Whisky - Getting Used to The Taste

Laaruu on 18/12/2018 - 12:25
Last edited 22/12/2018 - 01:20 by 1 other user

Hi Whisky Lovers,

Requesting tips & guidance from your experience of drinking Whisky.

As much as I have tried to experiment with nth no. of Whiskies, be it single malt or blended, sadly, I have been unsuccessful developing a taste for them. Neat, shot, on the rocks, up, straight up, mixers etc. tried numerous ways. The whisky'ness' and strong alcohol overpowers the flavour for me.

My loyalty to Shiraz has rather become even stronger as a result.

I am not complaining of course, but still would like to enjoy a scotch with Dad. I usually am different (the odd one out) with a glass of Shiraz.

Any tips/ suggestions guys to get going on the Whisky journey? May be trying a different or specific way could assist.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts :)

FYI/ Update 1 (18/12/18): Guys, I understand I don't have to like Whisky/ hard drinks, and I agree. I would like to though to a tolerable level, simple as.
Intention of this post is to request ideas what works for others as my approach might need a tweak. Sometimes doing things differently or minor variations or new elements work wonders :)
Thanks for your time!

Update 2 (22/12/18): Kind thank you to ALL of you for your time to share experiences, advice & guidance, much appreciated.
Definitely helped & added value, even from those who missed the point. My objective has been met, thanks again OZB community.
Turns out I have received my Christmas present early - Yamazaki 12 & Balvenie 12, can tell the positive taste difference already.
Holidays & experimenting have begun, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2019 to you all, enjoy & stay safe :)

Food & Grocery Liquor Scotch Whisky

Comments

  • GG57 on 18/12/2018 - 12:29

    Find a different spirit that you do like, and you can drink that whilst others enjoy their spirit of choice.
    Perhaps something like a rum (multiple variances to try), cognac, or even a pastis.

    • aaruu on 18/12/2018 - 12:32
      +1

      I guess the issue remains for similar hard drinks, not just Whisky. Rum, Bourbon, all come as too strong.

      • try2bhelpful on 18/12/2018 - 12:40
        +1

        Frankly, I'm with you. I do like a Frangelico with milk or a good muscat with chocolate but spirits are not my bag. If you really want to develop the taste I would start with a bit of spirits in a lot of something else, e.g. coke and then slowly build up to more spirits and less coke.

        However, get your own spirits whilst doing that - nothing worse than wasting good spirits if you are drowning it in coke.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 19/12/2018 - 22:32
        +5

        If you don't enjoy drinking hard liquor, don't do it! Drink what ever you like and be a proud individual.

        What's next?

        How do I get used to smoking?

        • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2018 - 23:17
          +6

          How do I get used to smoking?

          Sit close all the time to friends, family, and strangers, who are smoking. Eventually, after enough 2nd hand smoke, you should develop a craving for nicotine. Ensure you pre-purchase a packet of smokes ahead of time and keep them witn you at all times, ready for when the nicotine cravings hit;)
          Watch plenty of old film and tv from back when all the cool suave people smoked. Lol.

          I agree though, it's silly to do something unhealthy for you, just to fit in more with what is expected and/or the norm.

          • PJC on 20/12/2018 - 03:35

            @[Deactivated]:

            Sit close all the time to friends, family, and strangers, who are smoking. Eventually, after enough 2nd hand smoke, you should develop a craving for nicotine.

            I really had no choice about that while I was a child. I have never smoked.

        • PJC on 20/12/2018 - 03:29

          I totally agree.

        • aaruu on 22/12/2018 - 01:46

          You missed the point mate, but thanks anyway.

          • Scrooge McDuck on 22/12/2018 - 02:03
            +1

            @aaruu: I'm aware of your purpose with this thread, but I want to provide encouragement for a different direction.

            Do I really need this? Is usually a valuable question.

            You've asked the question by trying a whole host of different solutions. Perhaps it's time to listen to the answer.

            You can do whatever you like and you'll have my blessing. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink…

            Or not drink as it applies here.

      • Viper8 on 20/12/2018 - 17:48

        For rum try Captain Morgan. Goes down very easy for someone that hates spirits.
        You are mixing them, right?

