Learn Where Your Scotch Was Made

Glenmorangie House in the Highlands.

“The first thing that I tell people is to learn your regions,” says Friedman. “Many people consider each region to have its own taste profiles and often different methods of production of their whisky. There are traditionally four regions—Campbeltown, Islay, Highland and Lowland—plus now the Speyside region, which used to be considered part of the Highlands.”

For example, he steers those seeking an “easy sipper” toward Highland scotches, such as Glenmorangie or Oban, or those looking for intense smoky flavors toward Islay scotches like Bruichladdich or Ardbeg.