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The Beginner’s Whisky Guide
We’re asked for our recommendations
all the time by people who don’t
have much experience with single
malts on what they should buy. Many
of these individuals drink blends
like Johnnie Walker Black over ice
and find single malts too intense.
Often, they start with an
Islay whiskey like Bowmore or Lagavulin and are immediately put
off by the pungent taste. Starting
with an
Islay is like drinking a Guinness if
all you’ve ever had was Bud Lite.
Discovering single malts is a
journey that ends with an
appreciation for all of the whisky
producing regions of Scotland. We
select single malts based on our
mood or maybe the season or time of
day. Remember, no one region is
better than the other, it’s all
personal preference.
We’ve developed this road map for
those individuals that are
overwhelmed with the hundreds to
different malt whisky choices
available today. Older does not mean
better and region and finish are
critical in making the right choice
for the beginner.
Too the journey that never ends!
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First start with a smooth light
whisky from the Scottish Mainland
Craggenmore 12 yr old
Smooth yet complex, Craggenmore is
full of Speyside character and is a
great choice for the beginner.
Other selections
Dalwinnie 15 yr old, Glenkinchie 10
yr old, Glenfiddich 12
Premium selections
Glenlivet 18 yr old, Glenfiddich 30
yr old
Value selection
Craggenmore 12 yr old
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Next, add some complexity and
richness
Glenfarclas 17 yr old
Incredibly smooth the hints of
sherry and honey, Glenfarclas 17 is
much richer than Craggenmore but
still in the Speyside region.
Other selections
Aberlour 15 yr old, Longmorn 15 yr
old, Macallan 12 yr old
Premium selection
Dalmore 21, Glenfarclas 1868
Value selection
Dalmore 12 yr old, Aberlour 10 yr
old
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Add some light smoke
Oban 14 yr old
A coastal whisky, Oban is very
complex and has more punch than your
typical Speyside. Some light smoke
and spice Oban should be the next
stop in your journey.
Other selections
Scapa 14 yr old,
Highland Park 15 yr old
Premium selection
Royal Lochnagar 12 yr old
Value selection
Glen Garioch 10
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Now you’re ready to step up the
smoke
Highland park
18 yr old
A unique dram that has something for
everyone, smoky but also sweet,
Highland Park 18 is a great scotch
that will help introduce you to more
robust intense drams.
Other selections
Bruichladdich 10 yr old
Premium selection
Springbank 15,
Value selection
Highland Park
12 yr old
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Bring on the peat
Talisker 10 yr old
A peppery intense dram that handles
ice well (not too much ice).
Talisker helps add some complexity
to the Johnnie Walker Blends.
Other selections
Bowmore 12 year old, Talisker 18 yr
old
Premium selection
Ledaig 20 yr old
Value selection
Talisker 10 yr old
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The final stop is Islay
Lagavulin 16 yr old
Maybe the best scotch in the world.
Lagavulin 16 yr old has all of the
characteristics of Islay; smoke,
peat, iodine and seaweed with a
remarkably long dry finish.
Other selections
Caol Ila 12 yr old, Caol Ila 18 yr
old, Laphroaig 10 yr old,
Premium selection
Lagavulin 12 yr old
Value selection
Caol Ila 12 yr old
If your looking for more smoke try;
Laphroaig 10 yr old Cask Strength
If your looking for more peat try;
Ardbeg 10 yr old
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