Trying my first single malt.....

A visit to the store turned up a bottle of The Macallan Fine Oak 10. I have never been into Scotch, but this is supposed to be a very user friendly run. User friendly...Maybe Ill have less of a hangover?

Anyway....First impression is that its a very high quality liquor. But there is this taste that I cant quite put. I suppose its the malts and/or peat?? Im not really sure what to make of it. Im normally a beer drinker that likes the darker microbrews such as Ommagang Abbey Ale.

Any feed back from you fine gents is more than welcome. Im sure TimmyBoston will have a few things to say! Scotch Scotch Scotch...I love you scotch!

Glad you're having a great first scotch experience. If it's peat you like, you'll be headed toward a nice Laphroaig in no time.

I'll pour myself a dram here in a few moments and drink to your continued enjoyment

Macallan is a nice Scotch. The taste is probably the peat that is an acquired taste for some. I happen to love my single malts but some prefer a bourbon or American whiskey.

You may want to go for some of the malts distilled on Islay. A Lagavulin 16 year old, or the Laphroaig 10, or their Quarter Cask. Maybe a nice Bruichladdich 3D, if it is pear you like.

There's another thread about scotch goin on now. The Macallan 12 year old is one of my regular scotches. I alternate that with the Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old. The general opinion seems to the Glenlivet 12 year old is the best beginner scotch. I like the Glenlivet but to me it seems to be a kind of "generic" single malt. I like the sherry flavor in the Macallan and Balvenie scotches but not everyone does. I've tried the Laphroaig 10 year old and had a little trouble with the extreme peatiness of it at first. By the end of the bottle I decided it was pretty good. My wife is only a very occasional scotch drinker but she thought the Laphroaig had an aftertaste of "rotting fish".

The unusual taste you are experiencing is Malt. (Not peat)

What type of liqour do you like? There is a wide range of scotch and depending on what you like or would like to experience will determine which you try. A few people have mentioned Lagavulin and Laphroig. I enjoy the peatiness of them and they are two of my favorite - although many people I have introduced them to do not like them.

Taste is a finicky thing.

Enjoy the journey. But, please, don't drink and shave.