Good scotch for newbies

[darthsidious]

Title says it all.... I've never had scotch before, and I'd like to try some. So, do people have recommendations (reasonably priced), that are fairly widely available?

Also, while you're at it, name your favourite Liqueurs/Cordails that you think people should try, and why.

 

[Bateluer]

I like Chivas Regal myself, goes great with sprite.

Price wise, its roughly 30 USD for a 1L bottle.

 

[DainBramaged]

First, I'm assuming that you are looking for a sipping scotch and not a mixing scotch. If you want something to mix, buy Scoresby for $9.99. My knowledge of scotch is limited but here are a few that I like. Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Johnny Walker Black, Laphroaig (10 year).

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: darthsidious
Title says it all.... I've never had scotch before, and I'd like to try some. So, do people have recommendations (reasonably priced), that are fairly widely available?

Also, while you're at it, name your favourite Liqueurs/Cordails that you think people should try, and why.

doesnt matter when you mix it w/coke.

buy the cheapest stuff on sale and put it in a decantar. and say it's johnny walker blue. noone will know the diff

 

[thelanx]

Johnnie Walker Black Label.

 

[Caesar]

Glenfiddich for taste Redlabel for price

 

[isasir]

Balvenie 12 year

 

[darthsidious]

Yes, I am looking for a sipping scotch, not mixing...

Keep em coming.

Also, what do people here prefer, cointreau or Grand Marinier? (If you can't tell, I'm on a booze information spree).

 

[RGN]

Laphroaig sucks. Some say its an acquired taste, other say its like licking a chimney. I'm in the licking the chimney camp.
I'm not a Macallan fan, the lower priced bottles are not much more than just harsh. Spend the green if you want to try this one.

Scotch is one of those rare things that does get better the more money you spend on it. Keep that in mind. There are several areas
that scotch comes from, each having its own flavor.

Don't bother with Johnny Walker Red, Black is the 1st that is palatable. Even then, I'd leave it as a mixer.
Johnny Walker's blends get better from there. Green Label and Gold label are pretty good. Blue is way pricey and their top end.

Glenlivet is in the range of Johnny Walker Black. I happen to think its ok for a cheap, informal scotch, others hate it. The flavor is very one dimensional,
illustrating the price.

Glenfiddich is from a region that isn't known for its peat flavor, its on the floral side. Its pretty smooth even on the low end.
Auchentoshan isn't bad for lower priced scotch. Its lighter and a little more fruity, its flavor has many dimensions. I classify it a notch above Glenfiddich.

Bowmore is great, currently my favorite. Solid but not overpowering peat, smooth, floral, grate coloring, consistent across years.

Highland Park is good, like Bowmore, its a smokier flavor. Not as smooth.

 

[RGN]

Originally posted by: isasir
Balvenie 12 year

How could I forget the Balvanie? This is another good one.

 

[TechnoPro]

A reasonably priced, sometimes overlooked Scotch is Famous Grouse. I'd have to say that it's Newb friendly.

 

[Zugzwang152]

Originally posted by: DainBramaged
First, I'm assuming that you are looking for a sipping scotch and not a mixing scotch. If you want something to mix, buy Scoresby for $9.99. My knowledge of scotch is limited but here are a few that I like. Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Johnny Walker Black, Laphroaig (10 year).

Scoresby is some nasty ******!

 

[paulney]

What about Jameson? (Irish whiskey)

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: RGN
Laphroaig sucks. Some say its an acquired taste, other say its like licking a chimney. I'm in the licking the chimney camp.
I'm not a Macallan fan, the lower priced bottles are not much more than just harsh. Spend the green if you want to try this one.

Scotch is one of those rare things that does get better the more money you spend on it. Keep that in mind. There are several areas
that scotch comes from, each having its own flavor.

Don't bother with Johnny Walker Red, Black is the 1st that is palatable. Even then, I'd leave it as a mixer.
Johnny Walker's blends get better from there. Green Label and Gold label are pretty good. Blue is way pricey and their top end.

Glenlivet is in the range of Johnny Walker Black. I happen to think its ok for a cheap, informal scotch, others hate it. The flavor is very one dimensional,
illustrating the price.

Glenfiddich is from a region that isn't known for its peat flavor, its on the floral side. Its pretty smooth even on the low end.
Auchentoshan isn't bad for lower priced scotch. Its lighter and a little more fruity, its flavor has many dimensions. I classify it a notch above Glenfiddich.

Bowmore is great, currently my favorite. Solid but not overpowering peat, smooth, floral, grate coloring, consistent across years.

Highland Park is good, like Bowmore, its a smokier flavor. Not as smooth.

Bowmore is very good. There are like 80 different scotches they make though. I had some of their 17 yr old (~$100 CAD) and it was excellent. Bought a bottle of the 15 yr for $70 and while good, it didn't measure up to the 17.

I really love Lagavulin. It's extremely smoky and peaty... just fantastic.


OP: If you're of age, I'd highly recommend heading out to a pub and sampling a few kinds. No sense wasting your money on an entire bottle of something you *might* like.

 

[HamburgerBoy]

Auchentoshan > All.

 

[JasonVaritekMVP]

Chivas Regal is my usual scotch of choice, on the rocks is especially pleasant if you're starting.

I personally don't find the Glenlivet 12 years particularly enjoyable, its just a little smokier than I prefer ... but the 18 year is outstanding and much much different than the 12, unfortunately however it is not very cheap.

 

[George P Burdell]

Another vote for Chivas Regal

 

[ethebubbeth]

Originally posted by: darthsidious
Yes, I am looking for a sipping scotch, not mixing...

Keep em coming.

Also, what do people here prefer, cointreau or Grand Marinier? (If you can't tell, I'm on a booze information spree).

I myself prefer cointreau. Just personal preference. Grand Marnier for some reason has an aftertaste reminding me of overripe oranges.