The Art of Whiskey Tasting: A Beginner’s Guide to Enjoying Spirits in Busselton
From single malts to smooth blends, learn how to taste, smell and enjoy whiskey like a connoisseur, plus where to explore quality spirits in Busselton.
There’s More to Whiskey Than Just Drinking It
Whiskey isn’t just something you pour, it’s something you experience. From the rich aroma to the warming finish, tasting whiskey is an art that blends curiosity, flavour, and a little bit of ritual. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to start.
At Brew Plus, we’ve helped plenty of Busselton locals get into whiskey, and whether you’re picking up your first bottle or planning a tasting night with mates, learning the how behind tasting can turn every sip into something special.
This guide is designed for beginners who want to:
Understand the basics of whiskey (what it is and how it's made)
Learn how to taste it properly, step by step
Discover the right glassware, flavour notes, and pairings
Explore beginner-friendly bottles available at your local liquor store in WA
So if you’ve ever asked, “What’s the best way to enjoy whiskey?” or “Where can I buy great spirits in Busselton?”, you’re in the right place.
Let’s raise a glass to learning something new, and to finding your next favourite whiskey.
Whiskey 101 – Understanding the Basics
Before you dive into tasting, it helps to understand what whiskey actually is, and why there are so many styles, flavours, and opinions. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you feel confident, not confused, next time you're browsing the shelves at Brew Plus.
What Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash, aged in wooden barrels to develop flavour, colour, and complexity. But not all whiskey is created equal, where it’s made (and how) has a big impact on the taste.
Here are some common types:
| Style | Origin | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Scotch Whisky | Scotland | Often smoky or peaty, aged at least 3 years, usually made from malted barley. |
| Irish Whiskey | Ireland | Triple-distilled for smoothness, typically lighter and more approachable. |
| Bourbon | USA (mainly Kentucky) | Made from at least 51% corn, sweet, rich, and full-bodied. |
| Australian Whisky | Australia | Bold, often small-batch, with unique flavour from local grains and cask finishes. |
Fun fact: Whisky (no “e”) is used in Scotland, Japan, and Australia, while whiskey (with an “e”) is the Irish and American spelling. At Brew Plus, you’ll find both on the shelf.
Single Malt vs Blended – What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common beginner questions, and a good one.
Single Malt means the whisky is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery. It’s often seen as more premium, with a richer, more complex flavour.
Blended Whisky combines different malt and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries. These are usually smoother, more accessible, and great for beginners or cocktails.
In short:
Single malts = bold and expressive
Blends = smooth and easy-drinking
You don’t need to pick a side, many whisky lovers enjoy both styles for different occasions.
Whiskey Terms to Know
Understanding the label helps you choose with confidence. Here are a few key terms:
Age Statement – The youngest whisky in the bottle (e.g., 10YO = aged 10 years). Older often means smoother, but not always better.
ABV – Alcohol by Volume. Most whiskeys are around 40–46%.
Peated – A smoky style, often found in Scotch, made by drying barley over peat fires.
Cask Strength – Unfiltered and undiluted. Higher ABV, often over 50%. Powerful, but not ideal for beginners.
Still unsure? Our team at Brew Plus is always happy to walk you through label jargon and help you pick something that suits your palate.
How to Taste Whiskey Properly
Tasting whiskey isn’t just about drinking, it’s about slowing down, paying attention, and letting the spirit reveal its layers. Whether you’re trying a Scotch for the first time or exploring Aussie malts, this simple process will help you get more out of every sip.
Step-by-Step Tasting Process for Beginners
No need to overthink it. Just follow these steps and trust your senses:
Look
Hold your glass up to the light. Observe the colour, is it pale gold, deep amber, or somewhere in between? Darker often means more oak ageing. Swirl the whiskey gently to check its viscosity (aka “legs” or “tears” on the glass).Smell (Nose It)
Bring the glass to your nose, but don’t shove it in. Take a few light sniffs with your mouth slightly open. You might notice notes like vanilla, spice, fruit, smoke, or even chocolate. The aroma gives clues to what’s coming.Sip
Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue. Don’t just swallow it, roll it around your mouth to activate all your taste buds. The first sip might be strong, but your palate will adjust.Savour
Notice the flavour development, is it sweet, spicy, smoky, or fruity? What’s the finish like? (That’s the aftertaste that lingers.) Great whiskey often has a long, smooth finish that keeps evolving after the sip.
Pro tip: Take your time. The longer you savour, the more you’ll notice.
