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24
May
Beginner’s guide to whisky from a Harrogate expert
For many people wishing to discover whisky, it can be difficult to know where to start. And with good reason: the sheer variety out there can be quite daunting.
But don’t let that stop you trying, says local Scotch whisky expert Les Harrow, because it’s more than worth it.
Whisky has the widest flavour profile of any spirit or wine in the world, so it’s really about experimenting and finding what you enjoy. He says:
If you say to me you don't really like whisky, I would say you haven't found the right one yet. It's such a versatile drink I'm convinced there's a whisky out there for everyone.
At some point, you might have a lightbulb moment that hooks you in. Les did. He’d been put off whisky during his youth in Scotland drinking cheap blends. But 25 years ago on a work trip in Aberdeen, he tried a single malt and realised what he’d been missing.
Keen to discover more, Les embarked on a journey of whisky discovery that "has gone from a hobby to a passion to an obsession.” He says:
A single malt with a touch of water is bliss. Whisky contains so many flavours and aromas. It's not about drinking whisky, it's about taking your time and appreciating it. Once you go down the rabbit hole, you don't come back.
As a brand ambassador for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Les, who lives in Killinghall, hosts tastings in Harrogate, helping members and newcomers find a whisky that suits their palate. He’s seen a “phenomenal growth” in people drinking whisky during his 18 years with the society, with a marked rise in female and younger drinkers.
How to drink whisky
There's a difference between drinking whisky and really tasting it. To fully appreciate it, says Les, take your time and use all your senses.
And, while some whisky drinkers may not agree, Les advocates adding water to your single malt. But whatever you do, don’t add ice. He explains:
Add a drop or two of room temperature water and it's like magic. It opens up more aromas and flavours by breaking up the oil components that hold all the flavours together.
Ice, however, has the opposite effect. It traps the flavours and aromas so you're not going to get as much out of the whisky.
But it’s your whisky - so drink it the way you like it!
Blended or single malt?
Many people start with blended whiskies because they are cheaper and can be mixed with soft drinks, but Les recommends going straight into a single malt. He says:
It’s predominantly single malts which offer the widest array of flavour experiences and have more character and depth. It's like stepping into another world; they are more refined, more approachable and easier on the palate.
But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sampling some blended whiskies as well. However, avoid anything ridiculously cheap as it might not have spent long enough maturing to give a smooth, pleasant experience.
Tips for whisky beginners
If you're starting out on a journey of whisky discovery, Les offers the following guidance:
- Begin with something soft and gentle that has general appeal, like a Highland or Speyside.
- It doesn't correlate exactly, but if you have other spirit or wine preferences it can help to look at single malts which have been matured in a cask that has previously held those wines or spirits. Examples are former Burgundy, rum or Sauternes casks.
- Gather as much information and insight as you can, although bear in mind that it is subjective. Ask friends and family, do research online and follow whisky aficionados on social media.
- Find a bar with staff who know their whiskies. Les has helped educate the teams at Starling and The Little Ale House in Harrogate where they also offer specially-selected whiskies.
Les, right, with Simon Midgley from Starling.
- A nice way to try different whiskies without spending too much money is to buy miniatures. Some retailers offer the chance to make your own pack from five samples.
- Go to a whisky festival or whisky tasting session. They offer wonderful opportunities to talk to the experts and try several styles of whisky without the fear of intimidation.
- Read the labels on the bottles – they increasingly feature useful information to help consumers make a choice. Some supermarkets have also started categorising their whiskies into flavour sections, such as smoky or fruity, as is standard with wine.
- Visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society website. They categorise all their bottles into flavour profiles with extensive tasting notes.
- Some specialised online whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt also offer a ‘pathway’ to help understand and choose by flavours.
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