Where to start...

[r900p]

Okay well the girlfriend doesn't drink whisky, instead Cointreau on ice.

But her mother occasionally has a famous grouse, now she knows i drink/collect whisky so she fancies trying the odd one, but i have no clue where to start.

Which route would i therefore go down?

1)Look for bottle similar to FG
2)Start with a lowland
3)or go the deepend and get straight in with the Islay's becuase thats what i like.

Thoughts please and suggestions of bottles to try.

Rob

[les taylor]

Rob shame about the girlfriend

As for her mother, I'd start low and go on to the Islay's. Maybe start with a Glenmo the original, Glenlivet 12 or a HP 12. I reckon that should be a good place to start.

[ClubSmed]

I would probably suggest Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban

[SoMK]

Start sweet.. I tried this with a heathen friend of mine and I created a monster
Auchentoshan 10, Glenmorangie, Glenfarclas 12 and work your way up ... ?

[lockejn]

I would second the Glenfarclas 12.

[johan brugge]

I would start with a Speyside whisky before you let her try an Islay one. You need to get used to the peaty and smokey flavours. I'm thinking any kind of Balvenie or a Glenfiddich 15yo Solera Reserve.

[borgom]

I'd go for smooth whiskies that aren't too woody or too young. Sherried whiskies could be a good start if she's a red wine drinker.
Some suggestions - Balvenie DW, Glenfarclas 21, Glenfiddich 18, Black Bush, The Macallan 12.
Maybe Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or or even Drambuie on ice if she has a sweet tooth.

[The Third Dram]

If she likes the Famous Grouse, then a 12-year old Highland Park or Macallan would appear to represent a natural progression. That said, I'm also very tempted to recommend a super-premium blend as the next logical (and somewhat non-committal) step... something along the lines of an 18-year Grant's Reserve or Chivas or JW Gold Label. That 17-year old Islay Mist I'm presently pounding my way through is yet another tastily attractive option.

[pkt77242]

If she likes the Famous Grouse, then a 12-year old Highland Park or Macallan would appear to represent a natural progression.

I second this Macallan 12 or HP 12. Though a Vatted Malt Famous Grouse would also work. I have seen a 12 and 18 at reasonable prices.

Sean

[Ganga]

If you can, I'd bring a spectrum of whiskies especially the ones you like. Pour contrasting whiskies. I did this a month ago with an Imperial (bourbon), Aberlour (sherry finish) and Lagavulin 16. It provides them an opportunity to look at a range of things together.

[johan brugge]

If you can, I'd bring a spectrum of whiskies especially the ones you like. Pour contrasting whiskies. I did this a month ago with an Imperial (bourbon), Aberlour (sherry finish) and Lagavulin 16. It provides them an opportunity to look at a range of things together.

That is an excellent idea! What would we do whithout you Ganga??

[r900p]

If you can, I'd bring a spectrum of whiskies especially the ones you like. Pour contrasting whiskies. I did this a month ago with an Imperial (bourbon), Aberlour (sherry finish) and Lagavulin 16. It provides them an opportunity to look at a range of things together.

I like that Ganga, as i don't want to scare her off by giving her the wrong one to start this may be a good ideal. I have the Aber and Laga and a couple of bourbons so i could quite easily do it.

Highland Park 12 as some has suggested is one of my staple malts so that is easy too.

But then premium blends, i want to try JW and Black Bush

oh the decisions.

I'm hoping once girlfriend sees mother trying it she'll try it too.

Cheers folks.

Rob