlivet. I'd avoid Laphroaig since, IIRC, it is more peaty but delicious.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:45 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:45 AM on October 14, 2011
Irish! (if that's not considered a derail.) Black Bushmills springs to mind.
posted by Jode at 10:46 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by Jode at 10:46 AM on October 14, 2011
I hosted the epic scotch meetup, even though I didn't know crap about scotch. I found I don't have much of a taste for the peaty or super smoky whiskys, but found Talisker to be pretty darn tasty.
The real lesson I learned is having a big scotch tasting party is awesome, and that's the approach I recommend. :D
Also, I don't know if you care, but I usually see Canadian spirits, rye, bourbon, &c. spelled whiskey, and only Scotch as whisky, with no e.
posted by aubilenon at 10:46 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
The real lesson I learned is having a big scotch tasting party is awesome, and that's the approach I recommend. :D
Also, I don't know if you care, but I usually see Canadian spirits, rye, bourbon, &c. spelled whiskey, and only Scotch as whisky, with no e.
posted by aubilenon at 10:46 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Also, I don't know if you care, but I usually see Canadian spirits, rye, bourbon, &c. spelled whiskey, and only Scotch as whisky, with no e.
I'm Canadian and we usually spell it "whisky" when talking about Canadian whisky. Bourbon and Irish whiskey get the "e," though. That's been my experience, at least.
posted by asnider at 10:48 AM on October 14, 2011
I'm Canadian and we usually spell it "whisky" when talking about Canadian whisky. Bourbon and Irish whiskey get the "e," though. That's been my experience, at least.
posted by asnider at 10:48 AM on October 14, 2011
Another vote for Balvenie doublewood from someone who likes what my peaty friend calls "girly whisky". I've also enjoyed Aberlour (don't remember which one it was).
posted by sianifach at 10:49 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by sianifach at 10:49 AM on October 14, 2011
Fellow Canadian here. I've just started experimenting with whisky, and like Crown Royal. It has a surprisingly accessible taste, although I'm hoping others in this thread can weigh in with an opinion.
posted by KokuRyu at 10:55 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by KokuRyu at 10:55 AM on October 14, 2011
Are you looking for Scotches, or whisk(e)ys more generally? I've been really enjoying the Red Breast 12 year and Jameson 12 year after participating in an Irish whiskey tasting. Really lovely.
Otherwise, nthing Oban and the Balvennie. I've kept both in my house.
Briefly. Hic!
posted by Admiral Haddock at 10:55 AM on October 14, 2011
Otherwise, nthing Oban and the Balvennie. I've kept both in my house.
Briefly. Hic!
posted by Admiral Haddock at 10:55 AM on October 14, 2011
Oh man! It seems you're totally right. Sorry to miscorrect you!
(I'm a little disappointed though, because I think Scotch/non-scotch is a useful distinction to be able to make)
posted by aubilenon at 10:57 AM on October 14, 2011
(I'm a little disappointed though, because I think Scotch/non-scotch is a useful distinction to be able to make)
posted by aubilenon at 10:57 AM on October 14, 2011
I'm a big fan of peaty scotches, but I understand that lots of people aren't, and that's okay too (more for me!). The Balvenie is a good choice; Jura (we have the 10-year) is also lovely, and so is Dalmore (we have the 12-year). Generally, stay away from Islays, as they are rightly known for the mighty peat.
Tullamore Dew is Irish, and it is inexpensive and good (I love it in tea, and will also drink it straight), so you might have that as your starter whiskey.
posted by rtha at 10:58 AM on October 14, 2011
Tullamore Dew is Irish, and it is inexpensive and good (I love it in tea, and will also drink it straight), so you might have that as your starter whiskey.
posted by rtha at 10:58 AM on October 14, 2011
The Macallan, Balevenie Double Wood, and Dalwhinnie have all been quite useful to me in making conversions. They're all smooth and not too peaty for the beginner.