Common Flavour Profiles to Look For
Every whiskey is different, but here are some common tasting notes beginners often pick up:
| Flavour Note | Where It Comes From |
|---|---|
| Vanilla / Caramel | Oak ageing (ex-bourbon barrels) |
| Spice (cinnamon, clove) | Rye grain or oak influence |
| Fruit (apple, raisin, citrus) | Yeast, fermentation, or wine cask finishes |
| Smoke / Peat | Drying barley over peat fires (mainly in Scotch) |
| Nutty / Chocolate | Longer ageing or sherry cask finishes |
Your environment matters too, tasting indoors on a cool night will feel different than sipping in the summer sun.
Should You Add Water or Ice?
This is personal, and there’s no right answer.
A few drops of water can help “open up” the whiskey by releasing aromas and softening the alcohol.
Ice chills the spirit and can mute some flavours, but it also makes the drink more refreshing and accessible.
Tip: Start neat, then experiment. Try adding water drop by drop, or one small ice cube, and see what changes. It’s all part of the fun.
The Right Glassware for Whiskey Tasting
Choosing the right glass can enhance aroma, flavour, and even how much you enjoy your whiskey. While it’s not essential for getting started, using purpose-built glassware helps you pick up more of the subtle notes, especially when tasting neat.
Why the Glass Shape Matters
The shape of the glass affects how the aromas concentrate and how the whiskey hits your palate. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common whiskey glasses:
| Glass Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Glencairn | Tulip-shaped with a solid base; concentrates aroma while allowing gentle swirling. | Serious tasting sessions — preferred by distillers and pros. |
| Tumbler (Rocks Glass) | Short, wide glass with a thick base. Iconic and easy to hold. | Everyday drinking, whiskey with ice or mixers. |
| Copita (Nosing Glass) | Narrow, stemmed tulip glass used by blenders. | Precise nosing and slow sipping. |
Want to get the most out of your single malt? Grab a Glencairn. Want something casual for a Friday night bourbon on the rocks? The tumbler’s your friend.
What to Use if You Don’t Have Specialty Glasses
No Glencairn? No problem. You can still enjoy your whiskey without a full bar set-up.
Try these:
A small wine glass – Choose one with a narrower opening to help trap aromas.
A stemless white wine glass – Good for swirling and sipping, with enough room to nose the whiskey.
Any small, tulip-shaped glass – Even a clean brandy snifter will do in a pinch.
At Brew Plus, we can point you toward beginner-friendly glassware or bundle options, especially if you're putting together a gift or tasting night at home.
Brew Plus Recommends: Great Whiskeys for Beginners
If you're new to whiskey, choosing your first few bottles can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Brew Plus in Busselton, we stock a curated selection of beginner-friendly whiskeys, smooth, flavourful, and perfect for exploring different styles without diving into the deep end.
Entry-Level Single Malts Available in Busselton
Single malts offer richness, complexity, and a real sense of where they’re made. Here are a few easy-drinking options to start with:
| Bottle | Why It’s Great for Beginners |
|---|---|
| Glen Grant 10YO Malt 700ml | Light, floral, and approachable with notes of apple, vanilla, and soft oak. A smooth intro to Speyside single malts. |
| The Singleton of Dufftown Malt Master's Selection 700ml | Balanced and mellow, with honey, fruit, and gentle spice — very easy to enjoy neat or with a splash of water. |
| Bushmills 10YO Malt Irish Whiskey 700ml | Triple-distilled for smoothness. Hints of chocolate, nuts, and soft fruit make this Irish whiskey a crowd-pleaser. |
All of these are regularly stocked at Brew Plus, visit us or call ahead to check availability.
Smooth Blends That Offer Big Flavour
Blended whiskeys combine multiple styles into one smooth, balanced pour, ideal for sipping, mixing, or sharing.
| Bottle | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|
| Dimple 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 700ml | Exceptionally smooth with layers of caramel, oak, and gentle smoke. A classic for good reason. |
| Monkey Shoulder 700ml | A blend of three Speyside malts, designed for cocktails but great neat too. Creamy, soft, and fun to explore. |
| Jameson Irish Whiskey 700ml | Easygoing and affordable. Great for beginners who want to ease into whiskey without a big investment. |
Ask our team about bundle deals or mixers that pair well with these blends.
Aussie Whiskeys to Explore
Australia’s whiskey scene is booming, with distillers experimenting with local grains, wine casks, and small-batch ageing techniques. Here are three to try:
| Bottle | Why It’s a Great Pick |
|---|---|
| Starward Two Fold Australian Whisky 700ml | Made in Melbourne, matured in Aussie red wine barrels. Sweet, fruity, and beginner-friendly. |
| Archie Rose Double Malt Whisky 700ml | A layered, toasted malt profile with smooth warmth. A great next step for curious sippers. |
| Limeburners Port Cask 700ml | Distilled in WA. Rich, bold, and finished in port barrels, perfect for a premium tasting night. |
Local tip: Limeburners is one of WA’s standout distilleries. Ask us about limited releases and availability in-store.
