My uncle caught me and my cousin sneaking and drinking some peach schnapps when I was younger. He said "If you are going to drink you need to drink like a man" He poured us a shot of Laphroaig and his son went first, and immediately ran and puked. I was very apprehensive about my upcoming punishment. I picked up the glass smelled it, drank it. LOVED IT. My uncle before he passed every year on my birthday bought me a bottle of Laphroaig.
@@wross5961 There are so many more flavor options with Scotch other than "too much peat" and "smooth but no flavor". In fact most Scotch doesn't fit either one of those descriptions.
@Wanyne Rowe Maybe you can try Chivas Regal 12 as a very smooth but tasteful version. Its the one I started with and i still like it from time to time or get friends started with it :)
Hello you Men amongst men, I have been watching your channels for a few months now. You guys have changed my life. I formerly drank heavily as a means to medicate my PTSD from combat. My life was on an unhealthy path, but now I have found my love for whisky, and now find myself having a small glass or two of calming scotch as a method of calming myself down after a long and anxiety filled day. I truly want to thank you both, as well as everyone else who makes these channels happen. You have changed my life for the better. Also on a more humorous note, my wife would never go near whisky, until I grabbed some monkey shoulder, now I am married to a unicorn. Thank you magnificent bastards. Good luck with all your future endeavors, you guys deserve all the success you are making for yourselves.
I did a tasting for 32 people in mid June for people who thoguht they did not like scotch. I used blended malts from Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Campbeltown, Islay and Rock Oyster Sherry Cask for the Islands. Everybody found something they liked and some were surprised what they liked. Some Speysiders actually preferred Campbeltown and Islands because of the salt. I paired with smoked meats, smoked salmon, nuts, chocolate, blue cheese and chedder cheese.
So now you’re a year in, what are your go to bottles? Just curious, I love speaking with other fans of whiskey. I find it’s the best way to learn new whiskeys that I would have otherwise overlooked.
@@yungkta3711 I’m still a little newer in my whiskey journey, but my go to bottles lately are Old forester 100, Knob Creek single barrel (found a local store pick that is 15 years that is quite nice) and Early Times BIB when I can find it.
how amazing would it be to come up on Daniel at an airport bar only to have him treat you to a glass? I don't think those people realize how lucky they got
imagine knowing who he is but playing like you dont know anything about whiskey or him so that he'll buy you some and give long winded yet wonderful explanations on shit
Thanks this was a great video. I have been trying to get my friends into whiskey. They have been good sports but I’ve been forcing it down there Throats. A More accurate description is water boarding with whiskey. I’m shocked they are still friends. I think this will help. Thanks!
These are the kinds of videos that you need to tell us at the beginning to pause, grab a pen and paper, before continuing the class. I’ll need to watch this again.
I was so excited the other day... Local hang out is after business hours in the mechanics shop. These guys are beer people. I however am not. This particular night, I brought my Ardbeg 10 with my new magnificent bastard glass. About an hour in, I hand my glass to a friend and had him sniff the whisky. Long story short, 5 guys who's experience with whisky was a jack and coke, drank the entire bottle and talked for hours about the different things we could find.
I was a Jameson drinker my whole life. Then I drank Johnnie Walker black label for the first time and it changed my life. Then after a couple months of dicking around with different scotches, trying the Macallan, Buchanan's, Glenmorangie, etc. I tried Lagavulin 16 and that was the biggest game changer EVER. I've been a peaty Islay scotch drinker ever since. Laphroaig is my current go-to
I was into craft beers for the longest time, but they can get pretty heavy after a while. Since I liked trying all the different flavour profiles whisk(e)y seemed like a natural progression. What was once a "shortcut to getting hammered" has become an unfolding of taste and experience.
nice, I also entered whiskey through craft beers, but I'm struggling a bit with whiskey because the taste difference is more subtle... also doesnt help that comparative tasting is not a cheap endeavour considering how much a bottle costs compared to a pint of IPA...
@@ChemySh It's definitely a more involved process and takes time and $$$, but it's a worthwhile journey. If you know others who enjoy it, you can (mooch) I mean sample that way. :)
I decided to expand the dry week for the rest of this month, and am glad to say this will be the last day! I‘m basically waiting for midnight to happen, so I can taste the classic laddie I bought about two weeks ago...
Ayy, the 1 month club! I did a dry month as well, though admittedly I just ended mine a couple of hours early, as I'm on vacation in a hostel and shared a mixed drink with my roommates. I'm not too bothered though, since I hadn't drank for a few days before the dry week started. So I technically still made a month.
Smooth and sweet are still where I am in terms of description. I had had peated multiple times and still enjoyed it without knowing what the note was. I love the information, but I am terrible at tasting notes. I just appreciate whiskey that tastes nice.
One of my friend's walked by while I was talking about whiskey, and he said "Hey, I'm trying to get into whiskey more". Later that night, He had tried 7 or 8 of my whiskies, and I found he liked copper pot still whiskies, and peated scotch. I did kind of overwhelm him a bit, but I'm glad I allowed him to pinpoint why he disliked so many whiskies. He could taste a metallic note that he just couldn't stand, but the copper pot stilled whiskies didn't have that note. Also, it's really hard to find college kids that are into whiskey. I wonder why.... XD Great episode, guys.
I watched this video when it was released, 5 years ago, while I was an absolute noob. Now, after many years and over 300 bottles, I find it amazing how much this specific video influenced the way I drink and, specially, the way I introduce other people to Scotch. Thank you both for the amazing job!
I would say DONT try to get your girlfriend/boyfriend start drinking single malt scotch. ...your very expensive favourite bottles will empty out atleast twice as fast. ;)
In my opinion this is exactly the kind of video the channel needs. I love scotch but it means a lot more when I can share the experience with other people who are important to me!
I just turned 21 last month and got extremely excited about whiskey, but I decided to wait a month to get somewhat used to alcohol with various beers and ciders. I may have just started drinking but I've been looking forward to whiskey ever since I was 11, though I never drank before last month. Finding these channels have pretty much saved my life cause I honestly had no idea what to expect
As a non drinker the "beer with friends every once in a while maybe doing a shot" type guy I do love whisk'e'y sours. If I'm out at a bar or restaurant that's the one thing I order. Just whisk'e'y and lemonade.
