What whisky for a beginner

[bambini]

Following on from this thread, I was wondering if I could get some advice on whiskies. Much like I trained myself to like tea as I figured I wasn't English enough if I didn't drink it, I'm thinking of training myself to like whisky as I'm not cool/masculine enough if I don't drink it

So here's are some questions:
1) what would be a good, inexpensive first bottle? I like spirits, particularly brandy, but my experiences with whisky have thus far not ended well. I guess I'd want something that would be not so intense as to put me off further.

2) what cigar?

3) Is it whisky or whiskey?

[Big_T_UK]

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=3612

[Seriesteve]

Quick Answer ... Malt Whisky ? if so ..
Aberlour 12yr old a classic all rounder, often you'll find deals at Tesco, Asda and Oddbins ?25 - ?30, and with a Serie D 4 of course
Ss
Loads more later

[MarkSDMF]

Personally a nice bottle of 10yr old Jura is a great bottle for a beginner with malt.

IF your looking for a cheap cheap bottle maybe try a balvenie 10 yr but id avoid ardbeg etc if you have never really drank malt before.

[senor_robusto]

hey bambini,
i'd recommend that you'd try a nice irish whisky, such as jamesons or bushmills (original, black bush, 10 or 16 yr old)!!! they're a lot smoother on the palette compared to scotch, which can be quite harsh, overpowering and off putting for a first timer!!! there's some scotch whisky out there that'll make you eyes water...... or worse, chuck your guts!!!! lol.......

yes, go for the irish!!!!

alex

[Seriesteve]

Personally a nice bottle of 10yr old Jura is a great bottle for a beginner with malt.

IF your looking for a cheap cheap bottle maybe try a balvenie 10 yr but id avoid ardbeg etc if you have never really drank malt before.

Good recommendations
I'd agree..... I'm sure you would agree that they are all good, but all different in there own little way, cant wait to try a few whiskys tonight as per usual.
Ss

[satch]

An easy going whisky is Famous Grouse. Grants is another. Always have deals on them in the big chains. These are blends.
Balvenie, Macallan, Glen Fiddich, Glen Morangie are lightish singles.
If you're not used to whisky approach the Islays with caution.
I think only Scotch(hate that word)is called Whisky, all others acquire the 'e'.
No doubt somebody will say otherwise if I'm wrong!

[bambini]

Quick Answer ... Malt Whisky ?

I'm sorry, I'm a complete novice. I don't even know what this question means. AFAIK, there are three types of whisky: scotch, Irish and bourbon. Oh, and Southern Comfort which, as I understand it, is peach flavoured (????).

I don't really know what "malt whisky" is over other whiskies, but I've heard the word single malt bandied around here and there. Wow. I really have a lot to learn

Thanks for all the hot tips though. Going with Irish sounds good, although from what I can tell Irish kinda comes second to Scotch (again, ????).

[patrickspark]

i'm with senor robusto - a nice jemmy with a little pep !

[Seriesteve]

I'm sorry, I'm a complete novice. I don't even know what this question means. ).

Ah! Ok well you could start here regards Scotland

http://www.scotchwhisky.net/

Ss

[MarkSDMF]

Personally i dont like Blended whiskey, i cant go it, Makes me rather angry and also the taste is alot more harsh i think. I dont feel you get so many flavours from it but hey, thats just MHO.

I would still say Jura. Its not too expensive, its smooth, flavours galore and just lovely all round.

[tippexx]

although from what I can tell Irish kinda comes second to Scotch (again, ????).

Only in Scotland.

Jamesons and Bushmills are excellent brands to start from.

[Monkey Nuts]

TheDrinkShop.com have both Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie available in 5cl miniature sizes for about ?3 each. You could try one or both of those as they are good quality whiskies that would be an excellent starting point without shelling out too much cash.

[bambini]

Good suggestion. Right, I'll read the website suggested by seriesteve, and then buy acouple of short measures of whisky. Or I'll go down the pub and see what's on the shelves

Next question: Should I have my whisky on the rocks? Or is that just something you hear in films?

[daverave999]

You say your experiences with whisky haven't gone well so far. What did you try and what didn't you like about it?
I would never drink it with ice personally, maybe some water with the sweeter ones.