Whiskey is high among the most popular alcoholic beverages around the world. Young people are usually eager to try their first whiskey when they come of age. But not every whiskey is made for newbies, as some can have a very strong smell and taste.
As a beginner, it is essential to go for whiskeys that are easier to drink, and that include smoother whiskeys. In this article, we will list some of the easiest whiskeys to drink for beginners.
#1. Auchentoshan 12 Year Single Malt Scotch whiskey: Easiest Lightest Whiskey to Drink
ABV: 40%
Distiller/Bottler: Auchentoshan Distillery
Proof: 80
Age: 12 Years
Note: Also known as breakfast whiskey, the Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch whiskey has a sweet flavor with a rich texture. It is made from malted, optic barley that is tenderly kilned and entirely unpeated, then fermented in wooden washbacks, but not before being milled and mashed.
The heat retention due to wooden washbacks (instead of steel washbacks) produces a sweeter and lighter whiskey that is easy to drink.
Auchentoshan Scotch whiskey is copper-pot distilled three times, unlike most Scotch whiskeys (distilled only twice), for a pure bottle of scotch. It’s then aged for at least 12 years.
Tasting Notes
This Scotch whiskey gives an aroma of creme citrus, brulee, toasted almonds, and delicate green notes. Once you start sipping, you will taste citrus and orange zest on the smooth palate with a subtle flavor of ginger with sweetness. It leaves your mouth a little nutty and dry with a toffee note at the end.
#2. Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition: Easiest To Drink Irish Whiskey
ABV: 40%
Distiller/Bottler: Jameson Distillery
Proof: 80
Age: 60 Days
Notes: Jameson is among the most popular Irish whiskey brands. Jameson makes this whiskey from a mash of unmalted and malted barley, triple-distilled by three copper-pot stills: a feint still, a wash still, and, finally, a spirit still. The mash of the whiskey also has maize, barley, and pure Irish water.
The Caskmates’ batches are aged in ex-beer barrels, including IPA barrels or stout barrels that give the whiskey an added fruity, malty flavor not found in typical whiskeys. If you prefer flavor more than the smoothness of the whiskey, then this would make a great choice. It emphasizes more on providing a strong flavor, yet one that is easy to drink.
Tasting Notes
The whiskey has the aroma of cocoa, coffee, and fresh barley on the nose. Slowly, it will lead you to a palate with vanilla cream, honey, and a slight hop flavor. In the end, it will leave a smooth and rich texture with pronounced notes of caramel, toffee, and bitter chocolate.
#3. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey: Easiest Bourbon To Drink
ABV: 50.5%
Distiller/Bottler: Wild Turkey Distillery
Proof: 101
Age: 5 Years
Notes: The Wild Turkey Bourbon has a high-rye mash bill for a special spicy flavor on the tongue. After they distill the bourbon, the makers age it in American oak casks, charred with a #4 char (the most heavily charred casks).
The Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is aged for at least five years and then bottled at 101 proof. The bourbon comes with an aroma of spice and brown sugar with bold notes of caramel and vanilla. It is high on alcohol, but all the delicious flavors make it a beginner-friendly drink without letting the alcohol overwhelm the taste of the whiskey.
The Wild Turkey Bourbon has earned achievements that include earning 92 points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. It is also a Gold Medalist at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Tasting Notes
After opening the bottle, you will get the aroma of spice and brown sugar with bold notes of vanilla, caramel, and even more spice and some notes of orange and citrus zest on the palate. The finish is warming and intense with a hint of chili peppers.
#4. Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch whiskey: Easiest Blended Whiskey To Drink
ABV: 40%
Distiller/Bottler: George Ballantine And Son LTD
Proof: 80
Age: 3 Years
Notes: Blended whiskeys are not as pure as single malts, but they are incredibly flavorful. The success of some famous liquor brands like Ballantine’s has proven just how good blended whiskeys can be. What separates Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch whiskey is its smooth texture and rich flavor, making it one of the easiest whiskey drinks on the rocks.
Ballantine has never changed their recipe since it originated in 1910, and it has always included “secret grains” that they use in their Scotches.
Tasting Notes
The Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch whiskey is filled with sweetness in every sip. It has flavors of red apple, milk chocolate, and vanilla.
#5. Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whiskey: Easiest Japanese Whiskey to Drink
ABV: 43%
Distiller/Bottler: Suntory
Proof: 86
Age: 3 Years
Notes: Originally inspired by Scottish whiskeys in early 1900, Japanese whiskeys have slowly made their name in the whiskey market. Japanese whiskeys are known for their delicate and smooth texture, and the Hibiki Harmony whiskey is the same.
The Hibiki Japanese Harmony whiskey is not too complex in taste like most scotch whiskeys, and hence they have a sweet and simpler taste.
You will find multiple flavors in this whiskey, but none of them are too overwhelming, making it one of the easiest whiskeys to drink straight.
Tasting Notes
The whiskey has a slightly floral aroma due to the expert blending notes of orange blossom, apricot, clove, and marmalade. The palate is drier, with many honey, raisins, pear, and cinnamon, leading to a rich finish with oak, malt chocolate, candied apples, pepper, and just a little hint of smoke.
Parting Words
Whiskeys are a wonderful segment among liquors and are special in that they can impart a huge variety of great flavors.
Whiskeys are fun to explore, but for new enthusiasts, it is important that you find the tastes you enjoy first. Once you know what works for you by trying out different flavors and textures, you will have found the types of whiskey that you enjoy.
Newer drinkers will want to try smoother whiskeys that are easier to drink, allowing for easier enjoyment of all the aromas and flavours that whiskeys have to offer. We hope this article will be a useful guide to getting you started.
Happy Drinking!
