This being my first blog (both for Whisk(e)y Apostle (and in general). I thought that the topic should be relatively important. There are a lot of things I could go on about but what I really want to address is an issue that I’ve seen for years and continue to see. It’s something that affects both the seasoned whisky devotee and the neophyte alike…open mindedness. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen someone snub their nose at one drink or another because of perceived inferiority. Irish whiskey, bourbon, blended scotch, and Canadian whisky come up most often but I don’t think any drink is immune to this phenomenon.
This usually manifests in one of the following ways:
1. “The flavors aren’t as pronounced” – B.S.
There are a multitude of flavors in every type of whisky if you’re just open minded enough to give them a chance. The flavors can be very different from type to type and within types, but that discovery is half the fun. Don’t let anyone tell you a blended scotch is bland. A good blended scotch can be a symphony of layered flavors in the hands of a good blender. You’ll only know if you try it for yourself.
2. “They aren’t made as well” – B.S.
It takes just as much work to make bourbon as it does to make good single malt and it takes more work on the back end to make a quality blend. All the men and women who make whisky, whatever the variety put just a much time and sweat (not literally) into their product as anyone else. Don’t sell their hard work short without at least giving it a taste.
3. “That type of whisky doesn’t taste very good” – B.S.
Have you tried them all? No. Is every iteration of a particular type of whisky good? No. But there are plenty of good ones out there and if you dismiss a category based on one or two bad drams then you’re really missing out.
4. “I just don’t like them” – Fine, I’ll give you this one.
Taste is a personal thing. You don’t have to like every thing. Different strokes for different folks.
Whenever I’m conversing with someone and they make one of these statements my response is to ask “Why?” This usually elicits a quizzical look. I follow up with “why do think blended scotch/bourbon is inferior to single malts?” We’ll go back and forth and if I can convince them to just give it a try 4 out of 5 times they’re very surprised.
My point in all of this? Taste it. Try it. Experience it. Don’t dismiss a whisky without deciding for yourself. Matt and I have had quite a few drams, both together and apart. Do we agree on all of them? No. Is that okay? Yes. Try as many different whiskies as you can and make up your own mind. Whisky, like life is definitely about the journey, not the destination.
-Richard
Well said, my friend. Anyone who says that blends are bland has never tried a Compass Box whiskey or the green, gold, and blue Johnny Walker blends. I have been as guilty of the next guy of closing my mind. I’ve been drinking whiskey for 13 or 14 years now and been tasting in earnest for 9 or so. Still, I find new discoveries as my palate develops. Ten years ago, I would not have touched an Islay with a ten foot pole. Now, I have found a few that really enjoy (especially in the cold NYC winter).