It seems simple enough to drink whisky, all you really need to do is to pick up a glass and pour it down your throat. However, while that’s the easiest way to drink whisky, it might not always be the right way.
Really, the “right way” to drink whisky depends on a number of factors. The two most important of which are the type of whisky you’re drinking and your personal preference. It’s all very well and good to decry someone for drinking whisky “wrong” but, as controversial as it is to say, sometimes people like different things.
Whiskey is one of the best drinks made in the UK, and when you get your hands on the good stuff, you’ll see why.
1. Neat Whisky
The purists among you will appreciate this option being at the top of the list. If your whisky is a high quality organic single malt, for example, drinking it neat is typically the best way to appreciate the years of care that have gone into making it. Find out more about organic single malt whisky, so that you can find your special something.
As said above, drinking whisky neat is quite simple. You pour it into a glass, stare at it for a while, then sip. Hold the whisky in your mouth a while, so that you can savour it. Good quality whisky isn’t something you just knock back.
Some people recommend adding a little bit of water to your glass, and this can really help to enhance the flavour of your whisky while making it smoother. If you go down this route, then be very careful. Many conoiussers use a pippet to add water drop by drop.
2. Whisky On Ice
The idea of whisky on ice can cause some to shudder, but it isn’t always the worst idea. Some people prefer the whisky cold, and ice is the easiest way to do that. It can also have a similar effect as adding a couple of drops of water.
However, the more the ice melts, the more it’ll dilute your whisky. This will drown the flavor, rather than enhance it. You can cool your drink by using whisky stones, or make sure that you be careful with your ice so as to not overdo it.
3. Whisky Cocktail
If whisky on ice is controversial, what about whisky cocktails? Well, some types of whisky work incredibly well with cocktails. Because of the mixer, they’re easier to drink than neat whisky, and carefully selected mixers and favourings can actually bring out the unique notes of your whisky.
Before using a whisky in a cocktail, it might be an idea to taste it neat first. This way, you can pick up the dominant flavours of the whisky and figure out which flavourings would work best.
One of the most well known whisky cocktail is the old fashioned, which adds angostura bitters, soda water, and a slice of orange. Even a simple addition of soda water, ice, and a mint sprig works wonders for lighter whisky.