Whisky Guide: From Beginner Picks to Rare Legends

Everyone began their whisky journey in a different way — from drinking mixed drinks with cola or other soft drinks to eventually savoring whisky neat and discovering their own flavor preferences. I’d like to mention here that I’m not a top-level expert, but I’ve found my own path and the flavors I love in whisky. Today, I want to focus on the basics — the starting point for most whisky enthusiasts.

From nosing glasses to tumblers, the range of glassware is huge. For more details on glass types, I invite you to check out my earlier article, where you’ll find much more information.

Now that you’ve got the glass, what’s next?

Let’s Begin with the Basics — Price/Value Category

What defines this category? Simple: quality relative to the price! Here's a top selection — likely found on most beginner-friendly lists:

Campbeltown Loch:

This blended malt features five single malts — Springbank, Longrow, Hazelburn, Kilkerran, and Glen Scotia — all produced in the three distilleries of the Campbeltown region.

Talisker 10

A great choice for fans of smoky flavors, especially for those just beginning to explore peated whiskies.

Aberfeldy 12:

This 12-year-old whisky has a syrupy texture, with spicy and honeyed fruit aromas. On the palate, vanilla and fudge lead to a gentle smoky finish.

Glendronach 12

A masterfully crafted single malt, matured for at least 12 years in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalusia. This aging gives it notes of vanilla, spices, dark fruit, and a long, nutty finish.

Whisky Regions of Scotland

Lowlands

This southernmost region is rich in grain and benefits from a mild climate, which allows spirits to mature faster. Whiskies from the Lowlands are known for their gentle, very light flavor, pale straw color, floral aromas, grassy and grainy notes, and a slightly dry finish.

Speyside

Located along the River Spey, between Elgin and Dufftown, this area has the highest concentration of distilleries. Speyside whiskies are the sweetest of all regions, rich in esters that produce aromas of apples, pears, cloves, violets, lemonade, and bananas. Some of the most refined whiskies come from here.

Islay

This region is famous for its peat and the most complex aroma profiles — think sea, smoke, peat, and iodine. Islay whiskies are bold and unforgettable; you either fall in love with them or dislike them intensely. Every true whisky lover treats Islay with special reverence.

Highlands

The largest whisky-producing region, divided into four subregions: North, South, East, and West. It also includes islands like Jura, Lewis (Abhainn Dearg), Skye (Talisker), Arran, and Orkney (Highland Park). Highland whiskies vary in flavor from dry to sweet, often featuring floral, heather, honey, and spice notes.

Campbeltown

A small region on the Kintyre peninsula, named after the town itself. Only two distilleries remain operational. Campbeltown whiskies are complex, often with notes of peat, iodine, and sea salt.

Islands (excluding Islay)

Characterized by a strong maritime climate — windy and humid. Island whiskies typically have detectable peat notes (though not as intense as Islay), with hints of pepper and coastal salinity.

Beyond Scotland — Other Whisky-Producing Countries

Ireland

Irish whiskey is a legend in the world of distillation. Its roots stretch back to medieval monasteries, and its influence spans the globe. A rich variety of styles, deep-rooted traditions, and growing prestige make Irish whiskey a unique blend of craftsmanship, history, and flavor.

Bushmills 18

Distilled on September 20, 2004. Initially aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, then finished in Spanish brandy casks in January 2021. Bottled at cask strength (54.3% ABV), non-chill filtered in autumn 2023.

Redbreast 21

The oldest core expression in Redbreast’s lineup (though older limited editions exist). Jim Murray named it the best Irish whiskey twice and even the second-best whiskey in the world in 2018.

Yellow Spot

A legendary Irish whiskey once produced by Mitchell & Son until the 1960s. Mitchell’s were wine merchants and used wine casks for maturation.

Jameson 18

Offers complex aromas of vanilla and caramel, with subtle smokiness and light wood. Its rich bouquet and fruity finish make it memorable and inviting.

Now for a Journey Across the Ocean — Japan

Japan has been trending for years in the whisky world.

Yamazaki 12

Debuted in 1984 as Japan’s first widely marketed single malt. It’s a blend of spirits aged in bourbon and sherry casks, with a touch of Mizunara (Japanese oak).

Hibiki Harmony

This luxurious blended whisky from Suntory was introduced in 1989 but gained global dominance in later years, winning numerous awards.

Nikka From the Barrel

A powerful blend of malt and grain whiskies from Yoichi and Miyagikyo, possibly with a hint of Ben Nevis (also owned by Nikka).

Akkeshi Usui Blended Whisky

A blend of Akkeshi’s own 3+ year-old single malts and imported malt and grain whiskies, all matured in Hokkaido.

Time for Something Sweet — Bourbon!

Starting with your personal favorite:

Blanton’s Gold Edition

In the aromatic bouquet of Blanton’s Gold notes of rye and tobacco are beautifully balanced with caramel, berries, and citrus.

Taste: Similar flavors, with the addition of vanilla and honey.