Then again, my first Scotch was Laphroig and I was BLOWN AWAY. Laphroig is so ultra-peaty that I don't really drink it much any more, but as an introduction, it was awesome. There's no clearer demonstration of the flavors/aromas in Scotch that whiskey can't possibly match; it made me fall in love.
posted by ourobouros at 10:59 AM on October 14, 2011
Then again, my first Scotch was Laphroig and I was BLOWN AWAY. Laphroig is so ultra-peaty that I don't really drink it much any more, but as an introduction, it was awesome. There's no clearer demonstration of the flavors/aromas in Scotch that whiskey can't possibly match; it made me fall in love.
posted by ourobouros at 10:59 AM on October 14, 2011
Another Balvenie doublewood (we've got the 12-year) recommendation here. I'm not a huge fan of scotch in general, but the Balvenie is really smooth and buttery.
posted by specialagentwebb at 11:09 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by specialagentwebb at 11:09 AM on October 14, 2011
Balvenie Doublewood, Macallan, and Glenlivet are good introductory single-malts.
Laphroig is the single-malt equivalent of a saturating bombing campaign-- it will make or break a Scotch drinker, and is without doubt the most divisive of scotches-- some people swear by it, other people won't touch it with the 11-foot pole they keep for things they won't touch with a 10-foot pole.
The main part of the conversion is getting someone to embrace the smokiness of Scotch-- the peatiness is almost an optional flavor if you choose different Scotch regions. (It can't hurt to learn the 4 Scotch regions-- I recommend Michael Jackson's book on Scotches. No, not that Michael Jackson.) You can start with some blended scotches, like Johnny Walker Black, and work your way to the single malts. One should also note that Japan now exports several Speyside-Scotch-style whiskies (can't call it Scotch... Nihotch, maybe).
My favorite? Aberlour, 12-year; the Aberlour "Abu'nahd" cask-strength is exceptional. But these days, to be honest, I drink bourbon.
posted by Sunburnt at 11:10 AM on October 14, 2011 [7 favorites]
Laphroig is the single-malt equivalent of a saturating bombing campaign-- it will make or break a Scotch drinker, and is without doubt the most divisive of scotches-- some people swear by it, other people won't touch it with the 11-foot pole they keep for things they won't touch with a 10-foot pole.
The main part of the conversion is getting someone to embrace the smokiness of Scotch-- the peatiness is almost an optional flavor if you choose different Scotch regions. (It can't hurt to learn the 4 Scotch regions-- I recommend Michael Jackson's book on Scotches. No, not that Michael Jackson.) You can start with some blended scotches, like Johnny Walker Black, and work your way to the single malts. One should also note that Japan now exports several Speyside-Scotch-style whiskies (can't call it Scotch... Nihotch, maybe).
My favorite? Aberlour, 12-year; the Aberlour "Abu'nahd" cask-strength is exceptional. But these days, to be honest, I drink bourbon.
posted by Sunburnt at 11:10 AM on October 14, 2011 [7 favorites]
How is it no-one has yet mentioned liquid gold? Lagavulin! Best introduction to the heaven that is Islay scotch - and will eventually be a gateway to the pinnacle (Laphroig Quarter Cask).
posted by likeso at 11:30 AM on October 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by likeso at 11:30 AM on October 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
If you can find Loch Dhu, its a single malt black scotch... It has a more sort of... smoky, damp cask flavor (if that makes sense, more wood than peat) I found it by accident once and have been searching for more since. The distillery closed down after only one run, so mostly collectors have it, but you might still find the occasional bottle hidden away here or there.
I'm not a fan of peat... if the girlfriend doesn't even like the smell, I'd suggest leaving those types until a bit later in her adventures and focusing on
And stick to single malt... blended is only good for mixing :P
As a side note, if you have scotch drinking friends... this sounds like a good excuse to host a dinner party/scotch tasting... Have everyone bring a bottle of their favorite (and coordinate so that each person is bringing something different). Or take a tour of your local irish type pub places and see what the bartenders recommend. It could easily turn into an adventure :)
posted by myShanon at 11:38 AM on October 14, 2011
I'm not a fan of peat... if the girlfriend doesn't even like the smell, I'd suggest leaving those types until a bit later in her adventures and focusing on
And stick to single malt... blended is only good for mixing :P
As a side note, if you have scotch drinking friends... this sounds like a good excuse to host a dinner party/scotch tasting... Have everyone bring a bottle of their favorite (and coordinate so that each person is bringing something different). Or take a tour of your local irish type pub places and see what the bartenders recommend. It could easily turn into an adventure :)
posted by myShanon at 11:38 AM on October 14, 2011
How is it no-one has yet mentioned liquid gold? Lagavulin! Best introduction to the heaven that is Islay scotch - and will eventually be a gateway to the pinnacle (Laphroig Quarter Cask).
posted by likeso at 11:30 AM on October 14 [+] [!]
