Whisky experience update

[Domino Quartz]

So, some time ago I made a thread asking for suggestions about whiskies to try. Since I made that thread, I have tried a number of different whiskies, with the main ones that I remember being Monkey Shoulder (Scotch) and Jameson (Irish). I really like both of those, but in different ways. I like Monkey Shoulder best neat, and I like Jameson best mixed with a soft drink. Also, I have been watching videos on a few different whisky-focused YouTube channels. I've learned a lot about different kinds of whiskies, what various whisky terms mean, how to pick out different tastes and smells, etc. In Jameson, I can taste apple/pear, butter, vanilla, a little bit of caramel, and a little bit of dried fruit. In Monkey Shoulder, I can taste some of the same things, but the caramel is more pronounced, it's more fruity, the vanilla is less obvious, and there's a bit of a creamy taste as well. Both of those whiskies are quite good for someone like me, since I tend to prefer tea over coffee, cider (hard cider for you Americans) over beer, and white wine over red wine. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which other whiskies I might like? Does anybody else want to share their whisky experience?

[GloatingSwine]

If you like warm smooth whisky with a bit of smoke to it, I'd give Highland Park a try. It's usually pretty easy to get. It's got a bit of sweetness to it, and you'd only drink it neat (don't put things in single malts, it's a barbaric waste of good whisky).

For the full mad bastard experience try an Islay malt too. Laphroaig, Lagavulin, or Ardbeg. They're all extremely peaty though so they're definitely an acquired taste.

[The Fury]

As a general rule I prefer bourbon. Specifically, Kentucky bourbon as it's a lot more smooth than Tennessee bourbon, (Jack Daniels is Tennessee bourbon, and probably one of the most well-known whiskeys around.) For a long time my favorite brands were Bulleit and Wild Turkey, then I gave some local distilleries a try and developed and appreciation for Burnside.

[thorgrim29]

If your taste runs to the more subtle and fruity you might like Dalwhinnie 15 or Glenmorangie Original on the Scottish side. Crown Royal Northern Harvest (rye) and Corner Creek Reserve (bourbon) would also be worth a shot

[Aedilred]

...Both of those whiskies are quite good for someone like me, since I tend to prefer tea over coffee, cider (hard cider for you Americans) over beer, and white wine over red wine. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which other whiskies I might like?

It sounds like you prefer lighter and smoother whiskies over rougher and deeper ones.

Try: Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Hakushu
Avoid: Laphroaig, Benromach, Talisker

Sounds sacrilegious but Naked Grouse is decent for that end of the taste spectrum too.

[paddyfool]

From the flavours you're describing as ones you like, I'd suggest Yamazaki in particular, possibly also Macallen.

[Florian]

When it comes to irish whiskey, I actually prefer Jameson Caskmates (That's the version matured in ex craft Porter barrels) over regular Jameson and Barr an Uisce more or less above all else from the green island.

I've grown bored of the "peated" hype around Scotch and find most U.S. Bourbons to be just slightly bland. So, of the few things I still like and would recommend are the low to mid tier range of the Macallan and I will always have a bottle of Bulleit and Four Roses at home.

Last half decade, I've found japanese whiskeys and I really like them. Yamazaki is pretty much kind of the crop here, but Suntory also has other very interesting lines, like Hibiki and Nikkai Cask Strength is pretty solid for that price range.

[Domino Quartz]

It sounds like you prefer lighter and smoother whiskies over rougher and deeper ones.

Try: Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Hakushu
Avoid: Laphroaig, Benromach, Talisker

Sounds sacrilegious but Naked Grouse is decent for that end of the taste spectrum too.

Thanks for the suggestions! I think I'll try Glenfiddich next.

[Mith]

It sounds like you prefer lighter and smoother whiskies over rougher and deeper ones.

Try: Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Hakushu
Avoid: Laphroaig, Benromach, Talisker

Sounds sacrilegious but Naked Grouse is decent for that end of the taste spectrum too.

When you are in University and like Whiskey, Naked Grouse is a good option any way.

[to a mouse]

Originally Posted by Aedilred
It sounds like you prefer lighter and smoother whiskies over rougher and deeper ones.

Try: Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Hakushu
Avoid: Laphroaig, Benromach, Talisker


I cant believe that someone hasn't suggested Macallam Malt whisky, sherry cask for the sweet taste, described as the Rolls Royce of malt whisky's. I would stick clear of the Islay malt whisky's , heavy peat,for the first time tryer of malts but all seven distillerys on lslay are worth a visit.
The classic range of malts by Diageo offers a wide selection of tastes if try about Oban, Glenkiniche malts. Remember to have a look at the casking ,see if it is sherry, American oak etc and how long it been rested in them. American oak try Glenliviet or Auchentoshan.

[Amemnon91]

Lived in Bardstown, KY for almost 20 years now. I heartily recommend wild turkey, 1792 single barrel (they offer different proofs depending on how strong you like your bourbon but I personally prefer the high 125pf), woodford reserve, and four roses. These are some of my personal favorites and yet I can't seem to keep them stocked in my house for some reason. Hmm

[Insane Jeenyus]

here are my hard adult beverages:
Aberfeldy abby single malt 12 year scotch whisky
[formerly by Dewar's distillery, but now a brand of its own]
Alas, but bottle number B41030 is no more. :sigh:

1 partial 3/4 L bottle of Gentleman Jack -dusty and with cobwebs.
[for medicinal purposes only :wink:]

1 barely touched bottle of Aberlour highland scotch 12 single malt whiskey


As you can see, there is a major part of me that is aimed toward scotch whiskey. I am not able to put my finger on why because I do not know the language.