        Getting used to strong beer, red wine or spirits is personally something I see as quite stupid. You shouldn't have to get used to something. If it tastes horrible that's because it is. Why force yourself to try and like it?

      • Dr Techno on 20/12/2018 - 23:53
        +1

        ha! I thought Whisky was a hard drink but then I gave a bottle of Johnnie Walker to my inlaws in China. They were skulling drinks down in one go and said.. That was good, not so strong that it feels healthy. Mind you their homebrew rice wine is waaay stronger than rocket fuel.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2018 - 12:39
        -1

        Just drink wine then.

        Spirits are subject to extortionate taxes in Australia, so unless you have a strong desire to drink them, it makes no sense.

        When I lived in the US, and liquor was cheap (750ml bottles of Smirnoff vodka were regularly on sale for $6 for instance), I forced myself to enjoy it. Even a cheap bottle of wine was more than that. But there's no way I'd pay $40 for the same thing here.

        Spirits just make no sense in Australia. The price is insane for what you get. Whereas wine is dirt-cheap and even cheap local wines are of decent quality.

        • greatlamp on 21/12/2018 - 22:40
          +2

          beer and Sprits are taxed by the amount of alcohol in them.

          Wine is taxed by the wholesale price of the bottle.

          " A typical 24-carton of full-strength beer at 4.9 per cent alcohol will set you back $47.99. Of that, $16.49 is excise"

          source:
          https://www.couriermail.com.au/rendezview/its-time-beer-drin…

          hence excise tax is 35%

          for wine, a $10 bottle of wine may have a wholesale price of $6 and tax of 29% ($1.74). Hence the excise tax is 17% of the retail price.

          The excise on wine works out to be half that of beer, or if you consider that the wine has 2x the alcohol content, it is 1/4 the excise rate of beer

        • Sherminator on 22/12/2018 - 11:44

          Same goes for Cigarettes. Looking forward to the day when weed becomes cheaper than Cigarette

  • gaz3342 on 18/12/2018 - 12:31
    +4

    Apparently it comes with age.

    My friend's Dad loves Scotch but only did so after he turned 60.

    I'm not saying ONLY older people like Scotch but if you don't like the taste now, I don't think there is any way of forcing yourself until your taste buds change.

    • HKS on 20/12/2018 - 09:22
      +2

      this. i hated beer when i was 16 and now 24 and love it. it must be an age thing.

    • decr on 21/12/2018 - 06:17
      +1

      I loved scotch when I was 16 but now it tastes more like mouthwash which is a shame. Then again back then I didn't like white wine and now it's all I drink. Go figure.

  • nubzy on 18/12/2018 - 12:44
    +1

    Maybe it's just not for you. I love a good peated scotch accompanied by a nice cigar or pipe tobacco. Bourbon is a lot sweeter and most people drink with ice. Good scotch should really only be drunk straight or with a dash of spring water. You might develop a taste for it eventually, just try it with ice/water/mixer and see how it goes, but if you don't like it you don't like it.

    • tebbybabes on 18/12/2018 - 17:06
      +2

      Most people tell me the same thing. But I've always enjoyed my scotch on ice. I can enjoy the stuff neat, but just like it better that way. And I drink enough scotch that people associate me with the stuff.

    • bargdebarg on 19/12/2018 - 23:25

      Ahh cigars. Such a dying trend in Australia. Do you buy from international sources and hope customs don't pick them up?

      • Inshinshishimop on 21/12/2018 - 12:42

        I’ve always wanted to try a cigar. Any tips on where and what to get?

  • Archi on 18/12/2018 - 12:48
    +1

    try some dark chocolate 70% with your whisky, its a good paring and soften the hard alcohol taste a little.

    try different whisky's something that's more fruit and floral rather than smoke and wood

    you like shiraz.. maybe a congnac might be better, even though it's strong the underlying tones are still grape and fruit.

  • AdosHouse on 18/12/2018 - 12:48
    +31

    I've never understood the whole, making yourself like something thing. If I don't like it, I won't have it. For instance most of my mates like beer, I think it is the most horrid shit on earth. So while my mates drink beer, I'll have an alcoholic ginger beer, love that shit.

