Choosing the whisky
The chances are that you already have a bottle and will want to start with that. That’s fine but be aware that whisky comes in a wide range of smells, looks and tastes. You will not like them all so do not be put off. I do not agree with the idea that one should start with a ‘gentle’ whisky then move to the more intense.
You are an adult and should be mature enough to explore and experiment and re-visit. Ideally buy a variety of miniatures or visit a tasting event – or even contact me to arrange a tasting event for yourself, group of friends and/or colleagues. This is not to say that you have to just take pot luck, elsewhere on this site is a rough guide to whisky regions and their taste profiles, there are always exceptions and it is only a rough guide but it may help you find a starting point suited to your own preferences. If you are lucky enough to live near a dedicated whisky shop then I am certain that the staff there will be more than happy to talk to you and help choose. This need not be overly expensive. In the age of supermarket own brands you can pick up a bottle of super value basic whisky very cheaply – do not do this. Give whisky a chance and start with something of quality. An entry level single malt is not expensive and neither are a variety of good blends. When you are more confident and have developed your taste move on to the more premium whiskies. I would also suggest that you do not start with a cask strength whisky, they are usually very good but are very strong and learning to drive in a formula one car is not such a good idea. I would also suggest not trying too many of them at once or any whisky only once. The final point I would make is to make notes of each whisky as you go through the next steps.