What's the progression?

[RobustBrad]

Hey guys,

What's track I should take for getting into Single Malt Scotch? I've actually never had one before and would like to see how they go with cigars but don't want my first experience to be a total failure.

Up until now I've only experimented with sweet drinks such as coffee, Baileys Irish Creme, Espresso with my cigars and I want to venture into the world of scotch.

I've recently began to venture into the world of bourbon and whiskey. Now mind you I'm still a "Young Pufferfish", but my drink of choice is Woodford Reserve with a splash of coke on the rocks.

I guess my main question is how should I go about weaning off the coke and getting to just drinking a good scotch neat?

All the best,
Brad

[pitbulljimmy]

A good scotch shouldn't be mixed with anything other than a wee bit of water. What kind of scotch fits your profile? do you like smokey peaty flavors, or something more light? Scotches much like cigars, taste different based upon the areas they are made in. I like some speyside malts, and some highland ones. A real good light malt is actuallt made here in north america, the Glen Breton Rare 10yr old. It's north americas only single malt distillery. But now I'm rambling.... Go out and try a bunch of different ones until you find what you like and what goes with what. There is a scotch refered to as "The Cigar Malt"... Maybe start there....??

[RobustBrad]

Thanks Jim,

What would be two that you recommend off the top of your head? One maybe on the fruity side (I hear they have some) and the other in the spicy side. Keeping it in the $20 range and as smooth as possible.

Cheers,l
Brad

[Amlique]

A good way to start is to add a few ice cubes and a dash of water. As you get used to the strength, you can leave out the water. Then you can drop the ice. Neat is great and all, but most connoisseurs recommend a small dash of water to open up the drink.
Try a good blend first. White Horse and Famous Grouse are award winners and cost the same for a 1/2 gallon as for a 750ml single malt.
If you find you like the taste of scotch, I recommend the Glenlivet 12 Year as a good mid priced quality single. Actually most of the "Glens" are good starters. Avoid older scotches at first (18-25) as they tend to be higher in alcohol content, higher in price and are tougher to drink (similarly to starting with a more mild cigar before trying a full bodied one).

My two favorites are the Glenlivet Nadurra, and McCallan Sherry Oak 18 Year.

[Jumes]

I've been a Scotch and water guy for 30 years and try as I might I cannot appreciate it on the rocks, even with just a splash of water. If I am drinking something on the rocks it is going to be bourbon. I second the Macallans for the scotch and I like Buffalo Trace as a good bourbon on the rocks.

[scottw]

Lowland
Highland
Speyside
Islay

[Amlique]

I mention the ice because the burn on the throat is lessened with a cooler drink. I always have one large ice cube in my scotch. It chills it slightly and adds the water for me =)

[RobustBrad]

Thanks guys. So it seems as if I should start with a blended rather than a Single Malt. Is that correct?

Cheers,
Brad

[McCleod]

Originally Posted by RobustBrad

Hey guys,

What's track I should take for getting into Single Malt Scotch? I've actually never had one before and would like to see how they go with cigars but don't want my first experience to be a total failure.

Up until now I've only experimented with sweet drinks such as coffee, Baileys Irish Creme, Espresso with my cigars and I want to venture into the world of scotch.

I've recently began to venture into the world of bourbon and whiskey. Now mind you I'm still a "Young Pufferfish", but my drink of choice is Woodford Reserve with a splash of coke on the rocks.

I guess my main question is how should I go about weaning off the coke and getting to just drinking a good scotch neat?

All the best,
Brad

Just an opinion here -- I have been to Scotland on three occasions, it appeared to me that most locals were drinking blended whisky with water and ice -- not single malt and neat -- perhaps it was a cost issue. But, I've seen much the same in London. Not evidence for sure, but is what I saw most.

I developed a taste for scotch one night when my hosts ran out of bourbon. They gave me John Walker Red with ice/soda water. The first was horrible; the second kinda nice; by the third, I dropped the soda -- I now think it is one of the cleanest smoothest drinks that you can drink. I use a couple of cubes of ice and some filtered water. I think that is one of the best ways to enjoy it. My preferred single malt is Talisker -- the DPG of Scotches, IMHO. But I do enjoy light blended scotch as well -- even the cheap ones. Big universe out there!

[RobustBrad]

See that, being a totally beginner I thought the purest way to drink scotch was neat. Seems like my assumptions were wrong.

Now just trying to decide on what to go with without blowing my wallet trying everything

Cheers,
Brad

[scottw]

Originally Posted by RobustBrad

See that, being a totally beginner I thought the purest way to drink scotch was neat. Seems like my assumptions were wrong.

Now just trying to decide on what to go with without blowing my wallet trying everything

Cheers,
Brad

It is but with a tiny splash of water (very tiny).

[Jumes]

If you want to try a blended that is not too pricey, try Dewar's White Label.

[Stench]

My favorite single malt (price and quality a factor) is "The Dalmore", about $25 per bottle. They also make a cigar malt which is much darker and peatier. I started with a few ice cubes until now I add one or none. A little bit of water (spring water, not tap) brings out the aroma a bit more for me.

I've had several single malts that were $40 and up a bottle...some were great, some weren't as good as my favorite. If there is a bar or restaurant in your area that will do "scotch flights" - meaning 1/2 ounce of 5 or so single malts you get to try several without buying a bottle. Sometimes you can find the little airport bottles in the better liquor stores so you can try different malts without spending a chunk and not liking it.

[RobustBrad]

The airport bottles is a great idea. I may have to pick a few of them up.

Cheers,
Brad

[Grammaton]

I'll second the miniatures idea. That's the best way to sample a variety on the cheap. Good luck finding a single malt for less than $30. The Glenlivit 12 is around that price, but I would suggest a blend. There's nothing wrong with a blend, and they are consistent.

Everyone's palate is different, but J&B is a speyside blend and somewhat fruity. I really like Dewar's 12 yo blend. No grain whisky in it like the white label has. You might like the white label. Try everything.

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm an expert, I've just been sampling lately.