    • aaruu on 18/12/2018 - 13:02
      +3

      I do the same mate, I don't like most hard drinks, so I don't have them.
      Intention of the post is to obtain ideas what's worked for others. My approach might need a tweak.
      Sometimes doing things differently or minor variations or new elements work wonders :)

      • AdosHouse on 18/12/2018 - 13:04
        +1

        Okay try this, dash of water. Plenty of old fellas do it, it takes the edge off it without ruining the flavour.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2018 - 15:43
          +4

          The water does more than dilute. I have a mate that makes the stuff and he tells me it oxidizes the whiskey to release different notes. You only need 4-5 drops of water per 30ml.

          With clean unscented hands, use the cork to drop some whiskey into your palms and rub your hands together. This allows the alcohol to evaporate and reveal the scents of the drink. Drinking after smelling the contents makes it easier to fully taste the whiskey.

          Was already a whiskey drinker but after learning that, it has made the experience more enjoyable.

          • buckster on 21/12/2018 - 18:40
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: Interesting tips!

          • aaruu on 22/12/2018 - 01:42

            @[Deactivated]: Found your tip to drop some whiskey into palms and rubbing hands together quite different & interesting. Tried it, and yes, could smell the aromas much clearly :)

      • ozbjunkie on 19/12/2018 - 13:28
        +4

        Take smaller sips.

        You'll see plenty of people recommending 15ml sips but if you're new to whisky take in just a few ml, just enough to coat the tongue. You should be able to keep your mouth open with the liquid inside. Roll it over your tongue, and swallow after 5-10 seconds, the extra saliva will stop the burn.

        If you still don't like the flavour, then you don't like whisky.

        • aaruu on 22/12/2018 - 01:43

          Thanks for the tip mate, made a positive difference :)

          • ozbjunkie on 22/12/2018 - 06:28

            @aaruu: No worries. A further tip would be about the soft and hard palate (ie the roof of your mouth).

            Whisky can be held in the front and mid mouth against the hard palate without burning, but will hurt if it makes prolonged contact with the soft palate at the rear of your mouth, which is really the start of your throat.

            So, hold and swirl whisky only against the hard palate by blocking the soft palate with the mid-rear tongue (think making a g sound as in gun). When it's time to swallow, do so quickly so there's little contact with the soft palate.

            No more whisky burn.

    • SlickMick on 19/12/2018 - 17:21

      Same. My first taste of beer was yuck, but my dad did it, so I wanted to. Then I grew up, and would never do it again.

      I also don't get the whole alcohol thing. WHy does the ginger beer need to be alcoholic?

      I heard that fizzy drinks aren't good, never really saw how the bubbles are a bonus anyway, and now drink ginger cordial.

      • AdosHouse on 19/12/2018 - 17:40

        I like the alcoholic ginger beer because I like the taste, not because it's alcoholic. It hasn't got the sugary sweetness of soft drink ginger beer.

        Try one, I personally love Matso Ginger Beer. Not cheap at about $6 a stubbie, but its nice.

        Keep in mind I might drink 1 every 2 months or so.

        • dazweeja on 21/12/2018 - 17:41

          Welder's Dog do a Farmhouse Ginger Beer which is worth trying.

    • Viper8 on 20/12/2018 - 17:50
      +1

      Same, I drink lighter spirits mixed or dry cider.
      Beer, wine and hard-spirits taste terrible.
      When others scoff I call BS. No one picks up their first beer, wine or spirit and likes it. You have to force yourself to. What's the bloody point???

    • TenaciousTom on 21/12/2018 - 12:06
      +2

      You never understood it? Really? It's not that difficult to understand by any stretch of the imagination. If you see the majority of people enjoy something that you don't, it's only natural to want to know why you're different.

      If you choose to ignore other people's preferences that's absolutely fine, but surely you can at least understand why someone wants to find out why they're different?

  • captaincabinets on 18/12/2018 - 12:49
    +21

    As an Aussie who's lived overseas a few times, I really think Australia is one of the countries which has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. It's whiskey not vegetables, you don't have to acquire a taste for it. Find something else you and your Dad can do together.

    • aaruu on 18/12/2018 - 13:04

      Thanks mate, I don't have to, I agree. I would like to though to a tolerable level, simple as :)

    • magic8ballgag on 19/12/2018 - 09:44
      +4

      I really think Australia is one of the countries which has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

      Whilst I somewhat agree, drinking alcohol responsibly can be as good for one's mental well-being as vegetables are for your physical health.