Lagavulin is fantastic, and very smoky. It is not one I'd necessarily recommend to a new scotch drinker, even though I loved it from the get go. It will depend on individual taste.
I'd go for the big names, most of which have already come up: Talisker, Macallan, Glenlivet, that stuff.
I'd also recommend that you search the archives here. There've been a few scotch threads, and the tend to turn into a bunch of excited fans ranting about their favorites. So there are a wealth of suggestions.
posted by Stagger Lee at 11:39 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Like just about everybody else here, I think Macallan, Balvenie Double Wood, and Dalwhinnie are excellent gateway malts because they're so accessible and so easily available. I think Macallan 12 beats the other two on richness of flavor. Dalwhinnie was lighter than I wanted. I think most things sherry- or port-finished are great starters because they're a bit sweeter. Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban comes to mind. For smoothness and richness, Bushmills Black Bush is hard to beat, if she'd rather start with a smoother triple-distilled Irish blend. You sound like you know your peaty malts so I don't have to tell you not to give her Talisker or Lagavulin as recommended above if she doesn't like peat.
Also, a great way to come to appreciate the flavor of Scotch is to sneak up on it by first drinking it in the form of scotch and soda or scotch and water. And ice. That takes all the harshness and alcohol burn out of it so you can just appreciate the underlying flavor without that liquor wince that most of us get when first sipping strong burny liquor. Once you come to like it that way, you start backing off on the soda/water/ice until you're down to just the scotch with a small splash of water or even none. And at that point you switch from a blend to a good single malt. Don't do the scotch and soda with a good single in my opinion. That'd be like mixing Dom Perignon with Red Bull.
posted by Askr at 11:48 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also, a great way to come to appreciate the flavor of Scotch is to sneak up on it by first drinking it in the form of scotch and soda or scotch and water. And ice. That takes all the harshness and alcohol burn out of it so you can just appreciate the underlying flavor without that liquor wince that most of us get when first sipping strong burny liquor. Once you come to like it that way, you start backing off on the soda/water/ice until you're down to just the scotch with a small splash of water or even none. And at that point you switch from a blend to a good single malt. Don't do the scotch and soda with a good single in my opinion. That'd be like mixing Dom Perignon with Red Bull.
posted by Askr at 11:48 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
And you know, before you invest in a bottle, is there a Scotch bar, or a bar with a good range of whiskies, where you are? Make a night of it and take her tasting (and take notes!).
posted by rtha at 11:49 AM on October 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by rtha at 11:49 AM on October 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
How do you go about finding out whether there are any scotch tastings in your area? I'd love to do something like that myself, but haven't the first clue where to look. I know the casino does one once in a while but the last one I head about in my area was almost a year ago :(
posted by myShanon at 11:54 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by myShanon at 11:54 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I love Oban. My favorite by far. Not peaty at all. Just smoky smoothness.
But really the best thing to is find a bar with a nice selection and taste as much as you can. Also: do not be afraid to add an ice cube or a few drops of water to her Scotch. A little dilution helps spread out the flavor and makes it easier to drink.
I have heard Scotch aficionados refer to Glenfiddich and Glenlivet as the "Budweisers of Scotches" - I tend to agree.
posted by gnutron at 11:59 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
But really the best thing to is find a bar with a nice selection and taste as much as you can. Also: do not be afraid to add an ice cube or a few drops of water to her Scotch. A little dilution helps spread out the flavor and makes it easier to drink.
I have heard Scotch aficionados refer to Glenfiddich and Glenlivet as the "Budweisers of Scotches" - I tend to agree.
posted by gnutron at 11:59 AM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Red Breast is delicious Irish whiskey. I might also suggest Suntory Yamazaki. It's scotch, but very different from what you're used to as it's Japanese (not peaty/medicinal tasting). It's probably my favorite.
posted by word_virus at 11:59 AM on October 14, 2011
posted by word_virus at 11:59 AM on October 14, 2011
Highland Park 25 did it for me. But that was expensive stuff! I have recaptured some of that experience with Highland Park 18...
posted by SNACKeR at 12:09 PM on October 14, 2011
posted by SNACKeR at 12:09 PM on October 14, 2011
There's a cheap (~$20) brand called Black Bottle (which, ironically is a green bottle with a black label). Out of all the nice scotches I have, this is the one I always go back to when introducing one to scotch.