I poured some Aberlour Abunadh for someone the other day in a glencairn glass. The best part was, he took one smell of it, looked at me and said, "Smells like umeshu." I was like, "yea totally cos there are notes of plum and raisins in there." #nailedit lol
Chivas Regal or Glenfiddich is the perfect introduction. Not as much smoke. Middle of the road. You don't drink coffee black your first time, you learn to appreciate and love the flavor. Good job guys
Cool I'll have to try famous grouse! And sorry, I love that dirty rat bastard Chivas for the price. I wish I could pay more for my friends to try better scotch more often but unfortunately I know more mooches than enthusiasts. Trying to change that! Lol cheers
I love that discription of what getting friend into whiskey is. It reminds me of having a flight with 2 close friends and sharing our drinks to compare the different scotches, bourbons, and in my flight both haha. It's super enjoyable to watch people try to try scotch or any dark liquer instead of shooting the cheaper varients like it is the same.
I really don't drink much at all these days but for some reason I've been on a string of these videos for a week now. You guys are fantastic presenters even if I really have no plans on starting to become a whisky drinker in the future. Nothing at all against it, just not my thing.
I think one of my favorite scotch whiskeys is pretty good for beginners, The Glenlivet 12 year. It's a smooth, fruity whiskey that doesn't have the overwhelming peat, smoke or wood that sometimes turns off novice whiskey drinkers. I currently have a glass of it as I'm writing this post -- it's one that I always keep in the house and one of my go-to whiskeys. It's actually a whiskey that I'll pour for someone who doesn't drink whiskey in general if I want to introduce them to whiskey.
I love Bourbon. I drink Elijah Craig, Knob Creek, and Angels Envy. Yesterday I bought a bottle of Laphroag select. Poured myself a glass. Smelled it, took a sip, and thought....Man I love Bourbon! Probably gonna try one of the beginner scotch's you suggested.
About beginners liking peat, i used to just drink bourbon when partying, and not enjoying it that much. But only got really interested in whisky when i tasted a Laphroaig 10. Since then i really started appreciating whisky
The first scotch I ever had was Highland Park 12. I picked up a bottle from a local liquor store and it blew me away. Before this I mainly drank wheated bourbons and still do, but since then I’ve developed a deep love for scotch. The taste of Highland Park 12 is so nostalgic for me and never fails to put me in a great mood.
My first scotch was Ardbeg 10 and I absolutely fell in love with it. Before that I was a craft beer drinker and I still enjoy beer, but it's just not the same as scotch
I have to admit, I was a hardcore Bourbon and Rye drinker for years. My 23 year old son introduced me to scotch albeit by fire with Lagavulin 12. I have tried over 30 plus since. I fell in love with Aberlour A'bunadh and other expressions and have been hooked ever since. Although, 1792 Full Proof and Whisltepig Boss Hog are the Shizit as well...
I'm pretty new to whiskey in general but I have been learning so much from watching your videos. I'm one of those weirdos who tried Ardbeg for the first time and flipped out when one of my buddies introduced it to me. Opened up a whole new world man, thank you.
First whiskey I ever drank was a lagavulin distillers edition from 1999 that my uncle had at home. I fell in love and now I only drink scotch, I have tried some irish, only one I really liked was the redbreast. I've never tasted Bourbon because where I live the only selection is Jim beam and Jack Daniels (not even a bourbon). Right now I have a couple of Lagavulins, two ardbegs, three laphroaigs, one bowmore 12, Talisker 10 and a bunnahabhain Moine which is surprisingly good for the price.
With beer drinkers, getting into bourbon barrel aged stouts is a great way to get into whiskey. I started off drinking craft beer and I noticed I really only bought barrel aged stouts. Made sense to get into the whiskey game.
My parents drank Rob Roys all the time, and, growing up, I used to get the cherry. And when I turned 21 and was thinking about what should be "my drink" my mom suggested a Rusty Nail. I've been training for this community all my life!
Fantastic video (as always) filled to the brim with perfectly delivered knowledge.... *BUT* at 16:00 “it happened”....the moment...the snip-it, the sound byte that *ABSOLUTELY* resonates in each and every person who has and ever will view this video. Perfection...and I *MUST SAY* that I stumbled upon you guys out of base-level curiosity and little knowledge coming from bourbons. I dry quickly became utterly and completely addicted to your videos and even watch those that I don’t assume I’ll be interested in.... *YET I ASSUREDLY LEARN FROM AND THOROUGHLY ENJOY EACH AND EVERY ONE!* Please continue to do what you both so wonderfully do and more “normal” people will hopefully become enlightened and able to really appreciate whisk(e)y more deeply.... *I SURE HAVE!!!!* 👍👍👍👍👍👍
30 years ago the Macallan 12 provided me with the epiphany that changed me to a devotee of Scotch whiskies. Since then I have converted at least 3 of the unenlightened with either the Macallan 12 or the Balvenie Double Wood.
I feel bad making a Manhattan with $100 bottles of whiskey, but I do love them. I find 4 roses and wild turkey work well for a Manhattan. Anything over $80 I usually drink neat or with a large ice cube.
I'm the kinda drinker that started out hardly drinking any alcohol at all. I don't drink wine, I don't like most beers. I dislike most other liquors I've tried. And then I was given a glass of Laphroaig and I fell in love. Though my favourite scotches so far would be Lagavulin and Talisker.
The Bobby Burns cocktail. You're supposed to use blended scotch for cocktails but I use Glenfiddich bourbon barrel reserve 14, and I got this cool idea from the Bonneville cocktail collection to garnish with a Walkers shortbread.
I had tried a few varieties of run of the mill scotches. Aka Glenfiddich maybe a Couple others. I ended up at a hotel went down to the bar for a nightcap. It was a whiskey bar. Predominantly scotch. Bartender asked me what I wanted and he asked me what I liked. He was good and told me about the differences in tastes. Long story short I told him I liked stronger tastes. My first real experience was Lagavulin. Been a whiskey fan ever since. Slowly venturing into bourbons through some of your recommendations. But purchased a bottle of Redbreast. Love it. Cheers from Canada.
