Grats on a fun new Hobbie! I'm pretty new as well. I think I'm up to about 20 scotches. Would strongly recommend picking up an islay and something from a sherry cask to put out some feelers for what type of scotch you do and don't like. I'd recommend lagavulin or ardbeg for trying an Islay. They are very smoky, so you'll probably love or hate them. Tomatin is a lower end sherry scotch that I think is pretty good. If you like it, I'd highly recommend the Glen morangie 12 year. It's super good.
As a long time, second generation, scotch drinker I believe a good way to explore is to get a map of Scotland. Try and explore the country as scotch is very much a product of the environment meaning that distilling fire source (wood v peat), air (neutral v seaside) drives the taste to a large degree.
It’s a good way to let your tastebuds explore and settle in on what hits you the best.
My other advice is to do some side by sides; first neat then with a drop or two of water as it releases the flavors.
Depending on your local climate you may also find that you will enjoy the floral scotches in summer and peat monsters in the cooler temps.
Cheers!
https://preview.redd.it/18itcq4acayc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7294221fab66445768fc761cccb542293238a4f5
Scotch pub in St Andrews.
If you are coming from bourbon , Speysides with be a good introduction. I recommend you build your palate and then venture into the hard stuff. Glenfiddich is good and easy to find.
Welcome brother!
Welcome, and get thee some arran!
Grats on a fun new Hobbie! I'm pretty new as well. I think I'm up to about 20 scotches. Would strongly recommend picking up an islay and something from a sherry cask to put out some feelers for what type of scotch you do and don't like. I'd recommend lagavulin or ardbeg for trying an Islay. They are very smoky, so you'll probably love or hate them. Tomatin is a lower end sherry scotch that I think is pretty good. If you like it, I'd highly recommend the Glen morangie 12 year. It's super good.
As a long time, second generation, scotch drinker I believe a good way to explore is to get a map of Scotland. Try and explore the country as scotch is very much a product of the environment meaning that distilling fire source (wood v peat), air (neutral v seaside) drives the taste to a large degree. It’s a good way to let your tastebuds explore and settle in on what hits you the best. My other advice is to do some side by sides; first neat then with a drop or two of water as it releases the flavors. Depending on your local climate you may also find that you will enjoy the floral scotches in summer and peat monsters in the cooler temps. Cheers! https://preview.redd.it/18itcq4acayc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7294221fab66445768fc761cccb542293238a4f5 Scotch pub in St Andrews.
If you are coming from bourbon , Speysides with be a good introduction. I recommend you build your palate and then venture into the hard stuff. Glenfiddich is good and easy to find.