Black Bottle is a blend of Islay scotches, and out of even the most expensive scotches, it still does the best job of giving you a little of every slant of scotch (peat, smoke, sherry, etc.). I call it a "diagnostic scotch". Once you get them to drink this, you'll know where to best lead them into trying better scotches.
Plus, it's just a damn decent cheap "table scotch".
posted by chrisfromthelc at 12:11 PM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Black Bottle is a blend of Islay scotches, and out of even the most expensive scotches, it still does the best job of giving you a little of every slant of scotch (peat, smoke, sherry, etc.). I call it a "diagnostic scotch". Once you get them to drink this, you'll know where to best lead them into trying better scotches.
Plus, it's just a damn decent cheap "table scotch".
posted by chrisfromthelc at 12:11 PM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Highland Park would make for a nice intro I think. Also, Ardbeg (an Islay, so tons of peat smoke, but sweeter than Laphroaig).
posted by wrok at 12:32 PM on October 14, 2011
posted by wrok at 12:32 PM on October 14, 2011
Suntory Yamazaki
Excellent stuff -- while not scotch, it's basically scotch :)
posted by wrok at 12:33 PM on October 14, 2011
Excellent stuff -- while not scotch, it's basically scotch :)
posted by wrok at 12:33 PM on October 14, 2011
Balvenie Doublewood 12 is hands down a terrific first-single-malt recommendation. If you're looking for something with an even lighter nose, try the Glenmorangie 10.
Also, I find this flavour map helpful for displaying various groups of malts.
posted by foggy out there now at 12:41 PM on October 14, 2011
Also, I find this flavour map helpful for displaying various groups of malts.
posted by foggy out there now at 12:41 PM on October 14, 2011
The Macallan does tasting nights in major cities fairly frequently. You get to sample a nice selection from Macallans 12 to 18 while a brand promoter shows you a presentation about how the scotch is made. It's free, you just have to pre-register (I got on their email list years ago through the website). I've introduced several friends to the wonders of Scotch this way.
posted by lily_bart at 1:07 PM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by lily_bart at 1:07 PM on October 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: And you know, before you invest in a bottle, is there a Scotch bar, or a bar with a good range of whiskies, where you are? Make a night of it and take her tasting (and take notes!).
We actually have a really great Scotch bar in town; I plan on taking her there before investing in a bottle, but I still want to be able to recommend a few that I think she'll probably like so that she doesn't get turned off by the first kind she tries.
posted by asnider at 1:50 PM on October 14, 2011
We actually have a really great Scotch bar in town; I plan on taking her there before investing in a bottle, but I still want to be able to recommend a few that I think she'll probably like so that she doesn't get turned off by the first kind she tries.
posted by asnider at 1:50 PM on October 14, 2011
Response by poster: Red Breast is delicious Irish whiskey. I might also suggest Suntory Yamazaki. It's scotch, but very different from what you're used to as it's Japanese (not peaty/medicinal tasting). It's probably my favorite.
I'm also a big fan of Red Breast. Strangely enough, I think that Irish whiskey might act as a nice gateway between Canadian and Scotch whisky, now that you mention it. It's got some of the complexity of Scotch but tends to lack the peaty/smokiness that might not go over well with someone who hasn't yet acquired a taste for Scotch.
Also: I am open to whiskies that are basically Scotch but, since they're not from Scotland, technically aren't. I know that the Indian whisky Amrut is surprisingly good, as is Canada's only single malt, Glen Breton. Suggestions like that are welcome, too.
posted by asnider at 1:53 PM on October 14, 2011
I'm also a big fan of Red Breast. Strangely enough, I think that Irish whiskey might act as a nice gateway between Canadian and Scotch whisky, now that you mention it. It's got some of the complexity of Scotch but tends to lack the peaty/smokiness that might not go over well with someone who hasn't yet acquired a taste for Scotch.