You guys are fantastic teachers! So awesome to see this in the context of whiskey. If more folks approached literally anything in life the way you guys approach educating people about whiskey, the world would be a better place. Humility and respect and still fun
We just had a Bourbon and BBQ party at our house as I had numerous friends who wanted to learn about bourbon. It was awesome and we all learned a lot sampling side by side. You could do the same thing with scotch. As bourbon is less expensive, I just bought numerous bottles and shared. With the Scotch, have everyone bring a bottle and compare, maybe draw out of a hat and have people bring different types.
I had the smokey scotch moment last week. Friend was giving me Glendronach and yamazaki and I wasnt feeling it. but then we had the Ballechin 15 and I was blown away. Finished the night on the Balcones Brimstone and I am hooked.
I work as a consultant trying to sell some professional coaching services. I listen to your video and realize how WRONG I was in luring people in. Thank you Rex and Dan for accidentally teaching consulting principles in unexpected places.
I may not be able to taste or smell too many nuances in the whiskey and Scotch that I have had this far, but I can say I have enjoyed it, I enjoy the nerdy history and backstory, and I love seeing others nerd out over it. Currently I have a bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel, Johnny Walker Double Black, and a Monkey Shoulder. I am so excited to see what else is out there to try and to build my collection.
as a not normal person i host scotch whisky nights all the time. lately we have branched into cigar pairings. I have had a great response from my friends on introducing them to the glenlivet nadurra. would love to hear a review of it by you guys. take care brothers
Love this one, my husband and I love whiskey tours and tasting, but covid is making that very challenging. Most tasting rooms near us are closed still. But you gave me the idea to do a home tasting, we have a pretty large collection of around 15 bottles from basics like Bullet 10 years to Oban and even Ardbeg. I think I will plan a home tasting night with what we have
The best thing about introducing whisky to anyone is new tasting notes: Ardbeg 10: Waking up on the beach near a driftwood fire that went out last night. Amrut Fusion: Some kind of tropical spices stuffed in a lemon that someone threw at me but just missed. Arran 14: Fruit punch that someone spilled on my french toast. These are my whisky people and they are nuts.
I learned my lesson with scotch. I tried Balvenie Doublewood 12, caribbean cask and the Doublewood 17. Liked them. The Caribbean Cask in run barrel had a cigar smoke note. Not bad. Then I got brave and tried Ardbeg. OMG!!!! I might as well have been drinking straight from a bottle of Liquid Smoke. LOL...I'm sticking to Balvenie and other similar scotches.
My first scotch was McAllen 12 had no idea what I bought it was at best alright then I went to highland park 12 and liked it alot.... then came Ardbeg ugee and ever since it's been islay for me!!
Thank you! Dude, really annoying to not be able to enjoy something because an enthusiast is trying to force info down your throat. I'm early mid-level whiskey nerd and it def took a while to overcome those types.
My first scotch I ever had was a Bowmore 12, coming from a background of barely drinking at all, aside from occasional vodka mixes or a few beer. First sip was like...woah that powerful, but as the smokey aftertaste settled in, I was hooked.
Awesome video. Been trial and error with introducing my friends and this video is exactly what I have arrived at for introductions. I love when people are immediately Peat heads. Last guy I introduced immediately went for Laphroaig and he can't drink anything but Islay now.
I I used to drink whiskey and coke and loved it. One day I got a little stomach bug. In my eyes 40% kill bacteria. Poured my self a big pour of Jim beam devil's cut. Safe to say thank the whiskey god's for that stomach bug. Just thought I would share how I got into neat whiskey. I think a bourbon is a god way to start drinking whiskey I feel the sweetness helped. Then you move on to more smokey scotch.
I asked the same question about scotch to a friend who introduced me to some scotches. Which entry level ones would you recommend as a representative of the 6 regions. He said this: 1. Tobermory 10 (Islands) 2. Ardbeg 10 (Islay) 3. Springbank 10 (Campbeltown) 4. Glenfiddich 12 (Speyside) 5. Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve (Highland) 6. Auchtenoshan 12 (Lowlands)
there was a wedding happening at the top of the hill. as soon as we reached the end of the path, we heard the bride and groom ringing the chapel bell. they definitely heard us haha
you guys converted me i don't like sweet scotch but because of this channel i started experimenting with the Connemara and now i have several bottles of Islay in my collection now and i barely even want to drink if there is no smoke! thanx BASTARDS!!!!!!
Hello guys, I enjoy your unpretentious reviews of a wide variety of Scotch and I have learned a great deal from your adventures. It is my habit to drink two fingers on one small ice cub. The small cube chills the scotch a bit and pops out the flavor with the melting water. I thank you for your many fine reviews which have increased my understanding of Scotch Whisky. I watch your TH-cam videos often. I am an old coot (67) living on social security benefits and personal savings. My health is not robust but it is good enough that I may enjoy a wee dram from time to time. I live alone in Philadelphia and I am hoping you can tell me how I can expand my repertoire of scotches without exhausting my financial resources. The average price point for an acceptable scotch is, for me, $40 USD plus or minus $5. I enjoy the usual blends of Chivas Regal 12 and Johnnie Waker Black Label 12. I am hesitant to spend $50 or $60 or $70 on a bottle of scotch that may disappoint me. That would be a large expenditure for something I may or may not like. Therefore, I tend to stick to old familiar friends. I tend to prefer blended scotch and do not like the smokey flavor of peat in many Islay scotches. I one time tried Laphroaig and did not like the taste of peat at all. Perhaps there are some Speyside single malts or blends you could recommend which I might enjoy without going broke. I live in Phladelphia which does not have a remarkable range of Scotches to sample. Perhaps you could recommend a few which might expand my repertoire. Many thanks! Greg Muller Philadelphia PA USA
For some, the ideal starting point is a "Scotch and Coke". I drank, and thoroughly enjoyed, many many bottles of single malt (and occasionally still do) in coke before I eventually got around to enjoying whisky neat . . . In fact that may very well be how I got the name "Malt Philistine" :D
Jack on the rocks was my first. Red Breast redefined whiskey for a few years. Then I tried some Laphroaig... that bottle took me a while. I was about halfway through it before I really started liking it (took a few months to get to that point.)
Sometimes I get a little annoyed that vetrans hate the description cola flavor. Its super appropriate for some whiskeys, and its delicious. Also ultra helpful tips, I'm having my 5th whiskey tasting night and some have gone well, some not so much.
