Ok, folks, here I go!

[Steve of Lansing]

I have decided to give Scotch whiskey a try, so I went out and found a bottle of 12 y/o Cardhu. Thoughts on my choice?

I can't say there was any logic in this choice, as I don't really know much about Scotch other than to avoid anything less than 10 y/o, and to be honest, I don't even remember where I heard that bit of advice, but it was top shelf and in company with Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Glenmourangie.

Plus it comes in a really nice box!

Any suggestions on how I should enjoy it? Water? Ice? With food?

[ForresterModern]

Neat, in a clean glass, with a satisfied smile on your face.

[sailortats]

scotch and soda, jigger of gin, oh what a spell you've got me in, oh my

[Macman]

I like your choice! That's a nice one. I'd take it neat or with just a touch of water.

[mookien]

Steve: For most folks, probably the vast majority, scotch is an acquired taste. There is a good chance that when you drink your first dram, you will think something like, "What's all the fuss about?" or worse, "This tastes terrible! Captain Morgan (or whatever your favorite is now) is much better."

If so, don't be surprised or disappointed. You'll just have to decide whether you want to continue to sample scotch until you, too, start to like certain malts, or give up. I suggest the former of course.

Cardhu is an excellent first choice. I say that, because within the taxonomy of malts there are "simple" malts and "complex malts". It's so subjective that it is hard to put unambiguously, but simple malts sort of have one smell and one flavor from beginning (the "nose") to end (the "finish"). More complex malts have multiple smells and flavors. That's an oversimplification, but good enough for a "beginner".

Cardhu is a good, simple malt. If you are a "jump in the deep end" type of guy, then drink it neat. You'll get the full effect (for better or for worse). If you are more of a "dip your toe in the water" guy, try pouring it over ice and let it chill a bit. You will get the smell and flavor with a more manageable impact.

However you decide to drink it (eg with strawberry soda - a true story for another time), good luck, and let us know how it went.

John

[Father Bill]

You don't have to pay an arm and a leg for good Scotch, nor is Single Malt the only good Scotch either. If you like something quite smooth, Te Bheag is a superb blend that is relatively inexpensive. If you become more adventuresome, then try a Talisker, a Laphroaig or a Lagavulin - all more expensive and quite, quite different. Get yourself a little Scotch Whisky primer book to show the regions, and try some from different areas, but remember that distilleries right across the road from one another using the same brook, the same granite bed, and sourcing the same grains can come up unbelievably different, so...

... the trick is to enjoy, have fun, experiment over time, and find half a dozen or a dozen that you really enjoy. Stock your cupboard and experiment with ice, cold rocks, (really!) neat, different shaped glasses, and be open to learning. It's a marvellous experience.

Slainte!

Bill+

[flyingshamrock]

Neat, in a clean glass, with a satisfied smile on your face.

***.

[Spartan Tartan]

A quote I recently heard, but can not remember who said it, "My favorite scotch is the one in my hand."

Personally, since you are new to drinking scotch, I would try it each way you suggested. Give yourself a little taste test to see which way YOU enjoy it best. In the end, you will get a variety of flavors from the same bottle.

Then, I would suggest you repeat said experiment with other scotches. Do this often

[piperdbh]

Spartan Tartan is right on the money. The only thing I can add is that since taste buds change over time, you might absolutely love a Scotch today but abhor it three years from now.

I like to pour my Scotch over a piece of crushed ice from the ice maker. I generally aim for a piece about the size of a grape. It cools the elixir just a bit, taking away some of the "bite" of the alcohol, and as it melts the water opens the flavor just a bit.

Neat, watered, room temperature, cooled, breakfast or whatever, experiment and figure out what you like best.

[haxtonhouse]

I have decided to give Scotch whiskey a try, so I went out and found a bottle of 12 y/o Cardhu. Thoughts on my choice?

I can't say there was any logic in this choice, as I don't really know much about Scotch other than to avoid anything less than 10 y/o, and to be honest, I don't even remember where I heard that bit of advice, but it was top shelf and in company with Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Glenmourangie.

Plus it comes in a really nice box!

Any suggestions on how I should enjoy it? Water? Ice? With food?

one of my favorites!