Quote:
Originally Posted by OzStarGazer
I live very close to a bottle shop. Any recommendations for a beginner? Something that will make me happy, but not sick?  |
When I first read books on the subject, one said Glenfiddich was perfect for beginners to cut their teeth on. I think that the worst recommendation I've ever come across.
To my untrained taste buds, the single malts which have Highland, Lowland and Speyside written on them are relatively mild compared the the Islay ones, though they are stronger than the blended Scotch whiskies. Those that have Islay written on them are meant to be the real Man's drink - lots of peat and smokiness (and plainly from the responses, we have a lot of real Men around here).
Fortunately, you don't have to fork out big amounts on big 700ml bottles to find out what you are partial to. They do sell sample pack - like three 50ml bottles of various Glenfiddichs ($25), and three 200ml bottles of "Classic Collections" (including the Islay Talisker and Caol Ila for $70 per three bottles) and two packs of 200ml bottles of Glenlivets ($40). Thus you can get a feel of what is your thing without winding up with lots of expensive bottles that you really don't like much.
Regards,
Renato