      • SlickMick on 19/12/2018 - 17:24
        +2

        I suspect that's a justification rather than true medicine.

        • magic8ballgag on 19/12/2018 - 17:52

          I never said it was medicinal, but can a beer provide the same pain relief that a Panadol can? I don't see why not.

          • SlickMick on 19/12/2018 - 17:59

            @magic8ballgag: yeah but is a Panadol can provide the same relief as a beer, then I think the Panadol is a good way to go…. although Panadol could perhaps become a problem too…

            My uncle was hooked on beer and bex - he'd take them together. Dunno whether people remember the bex powder??
            I think his thought was if was never sober, the headache would never come.

    • SlickMick on 19/12/2018 - 17:23
      +2

      My dad's an alcoholic, so I'm really glad I moved away from following in his footsteps.

      Now my sister's children are grown, and she wants to make a tradition of her kids drinking with him. WWHHHYYYYYYYYYYY??????????????????

      • try2bhelpful on 19/12/2018 - 17:33
        +4

        because she is delusional. The good news is that the studies show the current generation of kids are moving away from drinking much alcohol. Any party should include a good selection of non alcoholic drinks - people need to put in a bit of effort with non alcoholic cocktails etc to make the choice attractive. One sad flat bottle of Solo doesn't do anyone any good.

  • DarthAntz on 18/12/2018 - 12:50
    +1

    have you tried it with hot water? boil a kettle halfway and dilute it that way.

    or, put a spoonful of whiskey in a coffee mug, and rather than drink or sip it, just use it to wet your lips and consume it as slowly as possible. pace doesnt matter. the low amount of whiskey and large surface area of the coffee cup allows it to air a lot more, and smelling it will prepare your palate.

    we all have different palates. you shouldnt be expected, even genetically, to have a disposition to enjoy whiskey.

    I think its awesome that even trying whiskey enhanced shiraz for you! lucky!

    ive tried these methods with other alcoholic drinks, as whiskey sends me to sleep very quickly (lucky me, grateful). i drink only sweet potato (いも） shouchuu with hot water.

    • aaruu on 22/12/2018 - 01:54

      Did try warm water with blended whisky a few years ago, definitely made it more tolerable. Thanks for the tips mate!

      • DarthAntz on 22/12/2018 - 18:46
        +1

        IMO its much easier on the stomach too.

  • 2ndeffort on 18/12/2018 - 13:00
    +2

    When I was younger I couldnt stand the taste of whisky. I quite liked a Bourbon & Coke etc and loved beer but couldnt take Whisky. As a proud Scot this worried me a bit but I never understood the concept of forcing something you dont like until it became tolerable, particularly something as expensive as Whisky. Since my mid 40s however (currently early 50s) I gave whisky another try and now i absolutely love it. Now I only drink good single malts but my pallet has certainly changed as I've grown older. Craft beer and single malt whisky is now pretty much the only alcohol that I drink. The thought that I used to drink rye whiskey mixed with coke turns my stomach now!

    • madreece on 18/12/2018 - 16:29
      +2

      That is weird. This describes me perfectly (except the Scottish heritage). I moved to Irish and am now loving the Japanese.

      • geoffs87 on 20/12/2018 - 09:55
        +5

        are we still talking whiskey, or…?

    • Roman Sandstorm on 21/12/2018 - 10:08
      +1

      Yep… same Scotch experience. As I have aged through my 40's into my 50's…

      I quite enjoy a non-overpowering, 'milder', more subtle single malt; Highland Park a favourite at present. Always straight… always from a quality glass.

  • frondono on 18/12/2018 - 13:01
    +1

    Try some bushmills 10yo or some redbreast 12yo. I like to drink it with either whiskey stones and a few drops of water or ice. if you don't like either of the whiskeys, maybe it's just not for you, the two I mentioned are very easy to drink, just sip it. I personally like whiskeys and bourbons, but am yet to develop a taste for wine. I'm also drinking a bottle of makers 46 at the moment which is very tasty for a bourbon. But as with everything, the ones I mentioned are a certain style and like wines not for everyone. There's also brandys and cognacs that might be more your style if you're drinking something neat/ish.

