Scotch for Beginners

 

 

When i started my scotch journey, one of the many things that confused me was where do i begin from .....so what should be my first dram .....

Unfortunately, a lot of people begin way ahead of line , and are immediately put off by the pungent taste.  Starting with an Islay is like drinking a Guinness if all you ever had was a Kingfisher Light. 

To help beginners out there still discovering the wonders of scotch, just read away. Start off at the bottom rung, and move on to the next step when you feel comfortable with the level you are on now.  This way, it allows your taste buds to develop and adapt, and in the process appreciating, the various flavors of scotch, without them being too overpowering right from the start. 

Your journey starts here.

1. Start with a smooth, light scotch.  Focus is on drinkability.
Recommendations: Cragganmore 12 yr, Glenfiddich 12
Value selection: Cragganmore 12 yr
Premium selection: Glenlivet 18 yr

Cragganmore 12 Yr

2. Next, introduce some complexity and richness. 
Recommendations: Macallan 12 yr, Glenfarclas 17 yr, Longmorn 15 yr
Value selection: Arbelour 12 yr
Premium selection: Dalmore 21

Macallan 12 Yr


3. Ahh... some light smoke. 
Recommendations: Oban 14 yr, Highland Park 15 yr
Value selection: Glen Garioch 10
Premium selection: Royal Lochnagar 12 yr

Oban 14 Yr

4. Activate the smokiness.
Recommendations: Highland Park 18 yr, Bruichladdich 10 yr
Value selection: Highland Park 12 yr
Premium selection: Springbank 15 yr

Highland Park 18 Yr

5. Something peaty huh.
Recommendations: Talisker 10 yr, Bowmore 12 yr, Talisker 18 yr
Value selection: Talisker 10 yr
Premium selection: Ledaig 20 yr

Talisker 10 Yr

6. Pit stop: Islay
Recommendations: Lagavulin 16 yr, Laphroaig 10 yr, Ardbeg 10 yr
Value selection: Caol Ila 12 yr
Premium selection: Lagavulin 12 yr

Lagavulin 16 Yr

As always gentlemen ...ENJOY YOUR DRAM