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“How am I supposed to Drink My Whisky?”
Ok. If you have spent any time working or “playing” in the world of whisky you will probably have heard this question a million times over. Maybe even asked the question yourself. Either way, I will never get sick of hearing this question as, to me, it means that more and more people are wanting to educate themselves on the sweet ‘Amber Nectar’ that is Whisky.
The answer I always give is “Anyway you like it, as long as you enjoy it!” This is what I have been taught and have learned over my 16 years working in the industry. I know this is a very controversial answer. We all like different things, this is just my answer. I say, whisky is there for respecting and enjoying!
‘I believe people should experiment with their whisky, try new ways of drinking it’.
Sure, my Grandfather would probably shake his head at me….as he did when my gran drank lemonade in her whisky every time she had one…but times are changing.
Growing up and working in Glenlivet I had so many people telling me different ways to drink it…I now stand by ‘I’ll drink it how I want to’. It all depends on your mood, the climate, your surroundings, pretty much everything. So I change how I drink my whisky all the time.
Here are a few ways of experimenting with your whisky.
Remember we are all different and all whisky reacts in different ways. Have Fun…(responsibly)
Adding Water
This is the way my step-father taught me how to get the best out my whisky.
“Always nose and taste the whisky straight first then add a drop of water, just a little, you can always add more but you cannie take it oot” was his exact words to me.
Adding a little water to whisky will dilute the ethanol and burst open the oils that are hidden underneath which generally means that it opens the whisky up. Takes away the initial “sting” on the nose and palate and softens and elongates the palate.
When adding water I recommend using a dropper or a small jug so you can add a little at a time. Just a drop to start then swirl for a few seconds and then nose taste again…see how you go. See how it changes. Enjoy.
Did someone say ice?!…..
I know…there are a lot of lovely people out there that will never talk to me again for even mentioning such a thing. I am going to put myself out there…and proudly to. I occasionally enjoy my whisky with ice. There. I said it. I never thought I would ever see the day. This was before I left the bonnie shores of Scotland to live in the fine land of Oz. Temperatures were extremely different, so my mind quickly changed!
Adding ice to whisky (or pouring whisky over ice) will do the exact opposite of adding water. Ice obviously cools the whisky right down thus, closing up all the oil cells/aromas and enhancing the most prominent molecules in there…alcohol. Fear ye not however, as the ice melts it will slowly change the whisky. Bringing out different aromas and changing the taste and mouthfeel.
Try it yourself!
My favourite way to introduce somebody to whisky. Is to have the same whisky served 2 or 3 different ways. Straight, with water and with ice. This is a fantastic way to show the best of a whisky.
We would love to know your thoughts on how you enjoy your whisky. Or how you get on trying the whiskies different ways .
Slainte Mhath!
Laura
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