I got a sampler of some scotches a while back. I forget the names of them because they really aren't that tasty alone. However, they are making some fantastic old fashioned's.
I always like these "how to start someone on whiskey" videos. Good info to help new people along as well as a refresher for covering the basics for those with experience.
the ultimate goal of introducing any one to a whiskey type is to have them come to you and say you have to try this new thing i found, and even if you know it and hate it just bask in their enthusiasm and act like you tasting it for the first time.
Very well done and informative. I think that the way I would introduce a newbie to Scotch would be to start them off with JW Red or Dewar's White Label. Something light and easy that won't overwhelm their palate. Then move on to the higher end blends and single malts from various regions. I would save the Islay Scotch for last. Maybe starting with Bowmore 12 before moving to the heavier peated ones like Laphroaig or Ardbeg. Either way, it is always nice to expand somebody's Whiskey experience.
I like sweet drinks. So I tried Speyside and Highland scotches first. I found it difficult to pick up the flavours. I can smell something that isn't alcohol, once I finish a drink. Peat smoke, on the other hand is right there, has a familiar aroma, and tastes good. Ardbeg 10, Caol Ila 12, Talisker Storm are my favourite liquors so far.
I wasn’t a big fan of any of the Scotch I had tried before..... until I had the Lagavulin 8.... and I fell in LOVE so next I moved on to Laphroig 10 which I also loved. Needless to say I’ve dubbed myself an Islay fan. Unfortunately I don’t get a lot of the complexities out of them that y’all speak of, but I love the smoke! I hope to be able to start picking out more of the subtleties. I love y’alls channels. My wife.... not so much lol.
Love my Glendronach 12... I wish the 15 wasn't prohibitive expensive where I live (in the rare occasion when it's available that is). I'll have to settle for my GlenAllachie 15 which is delicious (but I know not on par with the GD15).
Never tried sparkling water and whiskey before. Always been a neat or a few drops person. Tried it there, really does open it up and planning on introducing a friend to whiskey soon so its a great idea for her. Cheers lads
I'm very happy that I stumbled upon your various channels. I am more of a fan of the peaty and smoky things as far as whisky goes. Ardbeg is my current favorite. The thing I took away from this was I need to try a rusty nail sometime. I used to love drambuie years ago when I would try anything put in front of me, and had no idea that is what this mixed drink was made from.
Hilarious!! One of the best vids you guys have done. I just finished a bottle of Quarter Cask a few weeks ago... loved it! My 6 would be: GlenDronach 12 Ardbeg 10 Johnnie Walker Black Talisker 10 Aberfeldy 12 Famous Grouse
rusty nail, as a non drinker at age 18 in australia i was given a double shot rusty at xmas at work and all i can say is later at the family xmas i slept well
I think my 6 would be Macallan 10 Fine Oak (Speyside, oakey), Balvenie Doublewood 12 (Adds sherry character), Talisker 10 (Islands, gentle introduction to peat), Ardbeg 10 (more friendly Islay than the Laphroaig 10, but still a big loud Islay), Johnnie Black (blended), and maybe a Lagavulin 16 for a milder Islay.
Oddly enough I've always been a beer guy and my first liquor ever was Ardbegh. It's not as bad as its portrayed. It got me started on scotch and I've been a fan since.
I actually started drinking neat and experimented with it if at 1st I didn't like it at 1st. And while I do respect the Glencairn glass and do drink from mine time to time I mainly drink out of a rocks glass.
A great video! Since watching your channel I introduced a few friends to whiskey and am about to next week! I should keep in mind not to nerd out. Rex's maniac laughter is stuck inside my head now HELP
My uncle caught me and my cousin sneaking and drinking some peach schnapps when I was younger. He said "If you are going to drink you need to drink like a man" He poured us a shot of Laphroaig and his son went first, and immediately ran and puked. I was very apprehensive about my upcoming punishment. I picked up the glass smelled it, drank it. LOVED IT. My uncle before he passed every year on my birthday bought me a bottle of Laphroaig.
Had one taste way too much peat and another johnny walker red was smooth but no real flavor.Have to say i prefer irish whiskey than scotch
Excellent story
@@wross5961
There are so many more flavor options with Scotch other than "too much peat" and "smooth but no flavor". In fact most Scotch doesn't fit either one of those descriptions.
Wayne Rowe try Dalmore 12 its just amazing and very smooth
@Wanyne Rowe Maybe you can try Chivas Regal 12 as a very smooth but tasteful version. Its the one I started with and i still like it from time to time or get friends started with it :)
Ok the "answer questions then stop" that's solid advice. I am definitely guilty of not following this sometimes!
Still It im subscribed to your channel i enjoy your videos very much heard about these guys through your channel
Spencer Summer ah awesome man! Glad you like them, and appreciate these guys 😀
Actually yeah, me too, it was when they reviewed the whiskies he sent over and I thought that was just the coolest thing
The proper way is to walk up to their door in your Sunday clothes, ring the bell, and ask them if they have a few minutes to talk about Scotch.
This is a pretty funny comment, deserves more love imo
"Have you heard the good news of John Barleycorn? No? Do you have a few moments?"
My wife walked in while I was watching this video. She said "Why would you want to do THAT??!? Then you'd have to share it!!" :)
Your wife is a wise woman who should be celebrated
You dont need whiskey-friends with a wifey like that
Hello you Men amongst men, I have been watching your channels for a few months now. You guys have changed my life. I formerly drank heavily as a means to medicate my PTSD from combat. My life was on an unhealthy path, but now I have found my love for whisky, and now find myself having a small glass or two of calming scotch as a method of calming myself down after a long and anxiety filled day. I truly want to thank you both, as well as everyone else who makes these channels happen. You have changed my life for the better. Also on a more humorous note, my wife would never go near whisky, until I grabbed some monkey shoulder, now I am married to a unicorn. Thank you magnificent bastards. Good luck with all your future endeavors, you guys deserve all the success you are making for yourselves.
I did a tasting for 32 people in mid June for people who thoguht they did not like scotch. I used blended malts from Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Campbeltown, Islay and Rock Oyster Sherry Cask for the Islands. Everybody found something they liked and some were surprised what they liked. Some Speysiders actually preferred Campbeltown and Islands because of the salt. I paired with smoked meats, smoked salmon, nuts, chocolate, blue cheese and chedder cheese.
