[hurtin_albertan]

I'm just getting into scotch myself, after going to a Willow Park wine tasting and coming away from it with a nose for scotch after a bonus tasting of the newly released JW Platinum.

Some friends of mine went through a big scotch phase a few years ago (they mostly drank Glenlivet, not sure of what age), but I never liked it when pushed on me, neat or otherwise. I decided to have a go at the previously mentioned tasting and surprisingly just LOVED the JW Platinum. Again I'm new at this, but I found it smoky more than anything else, and really, REALLY enjoyed it.

Following that I went out with a friend for a few drinks and suggested we go for scotch; regrettably I don't recall exactly what we had but I know I enjoyed an Oban the most. It was $25 an ounce.

Went to a store to pick up a bottle of Platinum, but couldn't bring myself to part with $150 so settled for JW Black instead, and I do enjoy it. I find it quite smoky as well, but possibly as a rookie that's all I'm able to recognize. Received a bottle of JW Green for Christmas and I don't necessarily find it more enjoyable or "better" than the black label, but I will say it is smoother to drink.

I'm looking forward to going to tastings and buying different bottles to see which profiles I really enjoy. I know with wine I didn't really start to be able to appreciate different tasting notes until I started going on winery tours, and tasting with experienced wine-o's. I think it will be much the same with "the good stuff".