Fresh start with Scotch/Whiskey and single malt

[Goldie]

So yesterday I stopped at the liquor store on my way to work (doesn't quite sound right, does it?) and was browsing their selection of Scotch and single malt(s) and what not. I wanted to get something to start out and the clerk recommended a small bottle of Johnnie Walker Red as a good place to start.

I also wanted to do some research but came up rather empty handed. So I have two questions that I hope someone can answer for me, or multiple people for that matter.

1. Is there is solid source of information (website) that is rather comprehensive when it comes to Scotch and single malts?

2. Does anyone know of an online retailer that sells a single malt sampler? I would like to get some small 50ml bottles as a taster before I start buying bottles.

And other than the above questions, does anyone have any general recommendations, information, etc that they would be happy to share with a Scotch newb. I look forward to diving into this world as much as I enjoy the cigar world.

Edit: And just to add, I have started browsing through some of the threads here, so I know this is a good place to start, but any information is appreciated.

Thanks gents,

Drew

[alley00p]

You can try this site: http://www.whisky.com/

Also, you will find that single malt scotch from different regions taste totally unlike others. I prefer Islay malts, because of their "peaty" smoky taste. Others dislike that flavor, but prefer lighter, fruity tastes of other region's scotch.

For my tastes, Johnnie Walker is a good scotch whisky, but the Red Label is the lowest of the brand. Black Label or Blue Label are excellent, but pricier. YMMV

Enjoy!

Charlie

[BigCat]

I don't have much experience with web sites, as most of my experience has come from just sampling what friends have or trying different stuff at bars, etc. I think that's the best way to do it because no amount of info you can read online is going to tell you what you like until you have some tasting experience and can look for scotches that share similarities with what you have already enjoyed.

That being said, don't look to the johnny red as being representative of good scotch. I think the stuff is barely palatable. Others may disagree, obviously. For a blended scotch in the same price range as the johnny red, I prefer dewars white label. For a better blend, try Chivas or Dewars 12. For intros into single malt, try the glenlivet 12 and macallan 12. I think you can find the little bottles of each at a decent liquor store. These are highland scotches. I'd start there before moving onto the islays, which have a stronger flavor a scotch novice may not like.

One of the nice things about scotch, like cigars, is that someone else may read my post and completely disagree with what I've written. Good luck and enjoy.

[markem]

The scotch thread (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1029) has been an excellent source of information.

There are samplers about, at least according to google. I have no information as to quality of price, however.

[yourchoice]

Originally Posted by markem

The scotch thread (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1029) has been an excellent source of information.

That's a great thread, but this one (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showth...ghlight=scotch) is also fantastic. It really helped point me in the right direction as I was first learning about Scotch.

[Tredegar]

I am also fairly new to scotch and have found out that too much ice will ruin a good scotch. I now like to put in one cube maybe two. Any more than that it thins the scotch out to the point that it loses most of its flavor. Right now I am drinking:

Glenmorangie 12 year old Nectar D'Or
Longmorn 15 Year Old

[RichardW]

Originally Posted by BigCat

[snip]

That being said, don't look to the johnny red as being representative of good scotch. I think the stuff is barely palatable. Others may disagree, obviously. For a blended scotch in the same price range as the johnny red, I prefer dewars white label. For a better blend, try Chivas or Dewars 12. For intros into single malt, try the glenlivet 12 and macallan 12. I think you can find the little bottles of each at a decent liquor store. These are highland scotches. I'd start there before moving onto the islays, which have a stronger flavor a scotch novice may not like.

One of the nice things about scotch, like cigars, is that someone else may read my post and completely disagree with what I've written. Good luck and enjoy.

what he said ...

[dwoodward]

Don't bother with Johnnie Walker Red Label, something I have noticed is that most clerks don't have a clue what they are actually selling. Red Label is a good scotch to mix with if you have some voodoo recipe that includes scotch. It is not a sipping scotch.

If you want to sip scotch I would recommend Johnnie Walker Black, Glenlivet, or Chivas Regal. I have had all of those in the last few months, all are great buys for the price.

[Lear31MX]

I'm also new to sigle malt scotch, the first one I had was Oban 15year, I tought it was good and it kind of got me started down a Slippery Slop.

I would suggest going to the bar

[dwoodward]

Originally Posted by Lear31MX

I would suggest going to the bar

This is actually a great suggestion. Tell the bartender you wanna sample some scotches on the rocks. He might have some suggestions based on what is popular amongst other drinkers. Most bars here have a pretty lengthy selection with at least 4-5 different scotches to choose from.

Get a designated driver.

[mmblz]

Originally Posted by dwoodward

Tell the bartender you wanna sample some scotches on the rocks.

If you're going to put it on the rocks you might as well just stick with something cheap and not worry about "tasting" anything else.

[awsmith4]

Originally Posted by mmblz

If you're going to put it on the rocks you might as well just stick with something cheap and not worry about "tasting" anything else.

Single malts are best enjoyed neat or with a drop or two of water (and I mean a drop)

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by mmblz

If you're going to put it on the rocks you might as well just stick with something cheap and not worry about "tasting" anything else.

[captain53]

Originally Posted by mmblz

If you're going to put it on the rocks you might as well just stick with something cheap and not worry about "tasting" anything else.

I bought some small ice trays that make about 3/4" square cubes and use distilled water in them to make special rocks for my single malts and bourbons when I want them that way, usually in the summer. 3 Special Rocks and 3 fingers work out about right on a hot day.

[markem]

I'm posting this link (haven't read very much of it, but it seems okay) just so that I have an excuse to post the pic from the page

http://www.maltmadness.com/malt-whis...to-scotch.html

[mmblz]

Originally Posted by captain53

I bought some small ice trays that make about 3/4" square cubes and use distilled water in them to make special rocks for my single malts and bourbons when I want them that way, usually in the summer. 3 Special Rocks and 3 fingers work out about right on a hot day.

... but you still end up masking the flavor...


Personally I feel there are better summer drinks - my scotch consumption goes down in the summer, up in the winter...
But then I also do not enjoy warm beer

[dwoodward]

Originally Posted by mmblz

If you're going to put it on the rocks you might as well just stick with something cheap and not worry about "tasting" anything else.

I don't know any scotch drinkers here that drink it neat. I prefer it on the rocks. (I don't know many tho...)

He can do whatever he wishes, was just a suggestion.

[bigliver]

Originally Posted by dwoodward

I don't know any scotch drinkers here that drink it neat. I prefer it on the rocks. (I don't know many tho...)

He can do whatever he wishes, was just a suggestion.

You must not know many scotch drinkers.

[OLS]

Originally Posted by mmblz

If you're going to put it on the rocks you might as well just stick with something cheap
and not worry about "tasting" anything else.

Snob Alert, lol.

[jmsremax]

Definitely drink it neat. I am still new to scotch but I enjoy Balvenie 12 DW and Glenlivet 12, but I am not a fan of JW. Check your liquor store....I was able to find a few nips (Glenlivet 12, JW, and Glenfiddich 12).