When is the next tasting?!!!
@@davidstofanak4585 fr
You sir are a true gentleman
Hello, friend.
Did I miss it?
Is it sad I'm watching these videos as a beginner, I had my first drink less than 8 months ago. And I am loving these videos.
So now you’re a year in, what are your go to bottles? Just curious, I love speaking with other fans of whiskey. I find it’s the best way to learn new whiskeys that I would have otherwise overlooked.
My two go to bottles lately have been glenfiddich 12 single malt and suntory toki Japanese whiskey. How bout you?
@@yungkta3711
I’m still a little newer in my whiskey journey, but my go to bottles lately are Old forester 100, Knob Creek single barrel (found a local store pick that is 15 years that is quite nice) and Early Times BIB when I can find it.
how amazing would it be to come up on Daniel at an airport bar only to have him treat you to a glass? I don't think those people realize how lucky they got
I see that beard coming at me in a bar I move down three stools.
imagine knowing who he is but playing like you dont know anything about whiskey or him so that he'll buy you some and give long winded yet wonderful explanations on shit
@@adamnoturfuknbusiness2367 seems unlikely to me, most people at airport bars are just trying to get drunk because flying sucks tbh
Thanks this was a great video. I have been trying to get my friends into whiskey. They have been good sports but I’ve been forcing it down there Throats. A More accurate description is water boarding with whiskey. I’m shocked they are still friends. I think this will help. Thanks!
thanks John. good luck!
John Christensen Tell them, it’s for the People !!
This whisky-boarding thing seems 2 be a magnificent idea for your next episode, you MBs!
These are the kinds of videos that you need to tell us at the beginning to pause, grab a pen and paper, before continuing the class. I’ll need to watch this again.
Exactly what i did lol. Just getting into it. Very excited.
I was so excited the other day... Local hang out is after business hours in the mechanics shop. These guys are beer people. I however am not. This particular night, I brought my Ardbeg 10 with my new magnificent bastard glass. About an hour in, I hand my glass to a friend and had him sniff the whisky. Long story short, 5 guys who's experience with whisky was a jack and coke, drank the entire bottle and talked for hours about the different things we could find.
I was a Jameson drinker my whole life. Then I drank Johnnie Walker black label for the first time and it changed my life. Then after a couple months of dicking around with different scotches, trying the Macallan, Buchanan's, Glenmorangie, etc. I tried Lagavulin 16 and that was the biggest game changer EVER. I've been a peaty Islay scotch drinker ever since. Laphroaig is my current go-to
I was into craft beers for the longest time, but they can get pretty heavy after a while. Since I liked trying all the different flavour profiles whisk(e)y seemed like a natural progression.
What was once a "shortcut to getting hammered" has become an unfolding of taste and experience.
I’m on the same page as you, these guys are making it so much better to understand whiskeys
nice, I also entered whiskey through craft beers, but I'm struggling a bit with whiskey because the taste difference is more subtle... also doesnt help that comparative tasting is not a cheap endeavour considering how much a bottle costs compared to a pint of IPA...
@@ChemySh It's definitely a more involved process and takes time and $$$, but it's a worthwhile journey. If you know others who enjoy it, you can (mooch) I mean sample that way. :)
I decided to expand the dry week for the rest of this month, and am glad to say this will be the last day! I‘m basically waiting for midnight to happen, so I can taste the classic laddie I bought about two weeks ago...
nice whisky choice, Noah. Good on you for going a full month.
ooooooo that's a great dram. It's one that i like to water just a tad because it is very complex for an unpeated Islay.
Ayy, the 1 month club! I did a dry month as well, though admittedly I just ended mine a couple of hours early, as I'm on vacation in a hostel and shared a mixed drink with my roommates. I'm not too bothered though, since I hadn't drank for a few days before the dry week started. So I technically still made a month.
Smooth and sweet are still where I am in terms of description. I had had peated multiple times and still enjoyed it without knowing what the note was. I love the information, but I am terrible at tasting notes. I just appreciate whiskey that tastes nice.
One of my friend's walked by while I was talking about whiskey, and he said "Hey, I'm trying to get into whiskey more". Later that night, He had tried 7 or 8 of my whiskies, and I found he liked copper pot still whiskies, and peated scotch. I did kind of overwhelm him a bit, but I'm glad I allowed him to pinpoint why he disliked so many whiskies. He could taste a metallic note that he just couldn't stand, but the copper pot stilled whiskies didn't have that note.
Also, it's really hard to find college kids that are into whiskey. I wonder why.... XD Great episode, guys.
Luke Holmes because it's not four loko and Mike's hard lemonade
Bc it’s much more expensive and it’s a good thing they can’t bc they can’t even drink beer responsibly
I watched this video when it was released, 5 years ago, while I was an absolute noob. Now, after many years and over 300 bottles, I find it amazing how much this specific video influenced the way I drink and, specially, the way I introduce other people to Scotch. Thank you both for the amazing job!
Step 1. Get friends
rip
Thats the hardest part :D
How to get friends: bring the scotch
Step 2....commission each to BUY A DIFFERENT BOTTLE and bring it over to your house.....😉
If your buy scotch, they will come.
The introvert Daniel led an impromptu tasting with strangers. Total introvert thing. :D
I would say DONT try to get your girlfriend/boyfriend start drinking single malt scotch.
...your very expensive favourite bottles will empty out atleast twice as fast. ;)
In my opinion this is exactly the kind of video the channel needs. I love scotch but it means a lot more when I can share the experience with other people who are important to me!
I just turned 21 last month and got extremely excited about whiskey, but I decided to wait a month to get somewhat used to alcohol with various beers and ciders. I may have just started drinking but I've been looking forward to whiskey ever since I was 11, though I never drank before last month. Finding these channels have pretty much saved my life cause I honestly had no idea what to expect
As a non drinker the "beer with friends every once in a while maybe doing a shot" type guy I do love whisk'e'y sours. If I'm out at a bar or restaurant that's the one thing I order. Just whisk'e'y and lemonade.
I poured some Aberlour Abunadh for someone the other day in a glencairn glass. The best part was, he took one smell of it, looked at me and said, "Smells like umeshu." I was like, "yea totally cos there are notes of plum and raisins in there." #nailedit lol
nice. did he like it?