  • od810 on 18/12/2018 - 13:13
    +1

    If you really really want to give it a try, I recommend to go to one of those whisky tasting sessions. If you live/work in Melbourne CBD, Whisky and Alement has some whisky tasting package. You need to try a few from different regions and at different price points as well. Some cheap single malt doesn't have much of a flavour/taste. It can be an expensive habbit.

    • johnnygolden on 19/12/2018 - 22:27

      I second this. You might at least find one that you find less objectionable than others. This is what finally turned me on to whiskey.

    • aaruu on 22/12/2018 - 01:56

      Awesome idea mate, thank you, on my to do list :)

  • outlander on 18/12/2018 - 13:32
    +2

    If you don't like it simply don't drink it. Alcohols one of those many things that people can be weird about. In my mind, which isn't perfect but seems a hell of a lot more logical than most, whisky is an attempt to produce a high alcohol substance that isn't as harsh to drink as a pure alcohol/water mixture. People get wanky about it though, and come up with all these rules about what your supposed to do. Some of them do help, and the 'mystique' of it does make the experience more fun, but most of the time its done its to bs people into thinking your smart.

    So just drink what you want to drink, and instead of looking at it like you're the sore thumb that stands out, look at it like your an individual who is brave enough to stand out from the crowd. People will respect you if you respect yourself.

    That said, if you really want to drink it, you can make it more tolerable by having it with ice. Like, a lot of ice. Like the entire glass filled with it. Small cubes if you can get them.
    What happens is, the ice chills it down to sub zero, which decreases the volatility of the alcohol, and stops it from having that strong smell. The ice will also melt a bit, diluting the fluid. Lastly, because its cold, when it hits your tongue the nerves won't react as strongly, so it won't sting.

    Its gotta be a lot of ice. 3 cubes won't do it.

    • h4zey on 20/12/2018 - 09:14

      water is my new alcohol

  • apple2016 on 18/12/2018 - 13:34

    What whiskies have you tried so far?

    • Ozai on 19/12/2018 - 20:47
      +1

      Jw red label

    • Ozai on 20/12/2018 - 07:22

      Jw red label

    • aaruu on 22/12/2018 - 02:13

      To be honest, still a beginner when it comes to Whisky, and bad with remembering names. Dad always had a massive collection.
      In blended - JW Series (Red, Black, Double Black, Green & Gold), Chivas R 12 & 18, Dewar's, Teacher's, VAT 69 and many more over the years.
      Single Malt (just started last week & think this is my kind of thing to look further into) - Glenfiddich 15, Yamazaki 12, Balvenie 12.

  • highdealer on 18/12/2018 - 13:37

    Not sure what kind of mixer you have tried but have you tried Jack Daniel's and coke? Start low with the amount of whiskey, then add more as you get use to it.

    Then again as other have stated, no use in forcing something you don't like on yourself, surely you and your dad can find something else to do together. Otherwise you would just be wasting your money on whisky and wasting good whisky on yourself.

  • Orpheon on 18/12/2018 - 13:42
    +2

    You dont have to love whisky, it's just one of many spirits out there.

    Canadian Club is a tastier entry into whisky blends if you want to give that a try, otherwise you are a free bird - experiment, and do not be afraid to try cocktails!

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2018 - 13:51
    +2

    dalwhinnie

  • PabloHorteg on 18/12/2018 - 14:10
    +5

    Just a couple of things to try.

    1) Single malt Scotch whisky is very different to Irish whiskey.
    Irish whiskey has a lighter flavour. If the strength of Scotch is too much, try Irish (or Canadian or something else).

    2) Try it with chilled water
    The best way to drink whisky (imo) is to have it straight with chilled water. Simply blend in the water till you find the point where you can taste the whisky's flavours but the alcohol isn't too abrasive on your tongue. Adding water is essential for any non-top shelf whisky.

    If you are drinking the 20 year old stuff you might not need water because there will be less harsh alcohol flavours.

    I'd get a bottle of Glen Fiddich because it has some lovely caramel and vanilla flavours. Mix it with the right amount of water and it will be delicious. I avoid ice because the dilution ratio changes too much as the ice melts. One minute it is perfectly diluted, then its too watered down.

    IMO it's worth the effort. Also, anyone can enjoy it. My mum and my 85 year female neighbour both enjoy whisky + water. Once its blended well it's great.

