Best 10 Whiskies for Beginners
From Bourbon to Irish Whiskey, Japanese Whisky, Kiwi Whisky and Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Whisky should not feel like a spirit for the experienced drinkers. Novice drinkers think of whisky as a harsh, barrel aged, high alcohol spirit. But different whisky present amazing aromas and flavours that can please the senses.
Picking the right bottle can be tricky as you might have had a bad experience with a particular Bourbon but that doesn’t mean all Bourbons are harsh.
Start with these recommendations to build your knowledge and experience different style of whiskies to see which suits your palate the most.
Do not let someone else tell you which is the best whisky for you. Experiment and learn with your own senses of smell and taste.
We have put together a list of 10 Interesting Premium Whiskies that should give you broad knowledge of different Whisky from around the world.
We recommend using an inexpensive Glencairn Glass at the least on this journey. It is the perfect glass for nosing your interesting whiskies but also its shape contours palm of your hand which allows natural heat of your body to warm the whisky in glass. We would recommend not putting ice in your whisky as it inhibits the natural flavours and smells. A whisky warmed by your body’s will be a lot more tolerable when you sip it neat. As you gain more experience you can graduate towards a more specialised glass like Denver and Liely Whisky Glass.
Here is a list of 10 Interesting Whisky we recommend from around the world in no particular order.
Buffalo Trace has been around 200+ years, there signature bourbon has rich flavours. An interesting sipping bourbon with complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses. This whiskey has a long finish and serious depth. It is not an aggressive whiskey; its softer mellow taste is pleasing for both novice and seasoned drinkers. 40% abv Buy Now
Gold - Straight Bourbon 10 years old and under - 2019 -International Spirits Challenge
This flagship Teeling Irish Whiskey challenges the convention of what an Irish Whiskey can be with use of 2nd ageing in Rum Barrels. Aged initially in Ex-Bourbon Whiskey barrels with further 12 months in Ex-Rum Barrels. Exotic fruit notes mingle well with spicy notes with a lingering oak character. 46%abv Buy Now
Double Gold - Blended Irish Whiskey - 2019 -San Francisco World Spirits Competition
A classic smooth Speyside Whisky that is very smooth. Amazing citrus notes on the nose followed by vanilla and honey. It is sweet on the palate with light malt character. A lovely refreshing Single Malt that doesn’t break the bank. 40% abv Buy Now
A non-age statement single malt from The Glenlivet Distillery. Finished in Ex-Cognac Casks that makes it a raisin-rich, citrus and creamy whisky. Whisky finished in cognac casks is not common and this one deliver both on smoothness and complexity. 40% abv Buy Now
Silver - Scotch Single Malt - Speyside - 2019 -International Wine & Spirit Competition
A triple distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey from Ireland that is aged in barrels that are twice charred for more flavours. Matured in both Ex-Sherry and Ex-Bourbon barrels. This unique whisky presents amazing nutty notes, spice, vanilla sweetness and sherry flavours. 40% abv Buy Now
Gold - Irish Blended Whisky No Age Statement - 2014 -World Whiskies Awards
A blend of Japan’s 3 top distilleries Yamazaki, Hakushu & Chita. It provides refreshing citrus notes that are well rounded with little bit of spice. Toki can be enjoyed neat or try it how Japanese love their whiskies in a Highball. 43%abv Buy Now
Made right here in New Zealand North Island. Ageing in two different barrels is where this whisky deriver its name from. European oak barrels which previously held New Zealand red wine and in american oak barrels. There are fresh coastal sea air notes followed by caramelised fruits. Hints of red berries and gentle spice. 40%abv Buy Now
Gold Medal winner San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2016
Ageing in ex-bourbon barrels and virgin oak barrels gives this whisky a lot of sweetness. There is amazing aroma of vanilla, marshmallow, pineapple and citrus. It is light and fruity on the palate with nice clean finish. 43% Buy Now
Gold - Liquid Gold Award - 2014 -Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
A full-bodied blended scotch whisky that is a great step into beautiful world of sherry cask aged whiskies. Chivas Extra portrays classic smoothness of Chivas Regal, with vanilla and caramel. There are hints of cinnamon, ripe pears and crisp almonds. 40% abv Buy Now
Peaty/smoky whiskies scare novice drinkers because of the harsher characters. But Laphroaig Select is a great step into the amazing world of peated drams. Still need to approach this whisky with caution but amongst the medicinal notes there is amazing citrus and sweet barely notes. 40%abv Buy Now
Gold - Scotch Whisky - Single Malt - NAS - 2018 -The Asian Spirits Masters (The Spirits Business)
In Summary:
No matter where you are in journey of discovering interesting whiskies from around the world. These 10 will provide a wide array for flavor and smell profiles that will please you.
This is a list of 10 Interesting Whisky we recommend from around the world in no particular order.
Share with us in comments section which other whiskies you would recommend to a beginner.
Ash Parmar
Founder Eight Pm
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