Abso-****ing-lutely. I don't always agree with the author of this post, but in this case, I do.
I've tried dozens of high-end Scotches, not because I'm rich, but because I lived somewhere where they were MUCH less expensive. Johnny Walker Blue didn't impress me for the price I paid ($90/750), and I sure wouldn't pay it here in the US where it's routinely $200-300 a bottle. The Chivas Regal Royal Salute (21-year?) I thought was better. Drinking JW Blue and saying anything else is crap is like the rap stars who drink exclusively Cristal. It's just to show off your bling, IMO.
I made it a point to become a Scotch lover when I was about 23 years old... for several reasons.
1. The people who really enjoy Scotch REALLY enjoy their Scotch.
2. NONE of my friends drank it, which means when I bring a bottle to a party, I don't have to worry about skanks drinkin' up my crunk. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/furious.gif.fc81ca146dbff91fede3ed290dbc4f4c.gif
3. There's a ton of different kinds, and almost all of them are great in their own way... now my friends and family all know what to get me as a gift for almost any occasion. There's no need to wonder, just pick up a bottle of Scotch in whatever budget you have in mind (they come in all price ranges) and you know I'll be happy with it. No guesswork involved, and no need to worry if I'll like it. It also keeps forever.
4. You never see a drunken homeless bum who is a Scotch lover... they're always after the Kentucky Deluxe, the vodka, whatever. Not Scotch.
As for what to try, keep in mind that for almost everyone I've ever spoken to, Scotch is an acquired taste... just because you like whiskey (like bourbon) doesn't mean you'll like whisky (aka Scotch). I worked my way into it first by using the inexpensive brands, like J&B and Dewar's mixed with ice and 7-Up. I did this for quite a while, a year or so (not a heavy drinker), then began to use less and less soda, and eventually was just drinking it on the rocks, and began trying many other brands, when my whole world of experience opened up.
Now, I'm not a connoisseur by any means, nor am I pretentious about it (I don't think). I simply enjoy it, and I like comparing notes with other friends who also enjoy it. I've been recently turned onto Oban, which is great. I'm a big fan of the high-end Chivas, as I mentioned. I also rather like Glenmorangie, Laphroig, Glenlivet, Dalwinnie, Dalmore, Bowmore and Macallen. I like some singles, some doubles, etc.
If I have a really great Scotch I want to savor and experience I will often drink it straight, room temp, and even like it in a brandy snifter so the heat of my hand can slightly warm it, releasing the "bouquet" and the flavors.
For everyday drinking, it's usually on the rocks, and Cutty Sark is my usual, for a blend of price and flavor. It's consistent, it's smooth and I don't tire of it after a glass or two, as I do with some of the stronger flavors. I can do the same with Johnny Red, but I find it's a bit more expensive and I think I prefer the Cutty. Nothing wrong with JW, per se, and it is the most common you'll find in most bars. In fact, many I've been to consider JW Red their "top shelf" Scotch. lol //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/rolleyes.gif.c1fef805e9d1464d377451cd5bc18bfb.gif
That's just a bit on my perspective and how I got into Scotch... I still need to spend time learning all the different varieties, but I did surprise myself at the flavors I could distinguish when I went to a formal tasting session at a distillery with multiple different bottles. It was fun, but I know my palate has definitely matured over the last 10 years I've been drinking it... don't give up, it's a fun hobby, but you sure might have to make yourself stick to it sometimes. Like I said, I didn't like it the first few times I tried it, but I did grow into it, and it was worth every drink. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif
