If you enjoy Scotch whisky but haven’t yet taken the plunge and bought your first bottle, you’re not alone. With so many to choose from, knowing exactly what to buy for the first time can seem daunting. After all, Scotch whisky isn’t cheap, so it’s natural to hesitate before spending hard-earned money on something unfamiliar.
Our advice is that, if you’re a beginner to the world of whisky, it’s best to start with light, smooth and well-balanced whiskies. These styles are perfect for developing your palate without overwhelming it. To help you get started, we’ve curated some of the best beginner-friendly Scotch whiskies available today. Plus, we’ve included a simple guide to tasting whisky to start you off on the right foot to the world of whisky exploration.
Let’s begin.
Still Spirit’s Picks – Best Scotch Whisky for Beginners
Arran 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Arran 10-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky is a beautifully balanced expression from the Isle of Arran, offering a vibrant mix of citrus, vanilla, and orchard fruits. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, it offers a smooth, honeyed sweetness with hints of spice and toasted oak, making it an elegant dram with a long, satisfying finish. This light, approachable dram is perfect for newcomers to the world of whisky. Enjoy it neat or with a drop or two of spring water.
Dalwhinnie 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Dalwhinnie 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a gentle, lightly peated Highland whisky known for its light fruitiness, soft floral notes, and comforting warmth. Aged in American oak, it offers hints of heather, vanilla, and a touch of spice, leading to a crisp, clean finish. An excellent choice for beginners, it provides a welcoming introduction to single malt Scotch without an overwhelming smokiness or intense complexity. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks.
Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a world-renowned and award-winning Speyside classic. This smooth, well-balanced single malt whisky is aged in a combination of American oak and European oak sherry casks. It has a light and fruity character with notes of candied pear, green apple, and gentle spice before a long and creamy finish. Enjoy it neat or with a drop or two of spring water.
Glenmorangie 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenmorangie 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a beautifully smooth and approachable Highland single malt, crafted using some of the tallest stills in Scotland. Aged in American bourbon barrels, it offers bright citrus, creamy vanilla, and honey, balanced with subtle floral and almond notes. The light, silky texture and gentle finish make it an easy-to-drink Scotch whisky for beginners. Ideal for sipping neat or as a base for whisky cocktails.
Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a smooth and vibrant Lowland single malt, triple distilled for exceptional smoothness and matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon casks. It delivers bright notes of vanilla, coconut, and caramel, complemented by zesty citrus and a touch of spice. Light-bodied with a crisp, refreshing finish, this whisky is an excellent choice for those seeking an entry-level single malt with a sweet character. Enjoy neat or with a drop or two of spring water.
Speyburn Bourbon Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Speyburn Bourbon Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a smooth whisky, matured exclusively in hand-selected American oak bourbon casks. This Speyside gem offers rich notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel, complemented by fresh citrus and soft oak spice. Light-bodied with a velvety texture, it delivers a refreshing and well-balanced finish, making it an excellent choice for whisky newcomers seeking a mellow, bourbon-influenced dram. Enjoy neat, with a drop or two of water or mixed into a whisky cocktail.
AnCnoc 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
AnCnoc 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a beautifully balanced Highland whisky, known for its light yet complex character. Aged in a combination of American and European oak casks, it offers bright lemon, honey, and vanilla notes, layered with soft spice and a gentle maltiness. Smooth with a crisp, clean finish, it makes the perfect ‘starter whisky’ for those seeking a delicate yet flavourful dram. Enjoy neat or with ice.
Glendronach 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glendronach 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a medium-bodied Highland whisky, matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. It brims with deep flavours of dark fruit, honey, and rich chocolate, layered with warm spice and toasted oak. Velvety smooth with a lingering sherried finish, this whisky is a must-have, entry-level malt for fans of sherried whisky. Enjoy neat, or with a drop or two of water.
Scotch Whisky Tasting Tips for Beginners
· It helps to have the right glassware - For the best tasting experience, select a glass that is tulip-shaped - featuring a wide bowl that tapers to a narrow rim, like a Glencairn or Copita glass. This design concentrates the aromas, directing them toward your nose and enhancing the sensory experience.
· Pour the whisky – Make sure it is served at room temperature and hasn’t been chilled in the fridge or warmed by the sun.
· Add a drop of water or ice if you like – This opens up the flavours and aroma and dampens down the alcohol content slightly.
· Take in the aroma - Bring the glass up to your nose and sniff gently. Think about the aromas you can smell.
· Sip – Let the whisky coat your tongue and think about the flavours that emerge – are they sweet, smoky, spicy, or fruity? Once you’ve swallowed the whisky, you may notice a lingering taste that remains. This is known as the ‘finish’ and can be described as short, medium, or long, depending on how long those flavours stay with you.
When you’re ready to explore more, perhaps take the Still Spirit Find Your Spirit quiz? Answer a few flavour-based questions, and we’ll help you find your new favourite dram based on your budget and level of whisky experience.
Whichever Scotch whisky you choose, you’ll find plenty of variety in Still Spirit’s extensive range of Scotch whisky. Additionally, we stock an wide range of world whiskies, old & rare whisky, and whisky gift sets.
