Navigating the world of whisky can be daunting for beginners due to its diversity and complexity

Choosing a whisky can be a challenge for those who are not experts, especially given the diversity found in this spirit. In Scotland alone, there are many different types of whisky, each with its own characteristics. The differences depend on whether the whisky comes from a single distillery and is made entirely from malted barley (single malts), whether it is a blend of several single malts (blended malts), made from a single type of grain other than malted barley (single grain), or if it is a blend from several distilleries (blended whiskies). Other factors include whether the whisky is peated or not. For those looking to discover whisky, it helps to have some guidance.

For beginners, blended whiskies are often recommended as a starting point. Scottish blended malts and blended whiskies are accessible in both price and flavor. Well-known brands offer premium versions that are easy to find in most liquor stores. Examples include Johnnie Walker Highlands Origin, Chivas 13 Years Extra American Bourbon Finish, and Ballantine’s 17 Years. These whiskies tend to have moderate alcohol content and smooth flavors, making them approachable for those new to whisky tasting.

Outside Scotland, French producers like Bellevoye offer blends of single malts from different regions of France. These whiskies also introduce drinkers to the concept of “finishing,” where the spirit spends time aging in barrels that previously held wine or other spirits. This process adds complexity and new flavors to the whisky.

After becoming familiar with blended whiskies, many enthusiasts move on to single malts. Single malts are considered the pinnacle of Scottish whisky but represent only a small portion of total production. They must be distilled at a single distillery using only malted barley and traditional pot stills. Single malts are often more aromatic and have higher alcohol content than blends. For those just starting with single malts, options aged in sherry casks are recommended because they tend to be fruitier and rounder on the palate. Aberlour Double Cask Matured and Macallan Sherry Oak are two examples that are widely available.

Exploring beyond Scotland can also be rewarding. Ireland’s Bushmills distillery, one of the oldest in the world, offers a 14-year-old whisky partially aged in Malaga wine casks, which brings unique flavors. For those interested in bolder profiles, Islay whiskies such as Bruichladdich Classic Laddie offer higher alcohol content and distinctive character. French single malts like Glann ar Mor from Brittany provide another perspective on this spirit.

Peated whiskies represent another step in the journey for many drinkers. Peat is often used during the malting process and imparts smoky, earthy aromas that can include notes of tar, iodine, or ash. These flavors can be polarizing but are beloved by many enthusiasts once acquired. Wolfburn Northland Original is suggested as an introduction because its peat notes come from aging in casks that previously held peated whisky rather than from direct peat exposure during malting. Classic Islay expressions such as Laphroaig 10 Years or Bowmore 12 Years Sherry Oak offer more intense peated experiences.

Whisky is now produced around the world wherever alcohol production is permitted, making it a truly global spirit with endless possibilities for discovery. For those starting out, following these steps can help make sense of the wide range of options available and provide a foundation for further exploration into this complex and fascinating beverage category.