Whiskey Tribe yeap we had an absolute blast that night!
Chivas Regal or Glenfiddich is the perfect introduction. Not as much smoke. Middle of the road. You don't drink coffee black your first time, you learn to appreciate and love the flavor. Good job guys
Thanks Austin.
Genfiddich yes. Chivas is cheap crap
Glenfiddich is what got me into whisky, so can side with you on that for sure
Famous grouse .
Cool I'll have to try famous grouse! And sorry, I love that dirty rat bastard Chivas for the price. I wish I could pay more for my friends to try better scotch more often but unfortunately I know more mooches than enthusiasts. Trying to change that! Lol cheers
I love that discription of what getting friend into whiskey is. It reminds me of having a flight with 2 close friends and sharing our drinks to compare the different scotches, bourbons, and in my flight both haha. It's super enjoyable to watch people try to try scotch or any dark liquer instead of shooting the cheaper varients like it is the same.
When I think scotch, it's a Speyside scotch that comes to mind because that is what I was first introduced to in the scotch world.
I really don't drink much at all these days but for some reason I've been on a string of these videos for a week now. You guys are fantastic presenters even if I really have no plans on starting to become a whisky drinker in the future. Nothing at all against it, just not my thing.
I think one of my favorite scotch whiskeys is pretty good for beginners, The Glenlivet 12 year. It's a smooth, fruity whiskey that doesn't have the overwhelming peat, smoke or wood that sometimes turns off novice whiskey drinkers. I currently have a glass of it as I'm writing this post -- it's one that I always keep in the house and one of my go-to whiskeys. It's actually a whiskey that I'll pour for someone who doesn't drink whiskey in general if I want to introduce them to whiskey.
there are some really good life lessons in here that dont only pertain to scotch. good stuff
Rex's hysterical laughter is the greatest
I love Bourbon. I drink Elijah Craig, Knob Creek, and Angels Envy. Yesterday I bought a bottle of Laphroag select. Poured myself a glass. Smelled it, took a sip, and thought....Man I love Bourbon! Probably gonna try one of the beginner scotch's you suggested.
About beginners liking peat, i used to just drink bourbon when partying, and not enjoying it that much. But only got really interested in whisky when i tasted a Laphroaig 10. Since then i really started appreciating whisky
The first scotch I ever had was Highland Park 12. I picked up a bottle from a local liquor store and it blew me away. Before this I mainly drank wheated bourbons and still do, but since then I’ve developed a deep love for scotch. The taste of Highland Park 12 is so nostalgic for me and never fails to put me in a great mood.
My first scotch was Ardbeg 10 and I absolutely fell in love with it. Before that I was a craft beer drinker and I still enjoy beer, but it's just not the same as scotch
same as my first one good choice
I have to admit, I was a hardcore Bourbon and Rye drinker for years. My 23 year old son introduced me to scotch albeit by fire with Lagavulin 12. I have tried over 30 plus since. I fell in love with Aberlour A'bunadh and other expressions and have been hooked ever since. Although, 1792 Full Proof and Whisltepig Boss Hog are the Shizit as well...
nice. what was your go-to bourbon / rye?
Big Fan of Blanton's bourbon and Whistle Pig Rye...
Rex, you laugh is soo infectious! :)
I'm pretty new to whiskey in general but I have been learning so much from watching your videos. I'm one of those weirdos who tried Ardbeg for the first time and flipped out when one of my buddies introduced it to me. Opened up a whole new world man, thank you.
First whiskey I ever drank was a lagavulin distillers edition from 1999 that my uncle had at home. I fell in love and now I only drink scotch, I have tried some irish, only one I really liked was the redbreast. I've never tasted Bourbon because where I live the only selection is Jim beam and Jack Daniels (not even a bourbon). Right now I have a couple of Lagavulins, two ardbegs, three laphroaigs, one bowmore 12, Talisker 10 and a bunnahabhain Moine which is surprisingly good for the price.
With beer drinkers, getting into bourbon barrel aged stouts is a great way to get into whiskey. I started off drinking craft beer and I noticed I really only bought barrel aged stouts. Made sense to get into the whiskey game.
My parents drank Rob Roys all the time, and, growing up, I used to get the cherry. And when I turned 21 and was thinking about what should be "my drink" my mom suggested a Rusty Nail. I've been training for this community all my life!
Fantastic video (as always) filled to the brim with perfectly delivered knowledge.... *BUT* at 16:00 “it happened”....the moment...the snip-it, the sound byte that *ABSOLUTELY* resonates in each and every person who has and ever will view this video. Perfection...and I *MUST SAY* that I stumbled upon you guys out of base-level curiosity and little knowledge coming from bourbons. I dry quickly became utterly and completely addicted to your videos and even watch those that I don’t assume I’ll be interested in.... *YET I ASSUREDLY LEARN FROM AND THOROUGHLY ENJOY EACH AND EVERY ONE!* Please continue to do what you both so wonderfully do and more “normal” people will hopefully become enlightened and able to really appreciate whisk(e)y more deeply.... *I SURE HAVE!!!!* 👍👍👍👍👍👍
30 years ago the Macallan 12 provided me with the epiphany that changed me to a devotee of Scotch whiskies. Since then I have converted at least 3 of the unenlightened with either the Macallan 12 or the Balvenie Double Wood.
I feel bad making a Manhattan with $100 bottles of whiskey, but I do love them. I find 4 roses and wild turkey work well for a Manhattan. Anything over $80 I usually drink neat or with a large ice cube.
I'm the kinda drinker that started out hardly drinking any alcohol at all. I don't drink wine, I don't like most beers. I dislike most other liquors I've tried. And then I was given a glass of Laphroaig and I fell in love. Though my favourite scotches so far would be Lagavulin and Talisker.
i used to hate scotch because my only experience was way too smoky but then i tried glenlivet and now thats one of my favorite whiskeys
The Bobby Burns cocktail. You're supposed to use blended scotch for cocktails but I use Glenfiddich bourbon barrel reserve 14, and I got this cool idea from the Bonneville cocktail collection to garnish with a Walkers shortbread.
interesting. will have to try that.
Bonneville does some great cocktail videos.
