The best part about whisky is sharing it with friends, but for anyone starting out it can be daunting.
Choosing which bottle might suit you isn't easy.
That's why we've asked some of the country's top experts and writers to pick out some of the whiskies they think are a great place to start.
The drinking basics
For the purpose of this article we’ll mainly be focusing on Scottish whisky – that is to say, whisky made in Scotland.
Don't worry too much about rules for drinking; so long as you are enjoying the taste it's ok to add a little water, ice or even soda water if you want, but make sure to experiment to find what suits you.
Ice will dampen stronger flavours, while a few drops of water can often open a whisky up - while topping up with a light mixer like soda can make for a refreshing drink.
Lastly, make sure to have some water to drink side by side with your dram, this will lubricate your throat and stop that natural reflux reaction from drinking high alcohol.
The recommendations
Glen Scotia Double Cask
(As chosen by whisky writer and founder at Kask Whisky Justine Hazelhurst)
Justine said: "A great example of a non age statement whisky, bottled at a slightly higher than minimum strength, which won't break the bank!
"This shows how finishing in different cask types (in this case, PX sherry) can have an effect on the spirit's flavour without overwhelming it."
GlenDronach 12yo
(As chosen Matthew McFadyen of the The Good Spirits Co.)
Matthew said: "We have been huge fans of GlenDronach ever since we opened the shop, the whiskies are rich and sherried with those classic christmas cake aromas.
"This 12yo is a great place to discover the range and style."
Compass Box Hedonism
(As chosen by whisky writer Felipe Schrieberg)
Felipe said: "Grain whisky tends to be sweet, creamy, and harsh. Great grain whiskies manage to tame that harshness or even remove it entirely.
"This blended grain, which is an unusual category of whisky to encounter in the wild, manages to do just that."
Aberfeldy 12
(As chosen by whisky writer Andy Flatt of The Amateur Drammer )
Andy said: "This Aberfeldy is a perfect introduction to the softer side of whisky - honeyed, fruity and massively approachable."
Benromach 10
(As chosen by whisky expert Blair Bowman )
Blair said: "Benromach 10yo is a fantastic whisky to start with if you are new to whisky. It is juicy and fruity and has just a tiny hint of smoke to it.
"Starting off in whisky can be intimidating and slightly daunting.
"Benromach 10 is a whisky that will welcome you with open arms and say 'pull up a chair, relax and take your time to enjoy the flavours and aromas'.
"Don't get too hung up if you can't name the exact flavours and aroma, just enjoy the experience."
Balvenie Caribbean Cask
(As chosen by whisky writer Becky Paskin)
Becky said: " Everyone’s palate is different, so there’s no one single whisky that’s suitable for every beginner.
"However, the rum cask influenced Balvenie Caribbean Cask, with its notes of cooked apples, toffee, shortbread and spice can be a good place to start. Reasonably priced and, most importantly, it tastes delicious."
Glen Keith Distillery Edition
(As chosen by Geraldine Murphy of the Pot Still Whisky Bar in Glasgow)
Geraldine said: "A delicious and super smooth place to start - with a great price.
"Tasty creamy vanilla notes with no burn - even if you're not used to drinking neat whisky."
