thomas15 wrote: Sip a shot glass worth over a 30-40 minute time frame. Main thing is just hang in there and drink only as much as you enjoy.
well said. I first got into it trying to calm some nerves. I never had really liked alcohol, even beer (especially beer), so I just downed it to get it over with, but never enjoyed it.
Now, I get maybe a half to one ounce and slowly sip on it, for a good half hour at least. Try taking a 1/2tsp or so in your mouth, and slowly moving it around for 10-15 seconds, then swallow. You get to pick up on all the flavors that way, and get to truly enjoy it. The other key is finding styles you like. Each distillery has its own house profile; many distilleries have different recipes, at different ages, aged at different areas, and bottled at different proofs. Try lots of stuff. You'll likely find patterns you find enjoyable....maybe you like high rye recipes/high wheat recipes/high proof or low proof/young or old in age/etc. Then just follow a progression in the style you like.
To me, neat is the way to go. I like most of my beverages room temp, and I'm not much of an ice fan in any beverage, so I naturally like my stuff neat.
Enjoy!