First Time Whisky Drinker | What You Should Know

Move over gin, whisky is having a renaissance. Whisky drinkers rejoice because this elite spirit is finally getting the recognition it deserves. If you’re keen to make a switch to whisky or just want to expand your whisky repertoire, here’s what you should know as a first-time whisky drinker. 

Get to grips with the whisky basics

The word ‘whisky’ is derived from the Scottish Gaelic term meaning ‘water of life’ – and that pretty much sums up how we feel about this fantastic spirit. Whisky is made from fermented grain, such as rye, wheat, or barley, which is then aged in a wooden cask. There are many different types of whisky that are dependent on several factors, including the country, blending process, types of grain and how long the whisky is aged. Each of these influences the flavour of whisky. 

Types of Whisky

There are many different types of whisky, discover the main players in the game. 

Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky can be made in several ways, such as single malt, single grain and a blend. Single malt Scotch is a malt whisky that is made in a single distillery, which makes this type of whisky world-renowned. The flavour profile of Scotch depends on which of the five Scottish regions it has come from. However, overall, Scotch has an earthy and sometimes smoky taste. 

Bourbon

This whisky is made in the US, usually in Kentucky. It is aged in oak barrels, which gives a nutty flavour that is complemented by a caramelised sweetness. 

Irish Whiskey

The name says it all, this whisky is made in Ireland from yeast-fermented grain mash or a mash of malted cereals and is aged for three years in an oak barrel. Irish whiskey is known for being light, fruity with cereal grain notes and a smooth finish. 

How to Serve Whisky

The perfect way to serve whisky has been a much-contested point amongst whisky drinkers. Some argue that whisky should only be served neat, whilst others like to add a dash of water and then, perhaps most controversially, there are the whisky drinkers who like enjoy their whisky on the rocks. Whilst there really is no perfect way to serve whisky – it really does just depend on your personal preference.  

Adding a drop of water to your whisky is common for whisky drinkers. This addition weakens the alcohol strength and also opens up the whisky. Opening up means that the whisky flavours are more evenly balanced when you have a drink, providing more depth of flavour and helping to reduce throat burn. 

The Right Glass

Whilst you may like to experiment with how you drink your whisky before settling on your favourite way, the right glass is non-negotiable. As a first-time whisky drinker, you may not have a suitable glass at home and be tempted to use a tumbler or whatever glass you have on hand, don’t do this. The glass can make or break your whisky experience, and if you’re new to the game and wanting to really appreciate the different flavours of whisky then the right glass is your ultimate accessory.  

A classic whisky Old-Fashioned glass, tulip shaped glass or Glencairn glass are the best options for tasting whisky. Each of these glasses ensure that you get to experience the taste and smell of the spirit simultaneously so that you get a more overarching sense of the flavour. Before trialling different whiskies, make sure you have the right glasses. 

How to Taste Whisky

To appreciate the full spectrum of flavour of whisky, there are four simple steps to follow. 

Look

Look at your glass of whisky, preferably against a neutral background, so that you can assess the colour of the spirit. The darker the tone of the whisky generally means that it has been aged for longer in a barrel. However, if you know that the whisky you are trying is only three years old but has a dark colour, this could be an indication that artificial colourings have been added. 

Smell

Inhale the scent of the whisky before you taste it and see if you can pick out any distinctive flavours.  

Taste

Although it may be tempting, be sure not to gulp your whisky – instead take little sips and swirl the whisky in your mouth to get a good sense of the flavour. Often whiskies can taste different to how they smell, so have a couple of sips close together to get a full understanding of the taste. 

Finish

Finally, the taste left in your mouth after you have drunk the whisky is called the finish. The flavour that is left may be slightly different to what you first tasted, and you may also notice different notes. The more complex the whisky usually means you can taste the flavours for longer, resulting in a longer finish. 

Try Whisky Cocktails

If you would prefer to dip your toe in before diving into drinking whisky neat, then a whisky cocktail may be the perfect way to test the waters. Whether you are in the bar or want to make a drink at home, stick with the classic whisky cocktail recipes. These cocktails have been expertly created and enjoyed for years with flavours that complement and enhance the profile of the whisky. Whisky cocktails are also great to serve at a cocktail or dinner party, so impress your whisky drinker friends with a delicious mix. 

As a first-time whisky drinker, the world of whisky can seem overwhelming but this guide will equip you with the basic knowledge so that you can head out and find your new favourite poison with confidence.