Finish: Very long, dominated by vanilla sweetness and spicy oak.

Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Five-Malt Stouted Mash

Aroma: Roasted malt, caramel, cocoa powder, toasted nuts and almonds, black cherries, graham crackers, orange zest, and mint leaf.

Taste: Milk chocolate, caramel, toffee, hazelnuts, stewed plums, cranberry sauce, black pepper, and oak notes.

Finish: Medium length, malty with chocolate, caramel, black pepper, and toasted oak.

Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select

A blend of whiskey from "Sinatra Barrels" — specially grooved barrels that allow deeper wood penetration — and traditional Old No. 7. Bottled at 45% ABV, a nod to the strength that once charmed Frank Sinatra.

Four Roses Small Batch

Blended from whiskeys aged 6–8 years, each batch includes about 250 barrels.

Aroma: Sweet with a hint of spice, vanilla, toffee, honey, rye bread with butter, orange, clove, nutmeg, and oak.

Taste: Balanced — vanilla, caramel, honey, rye toast, white pepper, cinnamon, leather, and oak.

Finish: Long, with notes of vanilla, toffee, caramel, summer fruits, rye spice, and toasted oak.

Now for Dessert — Sherry Bombs!

One of your favorite categories — rich, powerful, dessert-like whiskies aged in sherry casks.

Edradour 9 Year Old (D.2013, B.2023) The Ultimate

This is an intense, silky whisky with a deep finish. It harmoniously combines sweetness and dryness, leaving lasting complexity on the palate — a delight in every sip.

GlenDronach 18 Year Old

Aroma: Powerful sherry, raisins, sultanas, dark chocolate, toffee, caramel, nutmeg, roasted almonds, a trace of dried porcini, and a whiff of smoke.

Taste: Sherry, cocoa powder, toffee, roasted almonds, raisins, dried plums and cherries, nutmeg, black pepper, leather, tobacco, and a touch of peat.

Finish: Long, with notes of sherry, dark chocolate, espresso, toffee, dried fruits, black pepper, and oak tannins.

GlenAllachie 15

A fruit-forward whisky with rich notes of ripe plums and apples, balanced by spicy touches — a true sensory feast.

Glenfarclas Family Cask Series

Each bottling is a serious sherry bomb. You recently found a 2007 edition bottled in 2016 at 60.5% ABV — a 9-year-old whisky so saturated with sherry influence that even its color reveals what's to come.

Now... Your Favorite: The Legends of Islay

Let’s set sail to the most characterful and smoky region of them all.

Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Aroma: Rich and slightly oily, with peaty smoke, seaweed, dark chocolate, toffee, dried plums, apples, orange peel, roasted almonds, buttered toast, and oak.

Taste: Complex — hints of sherry, honey-roasted almonds, dark chocolate, salted caramel, dried figs, candied orange peel, pepper, and thick peaty smoke.

Finish: Long and powerful — dried fruits, peat smoke, cocoa, and spice.

Ardbeg 10

Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled non-chill-filtered at 46% ABV. Often considered the signature of Islay.

Caol Ila 18

A softer expression whose smoky-peaty edge has mellowed with time — but don’t be fooled, it still holds character.

Aroma: Fragrant and subtle — vanilla, licorice, beeswax, hay, peat, oak, and mint.

Taste: Smooth and creamy — vanilla, fudge, almonds, cereal, grapefruit, a hint of smoke and sun-dried grass.

Finish: Long, perfectly balanced notes of peat, citrus, and oak.

Kilchoman Sanaig

Non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

Nose: A pleasant mix of fruit and peat smoke, vanilla, toffee, buttered toast, cinnamon, anise, and a light mineral tone.

Palate: More peat, with plums, currants, apples, dark chocolate, pepper, ginger, candied lemon, and a touch of oak bitterness.

Finish: Long — initially sweet and fruity, then turning spicy and smoky.

Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength – Batch 13 (57.9% ABV)

Aroma: Peat smoke, iodine, old bandages, seaweed, vanilla, honey, lemon peel, licorice, allspice, cinnamon, pine needles, tar, charred meat, and oak.

Taste: Peat smoke, sea breeze, vanilla, salted caramel, grilled pork, white pepper, lemon zest, a bit of cinnamon, and charred oak.

Finish: Long — full of peat smoke, iodine, sea salt, vanilla, burnt sugar, pepper, licorice, and oak.

Octomore Edition 14.1 — Super Heavily Peated

Distilled in 2017 from 100% Scottish Concerto barley, peated to 128.9 ppm. Aged in first-fill American oak bourbon casks, bottled at 59.6% ABV.

Aroma: Smoke and soot, smoky vanilla, caramel, coconut flakes, lemon cake, pine needles, and a hint of tar.

Taste: Peat smoke, vanilla cream, honey, caramel, pears, green apples, gooseberries, mirabelle jam, mocha, cloves, nutmeg, and charred oak.

Finish: Medium-length — smoky with notes of vanilla, fudge, peaches, orange peel, sea salt, and oak.