7 Things I Wish I Knew About Whisky When I Started

Expensive or Older Whiskey Doesn't Always Mean Better Quality

One of the first things I wish I had known earlier in my whiskey journey is that expensive or older whiskey doesn't necessarily mean it's a better-tasting, higher-quality whiskey. Some of my absolute favorite whiskeys are quite young and affordable. As Ralphie once said, the trump card of scotch is its affordable quality, and I couldn't agree more. There's no need to spend thousands of dollars on a whiskey just because it comes in a fancy box. There is so much great and affordable whiskey out there. Age isn't always an indicator of quality either. There are many instances where I actually prefer a younger age statement to an older one from a particular distillery. It just goes to show that there are many factors that come into play when determining the quality of a whiskey, beyond its age or price. So my advice is to try different brands, different price points, and whiskeys recommended by sources other than just marketing departments. That's why I share affordable whiskey options on my channel.

Your Taste in Whiskey Can Change

Another important thing I wish I knew earlier is that our tastes in whiskey can change over time. When I was first introduced to single malt whiskey, I hated it. I even asked if I could add Coke to it, which was met with a resounding "no" from the person offering it to me. However, when I went on a trip to Islay and tried some smoky whiskeys, I discovered that I actually enjoyed them. I thought that's all I liked and stuck to buying Islay whiskies. But as the years went by and I tried more non-smoky whiskeys, I realized that my taste had evolved, and many of my favorite whiskeys now are non-smoky ones. The key is to keep an open mind and try new whiskeys. Don't limit yourself to just one style or brand. Exploring different types of whiskeys will make your journey much more colorful and exciting. I encourage you to watch my essential whiskey video, where I discuss various types of whiskeys and how to build a diverse collection.

Knowing The Cask and Still Matters More than the Whiskey Region

While knowing the region in which a whiskey is made can provide some insight into its potential flavor profile, understanding the cask in which it's aged and the still used for distillation can tell you a lot more about how the whiskey will taste. We may assume that knowing the region is similar to knowing the grape variety in wines, but it's not always the case for whiskey. For example, there are exceptions to the rule that Islay whiskies are always smoky, such as the unpeated Bunnahabhain 12. Understanding the cask type, whether it's ex-bourbon or sherry, and the characteristics of the still used can provide a more reliable indication of a whiskey's flavor profile. Whether the whiskey is light or heavy, fruity or not, largely depends on these factors. So instead of solely relying on the whiskey's region, pay attention to the cask and still information.

Don't Judge a Whiskey by Its Color

When I first started my whiskey journey, I was often enticed by the darker-colored whiskies on the shelf, thinking they must be rich and flavorful. However, I later learned that many distilleries add coloring agents to make the whiskey appear darker. It was a shock to realize how the color of a whiskey can be deceiving. Just as Charles McLean highlights, whiskey engages all your senses except taste, and sight plays a significant role in shaping our perception of a whiskey's flavor. Unfortunately, some distilleries use coloring to mislead consumers into assuming the whiskey is of higher quality or richer in flavor. The truth is, the color of a whiskey doesn't necessarily correlate with its taste or quality. Instead, I recommend looking for whiskeys that explicitly state "no coloring added" or "natural color" on the label if you want to gauge a whiskey's characteristics through its color.

Don't Rely on a Single Source for Whiskey Information

Another important lesson I wish I knew earlier is not to trust one single source for all my whiskey information. When I first started, there wasn't a huge YouTube scene, so I relied on whiskey blogs. However, I soon realized that many of these blogs were marketing-driven and geared towards selling more whiskey. They often gave overwhelmingly positive reviews and recommendations, which made it difficult for me to find affordable and quality whiskeys. It's essential to remember that not all information on official websites or blogs is completely accurate or unbiased. That's why I encourage exploring multiple sources, including other YouTubers, Reddit discussions, and credible whiskey journalism, to get a more comprehensive understanding of different whiskeys. Be critical and discerning, and take everything with a grain of salt.

Be Skeptical of Whiskey Awards

Whiskey awards, like wine awards, can sometimes be questionable. There are certain awards that seem to hand out honors left and right, making it hard to determine the true merit of a whiskey. Transparency is key when it comes to awards. If an award gives out countless accolades, it might not hold much weight. I personally find the online Scotch whiskey awards to be trustworthy as they involve thousands of participants, making the process transparent. However, if you're interested in more niche or independent bottling single cask whiskeys, these awards might not be as useful. When in doubt, seek out popular and credible awards that have strict criteria and fewer honorees. Use awards as a starting point to explore distilleries that have received recognition and are known for producing good-value whiskeys.

Quality over Quantity and the Importance of Community

Ultimately, what I wish I knew earlier in my whiskey journey is the importance of quality over quantity. Whiskey is about more than just consuming a liquid; it's about the experience and the community that surrounds it. Sitting around a fire with friends, discussing different whiskeys, engaging all your senses, and exploring new flavors is a social and enriching experience.

I encourage you to join a whiskey club, connect with other whiskey enthusiasts, and share your experiences. Whether it's attending whiskey tastings or participating in live stream discussions, interacting with others who share your passion can open up new dimensions of enjoyment. There will be times when you discover different flavors in a whiskey that you haven't noticed before, all thanks to the diverse perspectives of your fellow whiskey enthusiasts.

Reflecting on my own journey, I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned along the way. By embracing the diversity of whiskeys, questioning conventional wisdom, and seeking out multiple sources of information, I've been able to uncover hidden gems, broaden my taste, and find great value in affordable whiskeys. So, what are the things you wish you knew earlier in your whiskey journey? Share your thoughts in the comments and remember, always share and enjoy the whiskey experience!