So you want to get into whisky?
One of the most common posts I see on a certain social media site is "I want to get into whisky, what's the best way to start?".
The reality is that there isn't a 'one size fits all' answer to the question as everyone has different palates, different budgets and access to whiskies may vary greatly depending on geographical location. There are, however, a number of things you can do to steer a practical course whilst keeping the costs down.
My own journey started nearly 40 years ago with Laphroaig 10, a whisky I immediately fell in love with and sparked my desire to explore the world of malt whisky. However, this was pre-internet days so information wasn't abundant and the range of single malts available in most shops where I lived was extremely limited. A holiday to Scotland gave me the opportunity I needed, with distillery visits (free back then as the idea of turning them into a revenue stream hadn't been hatched), as well as an abundance of tasting packs and miniatures. Prices were low as it was during the Whisky Loch period and the distilleries were desperate for sales, so it's safe to say I threw myself headlong into 'practical research'.
These days, the whisky world has changed out of all recognition. The amount of readily available advice (good and bad) is colossal, for many of us whisky can now be bought online, and the range of distilleries and expressions in the current market is mind blowing. However, that's not without it's pitfalls and exploring whisky can become very expensive if you're not careful.
As I mentioned at the beginning, everyone is different and everyone's journey will be different. My intent when putting this article together wasn't to provide a 'How to...' guide, more a case of what I would say to myself if I was just starting out on my journey, with the benefit of huge amounts of hindsight.
Do your homework:
The resources available to the whisky novice, and indeed the more whisky-sodden of us, have never been more abundant. However, when I look at some of the information out there, it's evident the quality is variable to say the least.
Personally, I do my best to avoid reading reviews before I've tried a new whisky as I want to limit possible bias in my own tasting notes, but I'll avidly read and compare thoughts afterwards. For any whisky I'll look at several reviews, that way I can compare the results of multiple palates. One byproduct of this approach is you will start to see some reviewers have similar palates and preferences to you, which can be helpful when looking at the whiskies they recommend. I've listed a few of the independent, unbiased reviewers out there whose opinions I respect and trust in the Links section in the sidebar.
Take time to learn how to taste a whisky, including subjects such as which types of glass to use and how to interpret the aromas and flavours you're picking up.
Also, don’t limit your research to just drinking whisky itself. A good understanding of the whisky making process, cask types and maturation, together with the differences between distilleries will often give clues into the character.
Follow your palate:
What I mean by this is let your palate guide your decisions, don't be led by marketing blurb, fashionable brands or peer-pressure on social media. It never ceases to amaze me how often you see a question such as "I'm looking for a good, inexpensive heavily peated whisky" in an online group that receives answers such as Glendronach Allardice or a 30 year old Laphroaig, either because it's their personal favourite or they want to tell the world they can afford expensive whiskies.
As you start your journey you will soon begin to understand the styles of whiskies you enjoy and which just don't work for you. Do some research into understanding what it is about those things you love or loathe, for instance if the whisky is peated or unpeated, if it’s a single malt, grain or blend, or the type of cask it has been matured or finished in.
Once you have an understanding of what you like, look for whiskies which have similar characteristics and start to explore them first but always remember to keep an open mind and be prepared to go outside your comfort zone.
Avoiding some of the pitfalls:
Early on in my journey I made the mistake of pigeon-holing myself as an Islay whisky fan and for a number of years only sought out whiskies from there, with the only real exception being G&M Mortlach. I'm still a major peathead but I sometimes wonder how many great whiskies I may have missed out on as a result of that decision.
What do age, price, brand, distillery, colour and abv have in common? All are things which offer absolutely zero guarantee of the quality of a whisky. Every whisky is different and should be judged entirely on its own merits. In terms of cost, I’ve gained more pleasure from a great quality, low priced whisky than a so-called premium whisky on many occasion. Also, don’t paint yourself into a corner thinking single malts are the only whiskies worth drinking, there are some superb blends out there.
Don’t dismiss a style, brand or distillery on the basis of one or two whiskies. These days many distilleries offer a wide range of expressions, give them a decent opportunity and you may be rewarded with a whisky you really enjoy.
How do I explore without spending a fortune?
There are many of us, myself included, who can’t afford to buy a bottle of every whisky we fancy trying. The availability of official miniature bottles has decreased dramatically with only a small number of distilleries offering these as an option. Thankfully, there are alternative solutions available.
A few online retailers and independent bottlers produce samples ranging in volume from 2 - 5cl, as either individual drams or as tasting sets. Although more expensive per measure than a regular bottle, they provide a relatively inexpensive way of trying a range of whiskies.
Some companies have taken this one step further and have developed subscription services where you receive a whisky, or set of whiskies, to try. One example of this is the Pour & Sip Club from Master of Malt.
Taking it another step further and companies such as The Spirits Embassy will provide online tasting sessions to go with the samples. Usually with a representative of the distillery or brand, these provide a great opportunity of gaining more of an insight into the distillery as well as the whiskies.
Speaking of online, one of the best learning experiences I've been fortunate to discover is the wonder of blind tasting sessions. Not only does it give the opportunity to explore many whiskies in a completely unbiased way, you also get to meet and share thoughts with some great people. It may be something for further along in your whisky journey, but if you get the chance grab it with both hands.
Another option is to find a specialist whisky bar with knowledgeable staff who can guide you based on your tastes, or make suggestions that they think you may find interesting. Again, prices are higher but it's still a cheaper way of finding out whether or not you enjoy a whisky than buying a bottle.
Let’s also not forget the live whisky events. Whether these are small tasting sessions organised by individuals or clubs, distillery visits or large scale whisky shows, they all provide an opportunity to sample and learn.
One final point, as you get older your palate changes and correspondingly your tastes in whisky may change. Don't limit yourself, keep trying new things and you may well be rewarded with that whisky you've spent years hoping to discover.
