Suggestions for beginners

Having an educational background, I try to begin my teaching by assessing when my students already know.

That being said, I am far from an expert in this subject. But I have prepared enjoyable sessions for people more new than I am.

So before I answer the question, I would ask a question: what have you tried so far and what have you liked?

This question is not so much for me as it is for other newcomers. I had hoped they might see the discussion and find it both useful and interesting. While I am definitely no expert, I have tried a decent range/number of malts. I have a good idea of what I like and what is available overall. Also, I have found wonderful, knowledgeable people to help guide me. So as not to overthink this question, I would simply suggest.... Sherried- The Macallan 12. While there are many better malts, this gives a base of what sherry matured scotch taste like. Peat- Laphroaig 10. Not my favorite Islay but a good representation of peat with a lower price than Ardbeg. And so the opinions go on. I know the range of expressions are endless. Part of what makes whisky such a great hobby. However to the true beginner, it can be a daunting sea of choices without a compass in hand. Sometimes simplifying and starting with the basics can be the best route to begin your journey.

Well maybe the answer lies in buying them samples or miniatures to explore the whisky universe or share a bottle instead of buying them whole bottles. Shops like Master of Malt offer tasting sets based on specific regions, or style of whisky. From there on, I fear you'll have to find your own way. The whisky industry is like a never ending mace, there is no real path you can follow, or an objective that you can achieve. Fortunately for most of us, there is time to explore most corners, there is no rush. Once in a while you'll come across one or more bad bottles, but it will only make you appreciate the better malts even more.

What I'm trying to say is that every one has his own methodology or goals that he or she is trying to achieve. I know some who are now trying distilleries in an alphabetical order, or some who try to tackle the problem region per region. The end is that there is no real end to the question, what should I try next. Cause what if you've tried at least one sample from each distillery, there are still other expressions available, closed distilleries, special editions, independent bottlers and whiskies from all over the world.

When I recently introduced a group to single malt whisky, I tackled the problem from a regional perspective: Lowland: Badnoch 10, Islay:Ardbeg Uigeadail, Highlands (the hardest one): Balblair 90 Vintage , Speyside: Glendronach 15, Campbeltown: Springbank 10. (no Islanders)

But then again, you can always argue that these still not adequately representative for their region, especially not the Highlander. I guess that the best way to get people started is by pouring them a dram of Lagavulin, Highland Park, Old Pulteney, Springbank,... if they like it, they'll start their own exploration, if they don't than in my experience there is no use of trying to find them something that will fit their tasting profile. Whisky is still something you love or hate, and in case of the former, it is quite the time consuming hobby, with a lot more research than actual tasting

Miniatures are a great initiation. However, quality ones are not available in the US. I recommend starting with a Speywide, an Islay, a northern, and a lowlands scotch. The following are my suggestions (based upon price, availability, and variety):

1. Speyside: Glendronach 12

2. Islay: Pick one out of the following: Ardbeg 10; Laphroaig 10; Lagavulin 16; Bunnahabhain 12 (this is best if strong peat and smoke are jarring at first). Talisker 10 can also substitute for an Islay. It is less peaty/industrial and more smoky/peppery.

3. Northern: Chose one of the following: Springbank 10; Highland Park 12; Old Pulteney 12; Scapa 16

4. Lowlands: Auchentoshan Three Wood; Bladnoch (whatever can be found). The Lowland scotch can be skipped, if unavailable or budget is limited.

Watch a few of Ralfy's reviews, preferably after trying the scotch you are drinking. Try to find one of his reviews on the scotch you are drinking.

Surf online for reviews on the bottles you intend to buy. Skip comments on sites that sell scotch. Rather, focus on the reviewers that seem like regular folks and are not linked to the whisky industry. Try youtubing the scotch you intend to buy for video reviews as well.

My site is good for beginners because I include a lot of video reviews that work together with my written reviews. I also take the time to talk about general things in addition to focusing on the tasting notes. My videos are meant to supplement the written reviews rather than substituting for them. Here's my website: www.thewhiskykirk.com

@Pandemonium. I like your suggestions. If someone likes whisky and is curious about single malts, the four pours you listed would be a nice start- Lagavulin, HP, Old Pulteney, and Springbank. Those are delicious and can be loved even by the novice that might miss some of the subtle flavors.