    • jellykingdom on 18/12/2018 - 16:27

      Yeh, this is what I was going to suggest as well. Start with Irish whisky (Teelings is very tasty and not too expensive), and start with ice/water. The best option is to throw your whisky bottle in the freezer, or even freeze your glassware beforehand

    • poboy on 18/12/2018 - 18:09

      Thumbs up for spelling whisky correctly by country. If the country has an 'e', so does its whiskey.

      • Cliche Guevara on 19/12/2018 - 11:47

        What about New Zealand Whisky…

    • Jasonissm on 21/12/2018 - 22:59

      I've got some Lagavulin 16yo for my birthday, you reckon it's worth trying with water?

  • myusername on 18/12/2018 - 14:47
    +1

    try mixing it with green tea

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2018 - 14:51

    start off by punching yourself in the balls softly, and gradually increase the intensity until you end up enjoying it…… thats about as intelligent as trying to force yourself to like something you don't like.

    on a slightly more serious note, try looking for a good whiskey bar. the baxters in sydney is great, and while I don't like a lot of stuff, the bartenders there are amazing and after asking me a few questions were always able to recommend something which i liked. turns out i like non peated stuff that has been aged in other barrels, port and tequila barrels happened to be my two faves. the downside of this, is if your old man likes shit tasting stuff, he probably won't like this, so you'll not be drinking the same drink.

  • Untameable on 18/12/2018 - 14:52
    +3

    Do you like Coke/Pepsi on its own?

    If so then maybe you’re overdoing how much whiskey you mix in. Put in the smallest dribble, as in 1mm or just enough to cover the bottom of the glass. It should just add a slight flavour not overpower it. Most people will use an entire shot which is 10x more and way too much for me to enjoy at home.

    I know people will say it’s a waste of whiskey but they can have a good cry because I have a huge whiskey selection they’d fall on their knees for and I drink it all like this. It all tastes different and I enjoy it much more than neat (which is to say not at all).

    PS: I completely understand wanting to drink something enjoyed by a loved one. I’m surprised so many others don’t. I think maybe we should be friends.

    • Wystri Warrick on 18/12/2018 - 18:19
      +1

      I think maybe we should be friends.

      Op is related to Scab…

  • onetwothreefour on 18/12/2018 - 14:53
    +3

    It's a bit like someone spending a fortune on art just because it has been painted by famous artists rather than buying a cheaper piece that they actually like.

    If you don't like whiskey then don't drink it.

  • brentl on 18/12/2018 - 16:11
    +2

    Mix it with a bit of cold water.
    Youtube Richard Paterson.

  • Bourb on 18/12/2018 - 16:18
    +1

    I'll second Orpheon's vote for Canadian Club, to me it comes across as halfway between a Scotch and a Bourbon. It doesn't have that hard spirit bite, just a milder taste that is easy to drink.

  • HighAndDry on 18/12/2018 - 17:09
    +1

    Neat, shot, on the rocks, up, straight up, mixers etc. tried numerous ways

    One of the ways I've heard people drink whisky is to basically water it down with, well, water. Generally it's supposed to be a few drops (or a slowly melting ice cube), but I guess you could experiment with adding increasing amounts of water until you find it palatable.

    And then decreasing it slowly.

    http://whiskyadvocate.com/how-to-water-your-whisky/

  • Sammyboy on 18/12/2018 - 17:20
    +1

    Perhaps try a whisky that has been aged in sherry or port casks and that is cask-strength (so probably over 50% ABV). I've converted people after they have tried Kavalan Solist ($199 at Nicks. Cheaper duty free in the Asian airports if you can find it). But that's a pretty pricey drop. The sherry and port mellow out that strong whiskey taste. Not sweet like straight sherry or port. No smokeyness at all. Really easy to drink. So much flavour you could chew it. I've had non whisky drinkers able to sip this with 1 drop of water and they can't believe its a whisky or that strong. You could try Balvanie Doublewood which seems to pop up on here a bit on sale. But that still has a pretty strong whisky taste. There's a Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition Scotch Whisky for $49 at Dans which could be worth a shot. I haven't tried it. I spoke to someone at Dans and they said its underrated because of being Johnnie Walker and only black label. You could also try Kavalan Concertmaster Single Malt (aged in Port cask) at Dans for $114.

