Whiskey stemware is a thing, it's just not common outside of whiskey bars
Glencairn Whisky Glass Set of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QX2JMA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JRJTWPEVFBPA5RFRFHZD
Here’s how to get the cup, lmk if you figure out how to get a ps5 ;)
I hate to be that guy that says "Read the fuckin sticky", but, the bourbon guide is very very good here, and I used it when I ventured here from scotch land. Check it out on the sidebar, or just click here!
I like /u/rebo2's idea of getting smaller bottles to try and do a taste test, but i would definitely suggest going through the guide and start off by getting Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, and Maker's Mark, in that order. Make sure that by the time you buy your third bottle, you still have some left over in each of the other two bottles so you can compare. Setup a night where you can taste all 3 back to back to back. This will give you a chance to really compare the difference between low rye, high rye, and wheated bourbons. There is a reason why these 3 are recommended for beginners, you get a really great base for tasting everything else in Bourbon land.
My personal favorites of commonly purchasable items, Buffalo Trace, Makers, Wild Turkey 101, Jim Beam Black (far superior to the white label), Four Roses small batch, Elijah Craig 12, Eagle Rare, and Old Weller Antique 107.
For the Rye Whiskey, Sazerac Rye, High West Rendezvous Rye, Bulleit Rye, and Rittenhouse. I need to try a few more ryes to be honest, but i love the spicy flavors they have.
Invest in some real glassware, get some old fashioned glasses at least, and when you are ready get some Glencairn glasses. You can find them relatively inexpensive on Amazon, I linked the Glencairn set I purchased.
Read /u/texacer guide on reviewing whiskey. Also, watch this Highland Park video on nosing and tasting. These both helped me tremendously for appreciating and learning how to nose and taste whiskey. There is a ton of great info in both links.
Hope this helps, good luck and ask away any questions on this sub, I have found that this is my favorite sub here on Reddit, everyone is super awesome here. Remember, whiskey is best shared with friends, so bring some friends with you on your journey if you can.
Glencairn Whisky Glass Set of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QX2JMA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_qI3cGbS5PYZ8B
I took some pictures of a couple of Glencairns I have around, one is a known genuine glass purchased in person from the Glen Garioch Distillery, the other is from a 4-pack on Amazon (note it was priced at ~$24 when I bought it). To me, they look and feel exactly the same. The etching is also the same as far as I can tell. The packaging for the Glen Garioch glasses is obviously different from a standard Glencairn, but the Amazon glasses came in a plain cardboard box with 4 individually boxed glasses in it.
Glencairn Whisky Glass Set of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QX2JMA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EXhHFbT443K8X
These are legit. It has the proper etching on the bottom. Currently 4 for $30.
Joey Magnus or some Glencairns. Even a Glencairn Tasting/Carrying Set.
enjoy!
You could also consider getting him some of these for the gift if he doesn't already have any:
http://www.amazon.com/Glencairn-Whisky-Glass-Set-4/dp/B003QX2JMA
It's just a whiskey tasting glass or nosing glass. You can find them on Amazon or ebay (usually a little cheaper)
http://www.amazon.com/Glencairn-Whisky-Glass-Set-4/dp/B003QX2JMA
I'm a last minute shopper on this one, but absolutely turning to Amazon next time.
$25 for 4 here: http://www.amazon.com/Glencairn-Whisky-Glass-Set-4/dp/B003QX2JMA
they are up now. $20 for 4 glasses
> I'll have to do some research on what to buy and invest in something better.
A Glencairn glass is most popular, but there are others. You can get one for about $10 at some stores or online: http://www.amazon.com/gp/B003TMCNI8/ http://www.amazon.com/gp/B005LR3P1I/ http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QX2JMA
> That seems a little pricey, and I don't know if my drinking habits will allow me to stretch a bottle across 6-8 nights.
Scotch is more expensive than bourbon. In my opinion, you won't find much below $50-60 that's well regarded. There are some cheaper options, but you'll run out of them eventually if you want to try something different each time. Additional price increases have started pushing many of the more flavorful malts you'll see recommended on here to $60-$80. That price range will provide you with many options; some of those options are higher proof, so you might be able to drink less or add water to your scotch. The base assumption is that these bottles are all 750 ml.
> So why is it looked down upon?
It's fine, but it's somewhat bland in my opinion. It's the highest volume single malt in the world, so it's mass produced at lowest cost. This is somewhat indicated by its price. To an extent (but not always), you get what you pay for (at this end of the market--not really true at $100+), which is why eventually you'll have to pay more.
> I'm starting to look towards the peaty end of the spectrum. Anything non-respectable there?
By no means are peated scotches the only respectable options. You want a list of non-respectable options? Instead, I would recommend that the Islay single malts are mostly all decent. The least expensive from the distillers are some of the new no-age Bowmores and Laphroaigs, but again you get what you pay for. ~$50 will get you entry-level Laphroaig 10yr and Ardbeg 10yr, which are both very good. Others have recommended a few of the "mystery" single malts or blends, which are a little cheaper but also younger.
All of this is just my opinion. I would also agree with most the other bottle recommendations here, but I chose my favorites to recommend. Ultimately you'll just have to try a few and see where it takes you and come back for more advice if you need it.
I would recommend that you don't necessarily have to rush through many options at once. Instead, focus on your Glenfiddich bottle and getting as much out of it as you can. Get a better glass and keep drinking Glenfiddich over a period of time, because as your palate develops you'll discover new aspects of it. You may have to buy another bottle of it if you're drinking that fast. Then eventually take the plunge and try something else. Rinse, repeat.
I just got some from Amazon. Unless you want them from the tribe web store, you can get some any time.
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Very happy with them.