I had tried a few varieties of run of the mill scotches. Aka Glenfiddich maybe a Couple others. I ended up at a hotel went down to the bar for a nightcap. It was a whiskey bar. Predominantly scotch. Bartender asked me what I wanted and he asked me what I liked. He was good and told me about the differences in tastes. Long story short I told him I liked stronger tastes. My first real experience was Lagavulin. Been a whiskey fan ever since. Slowly venturing into bourbons through some of your recommendations. But purchased a bottle of Redbreast. Love it. Cheers from Canada.
You guys are fantastic teachers! So awesome to see this in the context of whiskey. If more folks approached literally anything in life the way you guys approach educating people about whiskey, the world would be a better place. Humility and respect and still fun
We just had a Bourbon and BBQ party at our house as I had numerous friends who wanted to learn about bourbon. It was awesome and we all learned a lot sampling side by side. You could do the same thing with scotch. As bourbon is less expensive, I just bought numerous bottles and shared. With the Scotch, have everyone bring a bottle and compare, maybe draw out of a hat and have people bring different types.
I had the smokey scotch moment last week. Friend was giving me Glendronach and yamazaki and I wasnt feeling it. but then we had the Ballechin 15 and I was blown away. Finished the night on the Balcones Brimstone and I am hooked.
I work as a consultant trying to sell some professional coaching services. I listen to your video and realize how WRONG I was in luring people in. Thank you Rex and Dan for accidentally teaching consulting principles in unexpected places.
I may not be able to taste or smell too many nuances in the whiskey and Scotch that I have had this far, but I can say I have enjoyed it, I enjoy the nerdy history and backstory, and I love seeing others nerd out over it. Currently I have a bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel, Johnny Walker Double Black, and a Monkey Shoulder. I am so excited to see what else is out there to try and to build my collection.
might be the best, most intelligent video to date, good job with this one guys
Hey guys, Australian here(currently residing in Tasmania), stumbled across this video by random, I think I found my home!
as a not normal person i host scotch whisky nights all the time. lately we have branched into cigar pairings. I have had a great response from my friends on introducing them to the glenlivet nadurra. would love to hear a review of it by you guys. take care brothers
Love this one, my husband and I love whiskey tours and tasting, but covid is making that very challenging. Most tasting rooms near us are closed still. But you gave me the idea to do a home tasting, we have a pretty large collection of around 15 bottles from basics like Bullet 10 years to Oban and even Ardbeg. I think I will plan a home tasting night with what we have
Great video, great info about not overwhelming folks and even better goofiness. Y’all should definitely set up that ride for the distillery opening.
just don't tell the insurance company, haha
i like baileys in my cherios .
Laphroig with soda is great, the peat and flavour bubbles out in a very pleasant way. Thats how my friends started to get into peated whisky
The best thing about introducing whisky to anyone is new tasting notes:
Ardbeg 10: Waking up on the beach near a driftwood fire that went out last night.
Amrut Fusion: Some kind of tropical spices stuffed in a lemon that someone threw at me but just missed.
Arran 14: Fruit punch that someone spilled on my french toast.
These are my whisky people and they are nuts.
I learned my lesson with scotch. I tried Balvenie Doublewood 12, caribbean cask and the Doublewood 17. Liked them. The Caribbean Cask in run barrel had a cigar smoke note. Not bad. Then I got brave and tried Ardbeg. OMG!!!! I might as well have been drinking straight from a bottle of Liquid Smoke. LOL...I'm sticking to Balvenie and other similar scotches.
My first scotch was McAllen 12 had no idea what I bought it was at best alright then I went to highland park 12 and liked it alot.... then came Ardbeg ugee and ever since it's been islay for me!!
Thank you! Dude, really annoying to not be able to enjoy something because an enthusiast is trying to force info down your throat. I'm early mid-level whiskey nerd and it def took a while to overcome those types.
Awesome ride! Daniel so lucky and damned to have Rex as a friend :D
My first scotch I ever had was a Bowmore 12, coming from a background of barely drinking at all, aside from occasional vodka mixes or a few beer. First sip was like...woah that powerful, but as the smokey aftertaste settled in, I was hooked.
my first ever scotch was a laphroiag 10 and was instantly hooked
ExNavy and a foodie...Natural progression to loving to explore the flavors in Whiskies, Thanks for taking the time to share the knowledge and fun.
I started at Glenfiddich 12, immediately went to Laphroig and loved it. Just got some Lagavulin 16 and i’m in love.
Awesome video. Been trial and error with introducing my friends and this video is exactly what I have arrived at for introductions. I love when people are immediately Peat heads. Last guy I introduced immediately went for Laphroaig and he can't drink anything but Islay now.
Your antics boys, remind me of my younger days. Keep up the good play!
I I used to drink whiskey and coke and loved it. One day I got a little stomach bug. In my eyes 40% kill bacteria. Poured my self a big pour of Jim beam devil's cut. Safe to say thank the whiskey god's for that stomach bug. Just thought I would share how I got into neat whiskey. I think a bourbon is a god way to start drinking whiskey I feel the sweetness helped. Then you move on to more smokey scotch.
When I drink whiskey I mostly taste alcohol and bitter. And burn. But I get some after taste. I really watch yall because you're funny af
I asked the same question about scotch to a friend who introduced me to some scotches. Which entry level ones would you recommend as a representative of the 6 regions. He said this:
1. Tobermory 10 (Islands)
2. Ardbeg 10 (Islay)
3. Springbank 10 (Campbeltown)
4. Glenfiddich 12 (Speyside)
5. Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve (Highland)
6. Auchtenoshan 12 (Lowlands)
Would love to see the face of people getting a tour of the campus and all they see is this speed by :) Never change Rex and Daniel :)
there was a wedding happening at the top of the hill. as soon as we reached the end of the path, we heard the bride and groom ringing the chapel bell. they definitely heard us haha
you guys converted me
i don't like sweet scotch
but because of this channel i started experimenting with the Connemara and now i have several bottles of Islay in my collection now and i barely even want to drink if there is no smoke!
thanx BASTARDS!!!!!!
Hello guys, I enjoy your unpretentious reviews of a wide variety of Scotch and I have learned a great deal from your adventures. It is my habit to drink two fingers on one small ice cub. The small cube chills the scotch a bit and pops out the flavor with the melting water. I thank you for your many fine reviews which have increased my understanding of Scotch Whisky. I watch your TH-cam videos often. I am an old coot (67) living on social security benefits and personal savings. My health is not robust but it is good enough that I may enjoy a wee dram from time to time. I live alone in Philadelphia and I am hoping you can tell me how I can expand my repertoire of scotches without exhausting my financial resources. The average price point for an acceptable scotch is, for me, $40 USD plus or minus $5. I enjoy the usual blends of Chivas Regal 12 and Johnnie Waker Black Label 12. I am hesitant to spend $50 or $60 or $70 on a bottle of scotch that may disappoint me. That would be a large expenditure for something I may or may not like. Therefore, I tend to stick to old familiar friends. I tend to prefer blended scotch and do not like the smokey flavor of peat in many Islay scotches. I one time tried Laphroaig and did not like the taste of peat at all. Perhaps there are some Speyside single malts or blends you could recommend which I might enjoy without going broke. I live in Phladelphia which does not have a remarkable range of Scotches to sample. Perhaps you could recommend a few which might expand my repertoire. Many thanks! Greg Muller Philadelphia PA USA
For some, the ideal starting point is a "Scotch and Coke". I drank, and thoroughly enjoyed, many many bottles of single malt (and occasionally still do) in coke before I eventually got around to enjoying whisky neat . . . In fact that may very well be how I got the name "Malt Philistine" :D
heheh, I think crown and coke may have been my first whisky ever. but it was mooched - so I got that goin' for me.
Jack on the rocks was my first. Red Breast redefined whiskey for a few years. Then I tried some Laphroaig... that bottle took me a while. I was about halfway through it before I really started liking it (took a few months to get to that point.)
Sometimes I get a little annoyed that vetrans hate the description cola flavor. Its super appropriate for some whiskeys, and its delicious. Also ultra helpful tips, I'm having my 5th whiskey tasting night and some have gone well, some not so much.
I got a sampler of some scotches a while back. I forget the names of them because they really aren't that tasty alone. However, they are making some fantastic old fashioned's.
I always like these "how to start someone on whiskey" videos. Good info to help new people along as well as a refresher for covering the basics for those with experience.
the ultimate goal of introducing any one to a whiskey type is to have them come to you and say you have to try this new thing i found, and even if you know it and hate it just bask in their enthusiasm and act like you tasting it for the first time.
Very well done and informative. I think that the way I would introduce a newbie to Scotch would be to start them off with JW Red or Dewar's White Label. Something light and easy that won't overwhelm their palate. Then move on to the higher end blends and single malts from various regions. I would save the Islay Scotch for last. Maybe starting with Bowmore 12 before moving to the heavier peated ones like Laphroaig or Ardbeg. Either way, it is always nice to expand somebody's Whiskey experience.
Step 1: offer them scotch
Step 2: if they say no, find new friends
Agreed. Scotch is basically like liquid caramel to me. Even the peated Islay scotches.
Yes...
Concise,to the point, appropriate,and as true a statement as can be made by a mortal man. Good job sir!
Topo Chico FTW! I always add a couple of drops of Topo Chico instead of regular water.
I like sweet drinks. So I tried Speyside and Highland scotches first. I found it difficult to pick up the flavours. I can smell something that isn't alcohol, once I finish a drink. Peat smoke, on the other hand is right there, has a familiar aroma, and tastes good. Ardbeg 10, Caol Ila 12, Talisker Storm are my favourite liquors so far.
Wait... We are not normal?
No we are not. In the most spectacular way.
@Jack Jones we are borderline alcoholics xD
I wasn’t a big fan of any of the Scotch I had tried before..... until I had the Lagavulin 8.... and I fell in LOVE so next I moved on to Laphroig 10 which I also loved. Needless to say I’ve dubbed myself an Islay fan. Unfortunately I don’t get a lot of the complexities out of them that y’all speak of, but I love the smoke! I hope to be able to start picking out more of the subtleties. I love y’alls channels. My wife.... not so much lol.
Love my Glendronach 12... I wish the 15 wasn't prohibitive expensive where I live (in the rare occasion when it's available that is). I'll have to settle for my GlenAllachie 15 which is delicious (but I know not on par with the GD15).
Never tried sparkling water and whiskey before. Always been a neat or a few drops person. Tried it there, really does open it up and planning on introducing a friend to whiskey soon so its a great idea for her. Cheers lads
I'm very happy that I stumbled upon your various channels. I am more of a fan of the peaty and smoky things as far as whisky goes. Ardbeg is my current favorite. The thing I took away from this was I need to try a rusty nail sometime. I used to love drambuie years ago when I would try anything put in front of me, and had no idea that is what this mixed drink was made from.
Hilarious!! One of the best vids you guys have done. I just finished a bottle of Quarter Cask a few weeks ago... loved it! My 6 would be:
GlenDronach 12
Ardbeg 10
Johnnie Walker Black
Talisker 10
Aberfeldy 12
Famous Grouse
rusty nail, as a non drinker at age 18 in australia i was given a double shot rusty at xmas at work and all i can say is later at the family xmas i slept well
Top 5, best video you guys have done. Keep em coming. Thanks !!!!!
cool, thanks for watching
I think my 6 would be Macallan 10 Fine Oak (Speyside, oakey), Balvenie Doublewood 12 (Adds sherry character), Talisker 10 (Islands, gentle introduction to peat), Ardbeg 10 (more friendly Islay than the Laphroaig 10, but still a big loud Islay), Johnnie Black (blended), and maybe a Lagavulin 16 for a milder Islay.
Oddly enough I've always been a beer guy and my first liquor ever was Ardbegh. It's not as bad as its portrayed. It got me started on scotch and I've been a fan since.
I have had an irish collection for well over a decade, and thats been the hardest thing to get my friends to take seriously.
That blue bottle of Glenlivet behind you is the scotch that got me into scotch, so for me, that's really appropriate for this video.
I actually started drinking neat and experimented with it if at 1st I didn't like it at 1st. And while I do respect the Glencairn glass and do drink from mine time to time I mainly drink out of a rocks glass.
A great video! Since watching your channel I introduced a few friends to whiskey and am about to next week! I should keep in mind not to nerd out. Rex's maniac laughter is stuck inside my head now HELP