I know nothing about Whiskey (in general). What do I need to know, or what should I know? Any places where you can do a taste test similar to a wine tasting?
In for answers 
Bourbon, rye, scotch, Irish, Canadian?
Mark 
I'm in South Florida. Figured it's time I learn about them. I found a place down here that makes their own, and you can go there to try it, but I think you only get to try theirs. I would really like a place to try more than a few.
Im a bourbon Guy... Im no fancy drinker, but i do prefer at least a 8 year aged bourbon. Jim Beam Black Label is my go to whiskey, there are a ton of bourbons out there... Jim, Jack, Wild Turkey, Makers Mark, Southern Comfort... Hard to go wrong with these... If your gonna mix i recommend clear soda drinks such as Sprite or sierra mist, With Cokes is good, seems to be hard on my liver though. On the rocks, can never can go wrong there, maybe add some water to lighten it up, or club soda with a squeeze of lime. Its whiskey though, drink like a gentleman, don't be stupid, and good luck.
If you're in a decent sized city there will be several Whiskey bars. There should also be some events with several vendors every now and again. Usually the vendors there are really helpful to find something you like.
What kind of whiskey do you like so far?
jju - If you're in a decent sized city there will be several Whiskey bars. There should also be some events with several vendors every now and again. Usually the vendors there are really helpful to find something you like.I literally know nothing and while I've had whiskey before? I couldn't tell you what it was. Is there a difference between bourbon and whiskey? I literally know next to nothing. I have a coworker that speaks very highly of Johnnie Walker blue and black labels but I also know they are pretty expensive. I would feel dumb taking a $35.00. (bar price for a shot of blue) and not being able to enjoy it.
What kind of whiskey do you like so far?
Get whiskey stones. I've been a whiskey/bourbon drinker for 10 years. The difference it makes instead of adding ice is remarkable. You can still add a drop of water if you want to open it up a bit, but it no longer gets clouded and diluted.
HaMMerHouseFAN -jju - If you're in a decent sized city there will be several Whiskey bars. There should also be some events with several vendors every now and again. Usually the vendors there are really helpful to find something you like.I literally know nothing and while I've had whiskey before? I couldn't tell you what it was. Is there a difference between bourbon and whiskey? I literally know next to nothing. I have a coworker that speaks very highly of Johnnie Walker blue and black labels but I also know they are pretty expensive. I would feel dumb taking a $35.00. (bar price for a shot of blue) and not being able to enjoy it.
What kind of whiskey do you like so far?
If you are serious never do a college style shot for whiskey. It is a sipping drink. Realize that it may take you a bit to acquire a true taste for it.
HaMMerHouseFAN -jju - If you're in a decent sized city there will be several Whiskey bars. There should also be some events with several vendors every now and again. Usually the vendors there are really helpful to find something you like.I literally know nothing and while I've had whiskey before? I couldn't tell you what it was. Is there a difference between bourbon and whiskey? I literally know next to nothing. I have a coworker that speaks very highly of Johnnie Walker blue and black labels but I also know they are pretty expensive. I would feel dumb taking a $35.00. (bar price for a shot of blue) and not being able to enjoy it.
What kind of whiskey do you like so far?
Bourbon is casked in fire charred barrels. It's what gives it the color. If you get unfiltered that is the particulates you see suspended in the bourbon... Flecks of charred wood.
Blackguilt - Get whiskey stones. I've been a whiskey/bourbon drinker for 10 years. The difference it makes instead of adding ice is remarkable. You can still add a drop of water if you want to open it up a bit, but it no longer gets clouded and diluted.But whiskey stones are near worthless for cooling your whiskey.
Mark
whisky stones are a waste of money. freeze your glass like people do with beer mugs.
Buncha sacrelegious bastards in here.
Putting ice and other liquids that aren't whiskey into whiskey.
Noobs.
45forever - Buncha sacrelegious bastards in here.It's completely acceptable to add rocks, soda water or water to bourbon. Particularly if its higher proof.
Putting ice and other liquids that aren't whiskey into whiskey.
Noobs.
Mark
^ I say if you are paying for it, drink it how you like it. As long as you're not mixing a great whiskey with Dr. PEPPER or something.
You'll find that many whiskey enthusiasts will recommend a splash of water. Noob.
HaMMerHouseFAN -jju - If you're in a decent sized city there will be several Whiskey bars. There should also be some events with several vendors every now and again. Usually the vendors there are really helpful to find something you like.I literally know nothing and while I've had whiskey before? I couldn't tell you what it was. Is there a difference between bourbon and whiskey? I literally know next to nothing. I have a coworker that speaks very highly of Johnnie Walker blue and black labels but I also know they are pretty expensive. I would feel dumb taking a $35.00. (bar price for a shot of blue) and not being able to enjoy it.
What kind of whiskey do you like so far?
I think it's kind of like eating sushi. If you take someone for the first time, you don't get them something crazy, you get California Rolls. Then you branch off from there. I would say these are good starting whiskeys
Scotch- Glen Livet, Grangestone. Glen Livet you can get anywhere, Grangestone you can get at Total Wine. IMO the best Scotch for the money. The 12 year is about $25 where I live.
Bourbon- Eagle Rare, Bulleit, Woodford. Eagle Rare is probably the smoothest. Bulleit is a great value. Woodford is my personal favorite. I like Bourbons the best.
Irish- I'm just getting into them, but I like Finnegan's the best. I know a lot of people like Powers too.
I know next to nothing about Canadian Whiskeys. I don't usually drink a lot of American Whiskeys either. I like High West Whiskey though.
Yes. You probably would feel dumb taking a shot of Johnny Walker Blue. My brother in law took a shot of a $95 glass of tequila at the opening of a restaurant during a tasting. He asked for salt and lime with it. He was embarrassed at all the looks he got.
Good luck in your search.
in
45forever - Buncha sacrelegious bastards in here.I stand by what I said.
Putting ice and other liquids that aren't whiskey into whiskey.
Noobs.
-whiskey snob.
I have been getting into whiskey/scotch/bourbon but can't really afford the expensive shit.
some of what I drink so far: bushmills, jack daniels, makers mark, jameson, chivas regal
would love some recommendations on what to try next
I'm going to say something that may seem sacrilegious. Don't be afraid to add a bit of water to your whiskey. Not a huge amount, but a little water will help with the flavor.