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Any recommendations for beginners?
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The Five Single Malt Regions of Scotland
The Lowlands
The Lowlands region lies south of an imaginary line drawn from the Clyde estuary to the Tay estuary. It can claim only three working distilleries. Whiskies from the Lowlands tend to be soft and light in character. They often display very malty, grassy characteristics and subtle delicate aromas. Examples include Glenkinchie, Blandoch and Auchentoshan.
The Highlands
Moving north of the imaginary line takes us in to the Highland region. The region includes most of the rest of Scotland, with the exception of the Island of Islay and Campbeltown, and thus its malts vary greatly in character. Generalisations about the Highland region are less valid, as its whiskies will range from dry to sweet and some even have a touch of smoke and peat. Examples include Glenmorangie, Blair Athol and Talisker.
Speyside
Technically Speyside lies within the Highland region. It is home to approximately half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries. This small area of land located to the north west of Aberdeen produces mellow, sweet, and particularly fruity malt whiskies. Examples include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan.
Islay
Located in the Inner Hebrides, the small Island of Islay is often called 'Whisky Island' given its concentration of eight distilleries. The island produces very distinct malts, generally heavily peated and smoky in taste. Examples include Bowmore, Ardbeg and Laphroaig.
Campbeltown
The town of Campbeltown was once home to more than 30 distilleries. Today it is home to just three: Springbank, Glen Gyle and Glen Scotia. Whiskies from the town tend to have a little peat and salt to them, and are generally medium to full bodied. Examples included Springbank and Glen Scotia.
Single Malts are definitely the way to go, if one of those descriptions sounds good to you, then go ahead and try one. But be aware that the different regions produce
very different flavor profiles. You may love Speysides, and despise Islays, or vice versa.
Unlike many others, I have no qualms starting with blends like Johnny Walker Black (which was my first scotch love). I think you can get a feel for the different flavors that the various regions offer from a blend, since it will include a little of everything. Read the descriptions, and look for the different flavors described above in the blend when you drink it. If you start to find yourself appreciating the sweetness of the blend, then go for a Speyside or a Highland next time. If you find yourself focusing on the earthy smokiness, or the medicinal notes, then perhaps you try a Campbelltown or an Islay single malt on your next trip to the store.
Some will disagree with that suggestion, but that's what worked for me. You will move away from blends as you figure out what you like though, the single malts are just more complex and rewarding.
Happy drinking.
