The Ultimate Guide to Whiskey for Beginners (NWA Edition)

If you’ve ever stared at the whiskey shelf and felt completely overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Whiskey can be intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. At LA Liquor in Centerton, we’re here to make it simple, approachable, and (most importantly) enjoyable.

This guide will walk you through the basics of whiskey so you can shop with confidence, whether you’re picking up your first bottle or just trying something new.

What Is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash — often barley, corn, rye, or wheat. It’s aged in wooden casks, usually oak, which gives it that signature color and flavor.

The type of grain, aging process, and region it’s made in all influence the taste.

Main Types of Whiskey

1. Bourbon – Sweet & Full-Bodied

• Made in: USA (mostly Kentucky)

• Grain: At least 51% corn

• Flavor: Vanilla, caramel, oak

• Beginner pick: Maker’s Mark – smooth, slightly sweet, easy to sip.

2. Tennessee Whiskey – Smooth & Mellow

• Made in: Tennessee

• Special step: Charcoal filtering (Lincoln County Process)

• Beginner pick: Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 – iconic and approachable.

3. Rye Whiskey – Spicy & Bold

• Grain: At least 51% rye

• Flavor: Pepper, spice, and a dry finish

• Beginner pick: Bulleit Rye – great for an Old Fashioned.

4. Scotch Whisky – Smoky & Complex

• Made in: Scotland

• Subtypes: Single malt, blended, peated

• Beginner pick: Glenlivet 12 – smooth and lightly fruity.

5. Irish Whiskey – Light & Smooth

• Made in: Ireland

• Flavor: Soft, slightly sweet, easy-drinking

• Beginner pick: Jameson – classic, versatile, and mix-friendly.

How to Drink Whiskey as a Beginner

• Neat: Straight, at room temperature (great for tasting the pure flavor).

• On the Rocks: Poured over ice (mellows the intensity).

• With Water: A splash of water can open up aromas.

• In a Cocktail: Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Manhattan are great starting points.

Whiskey Shopping Tips at LA Liquor

1. Start mid-range – You don’t have to spend $80+ for great flavor. Many $25–$40 bottles are fantastic.

2. Ask our staff – We’ll help you match whiskey to your taste.

3. Experiment – Try different styles to learn what you like.

Visit LA Liquor – Serving All of Northwest ArkansasWe stock everything from beginner-friendly bourbons to rare single malts. Whether you’re in Centerton, Bentonville, Rogers, or Bella Vista, we’ve got the right whiskey waiting for you.

Come in, explore, and find your new favorite bottle.