Also: I am open to whiskies that are basically Scotch but, since they're not from Scotland, technically aren't. I know that the Indian whisky Amrut is surprisingly good, as is Canada's only single malt, Glen Breton. Suggestions like that are welcome, too.
posted by asnider at 1:53 PM on October 14, 2011
I'm going to take a different tack for my answer - I don't want to cost you a bunch of money but what I really think you need is several different kinds of scotch for her to taste test one after the other. I was never a scotch drinker until one amazing Robbie Burns festival where for $5 I got 6 0.5oz glasses of different scotch varieties. Tasting them together I really had a chance to understand the amazing diversity of flavours and complex differences there were in different scotches. Now scotch is pretty much all I want to drink, ever. Super fan here. Taking her to a scotch bar sounds like a fantastic idea - just make sure you get her several different tasters.
posted by arcticwoman at 1:57 PM on October 14, 2011
posted by arcticwoman at 1:57 PM on October 14, 2011
I'm seconding foggy's Balvenie, and adding the suggestion of Glenfiddich. Both are easy-going malts with more warmth than bite, a nice smooth introduction to a fine Scotch. I love Laphroaig but Sunburnt's description of it as a make-or-break is accurate.
Is single malt a requirement? Because if blended whiskies are an option, then you can't go wrong with Johnnie Walker Green or Blue.
posted by fearnothing at 2:50 PM on October 14, 2011
Is single malt a requirement? Because if blended whiskies are an option, then you can't go wrong with Johnnie Walker Green or Blue.
posted by fearnothing at 2:50 PM on October 14, 2011
nthing Red Breast if Scotch doesn't do it. Good stuff. Another Irish single malt that's really, really nice is Slieve Foy an 8 year old our little tasting society discovered fairly recently.
For true Scotch single malts:
Aberlour, 16yo, double matured (12yo is ok, too, but 16yo is way better, love the A'Bunadhs from batches #18 - #29, but they're hard to find, cask strength nuclear flavor bombs, not beginner friendly probably)
Auchentoshan Triple Wood (so so good)
Highland Park 18yo (they've been running out of good stock lately but the 18yo still holds up pretty good (we recently did a blind comparison of the older releases in the round bottles with the newer ones in the redesigned flattish ones)
Balvenie "Carribean Cask", 14yo, rum cask finished... oh my, so brilliant (12yo Double Wood is ok, but this is just awesome)
Caol Ila Unpeated, 12yo, cask strength (warning: high alcohol,but lovely and no peat)
Glenmorangie Sonnalta P|X, lovely sherry finish w/o so much of the usual Glenmorangie tangy fruit
Springbank often underrated, always nice, 15yo is lovely
Macallan has a lot of nice stuff but I really find them to be overpriced
That's it for now. Back to monitoring the package that's currently on its way from Bruichladdich with a dozen bottles of the new Octomores (a gloriously insane 167ppm of tooth shattering peat soaked in 62.5% of alcohol!!!) and the new PC9s... :P
posted by Hairy Lobster at 3:03 PM on October 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
For true Scotch single malts:
Aberlour, 16yo, double matured (12yo is ok, too, but 16yo is way better, love the A'Bunadhs from batches #18 - #29, but they're hard to find, cask strength nuclear flavor bombs, not beginner friendly probably)
Auchentoshan Triple Wood (so so good)
Highland Park 18yo (they've been running out of good stock lately but the 18yo still holds up pretty good (we recently did a blind comparison of the older releases in the round bottles with the newer ones in the redesigned flattish ones)
Balvenie "Carribean Cask", 14yo, rum cask finished... oh my, so brilliant (12yo Double Wood is ok, but this is just awesome)
Caol Ila Unpeated, 12yo, cask strength (warning: high alcohol,but lovely and no peat)
Glenmorangie Sonnalta P|X, lovely sherry finish w/o so much of the usual Glenmorangie tangy fruit
Springbank often underrated, always nice, 15yo is lovely
Macallan has a lot of nice stuff but I really find them to be overpriced
That's it for now. Back to monitoring the package that's currently on its way from Bruichladdich with a dozen bottles of the new Octomores (a gloriously insane 167ppm of tooth shattering peat soaked in 62.5% of alcohol!!!) and the new PC9s... :P
posted by Hairy Lobster at 3:03 PM on October 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Oh, one more:
Balblair 1997, 16yo, great basic whisky
posted by Hairy Lobster at 3:09 PM on October 14, 2011
Balblair 1997, 16yo, great basic whisky
posted by Hairy Lobster at 3:09 PM on October 14, 2011
If she's drinking it in cocktails, go for some semi decent blends - Chivas Regal, Famous Grouse 12 or Johnnie Walker Black. Two benefits: these are all nicely balanced and smooth so nice to drink and show a balanced range of favours and second you won't have to order a mixed drink with a top shelf single malt.
