Try to find a pub with a decent choice of whisky. Harder than it sounds, as most places will serve JD and Bells
Or ask what a single malt is. Sigh. But they're about.
However, if you can get a dram of , for example, Talisker, Glenfiddich, etc, and report back, that will tell you what sort of whisky you like. Exactly like wines, the variety is extreme. Not difficult, as basically there's just a few groups
-Single Malt / Blended - a little misleading, this just means from the same (single) distillery or a mix (blended) from numerous whiskys of difference distilleries. However, as a rule, yes, Single Malts are more expensive than blended. Famous Grouse, Bells, Jameson etc.
-Highland and Island - Often what most people probably taste and decide they 'hate all that scottish whisky' it's peaty, smoky, dry. If you like smoked salmon, etc, this could the one for you. Talisker, and Highland Park, etc. Jura is the exception to the rule!
-Speyside - the most common, usual and palatable of Whiskies. Warm, rich, often nutty, chocolatey, oaky. More Whiskies from Speyside Distilleries than any other. Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Balvenie. Also see above, Jura tastes like a Speyside, but is actually an Island Malt.
Obviously that covers just the Scottish side of things. Personally don't get on with Irish, but love a good Bourbon. Gentleman Jack is a fine example for not much £
Like I say, try and try a few, get an idea of what you like, then look for others similar. If you don't Talisker, you probably won't like Laphroig, if you like Glenlivet 18r, then worth trying Balvenie etc...
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Topic: Whisky (Read 7716 times)