    • TheXylis on 18/12/2018 - 19:45
      +1

      I was going to suggest similar, or even the opposite there are shiraz aged in whiskey barrels

  • wordplay on 18/12/2018 - 18:54
    -4

    used to hate the stuff too, but found if you mix it with either mother or red bull it is quite tolerable.
    I will sometimes add rum or vodka too if having it with coke/pepsi/creaming soda. Be careful, once you acquire a taste for the good stuff it starts getting expensive. Currently on some sullivans cove.

  • tabz on 18/12/2018 - 22:50
    +1

    Which ones have you tried?

    If you're looking at starting with a Speyside single malt, maybe something like Glenlivet 12 year with a splash of water. Glenfidditch is another one people start with, but I find the Glenlivet to be easier to drink.

    There's also some smooth Japanese whiskys that go down well. Something like Nikka from the Barrel is quite nice.

    Starward is pretty good too if you can find it. It's an Australian one, but a little bit expensive.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 19/12/2018 - 09:17
    +1

    Personally I started drinking muscats and tokay from Rutherglen. Eg Morris, Campbells, Stanton & Killeen. Much higher alcohol content than wine, but the sweetness and fruit balances that out. Then good ports eg Penfolds Grandfather which are generally less sweet. Then vintage Portugese port eg Taylors and Quinta do Noval which are almost sherry like. At the same time you can try something like (good) gin and tonic. Try different gins and learn to spot the different botanicals. Then try one of the so called 'beginners' Irish or Scottish malts - I started with Glenfiddich. You can use a tumbler with ice which cuts the strength down at first, but when you can, try a tulip wine tasting glass or get a Glencairn glass to appreciate the bouquet. Sip it straight or with a splash of water. Much later you can look at the stronger malts like Islay - with that I'd suggest something like Bowmore. Enjoy. :-)

  • Ozpit on 19/12/2018 - 09:43
    +2

    Shortly after the sun went down, my dear old grandmother would retire to bed with a glass of warm milk containing a shot of brandy. She swore by it. It helps me sleep, she would say. And it’s good for my heart. And I enjoy the taste, she would add.
    OK, so whisky isn’t brandy, but they do belong to the same family. So mixing it with warm milk is certainly worth a shot OP, particularly of an evening. What’s more, considering the myriad of health benefits that whisky offers, your endeavors to enamour yourself to this popular drink are well worth persevering with. Whisky with warm milk may be your saving grace.
    https://www.wideopeneats.com/10-reasons-drink-whiskey-good-h…

  • giftcardinspector on 19/12/2018 - 09:56
    +1

    I've always like scotch, but used to drink it with coke when I was younger.
    Decided to do away with soft drinks because they are terrible for you.
    I started drinking it with soda water, then I went to mineral water because it's not as bubbly.
    Then I went to less and less mineral water.
    Now I drink mainly on the rocks, but I do enjoy putting a dash of mineral in every now and then. It's quite refreshing.
    Maybe try that, don't listen to whisky snobs and how they tell you how to drink whisky. Do what you enjoy.
    Also a better quality whisky is mostly going to taste better. I suggest Glenmorangie 10yr with some mineral water in it.
    Love to hear how you go!

    • giftcardinspector on 19/12/2018 - 09:58
      +1

      But it online, if you can get it for less than $70 that's a good price. Remember Boozebud will price match anywhere

  • srhardy on 19/12/2018 - 10:34
    +2

    Not everyone a SPIRTS lover and from your comments Id recommend a nice TAWNY PORT. Its great with PIZZA and CHOCOLATE and can be drunk all year around. Its pallet friendly, with a nice warm afterglow and a good buzz (come on you drink for the buzz dont you) but its sweet and full boddied and even nicer than normal wines but having said that, look for a decent one. A wolfblass on special or Stanley Port are two cheap and very decent ports and then ask for better ones as gifts.

  • Jugganautx on 19/12/2018 - 21:13
    -2

    Harden up and stop drinking goat piss with grenadene

  • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2018 - 21:39

    Johnie Walker Black is your classic 'everyday and anytime' quality scotch whiskey.
    Jamieson is the same, but sweet.

