10 Best Scotch Whiskies for Beginners in the Philippines 2024 | Dalmore, Lagavulin, and More

While some might argue that the flavors of the Dalmore might be a bit too complex for beginners, its orangey-chocolatey notes make it an enjoyable sipper that might surprise first-timers. Expect strong and robust notes from the liquid, helping you sharpen your palate and detect different nuances that you can discover in your whisky. 

On the nose, citrusy sweetness is anchored with dark cocoa. This is followed by notes of dried fruit and milk chocolate on the mouth. A long and lingering finish completes the experience.

If you still find this too strong for you, try making it into a cocktail. For instance, try mixing it with Angostura bitters, syrup, and sherry. Then, serve with lots of ice and enjoy the sweet and fruity notes of this liquid.

This whisky takes you straight into Caribbean shores with its bright, fruity flavors. This offering from Balvenie is sweet and creamy, reminiscent of a pina colada, which packs a good punch. On the nose, you can detect notes of toffee and fresh fruit— oaky vanilla coats your palate, followed by the sweetness of mangoes and pineapples. 

The finish is refreshing. It is best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate the flavors it has to offer. If 43% ABV is too high for you, add a block of ice or a dash of water to open up the liquid and mellow it out a bit. Even beginners can enjoy this bright and sweet whisky!

If you are trying peat for the first time, you better do it right! Lagavulin 16 has been the favorite of many whisky lovers for its complex taste. While the nose of this liquid might come off too strong for the uninitiated, with notes of iodine and smoke, let the drink surprise you with its gentle, fruity sweetness. 

However, you must keep an open mind if you are trying this for the first time. Its ABV is a tad higher than your usual whisky, and its flavors come out like a one-two punch. This is the best gateway for those who want to explore the smokey flavors of Islay whiskies.

Sherry has been a popular trend with whiskies today, and this single malt is a great introduction to the world of sherry cask flavors. The sherry sweetness is strong from the nose and bursts in your palate. You can find notes of oranges, cherries, and vanilla with each sip.

If you want to tone down the sweetness a bit, you can add a block of ice or a dash of water to your drink. This whisky is an affordable single malt that is perfect for those who are looking for a dessert-type whisky or just want an easy sipper that can easily be shared among friends.

What is interesting about this whisky is that it was matured in seven different casks, making it a complex and rich whisky. It is surprisingly light and sweet, perhaps because it is a non-aged statement liquid. It has the sweet notes of peaches and pears with a hint of milk chocolate.

If you want to delight your senses with something unique, pair this whisky with mint chocolate. Take a bite of mint chocolate and let it melt in your mouth before taking a sip of this whisky. The liquid comes alive at your palate before giving away to a nice refreshing finish.

This blended malt whisky has the sweetness of mangoes and pineapples but with the muscle of a hint of smoke. While it is promoted as best served over ice, it tastes wonderful neat as well. If you are feeling adventurous, try freezing it overnight to relive the adventure of Sir Ernest Shackleton himself.

The box and bottle are a pretty shade of blue that makes it great for gifting too. This is perfect for a hot toddy - a cocktail popular in the UK for its supposed medicinal properties. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into your glass, add hot water, honey, and a dash of Shackleton. 

A blend of Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenrothes, this blended malt whisky from Edrington is everything you've imagined it to be. It is sweet and approachable, with notes of sweet berries and caramel and the slightest hint of smoke at the finish.

This is easily enjoyed neat or with a dash of water. This whisky is an easy sipper that makes you forget you are drinking a 40% ABV whisky. Try it with apple juice and lots of ice for a refreshing summer drink that you can enjoy at the beach.

If you are a beginner looking for an aged single malt, this would be a good place to start. It is an easy drink that is hard to dislike! It has distinctive notes of fresh apples and pear, a characteristic of Speyside whiskies. Its sweetness makes it enjoyable for those who are not fans of whisky. 

If you want to transform this into a long drink, put a shot of this whisky in a glass filled with ice and top it with lemon juice. Add a bit of syrup to bring out its sweet flavors. Mix it well and enjoy it with friends!

Whyte & Mackay is one of the most popular blended whiskies in Europe. It is a great whisky for beginners, particularly those who are still trying to get into the world of scotch. It is easy to drink with its notes of sweet toffee and fresh fruits. Plus, it is triple-matured, making it a smooth and refreshing sipper.

This whisky is also perfect for cocktails. For non-whisky drinkers, serve this with lots of ice and top it with soda for a refreshing drink. It also goes well with iced tea and soda water, so you can craft many drinks with this affordable yet tasty whisky.

This is an easy-to-drink whisky from the brand which is most familiar to whisky and non-whisky drinkers alike. The affordable price point makes it a perfect gateway to the world of blended scotch. This is widely used as a cocktail base as this whisky is easily mixable. A crowd favorite is mixing 1 part of Johnnie Walker Red Label with 2 parts of lime soda topped with lemon. 

But this whisky is also a great sipper. If you want to take this whisky neat, you will surely appreciate the flavors it has on the nose and the palate. It has sweet notes of apples and vanilla, and a dash of pepper for a bit of spice, making it a sweet whisky perfect for casual drinking.