Tips for Hosting a Whiskey Tasting at Home
Whether you’re planning a laid-back night with friends or a more structured tasting experience, creating your own whiskey night at home is easier than you might think, and a great way to learn together.
Here’s how to set it up for maximum enjoyment (without overcomplicating it).
How Many Bottles Do You Need?
You don’t need a full bar to do a proper tasting. For beginners, a flight of 3–5 whiskeys is perfect, enough variety to compare without overwhelming your palate (or your budget).
Pro tip: Try a mix of styles
One Irish or blended Scotch
One single malt
One Australian option
One “wild card” (peated, cask strength, or finished in wine barrels)
Want help curating a flight? Ask the Brew Plus team, we’ll help you build a balanced tasting lineup from bottles we stock locally.
Pairings and Palate Cleansers
The right snacks and palate cleansers can really enhance the experience.
Good palate cleansers:
Still water
Plain crackers or baguette
Apple slices
Great pairings:
Dark chocolate (pairs well with sherry-aged or peated whiskies)
Hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda
Dried fruits and nuts
Avoid anything too spicy, sour, or overpowering, you want your tastebuds focused on the whiskey, not the snacks.
Creating a Great Atmosphere
You don’t need fancy gear, just a few thoughtful touches go a long way:
Soft lighting or candles for a relaxed mood
Printed tasting cards where guests can jot down notes
Background music (jazz, blues, or acoustic works well)
Glasses labelled or arranged in order from lightest to boldest flavour
If you’re hosting a birthday, bucks night, or special occasion, let us know, we can help you plan your whiskey list and even recommend glassware or serving extras.
Where to Buy Quality Whiskey and Spirits in Busselton
You’ve learned how to taste whiskey, what to look for, and which bottles are beginner-friendly, now it’s time to stock up. Whether you’re after a smooth Irish blend, a bold Aussie malt, or something special for a tasting night, Brew Plus has you covered.
Brew Plus: Your Local Liquor Store with Expert Picks
We’re more than just a bottle shop, Brew Plus is a locally owned business with deep roots in the South West and a passion for helping customers discover quality spirits.
Here’s what makes us different:
Wide selection of whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, the US, and across Australia
Regularly updated stock including small-batch and award-winning labels
A handpicked range that suits beginners, collectors, and everyone in between
A team that’s actually tasted what we sell, and happy to share honest advice
Whether you're shopping for yourself, buying a gift, or building a home tasting flight, we’ll help you find the right bottle, no hard sell, just solid recommendations.
Weekly Specials and Limited Releases
We keep our shelves fresh with rotating specials, seasonal highlights, and limited-edition releases you won’t find at the big chains.
Visit our Weekly Specials page or drop in-store to see:
Value picks under $70
Local Aussie whiskies and WA distillers
Limited-release Scotch, Japanese, and Bourbon options
Planning a tasting event? Let us know, we can help with pre-orders and stock advice for larger quantities.
Ask Our Team for Personalised Whiskey Advice
Not sure what you’re looking for? That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Tell us your flavour preferences, we’ll match you to a bottle.
Curious about a label you’ve seen online? We may have it in stock (or something better).
New to whiskey and want to start with a sure thing? We’ve got options for every taste and budget.
Come visit Brew Plus in West Busselton or get in touch with our team, we’ll help you explore, learn, and enjoy the world of whiskey one sip at a time.
Tasting Whiskey Is About the Journey, Not the Rules
You don’t need a whisky diploma, a fancy tasting room, or a $200 bottle to enjoy whiskey like a connoisseur. You just need curiosity, a bit of guidance, and a glass.
From understanding the difference between single malt and blended, to learning how to nose, sip and savour like a pro, whiskey tasting is less about rules and more about paying attention to what you enjoy. And as your palate develops, so will your appreciation for the craft behind every bottle.
At Brew Plus, we’re proud to help Busselton locals explore that journey, one sip at a time.
So whether you’re buying your first single malt, hosting a tasting at home, or looking for a gift that impresses, we’ve got:
A wide range of local and international whiskeys
Friendly, expert advice tailored to your tastes
Weekly specials and great value bottles in stock
Stop by our West Busselton store or contact our team to find your next favourite bottle, and start your whiskey journey the right way.
