Are you struggling to enjoy single-malt whisky? Often, when we hear people say, “Single malt whisky just isn’t for me”, we immediately assume that they just haven’t found the right one for them—or maybe they’ve tried a heavily peated single malt (which could be a tad too robust for some). If this is you, hear us out for a sec. We would love to give you tips that hopefully give you a second chance when drinking single-malt whisky.
- Start with an unpeated Scotch
Peat is a known characteristic of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. If you have ever tasted a single malt, you will get the distinct, intense, smokey flavour of all Scotch single malts. However, not all Scotch whisky is peated though. Only about 5 to 15% of all Scotch whiskies are peated. So, there are alternatives!
The peated flavour might be enjoyable for some. Unfortunately, if you’re starting out, the robust flavour might not be ideal. However, you could try lightly peated or unpeated Scotch whiskies, giving you a smoother and lighter flavour.
- Try purchasing single malts from the Lowlands or Speyside
In Scotland, there are predominantly six regions in which Scotch whisky is produced. Regions like Islay and the Islands are often known for producing saltier and heavily peated whiskies, which may be too harsh for new whisky drinkers. In this, it would be better to look towards whiskies from Speyside or the Lowlands, which tend to have notes of honey and vanilla, making them sweeter, lighter, and milder for those new to scotch whisky.
- Understand how to smell Scotch
One aspect that often sets Scotch whisky apart is its complex aroma array. Unfortunately, when you try to smell a scotch whisky as a beginner out of a normal glass, all you’ll probably smell is alcohol, followed by a small burn. The right way to do it is to swirl the whisky around, holding the glass about a finger length away from your nose and taking a slight sniff.
If you’re struggling, then it might help to cover the glass with your hand for a bit. This will concentrate the aromas, allowing you to smell them more easily when you remove your hand. You can also smell the aromas on your palm too.
- Try to avoid drinking it on the rocks at first
Ordering scotch on the rocks is a common request for many. Whether it’s because they see actors do it in the movies or because they actually enjoy it, we don’t know. What we do know is that doing this as a beginner isn’t ideal. For those who are trying to learn about scotch whisky, adding ice cubes to it will dilute the flavours, making it seem duller, which could deter you. While there is the bonus of slowly diluting the whisky with the ice and making it colder, which could make it more refreshing, you might not fully enjoy the flavour because you aren’t able to taste it.
- Don’t be afraid to add a little water
Contrary to our last point, diluting a scotch whisky with a tot of water can make it more enjoyable, too. Some whisky enthusiasts have suggested that mixing your whisky with a small drop or two of water can give it a smoother mouth feel, making it lighter and more enjoyable to drink for beginners.
- Check the age of the whisky
Finally, check the age of the whisky you’re drinking. The chances are that if it’s older, it’s probably too strong for you, making it less enjoyable. In most cases, the older a scotch is, the better it’s considered to be. However, this isn’t the case.
Some scotch whiskies age too much, making them strong and more difficult to drink, while others can age beautifully, with age enhancing their sweeter or spicier notes. For beginners, we recommend trying a standard 3-year-old bottle. If you’re looking for something more quality, consider a 12- to 15-year-old bottle.
Choosing the right bottle of whisky
When you drink whisky, you don’t need to drink the oldest bottle or most expensive whisky; you simply need to drink the one you enjoy. However, there is a vast difference between your entry-level single malts and quality malts. So, if you’re looking for quality, look at some of the best single-malt whisky on The Whisky Club. They can direct you to the right single malt for you.
Final thoughts
Single malts are for everyone, which is understandable. But don’t sell yourself short of experiencing a drink so rich in history simply because you haven’t taken the time to try a few of them before making your decision. Consider the tips above and give a single-malt another chance. Who knows, you may thoroughly enjoy it.