After that, if she wants to try drinking it straight, move to Irish then speyside (lots of great suggestions for those above).
Also, try to remind yourself that there are many different palates and many different scotches and peaty smoky scotch is no inherently better than vanilla lemon. You like Islay but perhaps your girlfriend's ideal scotch is Speyside. This is okay. She doesn't have to enjoy maccallan as part of the journey to loving laphroaig, she can prefer maccallan forever and that makes her no better or worse a scotch drinker than you.
posted by mosessis at 3:11 PM on October 14, 2011
After that, if she wants to try drinking it straight, move to Irish then speyside (lots of great suggestions for those above).
Also, try to remind yourself that there are many different palates and many different scotches and peaty smoky scotch is no inherently better than vanilla lemon. You like Islay but perhaps your girlfriend's ideal scotch is Speyside. This is okay. She doesn't have to enjoy maccallan as part of the journey to loving laphroaig, she can prefer maccallan forever and that makes her no better or worse a scotch drinker than you.
posted by mosessis at 3:11 PM on October 14, 2011
Someone mentioned a Japanese single malt above so I'll add 2 exotic bottles that are brilliant enough to satisfy experts but also lovely enough to be suitable for beginners:
Nikka Yoichi 15yo, hails from Japan (somehow they managed to find the essence of single malt whisky and polished it to perfection, unfortunately rather difficult to find in the US, can be obtained from the UK)
Amrut "Fusion", a wonderful single malt from India with a somewhat unusual flavor profile (this has started to appear in US stores, also keep an eye out for the cask strength release which is fantastic)
posted by Hairy Lobster at 3:21 PM on October 14, 2011
Nikka Yoichi 15yo, hails from Japan (somehow they managed to find the essence of single malt whisky and polished it to perfection, unfortunately rather difficult to find in the US, can be obtained from the UK)
Amrut "Fusion", a wonderful single malt from India with a somewhat unusual flavor profile (this has started to appear in US stores, also keep an eye out for the cask strength release which is fantastic)
posted by Hairy Lobster at 3:21 PM on October 14, 2011
Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or is a good transition scotch in these circumstances, I think. That's if she's drinking it straight / on ice, i.e., not mixed.
posted by jabberjaw at 3:45 PM on October 14, 2011
posted by jabberjaw at 3:45 PM on October 14, 2011
Non-peaty "girl" here, casting her vote for Aberlour.
posted by Paris Elk at 4:17 PM on October 14, 2011
posted by Paris Elk at 4:17 PM on October 14, 2011
I'd vote for Talisker or Oban as starter scotches, and Kingsley Amis says only Scotch whisky can legally be spelled with no 'e'.
posted by OHenryPacey at 7:49 PM on October 14, 2011
posted by OHenryPacey at 7:49 PM on October 14, 2011
I've hosted a number of scotch tasting parties, and I'll give you what sorted out as excellent from those tastings.
Balvenie Doublewood
Macallan 12
Yamazaki 18
Edradour
Glenfarclas 10
Also, I think the people suggesting Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin are batshit insane to recommend any of those as an introduction to Scotch. My God. It's like introducing someone to literature for the first time by handing them Ulysses by James Joyce.
posted by mcstayinskool at 7:52 PM on October 14, 2011
Balvenie Doublewood
Macallan 12
Yamazaki 18
Edradour
Glenfarclas 10
Also, I think the people suggesting Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin are batshit insane to recommend any of those as an introduction to Scotch. My God. It's like introducing someone to literature for the first time by handing them Ulysses by James Joyce.
posted by mcstayinskool at 7:52 PM on October 14, 2011
I'm a big fan of Ardbeg and Laphroaig and I agree with mcstayinskool: I can assure you that anyone who recommends them to a first-timer is playing a prank on you.
