Scotch whisky barrels are sometimes charred before the introduction of the spirit. Once your whisky is at room temperature and poured into an appropriate glass, there are a few steps to drinking your chosen dram that will help you appreciate it fully. I like rocks just for the cold and the constantly-changing flavors -- the more water that gets released, the more muted certain flavors get and more enhanced others get (lighter flavors like vanilla and oak get enhanced, darker flavors like coffee, charcoal, toasted malts get more muted). Many Scotch whiskies rely on caramel, toffee, vanilla or honey tones. A blended malt Scotch whisky is made from 2 or more single-malt whiskies produced at different distilleries. That will help you with the burn. When the glass is held up straight, you’ll see the “legs” forming at the whisky runs down the sides of the glass. Use large ice cubes that melt slowly so you have time to finish the whisky before they all melt. If you must use ice, use only one piece. As the whisky ages, a portion of the alcohol evaporates, mellowing the flavor. Sweetness. This article was co-authored by Tom Blake. Covering up that whisky’s true taste with a cheap mixer is not going to help you do that. Scotch on the rocks might be common in bars across the Scottish land (and everywhere else), but for whisky connoisseurs, adding ice is a big no-no for three reasons. The best bet for collecting is to stick what you like; that way, if the price of whisky plummets in 10 years, or doesn't outstrip inflation, you'll still be happy. Rocks, no chaser. For a drink made without ice or mixer, you’d order it “neat,” and it would be served to you in an Old Fashioned cocktail glass. The whisky auction market is quite volatile. If you can, it is best kept stored upright, to avoid contact with the cork, which can affect its flavor. Then, repeat the process a few times to see what other notes you detect. To learn to drink whisk(e)y without any additions, start by putting in a little bit of cold water. Here's a tip for determining how much water to add to your whisky. Buy what you enjoy drinking, not what you think will be worth big bucks later on. Drinking Scotch is an art in itself, and there are methods that seasoned Scotch drinkers have used for years to really appreciate the unique flavor characteristics of a given dram. How much a single malt can be taken in a day and how many times in a week? The long, slow after-burn is part of the character of the drink. While the usual consensus is that it doesn’t, some purists maintain that you can taste the difference between a colorant whisky and an all-natural one. Checking the legs on your whisky involves holding your glass by the stem, tilting it and then rotating it briskly, so that the walls of the glass are coated with the Scotch. Its like how your food tastes change over time. Although Scotch whisky can certainly be enjoyed in cocktails, a fine whisky is often better tasted neat. Next, smell the whisky with your mouth open, noting any smoky, sweet, woody, or fruity smells. Rocks, no chaser. Blend a very small amount of 2 or 3 whiskeys and set aside for a week or 2. The slower the legs, the more unguent the liquid and the older the whisky. References Ice cubes are usually made from tap water, meaning high levels of chlorine. To drink Scotch whisky, start by pouring 1 fluid ounce of whisky into a tulip-shaped glass. Many Scotch whiskies have a distinctly maritime smell. Checking the color will give you an indication of how your drink was matured. Checking the legs helps you determine the age of your whisky. This charring imparts a unique flavor. Saltiness. You can stick to the two basics of water or plain soda, or you can add such liquids as coconut water, ginger ale, cola, flavored sodas (citrus varieties are especially good choices), apple juice or apple cider, lemonade, etc. While there’s no set time limit for how long it should take you, you should savor and enjoy your glass, not gulp it down. Although it comes from a single distillery, it can contain whiskies from different barrels, and even from different batches. Adding ice can mask some of the flavors in the liquor, so you might not be getting the full profile. Ice cubes reduce the temperature of the drink, and chilling Scotch whisky freezes its flavors. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. By now, you’ve purchased a good single malt bottle, and you’re probably itching to try it. Can I start with a 12 year old Johnnie Walker Black Label? Scotch on the rocks might be common in bars across the Scottish land (and everywhere else), but for whisky connoisseurs, adding ice is a big no-no for three reasons. Ice cubes are usually made from tap water, meaning high levels of chlorine. Some people believe doing this helps you determine the age of your malt, but this is a misconception. By using our site, you agree to our. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. So, you might say, “I’d like a bourbon, neat.” To order a … Enjoying whisky is much more than just tasting it. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast. To help you get the most out of this hallowed spirit, here's a brief guide on how to drink whiskey, from neat to on the rocks. In this case, 96% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Oak, like all woods, is porous. This is because guaiacol, a molecule found in whiskey, floats to the surface the glass and improves the smell and taste. I know that you hardcore types consider straight to be the only answer, but I can't be the only pussy on this reddit who finds straight to be too much. Tap water is off the table because it contains high levels of chlorine that can spoil, instead of complimenting your tipple. Then, gently swirl the whisky around in the glass to allow it to breathe. a subreddit for Scotch enthusiasts of all walks of life and of all levels of knowledge on anything Scotch Whisky related. Usually, distilleries will combine whiskeys together in a blend to add a more robust flavor profile. Johnnie Walker Red is considered a beginner scotch. Cheese is always a good pairing with whiskey as it compliments the woody/smoky aroma. Sometimes my throat feels like it's contracting, and it's generally unpleasant. It is a simple drink that combines a straight pour of whiskey over ice, served in a whiskey tumbler. Take it slow to really experience scotch whisky and all it has to offer.