Whisky Buyers Guide for beginners

This guide is for anyone with very little or no experience when it comes to buying whisky. Maybe you've tasted some and aren't sure what type of whisky you were drinking? Perhaps you don't know what your options are, or where to look next. If you are interested in whisky and have no idea where to start - then our buyers guide to whisky is perfect for you!

Author: Henry Jeffreys
Reading time:10 minutes

Why should I buy whisky?

Whisky for the first time buyer

Price and affordability of whisky

Where do I start?

Newly released whisky

Whisky and lifestyle

Why should I buy whisky?

Did you know?

Whisky for the first time buyer

Price and affordability of whisky

Find the perfect whisky

On a budget?

Gifting?

Go large

Edgy

All whisky

Where do I start with whisky?

Pour & Sip whisky subscription box with drams

Whisky Producing Countries

Scotland:

We’ll start with Scotland as it is the biggest whisky producer in the world. We recommend that you try three whiskies: a blended whisky (see this explanation) like Famous Grouse and two single malts: a smoky one like Seaweed & Aeons & Digging & Fire 10 Year Old, and a fruity one like Balblair 12 Year Old.

Ireland:

The Irish whiskey (in Ireland it is usually but not always spelt with an ‘e’) scene is expanding at a dizzying rate but we’re just going to recommend two classics which are a great introduction to the country. Both are made by the same giant producer Irish Distillers: Jameson, a blended whiskey and one of the world’s bestselling spirits, and Redbreast 12 Year Old. The latter is a single pot still whiskey, a uniquely Irish whiskey that’s made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley.

America:

America’s two great gifts to the whiskey (usually spelt with an ‘e’) world are bourbon and rye. Bourbon is made all over the country largely from maize aka corn and is always aged in new oak casks giving it a sweet profile. Woodford Reserve is a great place to start. Rye is made in a similar way but the predominant cereal is the spicy rye producing a pungent, aromatic style of whiskey. Try Rittenhouse Straight Rye 100 Proof Whiskey. Both rye and bourbon are excellent in classic cocktails like a Manhattan.

Buying a whisky that's just been released

Whisky and lifestyle

Frequently asked questions

Is all Scotch whisky smoky?

No, many aren’t or only have a very subtle smokiness.

Can I mix a single malt?

Yes, of course you can. Single malt whiskies are particularly good in simple cocktails like an Old Fashioned.

Is a single malt better than a blended whisky?

No, they are just different. Blends come from a variety of distilleries and tend to be balanced and highly versatile while single malts come from just one and usually have deeper, more individual flavours.

Is an older whisky better than a younger whisky?

Not necessarily. Older whiskies do tend to be more complex but younger ones can be brighter, fruitier and more vigorous. It’s really down to personal preference.