Most people’s first experience with whisky isn’t carefully chosen. It’s usually whatever someone else happens to like. Often, that means something quite intense, like Laphroaig, which can be enough to put you off altogether.
More recently, though, people have started discovering whisky in a different way. Tastings, festivals, and specialist retailers have made it easier to explore with a bit of guidance.
Either way, the starting point can feel overwhelming. Whisky isn’t one thing. It’s a huge category with different styles, countries, and flavour profiles.
This list is designed to simplify that first step. These seven bottles won’t cover everything, but the hope is that we can help to kick the door open to a massive world of adventure and storytelling.
Malt Riot Blended Malt, 40%, £28 / $40
A bottle with a fun bit of history behind it. Malt Riot takes its inspiration from the Scottish malt tax riots of 1725, when grain stores were raided and excise men chased away.
At its core is single malt from The Glasgow Distillery, supported by other single malts from across Scotland. The result is a surprisingly characterful whisky for the price. Expect notes of orange, marmalade, mango, citrus, sawdust, and a touch of desiccated coconut in the background.
It’s a versatile bottle that works neat, in cocktails, or simply as something to experiment with at home. And, thankfully, it is super affordable.
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old, 40%, £49 / $56
This isn’t here just because it’s a good ‘beginner’ whisky. It’s here because it’s genuinely good value, especially if you’re just starting out.
Beginning with well-known brands gives you a reliable reference point, and Glenfiddich’s 15 Year Old is an excellent example of sherry influence done well. You’ll find classic notes of chocolate, nuts, sweet sherry, raisins, and sultanas, with a slight nod towards Cognac.
You can spend less on younger, more intense whiskies, but this is a refined and rewarding place to begin.
Bushmills 10 Year Old Irish Single Malt, 40%, £25 / $45
Irish whiskey is often recommended as a starting point. It’s rarely peated and is typically triple distilled, resulting in a smoother, more approachable style.
There’s a huge range to explore across Ireland, but Bushmills is a dependable place to begin. The 10 Year Old is fruity, easy-going, and consistently enjoyable. Even after repeated visits, it still manages to feel fresh and engaging.
It’s an ideal bottle to share, and the brand’s long history offers plenty to explore if you want to go deeper.
Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45%, £24 / $17
Bourbon was my first love in whisky, and Maker’s Mark is a great introduction to the style.
Bourbon must be made in the United States, and Maker’s uses a mash bill of corn, wheat, and barley, replacing the more common rye with wheat. This creates a softer, sweeter profile, with less spice and a more rounded character.
The use of new oak barrels brings colour, spice, and depth, while the wheat keeps things approachable.
It’s also worth diving into the story behind the brand, particularly Margie and Rob Samuels Sr., which has surprising links back to Scotland and explains why Maker’s spells whisky without an “e”.
Nikka Days Blended Whisky, 40%, £38 / $35
Japanese whisky attracts a lot of attention, and for good reason. It’s often excellent, though prices can be high due to factors beyond the distilleries’ control.
In general, Japanese whisky tends to be lighter in style but highly nuanced. Nikka Days is a great entry point. It’s a well-balanced blend with fresh, summery notes and an easy-drinking profile.
It also works well in cocktails, making it a flexible introduction to the category.
Filey Bay Flagship Yorkshire Single Malt, 46%, £54 / $54
English whisky has gained significant momentum over the past decade, and Filey Bay is one of the standout producers.
The distillery began life as brewers, and still operates as Wold Top Brewery. Their whisky reflects that same attention to flavour. The flagship expression is matured in ex-bourbon casks, resulting in a light, approachable spirit with notes of caramel, toffee, and wildflowers.
It’s the kind of whisky that feels at home at a festival or a large gathering. If you know Yorkshire and its people, they’re a very welcoming bunch, and their whisky is no different.
Kavalan Classic Taiwanese Single Malt, 40%, £76 / $62
Taiwanese single malts made a serious impact on the whisky world about a decade ago, winning major awards and challenging expectations.
The climate plays a key role. Taiwan’s heat and humidity accelerate the interaction between spirit and cask. This does not mean the whisky ages faster, but it does mean even younger whiskies can develop deep colour and bold character.
Kavalan’s standard single malt is a great introduction. It’s bright, fresh, and fruit-forward, with a profile that suits its climate perfectly.
Starting Your Whisky Journey
It doesn’t really matter where you start. Over time, you’ll find your way towards the styles that suit you best.
The key thing is to try widely and stay curious. There will be a peated whisky you enjoy, just as there will be a blend that surprises you. The same applies across all spirits.
Never assume your palate isn’t ‘good enough’. At tastings, in shops, or at festivals, listen to what’s being said and engage with it. Ask questions whenever something isn’t clear.
It’s a genuinely welcoming industry, and the more people who explore it, the better it becomes.
Read the full article at From Scotland To Taiwan: 7 Whiskies To Try First In 2026
