Whiskey has a harsh burn and bold flavor that can intimidate the novice. To ease into the spirit, start with something sweet and subtle to minimize that burn. Try mixing with Coke or drinking a classic whiskey cocktail. Then once you get your palate accustomed to the harsher spirits, you can explore more complex whiskeys.
Look
Whiskey is a spirit that can be intimidating to new drinkers. Its strong burn and bold flavor can be off-putting, especially when mixed with other liquids. For this reason, it’s a good idea for first-timers to stick to sweet, subtle, and smooth drams of craft whiskey. It will minimize the alcohol’s harsh burn and allow for a gradual taste progression until your palate becomes accustomed to the spirit. A good choice for beginners is a single malt scotch from the Speyside region, aged in bourbon barrels with little peat. Alternatively, you can try a high-rye bourbon with a boosted rye content in its mash bill and is aged in charred oak casks to give it more grip. The type of glass you use to drink whiskey can also make a difference. The good glass should be solid, well-balanced in your hand, and made of high-quality material. It should be easy to hold and have a thin rim that allows you to concentrate aromas and reduces the burn on your tongue.
Taste
There is whiskey for every taste, many of which are perfect for beginners. The world of whisky can be a maze of different grains, flavors and distillation processes, but the right bottle will be smooth enough for anyone to enjoy. The best choice is usually a single malt when choosing a first whisky. The drams often have floral and fruity aromas, with notes of cut grass or fresh fruits. They are also lighter on the palate, making them good as an aperitif or at breakfast. Alternatively, consider a blended whisky distilled and aged in Scotland. It is a mix of Strathisla and Strathclyde single malt and grain whiskies, and the blending process gives it a smooth, mellow taste that can appeal to novices. Try it neat or with a splash of water, and avoid adding ice, as it can hide the aromas and flavors. A tulip-shaped glass is best, as it has been designed for tasting and funnels the scents into your nose.
Smell
Whiskey (or whisky in Scotland and Canada) is a spirit that requires time and effort to understand, but once you do, it opens up a whole new world. It’s a world of different grains, flavors, and distillation processes that can sometimes overwhelm people just starting the drink. When you’re first starting, it’s a good idea to stick with lighter drams that are less intense in alcohol and flavor. It will help you develop your palate while giving you a solid foundation to work from when advancing to other whiskeys. For starters, use a small tulip-shaped glass designed for tastings to enhance the experience. The shape of the glass funnels aromas into your nose to better understand the whiskey’s nuances. Also, avoid introducing other scents while enjoying the spirit, like scented soaps or cologne, as these can interfere with the whiskey’s odors. Next, swirl the liquid in your glass and take a sniff. Do you notice any other aromas? Are they light or strong?
Feel
Whiskey may have a reputation for being complex and pricey, but it should be okay for beginners. It’s an easy spirit to love, especially with the right bottle. When starting in bourbon, look for affordable options. When choosing a bourbon, you should also pay attention to the proof and mash bill. You want to start at around 80-proof or higher, as the higher proof allows for more flavor. You also want to choose a bourbon with a high rye recipe to see how the grain changes the taste. Whether you drink your whiskey neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, it is important to savor the experience and enjoy the artfulness poured into every dram. Unlike many other spirits, whiskey shouldn’t be consumed by throwing it back. Take your time, sip it slowly, and remember to savor the ambiance and company. You may only want to go back to drinking whiskey in this way.
Buy
The whiskey world is a vast, complex maze of grains, flavors, distillation processes, and aging. But with a little know-how, you can start your journey in the right spirits. When choosing a whisky for your first time, experts recommend avoiding the overly smoky and peated styles that can be overpowering. Instead, opt for bourbon and rye, which are smooth and balanced. You can try the lowest proof and lightest body, making it a perfect introduction to bourbon without being overwhelming. Another good option is a grain-to-bottle bourbon made on a family farm. Some have a lower-proof, high-rye bourbon, so it has a higher rye flavor concentration without overpowering.