The Day I Switched to Whiskey
The day I switched to whiskey — I remember it well. My buddy convinced me to try a small shot from his bottle of whiskey. I stared at the brown liquid, recalled some bad memories from some stupid college days, took a sip, and guess what? My spine didn’t shudder.
Old Pointer says: Stupid things you did in college? Smart dogs like me don’t need college, but there was that time I chased the dog catcher’s truck and wound up in the pound. Do they teach that in college?
In fact, that whiskey tasted pretty good — a great beginner whiskey, it was probably the best whiskey for a non-whiskey drinker like me — and we talked about all the flavors going on: the initial sweet smell, a little heat from the alcohol, a little caramel, and a little pepper in the finish.
Now, I’m into all types of whiskey, (<– check that link for more details, including how to spell whiskey/whisky). Exploring the world of whiskey is as fun as learning all the flavors in the beer world.
- Scotch whisky, including the famously smoky flavors from peated malt
- Bourbon whiskey … think corn. And think Kentucky.
- Rye whiskey … add some spice
- Japanese and American single malt whiskey
- Smooth and light Canadian whisky
- Irish whiskey
If you’re after the best affordable whiskey for a beginner, because you want to start the journey, look for an 80- to 90-proof, mid-shelf whiskey. Leave the peated, smoky Scotch whiskey and the high-proof whiskey alone at first, and let the journey begin.
And read the rest of our tips for new whiskey drinkers.
Drink responsibly, friends.