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Best Scotch for Those New to Scotch

Published on: Oct 18, 2022
Last Updated on: Nov 1, 2022
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For those new to single malt Scotch, the bar menu can be a jumble of regions, ages, and finishes. To cut through it all, we asked the experts what they felt was the best first dram for someone who’s new to single malt Scotch. Their answers and rationales varied (and in some instances sparked a new round of questions!).

One way of thinking that came up repeatedly was to introduce someone to single malts by way of whisky region - beginning with the Highlands and Speyside (and leaving Islay whiskies to be experienced later).

Speyside or Highland Region Scotches

Typically, single malts from the Speyside or Highland regions are the most palatable for those who are looking to get into scotch or those transitioning from bourbon/whiskey.

Caden Doyle Assistant General Manager at Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub

New scotch drinkers I believe should be introduced into scotch by starting with a quality Highlands single malt. I find these to be easily palatable to the average consumer and then slowly start adding in more peat as they become more adventurous.

PJ Wagner Beverage Manager at Untitled Supper Club

Glenmorangie (in the Highlands) and The Balvenie (in Speyside) were the two distilleries recommended the most and Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or was mentioned more than any other as the best single malt for someone who’s new to Scotch whisky.

Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or

For the new drinkers out there, start with something approachable. Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or is my go to for introducing people to scotch. The sauternes cask finish on this whisky provides a soft, fruity, semi-herbal and quite complex experience that any palate can appreciate!

Stewart Ellis General Manager at Valkyrie
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Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or

We recommend the Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, a smooth scotch finished in a sauternes cask for a little sweetness, at a good price.

The MacMillan Whisky Room
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Glenmorangie 10

I feel, and recommend to guests all the time, Glenmorangie 10 for the new Scotch drinker.  It is a delicious high quality single malt for the price.  It has all of the characteristics you want in a Scotch while still being really approachable.

Nick Jonjevic Director of Food & Beverage at Renaissance Hotel (Atlanta)

Glenmorangie and The Balvenie

For someone that is new to Scotch we would recommend anything from Glenmorangie and The Balvenie.

Erik Peterson Minister of Progress at Bull & Bush Brewery

Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask, Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, Craigellachie 13 and Glenfiddich 15

Depends on if they are new to whisk(e)y or just new to scotch. Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask or Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or for beginners to the whiskey category. For people new to scotch coming from whiskey Craigellachie 13 or Glenfiddich 15.

Russ Heaton Owner of Doyle’s Public House

Glenmorangie 10, Glenfarclas 12, Aberfeldy 12

Glenmorangie 10yr, Glenfarclas 12yr, Aberfeldy 12yr

Lee Tomlin Owner of Merlins Rest Pub

The Balvenie Sherry Cask

We have had good luck introducing people through sherry cask malts; The Balvenie is an excellent place to start the journey.

Colin Cameron Owner of Duke of Perth
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Bowmore 12, The Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask, and Macallan 12

The process of Scotch making creates a wide variety of flavors but people enjoy their tastes. Barbecue lovers might be drawn to an element of peat while those with a sweet tooth might enjoy a rum cask finished Speyside. Bowmore 12 for the barbecue lovers; Balvenie 14 for those who will always order crème brûlée. Start with a distillery's flagship and work up. It can be tough to appreciate a Macallan 25 without understanding the 12.

Frank Moynihan General Manager at Lucky Day Whiskey Bar

Deanston 12, Glendronach 12, and Benriach 12

I feel for the noobs since I came from bourbon myself. I know for a fact that my gateway over was the Balvenie 12 Sweet Toast, but in retrospect and with new tastings, the Deanston 12, GlenDronach 12, and Benriach 12 would all show off that malt flavor beautifully to new interests. I do not believe in throwing someone into the deep end of peated offerings, least of all for some need to prove something.

Liam Thibeault The Brandy Library

Glenmorangie 10, Ardbeg 10, and Aberlour 12

It really depends on what you are interested in! There are so many different flavors and profiles that give you such an array of opportunities and pathways to go when starting out. My favorites to recommend are the Glenmorangie 10 - for someone who wants simple and pleasant, Ardbeg 10 - for someone who wants some peat and smoke, and Aberlour 12 - for someone who wants to add a bit of sweetness to it.

Kaleb Coleus Bar Manager at Highland Stillhouse

In addition to the Highlands and Speyside, the Islands also offer a few whiskies that are great options for those looking to start exploring the world of single malts (among them, one of our favorites, Highland Park 12).

Highland Park 12 and Highland Park Magnus

Highland Park 12 or Magnus is a good start. Most bourbon drinkers will find something to like in it. As the “Greatest all rounder” it has good highland flavors of heather, citrus and honey and it also has a bit of “sea spray” and a hint of peat smoke. You can direct them further based on which flavor notes they find appealing.

Michael Parker Owner of Opal Divine's Austin Grill

Arran Sauternes Cask Finish

The answer for someone who is new to Scotch - Arran Sauternes!

Jason Waddleton Owner of The Haven
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A lot of what’s fun about Scottish single malts is the incredible variety in color, smell, and taste despite the fact that they all come from the same part of the world. If you’re just beginning to explore single malts (or you’re buying a gift for someone who is) think about what flavor profiles you generally tend to gravitate towards. Do you prefer sweet or savory? Do you like something light or something that lingers? The environment in which you enjoy a dram is also a factor - what you sip sitting next to a fireplace in the middle of February will undoubtedly be different from what you drink with friends on a picnic in July. Know too that your tastes will continue to evolve as you’re exposed to different flavor profiles - so enjoy the journey!

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