We will admit, whisky and bourbon are acquired tastes. Most of our first whisky experience, though memorable, could have put us off the golden spirit for life!

But, we were eventually drawn back, perhaps starting with a mixer such as Jameson and Ginger Ale. We graduated to the connoisseurs and enthusiasts that we are, picking up different notes on the palate and nosing different aromas; enjoying the full body of a whisky to its lingering finish. But we all started somewhere.

This post is for our users who have had whisky probably only once and did not like it. Here is how you come to love the golden spirit and eventually become a sophisticated whisk(e)y drinker.

1. Drink more whisky. It really is that simple. The more whisky you drink, the more your palate will get used to its alcohol strength. Reading up on whisky is helpful as well, but nothing beats the practical knowledge offered by sipping more of the golden spirit. Take our whisky drinking 101 lesson here.

2. Have your whisky with water. Not only has it been scientifically proven to make whisky taste better, it will cut down the alcohol strength and reveal the different flavours and aromas that make it.

3. Enjoy whisky in cocktails. If your palate is taking its time to come to the party, try one of the many delicious whisky cocktails. There are classics such as Old Fashioned, the refreshing Mint Julep and smoky Orkney Chapel.

4. Learn how to properly taste whisky. Here is a quick video tutorial on tasting whisky. Detecting different flavours and aromas, makes drinking whisky worthwhile and fun. Do not forget to download the Whizzky app from the Play Store or iTunes to note these down.

5. When drinking whisky, do not be afraid to add some ice. The cooling effect will make the whisky more enjoyable. Ice is not to be added when tasting whisky. The coldness constricts the whisky aromas and limits the full taste of whisky.

(Main Image Source: The Manual. Author: Unknown)