The First Timer’s Guide to Whisky

Let’s face it: the world of scotch can feel quite intimidating: the leather armchairs. The serious faces. The self-proclaimed experts telling you exactly how many drops of water you’re allowed to add to your glass.
 
At Ballantine’s, we reckon there’s no wrong way to drink whisky. If you like the taste, you’re doing it right.
 
But if you do find yourself wondering where to start, we’ve got you. From lessening the alcohol burn to unlocking hidden flavours, here’s how to take your very first sip like a pro.

If you’re going to do this, do it right. That means choosing a spirit that’s smooth, golden and creamy. There are lots of styles out there – from spicy ryes to super sweet bourbons – but we’re partial to Scotland’s original spirit.
 
Made from malted barley, scotch is gorgeously complex, ranging from smoky and peaty to fruity and floral. No two are the same, so it’s a good idea to sample a few blends before picking your favourite.
 
Where do I start, you say? We recommend Ballantine’s Finest, our award-winning OG blend. With soft notes of honey, a hint of spice and a floral finish, it’s perfectly balanced and the ultimate intro into the world of whisky.

Keep a glass of cold water on the side while you drink. Taking a quick splash between sips resets your taste buds, so that the lingering flavours of your last snack don’t clash with your whisky.
 
Think of it as a quick CTRL+ALT+DELETE for your mouth – it keeps you hydrated and stops the alcohol from instantly overpowering your senses.

Before you sip, get your nose in there. Smelling the liquid just above the rim is a total game-changer for whisky drinking, helping you pinpoint all those hidden individual notes.
 
Pro-tip: keep your mouth slightly open while you inhale. Sounds weird, but it lets the alcohol vapours escape so you can properly smell the honey and spice. Delicious!

If you want to know what you’re actually working with before adding mixers, taste it neat first. This goes double for aged bottles like Ballantine’s 30 Year Old – a deep, fruity scotch that deserves a straight-up sip moment.

We don’t do rules here, but if it’s your first time drinking whisky to taste the flavour, we highly recommend slowing things down.
 
Take a small sip, let it roll around your mouth for a couple of seconds, then swallow. This is especially true for older, premium blends that are practically made for savouring. Remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

If this is your first time, you’re probably going to feel a bit of a fiery kick. Don’t freak out: the warming sensation can catch you off guard, but it’s part of the magic, we promise.
 
Our advice? Don’t hold your breath. Instead, breathe out gently through your mouth right after you swallow. Then, take a sip of cool water.

Ignore the traditionalists: adding a splash of water is one of the smartest ways to open up your drink. It lowers the alcohol percentage just enough to tame the burn, letting hidden notes like vanilla, red apple, and dried fruit step into the spotlight.
 
Prefer it chilled? Order it ‘on the rocks’. As the ice melts, it slowly dilutes the spirit for a smoother, easier sip. Try tasting it before and after you add ice to see how the flavours shift.

Because whisky drinks come in all flavours, you can easily match one to your mood. Want the spirit front and centre? Go for an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour. They use just a few ingredients to elevate the whisky’s smooth notes with a bit of citrus to keep things light.
 
For something effortless, try a quick mixer like Scotch and Soda, Whisky and Ginger Ale, or a Whisky Cola. You can mix almost anything with whisky, from fizzy sodas to fruit juice.
 
We’ve also got recipes for whatever the weather’s doing. Lean into summer with our Apple Spritz and Summer Pitcher, or stay warm with a Hot Toddy and Hot Honey Sour.
 
Finally, try a cheeky swap in your usual order. Trading your go-to spirit for scotch is an easy upgrade: just look at the Piña Colada or Paloma.