21 years old

[kiltedRTR]

So I just turned 21 this year and you all know what that means for an American. I can now legally drink alcohol!

I really want to try getting into whiskey.

So what would be some good whiskeys to start out on? I mainly need help in the Scotch department. I know Jack, Jim Beam, and a few others but nothing past that.

What can your mighty wisdom teach me?

[azwildcat96]

For starters, join SMALL (Single MALt Lovers in Kilts) in the social groups section of XMTS. There are threads there that discuss the favorites of many in that group. There are also a number of threads in "The Pub" section of the forum that discuss it too. A simple search can help find them.

A more direct answer for you is to start with something that is newbie friendly, like Glenmorangie. My preference is to have it neat (no ice or water), and to sip it and savor the aromas and flavors. Keep a glass of water around to refresh the palate as needed. Move on to others that are recommended to you by bartenders, liquor store clerks, friends, family, etc. Remember (or record in a journal) which ones you liked and why, so when someone asks what you like, you can be a bit more specific with them.

I'm sure others will chime in on this too. Enjoy...you've just found another hobby.

[Burly Brute]

http://glenmorangie.com/our-whiskies/quinta-ruban

[Dale Seago]

A more direct answer for you is to start with something that is newbie friendly, like Glenmorangie.

Agreed. Similarly, I recommend The Glenlivet 12-year for newbies as a "baseline" single malt to enjoy in itself and to learn from. No fancy frills, just aged in oak casks.

[Woot22]

Oban 14yr is pretty good with just a splash of room temp water and definitely no ice. You may like a Scotch liqueur for starters such as Drambuie, it is much easier to drink and it's what I started with before moving up to the big leagues.

[bigdad1]

What ever whiskeys (or any other alcohol) you sample please do so in moderation and never drink and drive. Even after "only one."
Enjoy life.

[R.S.Buff]

I would also go with Glenlivet, It has the best price for the quality, good tasting,and I still enjoy it now and again. sniff it with your mouth open to avoid numbing your nose and taste it with the middle and back of your tongue.

I would put Oban, Craggamore, and Macallan next

[bdkilted]

Being 21, I will assume you are not financially independent...that said a couple of single malts that are affordable, and drinkable are Lismore and Dalmore, both can be gotten for about $30.00 a bottle. Others are correct about glenlivet, it is available everywhere in the states, and every bar has it. For me, it tastes like it already has water in it, so I don't like it.
It has been a while since I was 21, but I agree with Bigdad. A man drinks for enjoyment, a child drinks to get drunk. Know your limit and stop there.

[lukeyrobertson]

Happy Birthday! Yes, do a search on XMTS. There was a recent thread on "what's in your cabinet". Lots of discussion there and beyond in other threads. I like the idea of starting with Glenlivet. It's a lighter, smoother scotch. Glenmorangie is also quite good. For me, scotch is about exploration and discovery...a lifetime quest for that which is subtle and smooth on the one hand, and that which blows your socks off on the other hand. I like to sip my scotch having added just a wee splash of water. Seriously, congratulations. And yes of course, be wise and smart about this new privilege.

[Jimmy]

As a malt whisky drinker living in Scotland, I have always said that there is no bad Scotch whiskys just some better than others.
My advice to you, young man, is not to drink alcohol, if you can get thru life without the need for alcohol you will always be a better man for it.
Why go thru life with the threat of hangovers every other week, no be sensible and do not partake of the ''cratur'', I sincerely mean this