I second the Balvenie Doublewood (cheap and good!) and Auchentoshan Triple Wood. Both have a lot of flavor but no "bite". Any Glenmorangie is pretty good too.
Also Oban and Talisker but mix them half and half with water at first. They're more exotic but the good thing is that their flavor comes through even when heavily diluted.
I recommend starting with Balvenie poured over ice with a splash of water, although Scotch purists would say to avoid the ice. I've also been known to have a Balvenie and Coke every now and then, although that might be even more of an acquired taste than Laphroaig.
posted by mmoncur at 9:58 PM on October 14, 2011
I second the Balvenie Doublewood (cheap and good!) and Auchentoshan Triple Wood. Both have a lot of flavor but no "bite". Any Glenmorangie is pretty good too.
Also Oban and Talisker but mix them half and half with water at first. They're more exotic but the good thing is that their flavor comes through even when heavily diluted.
I recommend starting with Balvenie poured over ice with a splash of water, although Scotch purists would say to avoid the ice. I've also been known to have a Balvenie and Coke every now and then, although that might be even more of an acquired taste than Laphroaig.
posted by mmoncur at 9:58 PM on October 14, 2011
Talisker! It's a pretty unique tasting Scotch, smooth with a slight spicy aftertaste. It's a nice one that straddles the line between the peatier malts and the lighter tasting ones. I've had friends go 'Blech! Whisky!' at plain old Glenfiddich who then try the Talisker and say, '...that's actually not bad. Can I have some more?'
It's an interesting Scotch, is all - and if she doesn't like the peat in that, chances are you'll be able to rule out the stronger Islays and focus on the milder malts.
posted by zennish at 1:25 AM on October 15, 2011
It's an interesting Scotch, is all - and if she doesn't like the peat in that, chances are you'll be able to rule out the stronger Islays and focus on the milder malts.
posted by zennish at 1:25 AM on October 15, 2011
Nthing Oban & recommending Bunahabbain as an introduction to Islay single malts (peaty but not overpowering for a new Scotch drinker)
posted by KingEdRa at 2:32 AM on October 15, 2011
posted by KingEdRa at 2:32 AM on October 15, 2011
Glenlivet 12 is a wonderful starter scotch because it has that definite scotch taste but is not peaty. It's also quite smooth. Highland Park 18 is also really wonderful, but more expensive. Basic to middling Glenmorangie is usually a fairly safe bet, too. Oh yeah, and another vote for Oban.
Personally I do not like Balvenie Doublewood and wouldn't recommend it. It has a certain earthy bitterness about it, to my taste .
As someone else observed, Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin are peat monsters and definitely not a good introduction for someone who says she doesn't like peat. If she really wants to try the peat I would recommend a basic Bruichladdich or Bunnahabhain, since those are the gentler of the Islays. Talisker also has some peatiness about it.
posted by Decani at 7:00 AM on October 15, 2011
Personally I do not like Balvenie Doublewood and wouldn't recommend it. It has a certain earthy bitterness about it, to my taste .
As someone else observed, Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin are peat monsters and definitely not a good introduction for someone who says she doesn't like peat. If she really wants to try the peat I would recommend a basic Bruichladdich or Bunnahabhain, since those are the gentler of the Islays. Talisker also has some peatiness about it.
posted by Decani at 7:00 AM on October 15, 2011
There might be something to be said for finding a selection of miniature bottles and trying them with her. My SO brought some home froma conference and that's how we first strted getting an idea of the diversity. Don't just go for 12, 15 and 18 year old versions of a particular whisky, try to get a decent selection acorss Oban, Glenfiddich, Macallan.
I agree with Aberlour as a good starter, not too fancy, not medicinal, fruit-ish, warming and available at a decent price, and this is what my SO ended up having as her favourite for a while. The Nectar D'or metioned above is also very easy drinking as are some of the other Glenmorangie varieties, Lasanta and Quinta Rubin, all three involve the whisky being matured in rum or other casks for flavour. These are pretty widely available if my own airport excursions are any representation.