    If neither of these 2 work, then scotch is not for you

  • serpserpserp on 19/12/2018 - 21:45

    I use to be the same way with Vodka OP. I wanted to drink it straight up like a real man when I was younger but I just hated the taste no matter what the temp or type of vodka. The trick was however just to drink it and drink it and basically become a low level alcoholic with it, I was poor when I was young so this was easy. After awhile I could put it away no worries. Never developed a palette for expensive vodka, it just ended up being a means to an end.

    Now I can't even look at the stuff without feeling queasy. If a hint of it is in a cocktail, I can reeeeeaaallllly taste it (same with tequila, hate that stuff).

  • patinadiary on 19/12/2018 - 21:59
    +2

    I'm no connoisseur but I enjoy my whisky so here's my 2c worth. I'd start with chilled water, next time with room temperature water, then just with ice, and then probably neat. Cold water numbs the flavours which don't do justice to a good whisky but at least it will acclimatise you to the flavours. Start with something light and fruity from Highland or Speyside regions probably a singleton, Chivas Regal 12, Monkey Shoulder or a Glenmorangie. Then maybe transition to a Talisker, Oban, Aberlour. Keep away from Islay region whiskies like Ardbeg, Laphroaig or Octomore's until you are comfortable with the flavours.
    The best place try a few would be a whisky bar. If you live in Melbourne, I'd recommend Whisky and Alement or maybe Boilermaker Bar.
    Good luck.

  • HeWhoKnows on 19/12/2018 - 22:24
    +1

    Scotch and Dry
    Go light on the scotch and use Shelleys or Kirks Dry Ginger Ale
    Shelleys or Kirks has more flavour than Schweppes so helping to balance out the scotch taste

  • nahi11 on 19/12/2018 - 23:20
    +3

    I swear this forum is thriving on stupidity

  • OBone on 19/12/2018 - 23:24

    Have you tried Irish Whiskey? It tastes quite different.
    Back in the day I'd make Irish coffees for me and my old man using Scotch instead if that's all we had.
    We used to love it.

  • bargdebarg on 19/12/2018 - 23:28

    Drink only the good stuff, neat, but add a little water to take away any sting and open up the flavours. Don't use ice. Make sure it's at room temp. Sip slowly - this is important. Sometimes you only need a few drops to take the flavours. Do this over several weeks and if you still don't like it, hard spirits are not for you. And that's totally ok.

    I'm currently really liking
    glenfiddich rich oak 14 year old

  • hymio on 19/12/2018 - 23:41

    I started liking whisky after drinking it this way:

    Freeze 600ml bottle of water.
    Take it out of the freezer and let it melt a little.
    Take a few sips of water.
    Pour a bit of whisky in - start with maybe half a shot.
    Give it a mix.
    Add a bit more if you can't taste anything at all.

    Similar like the chilled water suggestion gaurav1504 posted up above, but more dilute and drinkable for me. The taste is really mild and there is no overpowering alcohol and I actually started to appreciate whisky after this. If you really don't like the taste of whisky, drinking expensive whisky neat isn't going to make it more palatable I'm my opinion. I suggest using Johnny Walker Red to test this out - cheap and accessible.

  • fratzhaus on 20/12/2018 - 00:02
    +1

    Start from scratch. Drink Southern comfort to get used to bourbon, and fireball to get into whiskey if you hate the taste. It's what I drank throughout my teens, and now whiskey is pretty much all I want to drink. Jameson whiskey is great too - absolute fave.

    You might also want to try a suntory highball, it just tastes of whiskey, but dials back the normal kick you'd get if on the rocks. Also jap whiskey is great.

    I'm bias. All whiskey is great. Never had to work my way toward it.

    • stainedteatowel on 21/12/2018 - 18:06
      +1
      • to this, both fireball and southern comfort are enjoyable. I'd suggest Wild Turkey American Honey as well.
      • fratzhaus on 21/12/2018 - 18:53
        +1

        Enjoyable for newbies is the key point. They have a classic familiar flavour - I. E. Apricot or cinnamon that they're easy to relate to. Love it. I'm very drunk off Jamieson rn what a laugh

    • greatlamp on 21/12/2018 - 22:48

      Don't let the purists hear you calling southen comfort bourbon!

      Technically it is liquor (flavoured alcoholic syrup). I don't think the bottle actually claims to be bourbon

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