Whisky is a extremely polarising tipple. people either dislike it or like it. I utilized to be the former however with a bit of ‘practice’, I’ve ended up being a huge fan. The thing to keep in mind is there are numerous kinds of whisky available, so it’s just a situation of discovering the one that’s best for you.

Fun fact: the only difference between ‘whiskey’ as well as ‘whisky’ is that the stuff made in Scotland* – as in Scotch – can leave the ‘e’ off. I was told an simple method to keep in mind it is the Scottish are just as well hectic drinking to add the ‘e’. Or as well mean. just kidding.

Scotland is, of course, where whisky originated. There are 6 primary areas where scotch comes from, each with its own characteristics. however much more about that in a minute.

*There are other countries like Canada, Japan as well as Australia that likewise spell it ‘whisky’. The reason for the difference in spelling is unclear.

How to get into whisk(e)y

I never liked whisky (or whiskey) growing up. I’d drink Jack Daniels as well as coke however all the sugar hid the flavour.

The thing is you don’t have to drink it directly to delight in whisky. There are some outstanding mixed drinks available that truly highlight the flavour without being as well overwhelming.

A great Old Fashioned or a Manhattan will modification a great deal of people’s minds.

As for drinking neat drinks, I started with cognac. Its sweetness as well as rich flavour tempers the alcohol burn.

Remember to sip little amounts at first. These drinks are so full of flavour you don’t requirement much to taste them. In truth our mate Kim-Marie from KimbaLikes.com can’t drink as well much, so she orders a whisky as well as sips on it extremely slowly. It provides her the feeling of joining in with everybody without the unfavorable effects.

But now for the huge question: which whisky is for you?

I’ve organized the 6 regions of Scotland in purchase of approachability, so if you’re just starting out in the whisky world, begin at the top.

At the bottom I’ve talked about whiskey from other parts of the world too, so keep scrolling!

Scotch regions as well as my recommendations

Lowlands

Soft, floral easy-drinking whiskies – a great variety of entry level scotches. Whisky from this region has a tendency not to have that peaty smoke that can be difficult to get utilized to.

Glenkinchie as well as William grant are great examples of this style.

Highlands

The largest region as well as so the widest variety of flavours. expect anything from peaty smokiness to smooth sweetness.

Safe bets are Oban for a clean, wonderful taste or Glenmorangie (pronounced “glen-more-an-jee”) for much more of a smoky finish.

Speyside

Often a bit of peat as well as much more bite than the very first two, Speyside scotch is rather a tough drink.

Glenfiddick is quickly the most prominent Speyside scotch however with much more distilleries than any type of other part of the country you’ve got lots of choices. Glenlivet is likewise one of the huge players here.

The Islands

The northern Hebrides are well understood for their peaty, robust scotch that’s full of tough salty flavour as well as texture. The whiskies coming from these islands are much much more of an obtained taste, however are among my favourites.

The Scotch Whisky policies do not recognise the Islands as a unique scotch region as well as band them in with the Highland group, which seems a bit mean.

Anyway, Talisker as well as Abhainn Dearg are outstanding examples of this region’s scotch.

Islay (pronounced “eye-lah”)

The peatiest of them all, the whisky coming from this part of Scotland is for the genuine whisky fans. Astringent iodine, peat, smoke as well as salt dominate the flavours here.

My absolute preferred is Lagavulin (“lag-a-voo-lin”), however Laphroaig (“la-froyg”) comes a close second. Mrs romance hates this style as well as states it makes me odor like a dirty, drunk old man. Well, if the shoe fits, wear it, right?

Campeltown

Not one that I’m familiar with, Campbeltown utilized to be the top scotch producer in Scotland. unfortunately many of the distilleries closed down as well as only a handful are left.

Strong salty overtones are plentiful in these whiskies. If you’ve ever tried this region’s scotches, please let me understand what they’re like.

Whisky from other parts of the world

It wouldn’t be fair to compose about whiskey as well as not mention these other four major players.

Ireland

Clean, wholesome as well as smooth, the whiskeys right here are simple drinking. Jameson is the most well-known as well as for great reason.

North America

Home of the Bourbon (well, Tennessee is at least) as well as king of the rye, the USA makes some excellent whiskey. My preferred American rye is Michter’s.

Japan

The whisky coming from Japan is amazingly good, as well as the cost typically shows that. Hibiki as well as Hakushu are delicate, clean as well as rather sweet.

Australia

As you may know, I like Australian spirits. The whisky being created right here is amazing. Sullivan’s Cove has done outstanding things in the market as has Lark. however others like Black Gate, McHenry as well as Belgrove likewise have some tasty as well as extremely available whiskies.

Not to mention Archie increased in Sydney. They’re about to do excellent things.

If you’re still not sure about whisky, go to your nearest little bar as well as ask the bar tender to suggest a whisky as well as a mixed drink to choose it.

As with numerous things, the very best method to get into whisk(e)y is to begin off with something light as well as smooth. Remember, it is an obtained taste however when you get to understand the flavour, you’ll be hooked… however yes, I’m still working on Mrs Romance!

Do you have a preferred whiskey or whisky? What’s your preferred sipping drink? tell us in the comments!

Images by Mr & Mrs Romance, or linked as credited.