A couple of years ago i was in Edinburgh on a kind of team building exercise for people in my field. We were in the pub and I offered to get a round of whiskies for the 4 people I was with on a 'when in rome' basis. All said they didn't like whisky, I suggested they should try and got 4 shots, chossing a mixed selection, Macallan, Laphroaig, Highland Park, etc. They all tried and each found one that they were surprised to like and they all liked a different one. So it can be pretty difficult to just pick one and get it right first time, but there can also be something out there which does fit, the variety is such that it can just be a matter of stumbling to the right one if you don't take to the first one.
posted by biffa at 4:48 PM on October 15, 2011
I agree with Aberlour as a good starter, not too fancy, not medicinal, fruit-ish, warming and available at a decent price, and this is what my SO ended up having as her favourite for a while. The Nectar D'or metioned above is also very easy drinking as are some of the other Glenmorangie varieties, Lasanta and Quinta Rubin, all three involve the whisky being matured in rum or other casks for flavour. These are pretty widely available if my own airport excursions are any representation.
A couple of years ago i was in Edinburgh on a kind of team building exercise for people in my field. We were in the pub and I offered to get a round of whiskies for the 4 people I was with on a 'when in rome' basis. All said they didn't like whisky, I suggested they should try and got 4 shots, chossing a mixed selection, Macallan, Laphroaig, Highland Park, etc. They all tried and each found one that they were surprised to like and they all liked a different one. So it can be pretty difficult to just pick one and get it right first time, but there can also be something out there which does fit, the variety is such that it can just be a matter of stumbling to the right one if you don't take to the first one.
posted by biffa at 4:48 PM on October 15, 2011
Penderyn is welsh, so technically not scotch as one thinks of it, and it has a more honeyed, bourbon-y warmth to it.
posted by ifjuly at 5:12 PM on October 15, 2011
posted by ifjuly at 5:12 PM on October 15, 2011
Hi Adam,
I host Scotch Whisky Tastings and have done quite a few targeted just for women. As apparent by the variety of responses above, people's palates can vary quite drastically. While some people love heavy peat Scotch Whiskies such as Lagavulin or Laphraoig, the first dose of peat can be a harsh way to introduce someone to Scotch. If you take wine flights for example, generally you are started off with a light white, such a Sauvignon Blanc and then transitioned to the heavy Pinots. Similarly I like to create my flights in a light to heavy progression, so that people can see the beautiful variety of whiskies out there, and to realize there is such an amazing variety to choose from.
I can share a few Scotch Whiskies that I have found are good introductions to Scotch. (My first and still one of my favorites is Oban). I would recommend for your girlfriend a flight of Tomintoul 10yr, Glenfarclas 12, Old Putney 12, and to round things out the Auchentoshan Three Wood. The Tomintoul has some beautiful hints of vanilla, and the Auchentoshan is matured in Bourbon casks and finished in two types of Sherry casks. It also has a beautiful hazelnut flavor to it that makes it (and actually all of these) excellent to pair with chocolate. I'd be happy to recommend a few chocolates to pair. Feel free to write to me.
Nice to hear you are doing this for your sweetheart- it makes me happy!
posted by whiskyarchive.com at 5:18 PM on October 19, 2011 [1 favorite]
I host Scotch Whisky Tastings and have done quite a few targeted just for women. As apparent by the variety of responses above, people's palates can vary quite drastically. While some people love heavy peat Scotch Whiskies such as Lagavulin or Laphraoig, the first dose of peat can be a harsh way to introduce someone to Scotch. If you take wine flights for example, generally you are started off with a light white, such a Sauvignon Blanc and then transitioned to the heavy Pinots. Similarly I like to create my flights in a light to heavy progression, so that people can see the beautiful variety of whiskies out there, and to realize there is such an amazing variety to choose from.
I can share a few Scotch Whiskies that I have found are good introductions to Scotch. (My first and still one of my favorites is Oban). I would recommend for your girlfriend a flight of Tomintoul 10yr, Glenfarclas 12, Old Putney 12, and to round things out the Auchentoshan Three Wood. The Tomintoul has some beautiful hints of vanilla, and the Auchentoshan is matured in Bourbon casks and finished in two types of Sherry casks. It also has a beautiful hazelnut flavor to it that makes it (and actually all of these) excellent to pair with chocolate. I'd be happy to recommend a few chocolates to pair. Feel free to write to me.
Nice to hear you are doing this for your sweetheart- it makes me happy!
posted by whiskyarchive.com at 5:18 PM on October 19, 2011 [1 favorite]
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