Whisky, how can I develop a taste for it?

[theaxe]

I love the idea of whisky, something to sip while sitting in a wing-backed chair in front of a roaring fire. Lovely.

However I can't stand the stuff. I assume it's just a taste to be acquired and with a holiday coming up I'm thinking of giving it a go.

So my questions are:
1. What would be a good 'starter' whiskey? Something with more subtle flavours I guess. I'm happy to spend a fair bit (since I figure it'll take me ages to finish the bottle)
2. Should I be putting ice/water in it? It seems strange to water it down but I believe it's fairly common.
3. Any other advice?

[theaxe]

Fotic said:

Which whiskys have you tried?

My wife claimed to hate whisky, when I first met her, but it transpired that she just hated rubbish whisky and really enjoys peaty, smoky ones.

I've tried some Jamesons' on a company trip once and also some 'peaty' stuff from scotland that had a very stong flavour.

[theaxe]

Thanks guys, this is great. I'll head down to a specialist to see what they recommmend, but I'll certainly keep some of the bottles mentioned in mind.

[theaxe]

lepetitoeuf said:

My personal advice to the OP would be to stop clinging on to a romanticised image of what the good things in life are and do more of the things you actually enjoy.

HTH

I see what you mean but at the moment I don't know if I will or won't enjoy it. Like a good Stilton, some things you need to get a taste for. :-)